Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidelines

(Back to School- August)

Istanbul International Community School Exceptional. Forward - Thinking.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR COVID-19

Overview

IICS has developed the processes and protocols identified in this document, in order to ensure the health and safety of all IICS community members during the COVID-pandemic. Ongoing communication from the school will ensure our community remains well informed, as the situation and our response to it will change over time.

We would kindly request for you to read the reopening protocols below:

As a caring and respectful school, these guidelines are developed for all students, staff and parents, according the the following principles that have been in place since the pandemic began:

Ensuring the health and safety of all community members
Follow the guidelines set out by the Turkish Ministries of Health and Education
Maintaining quality and continuity of student learning
Minimizing disruption to existing programs & routines
Providing clear expectations for teachers and students

Risk assessment and governmental regulations

A number of factors will determine the school’s operations in August and beyond, for the duration of the COVID-109 pandemic. These include:

The pattern of COVID-19 cases within our region and beyond
relevant Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education guidelines and public health advisories
school-based risk assessment decisions

The school may choose to exceed those regulations and requirements issued by the Turkish government, as and when deemed necessary to ensure the health and safety of our school community. The IICS community will be informed of all operational decisions that have a direct impact on our programs and procedures in the most timely manner possible, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Options for the IICS educational program

The school has developed three plans, in order to continue our learning program in whatever operational circumstances we face during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Full reopening of campus (in case of low risk for COVID-19 transmission)

minimal or no government restrictions for physical distancing
All students are able to attend regular classes on campus

Limited reopening of campus (in case of medium risk for COVID-19 transmission)

physical distancing requirements are in place
blended learning program is implemented

students attend face-to-face classes on campus 40-50% of the time
Students learn through digital and DL experiences from home 50-60% of the time

Campuses remain closed (in case of high risk for COVID-19 transmission)

school resumes in full distance learning mode

IICS faculty have developed these three models with the ability to smoothly transition from one to the other, in case the school needs to shift between them at any point during the school year due to changes in the status of the COVID-19 pandemic that are beyond our control.

The following processes and protocols have been developed to ensure a safe environment for our school community at both Marmara and Hisar campuses.

Below are some of the steps IICS is taking to reduce exposure to the virus and to keep our community safe.

Cleaning protocols

Cleaning staff

Cleaning staff started work on the deep clean of the school on 1st July 2020
Cleaning staff will be assigned specific areas of the building to work in to reduce contamination
More cleaning staff will be added at both Maramara and Hisar by the 3rd of August 2020
The extra number of staff required will be determined by the Facilities Manager
All cleaning staff will wear face masks and gloves during their normal working hours
Masks and gloves will be changed at least twice per day (morning and afternoon sessions).

Cleaning of classrooms

Classrooms will be cleaned before and after school by an allocated cleaner from xxxx (outside contractor)
Classroom cleaning will use mandated disinfection cleaning guidelines and disinfection concentration recommendations for infectious disease outbreaks.
Each individual classroom and all reception areas will be provided with (1) one bottle of Liquid Hand Sanitizer, masks and sanitizer wipes
Central Air Conditioning will not be in operation at the re-opening of the campus and will remain off until notification from the local governing authorities
Classrooms will be ventilated by opening the windows during class times and during disinfection at the end of each day.

Cleaning of common spaces

Cleaning staff will wipe and disinfect their allocated areas every hour with special attention being given to the following areas and surfaces:
- Doorknobs
- Handrails
- Bathrooms and sinks
Buses will be cleaned before student pick up and after student drop off every morning
Photocopiers and printers will be cleaned a minimum of three times a day

Classrooms and use of materials

Teachers are responsible for communicating with the cleaning staff regarding the sanitizing of classroom and materials.
All school materials stay at school; no home materials are brought to school
Students bring their own pencil cases from home
Children cannot bring personal toys to school

Toys and manipulatives

Teaching assistants (primary) and teachers (secondary) will inform cleaners which toys and equipment must be disinfected by leaving them in a designated space at the end of each day
Soft toys and pillows/cushions/blankets are removed from classrooms throughout the pandemic

iPads, laptops and mice

Devices must not be shared between students
Devices need to be wiped before and after use several times daily with wipes provided
Students must wash hands before and after use

Other materials

White boards and markers wiped down after use
Class pencils/pens wiped down after use
Scissors/glue sticks/rulers wiped down after use
Other art materials i.e. pastels etc. used, cleaned and then packed away
No play dough/plasticine/clay

Classroom libraries

Classroom libraries will be closed
Teachers have a box of books relevant for the day which they use, clean and pack away.

The Library

Have available on hand disinfectant wipes and other appropriate materials for disinfecting returned books and other shared library resources

Science Labs

Laboratory items such as safety goggles and lab coats will be assigned to specific students and disinfected after use.

Art Cabin

Students will be issued individual art supplies.

Music Rooms

Multi-use instruments such as drum sets and pianos will be disinfected after each student’s use. Individual use instruments will be issued to specific students and may not be shared with others.

Transport

Bus Monitors - Temperature Screening for Bus Entry

Prior to the scheduled reopening of the school, bus monitors will be trained in the use of the no-touch infrared temperature monitors and how to best and accurately take the temperature of the students.
Bus monitors will take the temperature of all students as they board the buses.
Buses will be cleaned before student pick up and after student drop off every morning

Boarding Process

Students will sanitize hands with liquid hand gel.
Bus Monitor will take the temperature of students as they get on the bus. Any student with a temperature reading at or above 38°C (100.4°F) or higher will not be allowed to board the school bus.
Students with a temperature in excess of 38°C will be denied access to the bus. They must either go back home or, if at school (end of the day boarding), to the isolation room.
Students will follow the bus boarding protocol, loading the back of the bus first, and moving forward in allocated seats as directed
Parents of Primary School children are required to have a parent or guardian escort them to the bus stop every morning, and wait with them until they get on the bus in case of temperature.

Masks

All IICS bus riders (students, faculty, staff, drivers, and monitors) must wear a surgical mask while riding the bus. Everyone should bring their own mask to wear.

IlCS student on bus

If a student becomes ill while riding the bus and their temperature reading is above the designated threshold, they will be “Identified” for secondary screening by the nurses once the bus arrives at the campus.

HVAC Usage

The HVAC system on the bus will be turned off during operation and windows will be opened to provide ventilation and fresh air. These systems will remain off until notification from the local governing authorities is received.

Supplies

Each bus will be equipped with the following supplies:

Infrared temperature monitors
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfectant wipes
Surgical masks
Rubber gloves
Vomit Kits

Marmara

Buses will unload at the campus one bus at a time.
Primary students will enter via entrance A, secondary students via entrance C.

Hisar

At the start of the day, buses will be staggered at the gate, to enter campus one bus at a time.
Students will follow the 1 meter distanced line on the bricks for the Entry Check-in Area for temperature control before heading to the classrooms.
Students with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher will be rechecked by the nurse and sent to an isolation room if necessary.
At the end of the day, buses will be staggered at the gate, with one bus loading at a time.
Staff will take their classes to the gate according to staggered times of each bus.

Bus Staggered Arrivals at Hisar

In the interest of health and safety, we will stagger our arrival and departure of all students so that they arrive 10 minutes apart.
Students will be held on the bus to control the flow of students entering campus
Physical Distancing markers will be in place at 1-meter intervals outside of the entry gate
Security Guards will be stationed outside to ensure students are following the required distancing guidelines.
Students will be directed to their classrooms and will wait for all students to arrive before beginning class.

Bus Number	Arrival Time	Departure Time
1	08:05	15:00
2	08:15	15:10
3	08:25	15:20
4	08:30	15:30
5	08:35	15:40
Parent Pickup and Drop Off	08:20	15:50

Food service

The school will provide student education sessions on proper hygiene measures such as handwashing, physical distancing and other crucial behaviours (i.e. coughing and sneezing protocols, no sharing of foods or utensils).
The school will ensure safe distance between the children at lunch times.
The school will enforce compliance with national food safety legislation and principles of proper hygiene and food safety practices by food handlers when storing, preparing and distributing food.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, are worn by all kitchen staff.
Frequent and effective handwashing is completed at each stage of food preparation.
The cafeteria will maintain frequent washing and sanitizing of all food contact surfaces and utensils and touch points.
There will be a limit on the number of staff in a food preparation area at any one time.
The school will maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter between an individual and other workers, including in seating arrangements; line markings and staggered lunchtimes.
Visible notices for staff promoting hand hygiene and physical distancing.

Specific measures are in place to exclude/restrict symptomatic kitchen staff members from food production or preparation areas.
This is particularly relevant with fever controls, with temperature checks the same as everyone else in the community

Marmara campus

Hand sanitizer is available for all consumers on their way in and out of the cafeteria .

There will not be any selling or unwrapped products from self-service counters.

Bakery products will be placed in plastic/cellophane or paper packaging. There will be staggered lunchtime for smaller groups of students.

Hisar Campus

Lunch will be served in the classrooms, with meals delivered in individual trays and distributed to students according to the physical distance lunch seating arrangement in classrooms.

Lunch may be sent into school if a family prefers, however it should not require reheating or refrigeration.

All cutlery will be pre-packaged in the paper .

School snacks of fruit will not be offered, parents should send in morning and afternoon snacks.

There will be an increase in the Hisar kitchen and cleaning staff.

Distancing of 1 meter in the kitchen will be adhered to.

Drivers delivering food to the premises will adhere to sanitation requirements and food will be protected from contamination, and will be separated from other goods.

Classroom tables surfaces will be sanitized prior to the lunch service by the cleaning staff

Physical distancing and safe movement on campus

Clear protocols for movement on both campuses will ensure effective physical distancing for students and staff throughout the school day. These guidelines apply to all members of the IICS community.

Social distancing, as mandated by the Turkish Ministry of Health, is at least 1 meter. Both campuses’ entry areas will include open tents, when needed, to provide protection from the weather. Holding areas will be established as a location for a person who registers a temperature at or above 38°C (100.4°F). There they will wait for a secondary screening, by a nurse to validate their temperature. Holding areas will be set up adjacent to the entry area at each access point

Marmara campus

Arrival and entry to the campus:

Buses unload one bus at a time when instructed.

From the driveway dropoff area, staff and students proceed in single file and at 1.5m distance as follows:

Primary to Door A, walking past the thermal imaging camera for a temperature check
Secondary to Door C, walking past the thermal imaging camera for a temperature check
Early Years directly to the ECC, where temperature checks will be conducted individually
All students and staff use hand-sanitizer upon entry to the school facility

Upon entry to the building, staff and students proceed directly via the specific hallway to their assigned classroom spaces using stairways A and C only

Safe movement on Marmara campus:

Within the classroom:

Students and staff are expected to maintain a minimum of 1m distance
Students use assigned individual seating area only
Staff and students remain in classrooms and designated work areas

Outside the classroom:

Movement outside of classroom areas is for specific purposes only
Hallway movement is in single file, with a minimum 1.5m distance between people
Permission required for students to use the bathroom (single-use only)
Follow arrows in all hallways and sidewalk areas, walking on the right
The minimum distance of at least 2 stairs between people in stairways

Hallways & Common Spaces

Movement outside of classroom areas is for specific purposes only
Hallway movement will be clearly marked with signage
Follow arrows in all hallways, stairs and sidewalk areas, walking on the right
Movement is in single file, with minimum 1 meter distance between people at all times
Minimum distance of at least 5 stairs between people in stairways
Permission required for students to use the bathroom (single-use only)
Use the assigned toilet and sink
Children must wash hands after using the toilet
Keep hands and bodies to him/herself at all times
Everyone washes hands before moving to another section of the school
Primary “Learning Bubbles” will ensure minimal interaction between students from different grades and classes.
These expectations will be reinforced consistently by all teachers

These expectations will be reinforced consistently by all teachers.

Parents & Visitors Access to Campus:

Due to social distancing requirements and in order to reduce the potential for exposure, parents and visitors must have permission from the Head of School to physically enter either campus. The exception to this rule is parents who may enter the Marmara campus to drop off and pick up their children in the round-a-bout. However, they should remain in the vehicle.”

Service and seating in the cafeteria:

Temperature checks will be conducted as students enter the cafeteria
Physical distancing achieved by staggered seating with seats in a permanent position.
To reduce density in the cafeteria service and eating areas, lunchtimes will be staggered as follows:

EY34 and EY5: 11:45 – 12:05 in the ECC, with outside playtime 12:05 – 12:30 (as usual)
Grades 1 and 5: 11:30 – 11:50 in the cafeteria, with outside playtime 11:50 – 12:15
Grades 2 and 4: 11:45 – 12:05 in the cafeteria, with outside playtime 12:05 – 12:30
Grades 3 and 6: 12:00 – 12:20 in the cafeteria, with outside playtime 12:20-12:45
Grades 7 and 8: 12:40 – 13:10 in the cafeteria exiting by 13:10 with outside time on the tennis courts
Grades 9 and 10: 12:50 – 13:20 in the cafeteria exiting by 13:20 with outside time on the pitch
Grades 11 and 12: 13:00 – 13:30 in the cafeteria exiting by 13:40 with outside time at the front of school

Processes for lunch service, seating and cleanup are as follows:

Classes enter the cafeteria in single file, one grade level per service counter
Minimum distance of 1 m maintained in line up area, as per floor stickers
All students and staff use hand sanitizer upon entry to the cafeteria
Primary seating at designated tablespaces by grade, to ensure adequate physical distances are maintained
On dismissal, students place their trays on the collections trays. If needed to maintain distance, “Tidy trays” will be left at the table, for collection by Sardunya staff
Following lunch, students proceed directly to the assigned outdoor playground area
Secondary students will not be allowed to sit indoors unless in their designated homerooms

Outdoor areas, workspaces and playgrounds:

The following guidelines will ensure this time involves minimal interaction with students from other classes and grades, and is conducted safely for all involved:

Each primary grade level will be an assigned an outdoor working space and an outdoor play space
Staggered recess and lunchtimes will reduce density and contact outside
Students travel to outdoor locations by predefined routes according to safe behaviors for distancing, single file, etc
Adult supervision will be provided at all times to monitor physical distancing and minimize contact
Classroom agreements will include awareness of socializing behaviors and outdoor activities and play that reduce contact and physical interaction

Departure at end of the day:

The following process will ensure an efficient and safe bus-loading process at the end of the school day:

Teachers will oversee dismissal from classrooms on a staggered schedule according to the bus departure times
Students walk to busses single file with 1 m distancing through the grade-assigned routes and doorways
Students and staff pass by the thermal imaging camera for exiting temperature check
Students in Grade 3 and below will be escorted by a teacher, TA or administrator to the bus loading area

Hisar campus

Arrival and entry to the Hisar campus:

Busses and car dropoffs will be staggered at the road, to reduce traffic congestion and safely manage the arrival of staff and students onto the campus. As they enter the campus, staff and students proceed as follows:

single file and with 1 m distance between people
Walkalong the outdoor pathway and into the temperature screening tent
Proceed directly to classroom spaces after temperature check
All students and staff use hand-sanitizer upon entry to the school facility

Safe movement on campus:

Within the classroom:

Students and staff are expected to maintain a minimum of 1.5m distance
Students use assigned individual seating area only
Staff and students remain in classrooms and designated work areas

Outside the classroom:

Movement outside of classroom areas is for specific purposes only
Hallway movement is in single file, with minimum 1 m distance between people
Permission required for students to use the bathroom (single-use only)
Follow arrows in all hallways and outdoor areas, walking on the right
Minimum distance of at least 2 stairs between people in stairways

Hallway Flow for Hisar context….

School day procedures: hallway flow and signage will be clearly marked for movement
Everyone washes hands before moving to another section of the school
Move on the right when moving up and down the stairs and through the hallways
Stay five steps apart on the stairs
Keep hands and bodies to him/herself
Use the assigned toilet and sink
One person child at a time uses their assigned toilet
Children must wash hands after using the toilet
Maintain a safe distance of 1.5m at all times from other people

These expectations will be reinforced consistently by all teachers.

Snack and lunchtime:

Students will eat their snack as usual in the classroom. A staggered schedule for recess and lunch play times will increase lunch service efficiency and reduce density and interaction on the playground as follows:

EY34E and Grade 3M: 11:45 – 12:05pm lunch, with outside playtime 12:05 – 12:30pm
EY5 and 2G: 12:00 – 12:20 lunch, with outside playtime 12:20 – 12:45pm
1R and 2K: 12:15 -1235 lunch, with outside playtime 1235 – 1pm
1H: 12:30 – 12:50pm lunch, with outside playtime 1250-115pm

The process for lunch service, seating, and cleanup is as follows:

All students and staff use hand sanitizer before snack time and lunch service
All tables and serving surfaces will be sanitized prior to lunch service
Plated meals are delivered to students in classrooms
Students eat snack and lunch in their assigned seat
“Tidy trays” are left at the table after lunch, for collection by Sardunya staff

Following lunch, students proceed directly to the assigned outdoor playground area

Outdoor areas: work spaces and playgrounds:

Departure at end of the day:

The following process will ensure an efficient and safe bus-loading process at the end of the school day:

Teachers will oversee dismissal from classrooms on a staggered schedule according to the bus departure times
Students walk to and board busses single file, with 1.5m distancing, maintained
Do we do temperature checks on the way out?
All students are escorted by an adult for safe loading of busses
Students who are collected should be collected after the bus dismissal, with parents collecting students from their classrooms

Outdoor Areas, Work Spaces & Playgrounds

The following guidelines will ensure this time involves minimal interaction with students from other classes and grades, and is conducted safely for all involved:

Primary “Learning Bubbles” will ensure outdoor spaces (playground and learning spaces) are used safely at all times.
Staggered recess and lunch times will reduce density and contact outside.
Students travel to outdoor locations by predefined routes according to safe behaviors for distancing, single file, etc.
Adult supervision will be provided at all times to monitor physical distancing and minimize contact.
Classroom agreements will include awareness of socializing behaviors and outdoor activities and play that reduce contact and physical interaction.

Medical Protocols

Pre-Opening Documentation:

Student Health Information Registration Form is required prior Monday, August 17, 2020.
Faculty and Staff Health Information Registration Form is required prior to entering the Marmara school facility after August 4, 2020.

Isolation Area:

An isolation area will be identified.
Students exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms or having a temperature 38°C (100.4°F) or higher will be sent to the isolation area.

Temperature Checks:

Critical to identify infection and transmission risks.
Parents are asked to take the temperature of their student(s) prior to leaving the house.
Temperature checks will be taken prior to boarding the bus at any time, prior to entering the school facility, and prior to leaving the school facility

Students Displaying a Temperature 38°C (100.4°F) or Higher:

He/she will not be allowed to board the bus.

He/she will be denied access to the school building and sent to the Covid-19 isolation location.

Parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up the student from school.

Staff Illness

Staff who show signs of illness or have a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher should not come to school
If already at school staff should go home immediately.
Staff can return to school with a negative COVID-19 test result.

When a family member is ill

When you suspect someone in your house has COVID-19, stay at home, out of caution.
Do your best to isolate yourself from the ill person. Contact your doctor and ask to have the ill person tested.
If it is confirmed that it is not COVID-19, you may return to school.
If it is COVID-19, stay at home until a negative test can be provided and you have completed a 14 day quarantine starting from the last close contact with the person who has COVID-19.

Return of students with excess temperature:

Students will only be allowed back to school with a negative Covid-19 health document.

Contact with Someone Who Has COVID-19

Direct or close contact, when referring to community members who have been exposed to the virus, is defined as;

Physical contact with the person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. or Having spent at least 15 minutes with 1 meter or less physical distance between the community member and the person diagnosed with COVID-19. For contact tracing purposes, all students in a Primary homeroom “Learning Bubble” will be treated as direct contacts of any students or staff in that Bubble who have been diagnosed with Covid.

Communication

Contacts and Q&A

All questions regarding the IICS Reopening Plan should be directed to the IICS Communications Team (marketing@iics.k12.tr).
The IICS website COVID-19 News (Admissions, Distance Learning & COVID updates) will be essential to check for any school updates to the reopening plans.
Questions regarding the website should contact the IICS Communications Team (marketing@iics.k12.tr). Student Health Information & Written Consent Form must be submitted to the IICS Communications Team (marketing@iics.k12.tr) before the first day of school.
All questions about the learning program should be directed to Primary and Secondary Leadership Teams. Primary: Rob Grantham (rgrantham@iics.k12.tr) & Greta Hazlett (ghazlett@iics.k12.tr Secondary: John Gates (jgates@iics.k12.tr) & Hina Hashmi (hhashmi@iics.k12.tr)

Prior to School Reopening

All students, faculty and staff outside Turkey are strongly recommended to self-quarantine 14 days before returning to school. All students must complete the appropriate Student Health Information & Written Consent Form and turn it into the school before entering IICS campuses or buses. All faculty and staff must complete the Health Information Form by August 17. Please note, students, faculty and staff will not be allowed on the bus service or into school until the form has been completed and submitted. Online training for all school faculty on the WHO, a certificate required prior to school beginning: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus2019/training/online-training The IICS website COVID-19 News (Admissions, Distance Learning & COVID updates) will be essential to check for any school updates to the reopening plans.

Required form prior to Student Return to School

The Student Health Information & Written Consent Form must be submitted before students are able to enter the IICS campuses or buses.

School Movement Communication

Student-friendly visuals will be around the building to create a common language for movement around the building (entrance, exit, playgrounds, break times, and the cafeteria).

Student-friendly visuals will be placed around the buildings for student reminders of handwashing/ social distancing .

Visitor access to campus will be limited. Screening will be conducted by security before entering campus

Head Of School Messages

6 Oct 2020 Head Of School Messages

Dear Parents,

Many of you may have heard the announcement from the Turkish Ministry of Education earlier this week. Whereas we are still waiting for more detailed information, we anticipate being able to add grades 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 to physically attend Hisar and Marmara campuses beginning next week.

Our current understanding is that similar to grade 1 students, they will be able to attend twice a week until further notice. Mr. Gates and Mr. Gratham will communicate more information regarding secondary and primary school schedules and any other important details as soon as possible.

Kind regards,

Nathan

18 Sep 2020 - Head Of School Messages

Dear Parents,

We have officially completed our 4th week of school! We are fortunate enough to have had our EY students on campus since the beginning of the year and we welcome our Grade 1 students who will be attending 1 day next week, and 2 days the following two weeks as per the Ministry of Education announcement. Mr. Grantham has communicated that schedule to Grade 1 parents.

The past three weeks, several parents have contacted me asking about our Grade 8 and 12 students. We have applied for special permission to allow them to physically attend, though we have yet to receive authorization to do so. As much as we would love to have them at school, we cannot provide that opportunity until then. Either Mr. Gates or I will inform you as soon as we know more.

On behalf of the entire school faculty and staff, I would like to wish you a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Nathan

7 Aug 2020 - Head Of School Messages

Dear Parents,

I am pleased to announce that IICS will open both campuses for all students on the First Day of School to be held Monday, August 24th. The exception to this being our Early Years 3/4 students who have their own transition period as we have done in years past.

I can assure you that this decision was not taken lightly, and even though we are anxious to see all our students for the first time since March, your child’s health and safety is paramount. As such, we have gone through an exhaustive planning and preparation process

to ensure a safe and healthy school environment for our students, staff and the entire IICS community. Attached to this message you will find the IICS Re-opening Regulations & Protocol. This lengthy document contains very important information regarding the safe

opening of our school. Please read it carefully. In addition, you will find two links below The first is the Student Health Information & Written Engagement Form. It is imperative that parents fully complete and submit this before the first day of school. Your child will not

be able to attend until it has been received. If you have more than one child attending IICS, a form must be completed for each one. The second link is to a short survey covering student attendance, bus and cafeteria service. I would greatly appreciate all parents

submitting this survey no later than next Monday.

Student Health Information & Written Engagement Form

Parent Survey

Next week, you will receive messages from our Primary and Secondary Leadership teams in addition to an update from me. On behalf of the entire IICS staff, we look forward to seeing your children soon!

Warm regards,

Nathan

29 July 2020 - Head Of School Messages

Dear IICS Parents,

Greetings from the Marmara campus!

As we are just under four weeks until the first day of school, I wanted to send you an initial email with important information as we prepare for another school year, albeit under unique circumstances. In this message, I will provide you with an update regarding the three reopening scenarios presented previously, changes to our operating practice, dates for you to remember, and most importantly a few of the precautionary measures we will be taking to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and school community.

REOPENING SCHOOL SCENARIOS

At the Open Board Meeting held on Jun 9th, we presented three scenarios for opening the school year;

1. Full student attendance

2. Hybrid/blended

3. Distance Learning 2.0

As the spread of the virus in Turkey and around the world has continued to evolve, and with the Ministry of Health’s recently published guidelines for opening schools, we believe the most likely scenario starting August 24th will either be full attendance or the hybrid/blended model. There is a fourth option that would have the year start with the hybrid/blended model and transition to full attendance around mid-September.

Philosophically, if we can fulfill the Ministry of Health guidelines, I would prefer to provide the opportunity for all of our students to physically attend school every day. I believe it is important for them to have normalcy in their lives, in a time when life itself has been turned upside down. In addition, even though we are confident our hybrid/blended and Distance Learning 2.0 models will provide your children with a high quality education, I believe it is in our students’ best interest academically, socially and emotionally to attend school full time, assuming we can provide a safe and secure environment.

We are in the final stages of determining whether we can open with full student attendance or the hybrid/blended model. I anticipate a final decision being made no later than August 7th. You will receive an email from me at that time informing you of the decision, providing you with several documents that will detail all the health and safety precautionary measures we are taking, and forms you will need to complete in order to be able to send your child to school.

HEALTH & SAFETY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

As mentioned in the previous point, a complete list will be sent next week. Here are a few of the more significant measures;

1. All classrooms, offices, buses, cafeteria, gyms, etc. shall maintain at least 1.0 meter social distancing. 2. Students, staff, parents and visitors (if allowed) on campus or the bus shall wear a mask at all times except when eating or drinking. 3. Temperatures will be taken before students or staff get on the bus, before entering the school buildings and at different times during the day. Parents or visitors will have their temperature taken at the school entrance. Anyone with a 38C (100.4F) or higher temperature will not be allowed on the bus or school facilities. Those who develop a fever while on campus or demonstrate other symptoms related to COVID-19 will be evaluated by the school nurse at one of the designated isolation rooms. 4. All buses will be disinfected before and after each use, and high contact areas on campus (e.g. classrooms, furniture, restrooms, etc.) will be disinfected several times throughout the day with at least once a week for deep cleaning. 5. Handsanitizer will be available in classrooms and throughout campus. 6. Natural ventilation, instead of air conditioning, for all indoor spaces including buses will be required. 7. Students will be taught and frequently reminded about proper hygiene and the appropriate way to wash their hands.

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS & QUARANTINE

In May, I announced that all those traveling abroad during the summer break would need to selfquarantine for 14 days after entering Turkey. This decision was based on the Turkish government’s requirement at the time. Even though the government currently does not require a self-quarantine upon arrival, we still strongly urge our students and parents to quarantine themselves and limit their close interaction with others at least two weeks before the first day of school. In addition, if the government were to change its policy and require a self-quarantine IICS would follow accordingly.

DATES TO REMEMBER

August 20-21 New student/family orientation August 24 First Day of School

I have attached a copy of the approved 2020-2021 school calendar to this email for your reference. In closing, as we enter the Bayram holiday I wish you and your family health and safety wherever you might be. On behalf of the entire IICS staff, we look forward to seeing your children soon and we all hope for a great school year!

Warm regards, Nathan

10 June 2020- Head Of School Messages

Dear Parents,

On behalf of the entire IICS community, I would like to welcome you as our newest family members. I imagine as I write this message that you are spread across the four corners of the planet, and most of you are just now starting summer break. This is our final week of the school year, and as of Saturday, our families, teachers and faculty will take some well deserved time to recharge their batteries for the upcoming school year.

I would like to firmly state that our first day of school is Monday, August 24th and we are already in the midst of preparing our two school campuses with all the needed health and safety precautionary measures and capital improvement projects. Before the first day of school, we look forward to hosting you at our New Student Orientation on August 20-21. Ms. Suzy Gurkan, our Director of Admissions will send additional information as we approach the dates.

As we look ahead to next year, there are three scenarios we are planning for, which I will elaborate on below;

1. Campuses reopen, with physical distancing and hygiene regulations that can be accommodated with full student participation.

2. Campuses reopen, but physical distancing guidelines require a blended learning program, with students attending half-time in order to ensure the health and safety of the community.

3. Campuses cannot reopen, and school resumes in Distance Learning until circumstances improve.

Of course, our preference would be scenario #1, however that entirely depends on the government relaxing physical distancing requirements. Whereas we prefer to begin the year following scenario #1, the more likely option will be #2, a blended model that would have students physically attend campus every other day, while participating in live-streaming from the classroom and Distance Learning on the days they are at home. In a worst-case scenario, if at any point in time during the school year we have to close our campuses we will return to our established Distance Learning program.

We will update our IICS website on August 1st with any new information, that would include student medical health forms and the health and safety preventative measures we will have implemented during the break. If at any time you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at nwalker@iics.k12.tr or on my personal mobile +90 533 438 7689.

Warm regards,

Nathan Walker, Head of School

Admissions

Moving to a new school and a new country is a major change. Our Director of Admissions at Istanbul International Community School, Zeliha Öztürk, is happy to answer your questions about IICS, about living in Istanbul, relocation, or any of your schooling concerns.

Email: admissions@iics.k12.tr

APPLY HERE