Covid Safety and Distance Learning

American International School in Rome Elementary Class experience

A Message from our Head of School

Following a successful and safe year of learning in 2021/22, the AOSR Covid Response Team has reviewed all safety protocols for the AOSR campus for the 2022/23 school year. We know that students learn best when they interact directly with their teacher and peers, and therefore our protocols ensure both safe and engaging learning on the AOSR campus.

Our Covid Prevention Plans are based upon the most current information available. As we update our protocols we will inform you, as parents and community members in a timely and clear manner.

As always, we will keep our community informed of our operations. We encourage an open, partnership-focused dialogue that leads to a successful and fulfilling school year.

Throughout the pandemic, the faculty at AOSR have put our students first. They have given extensive time and energy to offer the best to each class and individual child. We are incredibly thankful to have such dedicated professionals teaching our students.

Respectfully,

Dr. Kristen DiMatteo

Safely meeting the needs of all learners in times of COVID-19

We offer in-person learning to students on our beautiful and spacious AOSR campus as regulations allow. Our Leadership Team continues to update our clear guidelines for the orderly and safe continuation of in-person learning, following instructions from the local health authorities.

Our faculty spend the days prior to the start of school preparing engaging, challenging lessons that allow students to optimally learn under new social-distancing regulations. With teaching spaces in seven separate buildings, AOSR has easily adapted to government regulations for hygiene and the highest standards of safety.

With thoughtful and precise plans for student groupings, flow of student movement, classroom ventilation and deep sanitization, AOSR ensures a safe and academically challenging year for our students.

Important Information

Protocols for Students

Students will not come to school if they have symptoms of illness.
Students will submit to a daily temperature check before entering campus.
Families will self declare any Covid related symptoms or illness to school and the local health authorities.
Students will wear a face mask throughout the school day according to mandated government guidelines.
Students will bring all belongings with them in their backpacks as needed.
Hand sanitizing stations are in classrooms and around campus for community use.
Students will wash their hands regularly, including before and after eating, upon return from recess, after using the bathroom, and after shared resource activities.
Students will follow the distancing and one-way rules for movement in walkways and to the cafeteria.

Protocols for Teachers

Teachers will not come to school if they have symptoms of illness.
Teachers will self declare any Covid related symptoms or illness to school and the local health authorities.
Teachers must wash/sanitize their hands upon entering the building.
Teachers will wear a face mask throughout the school day according to mandated government guidelines.
Teachers must maintain the one meter distance rule with any other adult and should avoid, as much as is possible, physical contact with students.
Teachers will ensure that students comply with necessary hygiene measures.
Teachers will encourage frequent hand washing and enforce distancing regulations.
Teachers will keep classroom windows and doors open at all possible times.

Learning Plans

General FAQs

We have been on holiday, do we need to quarantine?

It will depend on where you traveled. For up to date quarantine and travel information, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website.

Who decides if the campus remains open or closed? Or if an activity will be allowed?

The school complies with Italian Government requirements regarding school closures. The AOSR Leadership Team will limit activities that we feel introduce an unnecessary health risk. All activities will follow government guidelines and will require approval from the Principals and Head of School.

What if a case of COVID-19 is detected on campus?

Any member of the AOSR community (including immediate family members) with symptoms of COVID-19 is required to self-isolate and contact their medical practitioner immediately. In such circumstances, the school’s Health Clinic must also be informed. If a COVID-19 case is detected, the school will follow advice from the Italian authorities. This is likely to involve transitioning cohorts to distance learning until students and teachers are given the all clear to return to campus.

What actions does the school take to enforce mask wearing and physical distancing?

Students receive training in hygiene and preventative measures by their teachers and the School Nurse. In the case of repeated offences in which a student is putting the community in danger, students will be sent home and will require a meeting with parents in order to return to campus.

ARE parents be allowed on campus?

As a general rule during the COVID-19 pandemic, parents and all non-employee adults are not allowed on campus.

Parents of EC-kindergarten students will be allowed to accompany their child to class for the first two days of school. If a family has a significant need to accompany a child at an older grade level, this may be allowed with permission from the Elementary Principal.

Do I have a choice to send my child to school or to learn from home?

When school is in session and the Italian Government has imposed no attendance restrictions, all students are expected to attend and follow normal attendance policies.

If travel complications occur that delay arrival at the beginning of the school year, we may, on a case by case basis, assist in delivering an interim distance learning plan. Families in this situation should contact the respective Principal.

What if the Ministries decide to close schools?

We are prepared to react to new “waves” of the virus by reviewing our practices and learning from our virtual learning experiences. The Leadership Team has developed a full range of agile scenarios that enhance and clarify our distance learning program.

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