Facilities Guidance
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in the school, facilities operations will be geared toward meeting social distancing requirements and cleaning frequently touched spaces regularly. In carrying out projects or tasks supporting infection control, requirements will be met for changes associated with building spaces. Plans for changes or additions to facilities will be submitted to comply with the requirements of the 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (BC) and the State Energy Conservation Code.
Upon reopening, the school plans to increase ventilation, to the greatest extent possible by keeping windows open. Doors to classrooms will also remain open to facilitate air flow.
Water systems have been in full operation since July 7, 2020.
The school will revisit Emergency Response Plans, protocols, and procedures and make modifications in light of COVID-19.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish School will conduct our regular, annual Fire Inspection with the Niskayuna Fire Department and address any noted areas of non-compliance.
Our corridor doors have closers with automatic hold opens. These doors are normally held in the open position and are automatically released by the fire alarm system. The function, position, and operation of those doors will remain unchanged.
Water Fountains in the school are closed during the COVID-19 emergency. Students will have access to clean drinking water during the day with pitchers delivered to each classroom daily, with refills from kitchen sinks as needed.
Bathroom, Gym, and Playground Schedules are being developed to avoid multiple classes in the hallways to minimize contacts students have with other classes.
Classroom Doors will remain open during the school day to reduce multiple people touching door handles and knobs.
Each classroom will have a hand sanitizing station at the door so that students have easy access to hand sanitizing prior to entering the classroom.
Water Fountains in the school are closed during the COVID-19 emergency.
Nano Septic Stickers have been ordered for school entry/exit doors and doors to the office.
K-5 students have individual safety dividers for their desk/table to use when eating or during mask breaks, or when six-foot distancing cannot be met.
Nursery – Grade 3 students will eat breakfast/lunch in their classrooms to maintain their cohort. Students in Grades 4 and 5 will eat in the cafeteria (in grade-level shifts with cleaning in between).
Adequate toilet fixtures are available.
Students will have access to clean drinking water during the day with pitchers delivered to each classroom daily, with refills from kitchen sinks as needed.
The water system has been maintained, but will be flushed if needed.
Ventilation will be increased with outdoor air to the greatest extent possible by opening windows while maintaining health and safety protocols.
Classroom doors will remain open to facilitate air flow.