COVID-19 Information

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

• What is School's reentry plan for the fall of 2020?

  Our reentry plan will be mission aligned and will consider the health and safety of our community as our top priority. 
  
  Although the number of COVID-19 cases in New York state is holding steady, the recent spike of cases in areas around the country, coupled with the numerous warnings from many in the scientific community, has convinced us that the prudent decision for our School is to begin on Tuesday, September 8, with remote instruction for the first month of the academic year.
  
  We will communicate our plans for October and beyond as soon as we can and with as much advance time as possible for our families to plan accordingly.

  
  Please view our Preliminary Reentry Plan document linked here for additional information. 
  

• What is the School's remote learning plan?

  The Masters School is committed to delivering a strong and excellent academic program despite the current challenges, and we are prepared to implement three teaching models: in person, hybrid and remote.

   

  Throughout the year, we may need to adjust the model based on evolving conditions. Our decisions will be guided by a careful analysis of data and indicators relating to the spread of COVID-19 in our area.

   

  Academic as well as social and emotional growth will continue to be the pillars of our programming. We considered the feedback our families provided in the spring and have made significant improvements to the remote learning experience at every grade level. 

   

  We have included physical education and health and wellness classes in the remote learning schedule, and we have enhanced our advising program and strengthened our support for students learning remotely around the world. 

   

  Following the learning experience of the spring semester and in an effort to adjust to this new reality, student work will be graded whether we are engaged in remote, hybrid or in-person learning.

   

  Please know that more specific information related to our remote learning program will follow in the coming days.

• Will the dormitories be open at the start of the fall 2020 semester? 

  While we hope to open our dorms as soon as possible, we are well aware of the challenges associated with returning students who live far from campus or internationally to their homes rapidly and safely in the event of an abrupt closure. 
   
  Reentry will be phased with day students returning to campus first. Throughout this time, the dorms will remain closed and boarding students will have access to remote instruction that intentionally considers the different time zones in which they reside.
   
  Boarding families will receive a separate communication outlining our ongoing efforts for the safe reopening of our residential program.

• What kind of support are students receiving to address anxiety?

  Given the health crisis affecting our country and our world, it is understandable that students may feel anxious and concerned. Please remember that our counselors are available to meet with students and their families to address questions and concerns, even remotely.

  
  

  Our middle school counselor, Gretchen Campbell, can be reached at gretchen.campbell@mastersny.org. Our upper school counselor, Lydia Whitney, can be reached at lydia.whitney@mastersny.org.

  
  For all other medical questions related to Masters, you may contact Director of Health Services Sue Adams at sue.adams@mastersny.org or our school nurse, Tara Eng, at tara.eng@mastersny.org.

• Should suspected exposure or a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 be communicated to the School?

  While not required for non-residential members of the community, we encourage informing the School if you suspect exposure to or have received a positive diagnosis of COVID-19.
  
  Residential faculty and staff should inform the School so that precautions can be taken. This guidance is in line with that being followed at many residential communities in the state and in the country.
  
  To report exposure you may contact Director of Health Services Sue Adams at sue.adams@mastersny.org. Please know that we will handle this information with the utmost care and discretion. 
  
  

  All reports will be evaluated and handled following the proper guidance from health professionals. 

• If a student lacks the resources to participate in daily remote learning, what steps should that student or the student’s family take?

  If a student is struggling to participate in academic endeavors due to a lack of resources, the student or the student’s parent or guardian should reach out to the student’s division head and advisor. Head of Middle School Tasha Elsbach can be reached at tasha.elsbach@mastersny.org or 914-479-6581, and Head of Upper School Peter Newcomb can be reached at peter.newcomb@mastersny.org or 914-479-6415.

• How is the School supporting families experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 health crisis?

  The COVID-19 pandemic is inflicting tremendous economic devastation on communities around the United States, and The Masters School has responded by creating the Student Access Fund. This fund is dedicated to providing financial aid support to Masters families with demonstrated need. To contribute to the fund, visit mastersny.org/makeagift. 

  
  Families concerned about their ability to pay this year’s tuition should contact Anna Delahanty in the Business Office at anna.delahanty@mastersny.org. Families concerned about their ability to pay next year’s tuition should contact the School’s financial aid officer, Laura Sexton, at laura.sexton@mastersny.org, who will provide them with information about applying for financial aid.

• If I have questions about the School's response to COVID-19, where should I send them?

  With the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation worldwide, we understand that new questions and concerns may arise, and we want you to have a direct line of communication with our School. Please email us your questions at COVID19@mastersny.org.