July 28, 2020

The start of any school year comes with its own unique excitement. This year, as we prepare to reopen on campus and in person, we are especially eager to welcome students on August 26. We recognize that our return to school will look and feel different this year, which is why we have been working diligently throughout the summer to create a Reopening Plan that safeguards the physical health and emotional well-being of our entire community.
 
In order to plan during a time of uncertainty, we not only looked to our mission, but we based every decision on what is best for the students while prioritizing the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and families. The protocols and practices outlined in James River Day School’s Reopening Plan are in keeping with the guidance issued by Governor Northam. We believe that this plan meets our primary goal: the return of all students to campus in accordance with the regulations provided by the state and guidance from the CDC. 
 
While we aim to deliver the essence of James River and also reopen with care, our plan entails significant changes in how we operate. There is no single measure that provides perfect protection against COVID-19, but we can mitigate the risk of infection by using multiple layers of protection as outlined in our plan. The Reopening Plan is a guide intended to ensure everyone is familiar with the adaptations and new safety procedures. Please note that while we hope the plan will answer most of your questions, there is still much work to be done and we will communicate as new information is available. Please go to our Back to School page to view the Reopening Plan.
 
As we plan for in-person learning, we are also preparing for potential interruptions and the need to adjust accordingly. We are prepared with contingency plans, and our teachers are ready to pivot to a distance learning model should we be required to do so. As always, we will remain communicative and provide you with more information when and if needed. 
 
Please continue to focus on your family’s health and safety, so we can see everyone in person on campus on August 26. Thank you for your continued partnership and support during these challenging times.