Coronavirus Resources

COVID-19 Protocols Updated
March 9, 2022
COVID Protocols
 
This school year has provided just what we had all hoped for – an opportunity for all of our students to engage in learning on-campus each day and many opportunities for our community to gather and enjoy time together.

We have navigated two significant surges, the first being the Delta surge early in the year and most recently the Omicron surge. Thankfully, the Omicron surge is receding, enabling us to adjust our masking protocols. Beginning March 14, 2022, we are implementing the below protocol for all divisions.

As has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic, we promise to continue to learn about COVID, review our safety enhancements for effectiveness and make adjustments when necessary given the rapidly changing nature of this disease.
Masking and Physical Distancing
  • Masks will no longer be required in large gatherings or when riding the bus.
  • Physical distancing will be relaxed for both classroom instruction and in the dining halls for Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School students.
Symptomatic Students & Employees
Any student, parent or employee running a fever over 100.0 or experiencing vomiting or nausea should not come to campus until symptoms have fully resolved for 24 hours without the use of medication.

Individuals exhibiting any signs or symptoms of COVID should notify the COVID Support Team via email at walkernurse@thewalkerschool.org. In general, a COVID test will be required if an individual is simultaneously experiencing at least two COVID symptoms.

Acceptable testing options include a single PCR test or two rapid antigen tests (at-home test is acceptable) over a 24-hour period.

Positive COVID Case
Individuals who test positive for COVID should not come to campus and should notify the COVID Support Team immediately using the COVID Case Reporting Form.

COVID-positive individuals should remain home for 5 days from symptom onset (symptomatic) or the positive test date (asymptomatic). They may return to campus on Day 6 provided the following:
  • Symptoms have improved and the COVID-positive person has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
  • A negative rapid antigen or at-home antigen was obtained on Day 5 or after and
    submitted to walkernurse@thewalkerschool.org.
  • The COVID Support Team has cleared the individual to return to school.
Close Contacts
For close contacts whose exposure is within the household, if the COVID-positive person is unable to isolate, the close contact will be required to quarantine for 5 days after their last day of contact with the COVID-positive person. Due to the extended exposure, the close contact will be required to submit a negative PCR test (from day 5 or later) prior to being cleared to return to campus.

For close contacts whose exposure is a non-household exposure or if the close contact is able to remain isolated from the COVID-positive household member, close contacts may come to campus as long as they remain asymptomatic. However, close contacts are encouraged to wear a mask during their quarantine period and are expected to monitor for COVID symptoms for 10 days after their last exposure.

Close contacts who begin to exhibit COVID symptoms should not come to campus and should notify the COVID Support Team at walkernurse@thewalkerschool.org. Symptomatic close contacts should obtain COVID testing (a PCR or two rapid antigen tests over 24 hours) and remain off-campus until cleared by the nurse.

 Other
  • Students, employees, and other community members should not come to campus if they are sick or exhibiting the signs or symptoms of COVID. Remaining home when sick is one of the keys to preventing the spread of COVID or other illnesses on campus and has worked very well the past year and a half thanks to the diligence of our families. Symptomatic students and employees may return to campus after obtaining a negative PCR test result.
  • Handwashing and respiratory etiquette will be taught, and hand sanitizer stations will be placed around campus.
  • Campus will be cleaned daily, and classrooms will be cleaned immediately if a person exhibiting symptoms occupied the space.
  • Students must submit a copy of their vaccination card via the Walker Web Form Upload in order be treated as fully vaccinated for quarantine purposes.
  • The Extended Day Program will be held daily, and students will not be required to cohort. Capacities will be limited for individual rooms, however.
  • The Dining Halls will be open, and students will eat in those dedicated spaces with their peers. Students in Middle School and Upper School will also be permitted to eat outside.
  • Field trips and travel will be permitted, however, trips will be reviewed to ensure that safety precautions are taken.
  • Our buildings' mechanical systems have been recalibrated to maximize fresh air intake with increased filtration. We have also installed bipolar ionization systems that proactively purify indoor air.
  • Our buses have bipolar ionization systems that proactively purify the air. Student capacity will not be limited on school buses, and masks are not required.
  • Students participating in athletics should review the athletics COVID policies and procedures.
  • Visitors to campus and parent gatherings will be welcomed.
  • Main Campus

    700 Cobb Parkway North
    Marietta, GA 30062
    770.427.2689
  • Primary School

    830 Damar Road
    Marietta, GA 30062
    770.427.2689
The Walker School is a private, co-ed day school offering opportunities in academics, arts, and athletics for preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students in Metro Atlanta.