To help our community understand the way Berea Academy has approached COVID-19, we have provided this history of our COVID-19 related policies.

Update 2/15/2022

Effective immediately:
Face coverings are welcome, supported, and strongly encouraged. Face coverings are not required.

Update 2/7/2022

We are thrilled to see the COVID-19 situation improving in the St. Louis area. We are so grateful to be able to announce an exciting changes to the face mask policy.

Effective immediately:

Face coverings are welcome, supported, and strongly encouraged. All students and teachers will be required to wear a face covering while moving through the building.

Once a student has reached their assigned seat, they may remove their face covering. Teachers may remove face coverings while teaching. Exceptions to the face covering will be made for students in distress, during recess, and while participating in a movement class. Face coverings are not required outdoors, though social distancing is still encouraged.

Update 1/3/2022

Berea administration reviews COVID-19 policies on Monday and Tuesday afternoon every week. Policy updates are highlighted on the homepage, outlined in MailChimp communications written by Judy Musick, and posted on a dedicated web page.

Effective immediately:

Everyone at Berea must wear a face covering at school. No exceptions.

All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering to enter the building.
All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering while inside the building, including while at classroom seating and during class teaching.
When outside, face coverings may be removed while maintaining 3 ft distance from other members of your group
Virtual class attendance will be made available for students who must miss a class due to quarantine or illness.
- Virtual attendance is not available as the “standard” for attending. Students unable to attend in person classes for long periods of time may not be able to enroll.

Social distancing will be required, as defined currently as 3 ft from another student while masked.
Flex seating, outdoor classes, and mask breaks will be in use throughout the grades.
Students will submit homework digitally where possible.
While participating in physical activity, such as Recess, Physical Education, Morning Warm Up, and Movement and Dance, students will remove face coverings.
Some courses could experience a compromised quality due to face coverings. Tutors will be expected to wisely remove face coverings, or ask their students to remove face coverings, during periods of oral dictation, pronunciation coaching, when visual cues are needed for understanding, or during student presentations.
All visitors entering the building must wear a face covering.
All students and parents will enter through a dedicated entrance and exit.
Parents may not escort their student to the classroom door. If a student needs an escort from the check in desk to their classroom, contact the campus coordinator or Berea staff member.

Face Covering Definition:

Covering completely covers your nose and mouth
Covering fits snugly against the side of your face
2 or more layers of breathable fabric
Gaiters are inadequate; due to stretching, it is very difficult for students to wear gaiters, especially while moving

Parents are encouraged to equip their students for class outdoors. A towel or blanket to use in the grass can remain on campus if properly labeled with the student’s name.

Berea does have limited masks available on campus. The supply is primarily available in case a student’s mask breaks or becomes unwearable while on campus. Parents of students who consistently need a mask upon arrival to campus may be asked to supply masks for on campus storage.

Any individual present on campus who displays symptoms of COVID-19 will be denied entry to the building. Individuals who become ill on campus will be isolated until they can safely exit the building to return home.

Quarantine and Illness: Community members are expected to follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine

For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.
For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.

Update 11/8/2021

Berea regularly updates COVID-19 policies as needed. Policy updates are highlighted on the homepage, outlined in MailChimp communications written by Judy Musick, and posted on a dedicated web page.

We’re thankful to see that infection rates are down, watershed testing shows viral loads continuing to drop, and our Berea community is recovering from the late September and October COVID-19 illness.

Effective immediately:

Face coverings are welcome, supported, and strongly encouraged. All students and teachers will be required to wear a face covering while moving through the building.

COVID-19, Update 11/2/2021

Covid-19 Status at Berea Academy, as of 11/2/2021

Note: Update is minor, and is highlighted with italics and underlining

Update 11/2/2021

Berea regularly updates COVID-19 policies as needed. Policy updates are highlighted on the homepage, outlined in MailChimp communications written by Judy Musick, and posted on a dedicated web page.

Effective immediately:

Everyone at Berea must wear a face covering at school. No exceptions.

All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering to enter the building.
All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering while inside the building, including while at classroom seating and during class teaching.
When outside, face coverings may be removed while maintaining 3 ft distance from other members of your group
Virtual class attendance will be made available for students who must miss a class due to quarantine or illness.
- Virtual attendance is not available as the “standard” for attending. Students unable to attend in person classes for long periods of time may not be able to enroll.

Social distancing will be required, as defined currently as 3 ft from another student while masked.
Flex seating, outdoor classes, and mask breaks will be in use throughout the grades.
Students will submit homework digitally where possible.
While participating in Physical Education classes, such as KI DO, Morning Warm Up, and Movement and Dance, students will remove face coverings.
Some courses could experience a compromised quality due to face coverings. Tutors will be expected to wisely remove face coverings, or ask their students to remove face coverings, during periods of oral dictation, pronunciation coaching, or when visual cues are needed for understanding, or during student presentations.
All visitors entering the building must wear a face covering.
All students and parents will enter through a dedicated entrance and exit.
Parents may not escort their student to the classroom door. If a student needs an escort from the check in desk to their classroom, contact the campus coordinator or Berea staff member.

Face Covering Definition:

Covering completely covers your nose and mouth
Covering fits snugly against the side of your face
2 or more layers of breathable fabric
Gaiters are inadequate; due to stretching, it is very difficult for students to wear gaiters, especially while moving

Parents are encouraged to equip their students for class outdoors. A towel or blanket to use in the grass can remain on campus if properly labeled with the student’s name.

Quarantine and Illness: Community members are expected to follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine

For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.
For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.

Covid-19 Status at Berea Academy, as of 10/25/2021

Note: Update is minor, and is highlighted with italics and underlining

Update 10/25/2021

Berea regularly updates COVID-19 policies as needed. Policy updates are highlighted on the homepage, outlined in MailChimp communications written by Judy Musick, and posted on a dedicated web page.

Effective immediately:

Everyone at Berea must wear a face covering at school. No exceptions.

All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering to enter the building.
All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering while inside the building, including while at classroom seating and during class teaching.
When outside, face coverings may be removed while maintaining 3 ft distance from other members of your group
Virtual class attendance will be made available for students who must miss a class due to quarantine or illness.
- Virtual attendance is not available as the “standard” for attending. Students unable to attend in person classes for long periods of time may not be able to enroll.

Social distancing will be required, as defined currently as 3 ft from another student while masked.
Flex seating, outdoor classes, and mask breaks will be in use throughout the grades.
Students will submit homework digitally where possible.
While participating in Physical Education classes, such as KI DO, Morning Warm Up, and Movement and Dance, students will remove face coverings.
Some courses could experience a compromised quality due to face coverings. Tutors will be expected to wisely remove face coverings, or ask their students to remove face coverings, during periods of oral dictation, pronunciation coaching, or when visual cues are needed for understanding.
All visitors entering the building must wear a face covering.
All students and parents will enter through a dedicated entrance and exit.
Parents may not escort their student to the classroom door. If a student needs an escort from the check in desk to their classroom, contact the campus coordinator or Berea staff member.

Face Covering Definition:

Covering completely covers your nose and mouth
Covering fits snugly against the side of your face
2 or more layers of breathable fabric
Gaiters are inadequate; due to stretching, it is very difficult for students to wear gaiters, especially while moving

Parents are encouraged to equip their students for class outdoors. A towel or blanket to use in the grass can remain on campus if properly labeled with the student’s name.

Quarantine and Illness: Community members are expected to follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine

For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.
For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.

Update 9/27/2021

Berea regularly updates COVID-19 policies as needed. Policy updates are highlighted on the homepage, outlined in MailChimp communications written by Judy Musick, and posted on a dedicated web page.

Effective immediately:

Everyone at Berea must wear a face covering at school. No exceptions.

All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering to enter the building.
All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering while inside the building, including while at classroom seating and during class teaching.
When outside, face coverings may be removed while maintaining 3 ft distance from other members of your group
Virtual class attendance will be made available for students who must miss a class due to quarantine or illness.
- Virtual attendance is not available as the “standard” for attending. Students unable to attend in person classes for long periods of time may not be able to enroll.

Social distancing will be required, as defined currently as 3 ft from another student while masked.
Flex seating, outdoor classes, and mask breaks will be in use throughout the grades.
Students will submit homework digitally where possible.
While participating in Physical Education classes, such as KI DO, Morning Warm Up, and Movement and Dance, students will remove face coverings.
All visitors entering the building must wear a face covering.
All students and parents will enter through a dedicated entrance and exit.
Parents may not escort their student to the classroom door. If a student needs an escort from the check in desk to their classroom, contact the campus coordinator or Berea staff member.

Face Covering Definition:

Covering completely covers your nose and mouth
Covering fits snugly against the side of your face
2 or more layers of breathable fabric
Gaiters are inadequate; due to stretching, it is very difficult for students to wear gaiters, especially while moving

Parents are encouraged to equip their students for class outdoors. A towel or blanket to use in the grass can remain on campus if properly labeled with the student’s name.

Quarantine and Illness: Community members are expected to follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine

For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.
For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.

COVID – 19 Regulations and Guidelines, revised 8/20/21

Guidelines for 2021/2022

Berea Academy is focused on providing a quality education in the midst of all challenges. In consideration of our vision, needs of our students, the responsibility to our host location, and appropriate obedience to government authority, we have created a plan for September, 2021.

All Those Entering Campus:

Daily screening for illness or exposure in the form of a posted reminder of COVID-19 symptoms
All members of the community will wear a face covering while moving about the building

Parent Escort to Class:

When possible, do not enter the building. All adults entering the building must follow the above guidelines for entering the building.
Students in the Wonder and Explore program will be met at the door by their instructor or designated volunteer at the beginning of class. At the end of class, students will be escorted to the exit by their instructor or designated volunteer.
All visiting adults, including parent escorts, must sign in at entry and out at exit.

Face Covering Requirements: All members of the community will wear a face covering while moving about the building

Face Covering Definition:

Covering completely covers your nose and mouth
Covering fits snugly against the side of your face
2 or more layers of breathable fabric
Gaiters are inadequate; due to stretching, it is very difficult for students to wear gaiters, especially while moving

Face Covering Exceptions:

Some community members need to mask at all times; masking will be welcome and supported
No one is allowed to ask about the nature of the need to mask
Any community member who needs to mask is encouraged, though not required, to contact BereaAcademyStl@gmail.com and your individual instructor for support.

Quarantine and Illness: Community members are expected to follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine

For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.
For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.

While On Campus:

Instructor may escort their students outdoors for the class experience. If your student cannot go outdoors, please contact your instructor directly.
Access to the building for parents and visitors will be limited.
Students will be given additional time and resources for handwashing, sanitizing, and moving from different locations.
Water fountains are not available. Students may bring bottled water or a refillable water container. For refills, visit the campus manager or door monitor.

Supplies and Materials:

Students are encouraged to bring an outdoor blanket, towel, or other means of sitting outside for comfort. Students may share that resource with other members of their family unit; resources may not be shared with those outside their family unit.
Students are encouraged to bring other items to increase personal comfort during their outside class time, including umbrella/parasol, sunglasses, small personal fans, etc. Items distracting from the learning experience will be stored or confiscated at the instructor’s discretion, to be returned at the end of the day.

Berea Academy respects local and federal government guidelines related to COVID-19. Policies may be changed as needed to reflect changing guidelines.

This document is an amendment to Berea Academy’s previous guidelines for Returning to In Person classes. Adjustments supercede previous statements. Berea Academy will continue to revise guidelines as necessary.

Update 8/6/2021

Berea regularly updates COVID-19 policies as needed. Policy updates are highlighted on the homepage, outlined in MailChimp communications written by Judy Musick, and posted on a dedicated web page.

COVID-19 policies are subject to change throughout the fiscal year, and are crafted based on:

Commitment to in person classes
In accordance with Berea Academy’s best understanding of government guidelines, as established by the Federal government, Missouri State government, and St. Louis County government
Respect for the leadership of Berea’s host location: Southgate Church
Respect for individual agency
Balance with and for our community of instructors, students, and families

Vaccination Disclosure

Berea Academy does not require disclosure of vaccination status for any disease, including COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination disclosure requirements are subject to change based on any new legislation passed through governing bodies and signed into law by elected officials.

Berea Academy will be opening on September 1, 2021, for the 2021/2022 school year with the following policies:

Face coverings are welcome and supported. All students and teachers will be required to wear a face covering while moving through the building.

Virtual class attendance will be made available for students who must miss a class due to quarantine or illness.

Virtual attendance is not available as the “standard” for attending. Students unable to attend in person classes for long periods of time may not be able to enroll.

Flex seating, outdoor classes, and continued classroom sanitation will be in use throughout the grades. Students will submit homework digitally where possible.

Further, Berea Academy follows the guidance set by St. Louis County, where our host location is located. Changes to COVID related policies may not be within our control.

Withdrawal Policy

Refunds may be provided to families who withdraw from Berea Academy within the stated Refund Schedule. To receive a copy of the schedule, email bereaacademystl@gmail.com, review your term statement from JotForm, or view on our website at bereaacademystl.com.

Forced withdrawals, due to probationary or behavioral problems, do not qualify for refunds unless the withdrawal is within the Refund Schedule stated above.

Voluntary withdrawals are only available for refunds in the Refund Schedule above. Refunds are independent of any policy changes Berea Academy must make throughout the year to continue offering a safe, healthy, and productive learning environment, including face covering policies.

Update 7/28/2021

Important information for all students:

The Guidelines created for the 2021/2022 school year are currently suspended.

For the month of August, all our in person events will require face coverings while inside the building. Due to a constantly shifting guidelines, infection rates, and other factors out of our control, we do not have a firm plan for the start of classes on September 1. We believe that wisdom will be shown to us in the coming weeks.

COVID-19

Berea regularly updates COVID-19 policies as needed. Policy updates are highlighted on the homepage, outlined in MailChimp communications written by Judy Musick, and posted on a dedicated web page.

COVID-19 policies are subject to change throughout the fiscal year, and are crafted based on:

Commitment to in person classes
In accordance with Berea Academy’s best understanding of government guidelines, as established by the Federal government, Missouri State government, and St. Louis County government
Respect for the leadership of Berea’s host location: Southgate Church
Respect for individual agency
Balance with and for our community of instructors, students, and families

Vaccination Disclosure

Berea Academy does not require disclosure of vaccination status for any disease, including COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination disclosure requirements are subject to change based on any new legislation passed through governing bodies and signed into law by elected officials.

Illness and Exposure Disclosure

Berea Academy does not require disclosure of illness, including COVID-19. However all instructors, staff, and students are required to disclose any close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive patient, symptoms of COVID-19, including mild cold like symptoms, and other circumstances that increase risk of transmission.

COVID-19 illness and exposure disclosure is subject to change based on public health orders issued by the Federal government, Missouri State government, and St. Louis County government.

Quarantine and Isolation

Berea Academy does not require quarantine or isolation due to any illness, including COVID-19. Berea Academy does require all instructors, staff, and students to follow the quarantine or isolation guidelines issued by the Federal government, Missouri State government, and St. Louis County government.

Update 6/28/2021

Guidelines for 2021/2022

All Those Entering Campus:

Daily screening for illness or exposure in the form of a posted reminder of COVID-19 symptoms
All members of the community who need to mask are welcome and supported

Parent Escort to Class:

When possible, do not enter the building. All adults entering the building must follow the above guidelines for entering the building.
Students in the Wonder and Explore program will be met at the door by their teacher or designated volunteer at the beginning of class. At the end of class, students will be escorted to the exit by their teacher or designated volunteer.
All visiting adults, including parent escorts, must sign in at entry and out at exit.

Face Covering Requirements: None

Face Covering Exceptions:

Some community members need to mask; masking will be welcome and supported
No one is allowed to ask about the nature of the need to mask
Any community member who needs to mask is encouraged, though not required, to contact BereaAcademyStl@gmail.com and your individual teacher for support.

Quarantine and Illness: By lifting the mask requirement, community members are expected to follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine

For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.
For the most current information on quarantine for individuals who are fully vaccinated, Visit the CDC Guidelines here.

While On Campus:

Teachers may escort their students outdoors for the class experience. If your student cannot go outdoors, please contact your teacher directly.
Access to the building for parents and visitors will be limited.
Students will be given additional time and resources for handwashing, sanitizing, and moving from different locations.
Water fountains are not available. Students may bring bottled water or a refillable water container. For refills, visit the campus manager or door monitor.

Supplies and Materials:

Students are encouraged to bring an outdoor blanket, towel, or other means of sitting outside for comfort. Students may share that resource with other members of their family unit; resources may not be shared with those outside their family unit.
Students are encouraged to bring other items to increase personal comfort during their outside class time, including umbrella/parasol, sunglasses, small personal fans, etc. Items distracting from the learning experience will be stored or confiscated at the teacher’s discretion, to be returned at the end of the day.

Berea Academy respects local and federal government guidelines related to COVID-19. Policies may be changed as needed to reflect changing guidelines.

Updated 4/26/2021:
Berea Academy will be opening on September 1, 2021, for the 2021/2022 school year with the following policies:

Everyone at Berea must wear a face covering at school. No exceptions.
- Face Covering is defined as a shield with skirting, bandana, gaiter, or face mask
All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering to enter the building.
All people age 5 and over must wear a face covering while inside the building, including while at classroom seating and during class teaching.
When outside and with your family unit, face coverings may be removed; while outside with those outside your family unit, face coverings may be removed while maintaining social distance.
Virtual class attendance will be made available for students who must miss a class due to quarantine or illness.
- Virtual attendance is not available as the “standard” for attending. Students unable to attend in person classes for long periods of time may not be able to enroll.

Social distancing will be required, as defined currently as 3 ft from another student while masked.
Flex seating, outdoor classes, and mask breaks will be in use throughout the grades.
Students will submit homework digitally where possible.

We invite our Berea community to stand in prayer with us. Prayerfully, we hope to ease face covering restrictions before returning to classes in September.