We are operating with an in-person approach to learning as well as offering a virtual learning alternative for grades K-5. Grades 6-8 are operating with a hybrid approach to learning also with a fully virtual learning alternative. Have virtual learning questions, like how to log in to your Chromebook? Check out the Virtual Learning Hub.
COVID-19 | School Updates and Information
National Heritage Academies (NHA) has a response team that meets frequently to monitor the status of school communities throughout our network. Please visit our NHA COVID-19 Resource Site for important forms, reporting protocols, and vaccine information.
For updated information for the state of New York, visit the New York Forward COVID-19 Metrics Dashboard.
If you have additional questions, please check our FAQs. Additional questions or concerns may be directed to NHA Parent Relations at (877) 642-7471 or emailed to info@nhaschools.com.
Last updated February 17, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
For updated information for the state of New York, visit the New York Forward COVID-19 Metrics Dashboard.
If you have additional questions, please check our FAQs. Additional questions or concerns may be directed to NHA Parent Relations at (877) 642-7471 or emailed to info@nhaschools.com.
Last updated February 17, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.
School Learning Models
Each of our schools is operating within these four learning models:
- In-person – a traditional classroom environment.
- Hybrid – a combination of in-person and remote instruction.
- Virtual – teaching and learning in a fully online environment.
- Remote – teaching and learning at home for a period of time.
You can also learn more about each of these learning models by watching this video.
Learning Models Explained
Technology In and Out of the Classroom
Whether we’re in person, learning remotely, or a combination of both—we have a plan in place and the technology to support it. This includes providing our students with personal electronic devices (Chromebooks) for learning outside the classroom.
In-Person
- This traditional face-to-face model allows students to attend classes in person, each day.
- Our preference is to have students back in school for face-to-face instruction if we can do so in a safe way. NHA has spent decades refining its face-to-face instructional model, and we feel confident we can serve all scholars well in this format.
- With additional cleaning protocols in place, along with social distancing and added health and safety measures, the wellbeing of our students remains our top priority.
- Technology devices will still be provided for all students.
Hybrid
- The hybrid model allows scholars to spend 2 days per week at school and 3 days learning from home.
- When in class, students will receive individualized and small group instruction, focusing on the specific needs of individual learners.
- When at home, students will use provided technology devices to learn from high-quality instructional videos and learning resources that provide the direct instruction component of learning.
- In the hybrid model, student enrollment will be divided by family into two groups, Group A and Group B, so that approximately 50% of students will attend class on designated days, while the others learn from home, in addition to one remote day for all students.
Virtual
- Virtual learning is an option we can offer to families who would prefer not to have their student attend school with the in-person or hybrid models for the time being.
- Students will experience the same curricula and instruction as face-to-face students, only online.
- Each student will be provided a Chromebook through their enrolled school that will be used for virtual instruction.
- Each week students will be provided Math, English Language Arts (ELA), Science, Social Studies and Moral Focus curriculum aligned with objectives students would learn in the traditional classroom.
- Our virtual model will include engaging in live virtual instruction with NHA teachers in small groups and following independent practice such as engaging in high-quality instructional videos. This combined with independent activities will drive each student’s daily learning.
Remote
- Remote learning takes place during a period of time when the school cannot allow for in-person or hybrid models. This is due to required safety measures determined by the state, district, or board.
- Parents will be notified if remote learning is going to be required, and if possible, informed of the length of time expected for this requirement.
- Students will experience the same curricula and instruction as face-to-face students, only online.
- Each student will be provided a Chromebook through their enrolled school that will be used for remote instruction.
- Each week students will be provided Math, English Language Arts (ELA), Science, Social Studies and Moral Focus curriculum aligned with objectives students would learn in the traditional classroom.
- Our remote model will include engaging in live virtual instruction with NHA teachers in small groups and following independent practice such as engaging in high-quality instructional videos. This combined with independent activities will drive each student’s daily learning.
Cleaning Protocols
The wellbeing of your child remains our number one priority. In addition to regular cleaning services, our cleaning and sanitation plan includes elevating the amount of sanitation in the building overall, while also focusing on high-touch point surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and railings.
All of these cleaning measures follow recommended safety protocols as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local officials.
As we continue to navigate this new and challenging landscape, we realize you’ve likely had to make difficult decisions for your family about returning to normal activities. Rest assured we are prepared to provide your scholar a welcoming learning environment that meets your family’s needs.
All of these cleaning measures follow recommended safety protocols as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local officials.
As we continue to navigate this new and challenging landscape, we realize you’ve likely had to make difficult decisions for your family about returning to normal activities. Rest assured we are prepared to provide your scholar a welcoming learning environment that meets your family’s needs.
Healthy Coping Strategies During COVID-19
Over the past months you’ve probably found yourself going between a variety of emotions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are a few strategies you can use to process emotions and cope with feelings of anxiety or depression.Continue Reading
Prevention Tips
NHA leaders continue working under the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We recommend following the CDC’s recommendations, to prevent the spread of illness:
- Practicing good hand hygiene, including washing your hands with soap and water for the length of 20 seconds.
- Covering your coughs and sneezes
- Staying home if you are sick.
Helping Children Cope
The amount of change caused by these circumstances can be very overwhelming and difficult for children to understand. Here are a few tips for helping your child understand COVID-19.
- Stick to honest, simple, age-appropriate facts.
- Remain calm and reassuring.
- Encourage germ-fighting at home.
- Monitor your child's social media intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is returning to school actually better for children’s mental and physical health?
We believe the well-being of children comes first and that young people, like adults, learn best when they are happy, safe, calm, and cared for properly. All teachers and staff have received additional training and resources around how to handle both the social and emotional well-being of students during this time.Are teachers and staff being tested for COVID-19 regularly?
All teachers and staff will have access to COVID-19 testing. We are not requiring staff to be tested at this time in alignment with federal and state guidance. We will adjust if that guidance changes.Will the school be offering students plastic face shields or masks?
For schools opening in person or in a hybrid model, NHA will provide cloth masks for students.How do you enforce consistent maintenance of social distancing or consistent awareness of surroundings for younger children?
An important part of school for younger students is learning the routines and procedures that make for a productive learning environment. Our staff is well-experienced at instructing, modeling, and reinforcing routines and procedures with young learners. Social distancing falls into this category, and our teachers will be vigilant to enforcing consistent social distancing practices.Will the entire school go into quarantine if someone at the school (staff or student) tests positive for Coronavirus? How will parents be notified?
The school will close for the local required amount of time, thorough building cleaning will occur and students will immediately shift to remote learning. Parents will be immediately notified via a parent letter in School Messenger.Can I turn in enrollment documents online rather than in-person?
Certain enrollment documents that we normally require to be physically handed in to the school office can now be uploaded online if needed. To find the upload link, please log in to the Parent Portal, select Forms, and click the Submit Paperwork Online link.
For more detailed instructions, take a look at the video below.
NHA Parent Tutorial - How to Upload Documents Online from NHA Schools on Vimeo.