Community Updates

Last updated August 19, 2023

Dear HIS Families,

Welcome to the 2023-24 school year at Hangzhou International School (HIS). The New HIS campus is ready to receive over 900 students in just a few days. Our school first opened its doors in 2002 and since that time has experienced phenomenal success. On the first day of school, August 30, we celebrate our 21^st birthday, and enter our 22^nd year in Hangzhou. A dynamic international community of teachers, students and parents, great facilities and resources, and a holistic approach to teaching has propelled us to the forefront of education in Hangzhou. As the only internationally accredited WASC and fully authorized 3-program IB World school in Zhejiang Province, HIS is proud to be offering its unique and outstanding opportunities for the international community of Hangzhou. Once again, welcome to a new school year at HIS!

HIS is and always has been a community-centered school, and through our growth and change, we have kept this core identity in ensuring our students have a caring and safe environment to learn a very challenging and rigorous curriculum. The HIS Board of Directors recognizes this unique schooling environment within the school mission statement:

HIS Mission Statement

We provide international learners with opportunities

to pursue academic and personal excellence

within a caring community.

The HIS learning environment has a unique combination of internationalism, strong academics, varied arts and activities, caring atmosphere, and personalized approach that make us successful.

Our key schoolwide learning outcomes are known as the General Learning Targets (GLTs). GLTs are what we want ALL students to know and be able to do.

HIS General Learning Targets

A Solid Foundation of Knowledge

Effective Communication

High-Level Thinking

Positive Behaviors and Approaches to Learning

International Mindedness and Community Appreciation

New Administration and Faculty

We are pleased to announce the creation of a new administrative position and the promotion of Dr. Aaron Ayers as Deputy Superintendent of School with main responsibilities in the areas of student support services, educational technology, accreditation, and innovation, in addition to help the Superintendent of Schools with other macrolevels of school supervision. Joining our schoolwide administration will be Ms. Lily Wu, who will serve as our Director of Finance. We are also very appreciative to have an experienced Marketing Manager, Ms. Chantelle Nguyen, joining the Admissions & School-Community Relations department. Joining the Lower School Administration, we are grateful to have Ms. Jessica Johnson as our new Vice-Principal & PYP Coordinator, and Dr. Rene Smal as our new Vice-Principal & ECE Coordinator. We have an additional 38 full-time professional faculty joining us for the 2023-24 school year, with additional expertise in the areas of educational technology, robotics, programming, student support, design technology, music/choir, and dance.

New HIS Campus Capital Projects

In addition to annual maintenance and facility updates, over the summer we made significant improvement to the Lower School playgrounds, added a beautiful dance studio, improve the acoustics in the ECE gym, ECE and Main campus cafeterias, and the upper school Design and Visual Arts spaces. We also added some common seating areas to our Main Campus entrances in anticipation of greater parent access to support schooling within HIS grounds.

HIS First Member School of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN)

HIS is the first Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) member school in the world. Safe Passage membership is a process that ensures we meet the highest standards in providing support for families in transition. This includes support for new families, long-time community members, leaving families, and families who have already left HIS.

Open House and New Family Orientation

New Family Orientation will be conducted on the morning of Tuesday morning, August 22. At 1:00pm that afternoon, the campus will be open to all HIS families to visit. The first semester and first day of school officially begins on Wednesday morning, August 23, 2023, our 21^st Birthday.

Below, I would like to introduce you to our administrative team for the 2023-24 academic year. I would like to welcome Ms. Johnson as our new Lower School Vice-Principal & PYP Coordinator, Mrs. Smal as our new Lower School Vice-Principal & ECE Coordinator, and Chantelle Nguyen as our new Marketing Manager. I am very pleased to be working with such an outstanding group of educators who bring both experience and energy to our school.

Name	Position	Email Address	Ext.
Mr. Jeffry Stubbs	Superintendent of School	jeffrystubbs@hisdragons.org.cn	0120
Dr. Aaron Ayers	Deputy Superintendent of School	aaronsyers@hisdragons.org.cn	0175
Mr. Fursey Gotuaco	Upper School Principal	furseygotuaco@hisdragons.org.cn	0123
Dr. Monica Prieto	Upper School Vice-Principal & DP Coordinator	monicaprieto@hisdragons.org.cn	0172
Mr. Liam O’Shea	Upper School Vice-Principal & MYP Coordinator	liamoshea@hisdragons.org.cn	0122
Ms. Lynn Pendleton	Lower School Principal	lynnpendleton@hisdragons.org.cn	0118
Ms. Jessica Johnson	Lower School Vice-Principal (Curriculum) & PYP Coordinator	jessicajohnson@hisdragons.org.cn	0119
Dr. Rene Smal	Lower School Vice-Principal (Curriculum) & ECE Coordinator	renesmal@hisdragons.org.cn	0128
Mr. Danie de Beer	Director of Technology	daniedebeer@hisdragons.org.cn	0164
Mr. Filipe Nogueira	Director of Athletics and Activities	filipenogueira@hisdragons.org.cn	0111
Ms. Andrea Stubbs	Director of Admissions & Community Relations	andreastubbs@hisdragons.org.cn	0124
Ms. Chantelle Nguyen	Marketing Manager	chantellenguyen@hisdragons.org.cn	0106

In addition to our New Family Orientation/Open House events, you will be receiving more specific details from your child(ren)’s Principals and classroom teachers/grade level advisors through about the start of 2023-24 school year. The information that follows is meant to assist you with the start of the academic year:

Success at HIS is Based on a Foundation of Quality Relationships

The success of Hangzhou International school has been built upon the strong, quality relationships formed within our school community. Time and time again, new families have come to our school because of positive referrals from returning families. Ultimately, our hope is that your child’s time at HIS will be the best schooling experience they will have in their lifetime, and that your family’s time in our school community will be a memorable one. We look forward to your active involvement in your child’s education.

Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) Meeting

The first meeting for the Parents and Friends Association of HIS will be held shortly after the start of the year. Further information about Parents and Friends Association (PAFA) and plans for the school 2023-24 school year will be sent out soon.

School Uniforms

All students are required to wear a school uniform. One uniform/PE set is included in the tuition and can be collected in the Dragon Shop (uniform store). Additional uniform items and dragon spirit merchandise may be purchased in the Dragon Shop located at the entrance to the Main Campus. The Dragon Shop will be open to parents from 8:15am – 4:00pm to parents during the school year (students will be able to access the store earlier).

HIS ID Cards

VERY IMPORTANT: All adults are required to wear ID Cards and students wear uniforms while on campus for child safeguarding purposes. Upper School students are also required to present their ID cards when checking out materials, presenting or using library resources. Parents wishing to avoid the check-in/sign-in procedures at our school gates will need to present an HIS Parent ID card and always wear it while on campus.

Please review the information on the website to submit your photo to the secretary for ID card generation. HIS ID card information

We are also happy to arrange for a photo to be taken quickly at the HIS reception. We greatly appreciate your respect and support of our security measures as we work to ensure the safest possible learning environment for your children.

HIS Policies and Guidelines

Important information as relating to school policy or day-to-day operation can be found on the website at: https://www.his-china.org/inform/school-policies-and-procedures

COVID Regulations and Campus Entry

As of August 18, there are no special regulations regarding COVID for entry to the campus. The school will continue to sanitize learning spaces and furniture and provide hand sanitizer at all entrances and throughout the campus interiors. HIS community members (students, faculty, and parents) are encouraged to stay home when having symptoms of any highly contagious disease. Parents and visitors with an appointment may enter the campus by checking in at the entry guard stations. Guards will issue child safeguarding information and issue a temporary ID card to always wear. In addition, parents will be allowed to escort their ECE children (Grades Early Years through Kindergarten) from 7:45-8:15am at the ECE Campus only.

School Transportation

If you have contracted school bus transportation, please make sure we have your current address and contact details, and you have received confirmation of your child's bus number and schedule. Any questions regarding bus transport should be sent to the Transportation Assistant, Ms. Tracy Zhu (tracyzhu@hisdragons.org.cn).

Food Service

A weekly menu, along with nutritional information, can be found under the ‘INFORM’ link of the school website https://www.his-china.org/inform/lunch-menu under the subheading ‘Lunch Menu’. Please inform your child’s teacher if he or she has any special dietary needs.

Drop Off in the Mornings:

Please follow instructions as presented by HIS staff with respect to dropping off or picking up your child. Also, please be conscious not to drive or park in any manner that jeopardizes the safety of anyone in the proximity of the school. If you arrange for a carpool or driver to take your child(ren) to school, please make sure to arrange for the students to be safely escorted to the entrance gate.

Students in Grades 1-12 should be brought to the Main Campus gate by 7:55am. Parents with appointments, uniform shopping needs, or invitation for an event, may enter the main campus with their ID badges AFTER 8:15am.

Parents/guardians/older siblings of students in Grades EY-K ONLY may enter the ECE Campus gate to escort ECE students to their classroom between 7:45-8:15am but will need to escort their ECE student to the ECE entrance gate only if arriving after 8:15am. Classroom instruction begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm for all grades.

ID’s, Pets, and Smoking:

For the safety of all members of the HIS community, the HIS campus requires all adults to wear an ID badge. Also, HIS does not allow pets or smoking anywhere within the interior and exterior spaces on school grounds at any time and all days of the year.

Communication is the Key to Success

At HIS, we know one of the strong points of a great school is effective, quality communication between the school and home. Indeed, Effective Communication is a critical area of focus at HIS and is one of our General Learning Targets (GLT’s). School to home communication is carried out at HIS in a variety of ways, including those outlined below:

Type of

Communication

Frequency

Content

Web Presence

Accessible Anytime and Anywhere

www.his-china.org: A place where current and prospective families can obtain important information about HIS, including our general and full activity calendars, daily school announcements, teacher web pages, lunch menu, and much more. The website also has a password protected access to school portals that allow current parents to access reports, ongoing assessment information, ASA sign-ups, attendance, schedules, library material check-out, etc.

Principal's

Bulletins

Weekly

Information of a time sensitive nature and weekly updates on several topics. Posted as email and on school website:

https://www.his-china.org/inform/news

HIS Superintendent of School Letters

Quarterly and

As Needed

Announcements that pertain to all members of the HIS community

DragonNews

Quarterly - Email link (hard copies available in the reception area)

An important mode of communication regarding general topic areas. Includes the following:

Program Features and Showcases Classroom and Student Sections Articles from HIS Faculty Activities Updates

· https://www.his-china.org/inform/news

· Latest Edition: Summer 2023

Back to School Nights

The Lower School ECE Grades EY-K Back to School Night will be held August 29, Lower School Elementary Grades 1-5 Back to School Night will be held August 30, and Upper School Grades 6-12 Back to School Night will be held on August 31. These evenings are designed to allow teachers to introduce themselves to their students’ parents and to share information about grade level or subject learning expectations. Further information will be sent to you by the division Principals.

In closing, I hope that this information is helpful in answering any questions as we launch the new school year. There will be more specific information communicated by division Principals and the Transportation and Admissions offices. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any administrator. Again, Welcome Back to our 22^nd school year and GoooOOO Dragons!!!

Warm Regards,

Jeffry R. Stubbs, HIS Superintendent

Last updated August 10, 2021

Please find below all relevant updates as well as responses to questions regarding impacts on the Hangzhou International School community from the novel Coronavirus event.

We are closely monitoring the ongoing developments of the current novel coronavirus outbreak and are in routine communication with all relevant government agencies, including the Hanghzou Education Bureau and the Center for Disease Control, in addition to our colleagues at international schools around Hangzhou and across China.

Please know that our leadership team is working meticulously to plan for the health and safety of our community, and we will continue to communicate critical updates and information transparently to our parent community. We pledge our continued effort to gather information and provide more detailed information to all of you as soon as we are able. As such, we ask you to regularly come back to this page.

Thank you for your continued understanding, patience, and your effort toward all that remains ahead.

Reopening Guidelines

We are working to outline and communicate all of the necessary steps we will take to ensure the safety of our students and compliance with any government requirements. Links below outline current government expectations as well as planned HIS guidelines.

OVERVIEW OF HIS COVID-19 RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDELINES

Throughout this document reference is made to "fever" and/or "COVID-19 symptoms." In accordance with Chinese regulations, a "fever" is a body temperature ≥ 37.3 degrees Celsius. "COVID-19 symptoms," other than fever, include persistent dry cough, diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include fatigue, sore throat, body aches, upset stomach or nausea.

HEALTH DECLARATION:

BEFORE RETURNING TO SCHOOL

Parents will be required to complete and submit an online declaration for each child before the student is permitted to return to school. A link to the declaration will be emailed to parents prior to the campus re-opening date, and will outline a series of necessary criteria, including:

All family members residing in Hangzhou will complete a minimum period of 14 days formal quarantine (or as required) in accordance with government regulations, and adults will have secured Hangzhou Green Health Codes and a Green Travel History Code.
No member of the household will currently be sick or will have recently displayed symptoms that might reasonably be considered to indicate the possibility of having contracted COVID-19, as indicated by the symptoms listed above.
Parents must check their children's temperatures each school night and morning before students leave for school, and if they have a fever they must be kept home from school. In the absence of other COVID-19 symptoms students must stay at home until they are fever-free for a minimum period of 48 hours without taking fever reducing medication. For students who are fever-free but have experienced repeated diarrhea and/or vomiting must stay home until symptom-free for 72 hours.
A fever that presents together with one or more other COVID-19 symptoms requires that the student must seek medical attention at a fever clinic. A medical clearance must be provided in order that the student be permitted to return to school.
Parents must immediately inform the school if one of their children shows symptoms of influenza so that other students can be monitored accordingly.
Students must be kept at home if any other member of the family presents COVID-19 symptoms.
Any confirmed fever (≥ 37.3 degrees) accompanied by other COVID-19 symptoms identified at school will result in the student being sent to fever clinic accompanied by a parent and requiring a medical clearance before returning. By Provincial regulation, the school is obliged to report all such observations to the relevant authorities. When in doubt parents are therefore strongly advised to keep unwell children at home so as to avoid this possibility.
Students must wear face mask/covering when entering/leaving campus and during transitions. Students are encouraged to use face mask/covering at all times, but teachers have discretion to allow students to remove mask/covering for certain learning activities and if proper ventilation requirements are met. (note: mask guidelines may change based on threat level)
Teachers must wear face mask/covering at all times, except when alone and not in the presence of students. (note: mask/covering guidelines may change based on threat level)
Students must follow all general health and hygiene guidelines stipulated by the school, including physical distancing and frequent hand washing/sanitizing.
A recent travel history must be provided for each child:

· Location of the last overseas port before entering China.

· Date of most recent arrival in China from an overseas port.

· Date of most recent arrival in Hangzhou.

· Date(s) and location(s) of most recent travel within China.

SCHOOL BUS PROTOCOLS

In order to maintain a safe and healthy environment while on the school bus, the following protocols must be followed:

The bus driver and bus monitor (ayi) must:

Be free of a fever and/or COVID-19 symptoms and must wear face mask/covering and gloves at all times
Communicate Green Health Code to school and bus company prior to morning pick-up
Clean and disinfect the bus in the morning and afternoon before pick-up and after drop-off
Keep the bus windows open for proper ventilation, weather permitting
Check student Green Health Code, temperatures and issue hand sanitizer

Students must:

Line up at the bus stop, keeping a distance of 1 meter between each student
Wear a face mask/covering at all times before, during and after the bus ride
Show their Green Health Code or that of their parent/guardian
Have an infrared thermometer temperature reading of < 37.3 degrees (those with temperatures twice measured ≥ 37.3 degrees will not be permitted to board the bus)
Students not permitted to board the bus may be brought to school by parents for an ear canal or under arm temperature reading
Sanitize their hands before entering the bus
Sit in designated seat with physical distancing taken into consideration and family members seated together.
Disembark the bus upon arrival and proceed immediately to morning classroom.

GENERAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE PROTOCOLS

Many of the following health and hygiene habits represent best practices even in normal times but they are especially important during times in which we work together to control the spread of disease, including the COVID-19. As a way to emphasize the importance of complying with these expectations and for ease of reference, we have compiled the essential expectations below. As the situation stabilizes, we may be able to relax some of these protocols, such as physical distancing and wearing face masks/coverings, but until then we ask that everyone in the school community adhere to these expectations.

Hand Washing: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds using the 7-step method as often as possible, but always:

After using the toilet
Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Before and after eating
After sneezing or coughing or using a tissue
After contact with garbage or a high exposure area such as a door handle, bannister, elevator buttons
After touching shoes
After touching an animal
Before leaving for school and as soon as you get home from school
Between classes
When hands are dirty

Students and adults alike are asked to pay attention to the following guidelines:

Come to school with at least two protective masks per day.
Do not share food or drinks – always have a personal water bottle that you clean thoroughly each day with soap and water.
Use disposable alcohol wipes to clean your cell phones and laptops.
Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow or a tissue if you need to cough or sneeze.
Tissues and masks should be disposed of properly. Masks should be disposed of in the yellow waste bins.
No spitting within the school building or grounds.
As much as possible, always maintain a distance of 1 meter between you and the people around you.

ENTERING THE CAMPUS

A. All Day Registration Protocol

Employees (including approved third-party providers)

Entry to the campus will be permitted for those showing a Hangzhou Green Health Code and with digital forehead temperature readings below 37.3 degrees. All adults must register with an Alipay or WeChat QR code.
Any employee with temperature reading 37.3 degree or above on two different temperature reading devices will be checked again at the gate by the School Nurse using an ear canal thermometer.
Employees holders must follow standard registration, wear a face mask/covering, and sanitize hands before entering the campus.
Employees entering by vehicles or foot do not follow the student health check lanes, but approach the guard nearest the guard house and proceed to show green code and receive temperature reading.
No employee cars are permitted to enter the campus after 7:30am.
Late-arriving or part-time employees entering the campus after the back gate is closed (8:15am) or front gate is closed (8:30am) need to enter and register at the front gate where the guard will check Green Health Code and take the temperature.

Students

Students are checked at either the front or back gate entrance between 7:30am and 8:15am based on the staggered entry times.
Student entry lanes are established with one-meter physical distancing markers. Students and parents should avoid creating congestion of space while waiting to enter lanes.
Students must show the guard their personal Green Health Code or that of their parent or guardian. Then, the student proceeds alone into the entry lanes to have their temperature checked and sanitize their hands.
If a student registers measure of 37.3 degrees or higher on two different temperature reading devices at either gate, the school nurse will escort the student to the nearest Isolation Tent for further evaluation.
Once in the isolation tent, those with an ear canal temperature reading below 37.8 may proceed to class/work. If the ear canal temperature is 37.8 degrees or higher, a mercury-in-glass thermometer will be used to measure temperature under arm. If this measure is under 37.3 degrees twice in 10 mins, student may go back to class.
Any person with a mercury-in-glass temperature reading 37.3 degrees or higher, but below 38 degrees and not exhibiting other COVID-19 symptoms shall remain in the Isolation Tent for monitoring, including an additional check after 30 minutes.
Students who return to classes from Isolation Tent will be given a GREEN CARD to show their teachers indicating that they have been cleared by a School Nurse.
If a third mercury-in-glass thermometer check after one hour in the Isolation Tent still indicates a temperature of 37.3 or higher, they will be issued an N95 mask and held under observation until such time that their parents can be contacted (for students). Parents shall be responsible for arranging transportation to a fever clinic.
After the back gate has closed (8:15am), all students should enter through the front gate and proceed with check in protocols.
Late students arriving after the student entry lanes and all gates have been closed should check in with the front gate guard office. The guard will check Green Health Code, take temperature, request sign in registration, and escort the student to the front office or be met at the gate by a campus administrator.

Gate	Grade Level	Arrival Time	Exit Time
Buses	All	by 8:00am	3:15pm
Front Gate	Grades 2-12	by 8:00am	3:00pm
Back Gate	Grades 2-12	by 8:00am	3:00pm
Front Gate	Grades EY-1	by 8:15am	3:15pm

Visitors (including Parents)

Visitors are not permitted to enter the campus unless otherwise formally approved by a member of the school's Senior Administration and by appointment only. Campus access shall only be permitted via the Front Gate.
Visitors approved entry must show a Hangzhou Green Health Code, register their QR code, and have a temperature check that indicates a reading below 37.3 degrees (administered by school guard).
Visitors must undergo the standard sign-in registration protocols.
Visitors will be escorted by a guard to the front desk or be met at the front gate by the approving Senior Administrator or his/her designee.

DURING THE SCHOOL DAY PROTOCOLS

Students are checked a second time in homerooms/advisory between 8:00am and 8:30am with temperature readings formally recorded.
Any person with a temperature reading twice of 37.3 or higher on different devices will be immediately escorted to the nearest Isolation Tent for an ear canal check. Those with an ear canal temperature reading below 37.8 may proceed to class/work.
Any person with an ear canal temperature reading 37.8 or above will receive a further check using a mercury-in-glass thermometer. Persons with mercury-in-glass thermometer readings twice below 37.3 in 10 minutes may proceed to class/work.
Any person with a mercury-in-glass temperature reading 37.3 degrees or higher, but not exhibiting other COVID-19 symptoms shall remain in the Isolation Tent for monitoring, including an additional check after 30 minutes.
Students who return to classes from Isolation Tent will be given a GREEN CARD to show their teachers indicating that they have been cleared by a School Nurse.
If a third check after one hour in the Isolation Tent still indicates a temperature of 37.3 or higher, they will be issued an N95 mask and held under observation until such time that their parents can be contacted (for students). Parents shall be responsible for arranging transportation to a medical facility.
Any person with a repeated temperature reading 37.3 or above, or with an initial reading of 37.3 degrees or higher and presenting with persistent COVID-19 symptoms shall be escorted immediately to the nearest Isolation Tent, where they will be issued an N95 mask and held under observation until such time that their parents can be contacted (for students), and transportation to a medical facility arranged if mercury-in-glass thermometer readings remain 37.3 or higher over 10 mins or persistent vomiting or diarrhea is indicated.
All medical data and treatment decisions shall be formally recorded and reported to relevant school personnel (e.g., Director, Principals, Office Secretaries, and relevant Teachers) and required government authorities.

Pre-Lunch/Afternoon Protocol

Lower and Upper School students will complete a pre-lunch temperature check, which will be recorded before students go to the cafeteria.
Temperature Re-checks: Morning re-check protocols apply to any person with a temperature reading on two devices 37.3 or higher during the afternoon, with rechecks administered in Isolation Tent.

Procedure for high temperature and symptoms during school hours

An administrator should be contacted if a student has persistent COVID-19 symptoms or a temperature 37.3 degrees or higher measured on two devices during school hours.
The administrator escorts the student(s) to nearest Isolation Tent and transfers the student to a school nurse.
Standard temperature and health checking protocols from morning registration shall apply.
If the student is identified by the nurse as being a concern, the parents of the student will be contacted to escort the child to a fever clinic.
Students who were in the class with the affected classmate, will be segregated by remaining in place or brought into an Isolation Classroom for further temperature checks and the previous classroom of concern will be completely disinfected. Other classrooms and locations that the affected student is known to have been will also be disinfected.
Those students will remain in isolation for the rest of the day, with hourly monitoring, until a medical clearance is issued for the initial student of concern.
The school office will inform parents of those students affected and update them of any changes in conditions.

Other Symptoms

Irrespective of temperature check readings, any person presenting COVID-19 symptoms shall be directed to the nearest Isolation Tent for further examination by the school nurse.

GENERAL CLASSROOM AND CLEANING PROTOCOLS

Classrooms

Face masks are currently not required once on the HIS campus but are required at entrance/exit transitions (arrival and departure).

School cleaners will thoroughly clean and disinfect all classrooms and classroom surfaces each morning and afternoon, and common spaces and surfaces (including door handles and railings) repeatedly throughout the day. Toilets and bathrooms will be cleaned hourly.

PE Class/Athletics Protocols

Given the physical nature of PE classes, teachers will use their discretion when determining if students should remove their optional face mask/covering depending on the level of aerobic or anaerobic activity.

Recess

In addition to short breaks and passing times, students should wear their face mask/covering during recess, unless a supervised activity utilizing physical distancing and proper ventilation is established.

Library

The library is open for classroom activities and general browsing. Parents may request library book via the online Destiny system. Classrooms may book a time slot to bring a classroom group to browse for books. All books will be disinfected upon return in accordance with government guidelines.

LUNCH AND CAFETERIA PROTOCOLS

All students and faculty/staff members must have their temperature checked prior to lunch. Procedure for fevers and COVID-19 symptoms during school hours shall apply. Students without fevers and/or COVID-19 symptoms will adhere to the following protocols:

At the assigned daily lunch time, students will be escorted from homerooms to the cafeteria (following hand washing/sanitizing). The Cafe shall be closed to students.
Students shall wear a face mask/covering and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter between each other as they make their way into the cafeteria, in line at hand cleansing stations, and in one of three lines for the food service.
Students will eat in available seating. Current capacity is 186 persons with plastic dividers.
Upper School students and faculty/staff may eat outside, weather permitting, but should not sit directly opposite another (ie. maximum staggered seating of 3 on a 4-seated picnic table) and maintain 1-meter distancing.
Students may not share food or utensils.
Cafeteria staff will issue students with a tray and utensils that have been sanitized
Only the cafeteria staff will serve food, drink, or any consumable items.
Students may not go for additional helpings in the serving lines, except for the pre-packaged sandwich and fruit bar

Lunch Schedule Sample (to be updated for 2021-22 school year)

1K	11:10am
KE-KP	11:15am
G1	11:30am
G6-8	11:55am (inside or outside)
G9-12	12:10pm (inside or outside)
G3	12:25pm
G2	12:40pm
G4	1:05pm
G5	1:15pm

DISMISSAL PROTOCOLS

At the end of the school day:

Students may not congregate together or loiter in common areas, such as the pavilions or Library, and may not remain to play in the school grounds.
Students taking a school bus must move immediately to their designated bus station. Students must sanitize their hands before boarding school buses.
Teachers/assistants will escort young students to designated buses, or to assigned pick-up location for parents, ayis, or private drivers.
Currently Co-curricular Activities (CCAs) are planned for the 2021-22 school year.
Students identified for targeted assistance or student support should be issued an afterschool pass.

Reopening Documents and Videos

HIS Re-entering Campus Parent Notice (English and 中文版) - Download PDF

Travel History Code for School Attendance (English) - Download PDF

Travel History Code for School Attendance (中文版) - Download PDF

State of Hangzhou International School (English and 中文版 ) - Download PDF

Overview of HIS COVID-19 Return to School Guidelines (English) - Download PDF

A Diagram of School Entry to HIS (English) - Download PDF

Government Standards Set for Coronavirus (English) - Download PDF

Prevention Measures for Kindergarten (中文版 ) - Download PDF

Prevention Measures for Secondary School (中文版 ) - Download PDF

(Posted April 10) Training for Return to Campus

Download PDF

(Posted April 10) Upper School Return to Campus Information

Download PDF

(Posted April 14) Lower School Return to Campus Information

Download PDF

(Posted April 13) Return to Campus After COVID-19

(Posted April 18) Return to Campus After COVID-19 Sequel

Community Updates

Regarding Campus Closure During the Coronavirus Outbreak 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families August 11, 2021 (Most Recent)

DOS Letter to HIS Families May 04, 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families April 21 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families April 17, 2020

DOS Campus Reopening Update April 13

DOS Letter to HIS Families April 09, 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families April 03, 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families March 26, 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families March 19, 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families March 12, 2020

DOS Letter to HIS Families Mar 5

DOS Letter to HIS Families Feb 27

DOS Letter to HIS Families Feb 20

DOS Notice of Campus Closure through March 08

DOS Update: HIS Campus Closed during All February

DOS Update: HIS Campus Closed through February 16

DOS Notice of HIS Campus Closure February 3-7

DOS Letter Re: Flu Jan 2020

Government Requirements

(Posted Mar. 5) Family Travel Update
As required by the Hangzhou Education Bureau, HIS has been tasked with getting 100% submission from all HIS families regarding their travel plans during this time. Most of you have already submitted your information to our Travel Itinerary Survey which was sent via email. If you have not completed this survey or if your travel plans change, we request that you answer this survey again.

(Posted Apr. 9) Notice of Campus Reopening: Beginning April 13
HIS received notice from the Zhejiang Provincial Education Bureau, confirmed by the Hangzhou Education Bureau, and inspection by the Binjiang Education Bureau, in order to begin reopening of campus on April 13. The school will phase in certain grade levels on staggered start dates and times. Other grade levels will be announced soon. E-learning will continue until each grade level is allowed to return to campus. For families who were unable to get back to China prior to the border closing, please contact your child's Principal for further assistance and possible support in completing the academic year.

(Posted Apr. 9) What is the procedure for people returning to Hangzhou?
While these situations are fluid, those returning from outside of China or any “affected areas” within China should expect to do a full 14-day quarantine in a quarantine hotel or at home. The decision is in the hands of the authorities. Those who show symptoms or are sick must follow medical protocols and report to the designated hospitals.

E-learning

(Posted Mar. 5) What is the goal of virtual learning at HIS?
HIS campuses will be closed to parents, students, and faculty. The goal of E-learning is to best ensure continuity of learning and a sense of community and connection during the school’s closure.

(Posted Mar. 5) How will I (and my child) receive work?
HIS will use our existing online learning platforms as the primary points of communication.

Lower School Families: WeChat, ManageBac, Microsoft Teams (Grades 4 & 5)
Upper School Families: ManageBac, Microsoft Teams
Additionally, individual teachers may choose to utilize other platforms to extend student learning

(Posted Mar. 5) When will work be posted?
You can expect that your child’s first learning tasks will be posted online on Monday, February 3rd.

(Posted Mar. 5) Are these real school days? What is expected?
Yes. E-learning school days will require dedication and hard work by both students and teachers. Attendance will be taken through each child’s continued progress within the online class environment. We appreciate you supporting your child’s effort in this regard. Similar to a traditional school day, your child will have an age-appropriate amount of work to complete each day with clear due dates, lessons, instructions, feedback, and grades.

(Posted Mar. 5) Are teachers still available for support and additional explanation?
Yes. Each teacher will be available during scheduled hours each day between 8:00 – 3:00 (Hangzhou time). Principals will share more information in their communication tomorrow regarding schedules. Additionally, teachers may have some optional times available after 3:00 as well.

(Posted Mar. 5) Who can I contact if I have questions?
We remain committed to supporting you. Much like a regular school day, if you have questions regarding your technology, contact our tech support staff. Contact information is shared below. If you have a question about your child’s homework, you or your child should contact the teacher. If you have questions of a general nature they are best addressed to the division Principal.

(Posted Mar. 5) How can I support my child’s learning during this time?

Ensure that your child has access to technology: high-quality internet, access to a computer and an appropriate space for school-related work.

If parents/students do not have (regular) access to a computer/internet, we ask parents to take a proactive approach and notify the school 48 hours in advance.
If you or your child have any technical problems, reach out to our HIS Tech Support Team technology@his-china.org .

Establish realistic expectations and school-like routines: Your child may view this as a vacation. If so, this may become a frustrating experience as they fall behind academically and view schoolwork as an “extra”. While there will be more flexibility within the day, it is still very much a school day with expectations for engaging in learning. For health and academic reasons, ensure appropriate sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

Preview frustrations and celebrate growth: The next few weeks will have challenges. Technology may fall short on speed and connectivity; assignments may become lost or need further clarification to understand what is expected. E-learning will require more self-regulation; please help your child(ren) plan ahead. Throughout it, all help your child(ren) view this period with a growth mindset. There will be lots of learning (and not all of it will be within the virtual classroom). Be open to that with your child. Give them time to reflect, express their feelings, and grow.

Virus Information & Preventative Measures

(Posted Mar. 5) Are children more susceptible to the virus that causes COVID-19 compared with the general population and how can infection be prevented? Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

No, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported from China have occurred in adults. Infections in children have been reported, including in very young children. From limited information published from past Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) outbreaks, infection among children was relatively uncommon.

For information on risk, please see the current risk assessment. Children should engage in usual preventive actions to avoid infection, including cleaning hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding people who are sick, and staying up to date on vaccinations, including influenza vaccine. Additional information on prevention measures can be found here (Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus).

(Posted Mar. 5) Does the clinical presentation of COVID-19 differ in children compared with adults? Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

Limited reports of children with COVID-19 in China have described cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) have been reported in at least one child with COVID-19. These limited reports suggest that children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms, and though severe complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock) have been reported, they appear to be uncommon. See more information on CDC Clinical Guidance for COVID-19.

(Posted Mar. 5) Are children at increased risk for severe illness, morbidity, or mortality from COVID-19 infection compared with adults? Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

There have been very few reports of the clinical outcomes for children with COVID-19 to date. Limited reports from China suggest that children with confirmed COVID-19 may present with mild symptoms and though severe complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock) have been reported, they appear to be uncommon. However, as with other respiratory illnesses, certain populations of children may be at increased risk of severe infection, such as children with underlying health conditions.

(Posted Mar. 5) Are there any treatments available for children with COVID-19? Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

There are currently no antiviral drugs recommended or licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for COVID-19. Clinical management includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings and supportive management of complications. See more information on CDC Clinical Guidance for COVID-19.

Children and their family members should engage in usual preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including covering coughs, cleaning hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and staying up to date on vaccinations, including influenza. Additional information on prevention measures can be found here (Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus).

(Posted Mar. 5) Where can I find out more information about the virus?
Community members are encouraged to follow the tips and advice provided by the following organizations:

You can monitor the US CDC’s current health situation threat levels at this website.

(Posted Mar. 5) What preventive measures can we take to reduce the risk of infection?

Avoid contact with live animals including poultry and birds, and consumption of raw and undercooked meats.
Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or showing symptoms of illnesses.
Observe good personal hygiene.
Practice frequent hand-washing with soap.
Wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose.
Cover your mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately.
Seek medical attention promptly if you are feeling unwell.

Social & Emotional Support

Surviving & Thriving During COVID-19

Living and working in China has presented challenges for many HIS families during the current CoVid19 outbreak. The following resources and information are designed to help you navigate these challenges so that you can survive and, even thrive during the CoVid19 outbreak by providing you resources and information for your mental/emotional health and the mental/emotional health of your family.

Directions for Downloading HealthCode to Home Screen on Phone

Managing Anxiety in the Current Reality of the CoVid19 Outbreak

Managing Anxiety in the Current Reality of the CoVid19 Outbreak
Adapted from a resource created by Holly Poppell, Dulwich College-Suzhou 2020

Be a smart consumer of information related to the CoVid19 outbreak
Some important ways to maintain perspective about this CoVid19 outbreak are to limit your exposure to media about the outbreak and to filter good information from bad.

This article provides a historical perspective about outbreaks and emphasizes facts we currently understand about the CoVid19 outbreak

Communicating risk in an epidemic: A personal perspective

Additionally, stick to reputable sources when looking online for updates about the virus and outbreak.

World Health Organization
John Hopkins University
National Health Service (UK)
Public Health Agency of Canada
Center for Disease Control (US)
“Expat Focus” Official WeChat Account (follow the account, and send the message “Virus” for the latest information on the outbreak)

Maintaining Work/Life Balance During a Quarantine

Why is it important to quarantine?

TIME article about how quarantine is helping stop the spread of COVID-19

Having Fun at Home:

Working Out at Home:

Mindfulness:

Helping Children During Quarantine
If you have children at home, a quarantine can be especially challenging. Not only do you, as a parent, care for basic needs (food, care, sleep routines) you may also have to become a playmate, teacher, and counselor for your child. These articles can give you some ideas about how to help your children during a quarantine:

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