The Kinkaid administration updated its protocols for COVID-19 on Oct. 7 to return to a more traditional learning environment. 

“As we have begun to open the campus for more activities and welcome families, spectators, audiences, and visitors back to Kinkaid, the health and safety of our community are always at the forefront of my thinking,” Mr. Jonathan Eades, head of school, said in an Oct. 7 email. “We continue to monitor the health data related to COVID-19 daily, consult with Kinkaid’s COVID-19 response task force regularly and publish our dashboard weekly.” 

Beginning on Oct. 12, masks will be optional for Upper School faculty, staff and students. People inside Lower School and Middle School facilities are still required to wear a mask. When Lower School and Middle School students are present in any indoor facility, people must wear masks. 

Masks are also required in all hallways and indoor areas, except during teacher-led Upper School classes. They must be worn at Upper School assemblies, which will return to full capacity with attendance limited to Upper School faculty, staff and students. 

“Students, faculty, and staff who choose to wear a mask at any time will be respected,” Mr. Eades said.

Additional changes:

• Indoor performing arts and athletic events will return to full capacity with masking required for audiences and spectators. 
• Students engaged in active-play and active-performance are not required to wear a mask. 
• All visitors to campus, including parents, other community members and vendors will continue to be required to wear a mask indoors in all facilities. 
• Masks will be optional for faculty and staff in their offices and department areas when no Lower School or Middle School students are present. 

Food service protocols remain unchanged at this time. 

The next protocol update will be issued by Mr. Eades after Thanksgiving break.