IN-PERSON LEARNINGOUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
Our number one priority will always be the safety and health of our students, faculty, and staff.
Our decision making will always be guided by the latest scientific data and research. We will seek out and listen to feedback from our faculty and students. Students will have the option to continue online lessons for as long as they wish. We are grateful for the support of our community and we're excited to see you in-person when you’re ready! |
|
TIMELINE
We are currently offering in-person group classes and private lessons for all instruments. In-person learning is contingent on the Austin area remaining below Stage 5 of Austin Public Health’s risk-based guidelines.
Students can continue online lessons.
Students will have the option to continue online private lessons and/or group classes for as long as they wish. We are proud of our online program, and will be happy to deliver the same quality online education that you’ve come to expect until you are comfortable enough to return to in-person lessons.
Students can continue online lessons.
Students will have the option to continue online private lessons and/or group classes for as long as they wish. We are proud of our online program, and will be happy to deliver the same quality online education that you’ve come to expect until you are comfortable enough to return to in-person lessons.
HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Our safety protocols are based on CDC guidelines, advice from doctors, best practices of other schools, and feedback from parents, students, and teachers. These protocols may evolve over time as more research becomes available so check back often for the most up-to-date information. Teachers, students, and staff will be notified in advance of any possible changes.
Any teacher offering in-person lessons will be fully vaccinated, and all administrative staff will be fully vaccinated before working in-person.
Many of our students commented that having their teachers vaccinated was an important factor in their comfort returning to in-person lessons. Additionally, over 75% of students stated that they were concerned about potentially spreading Covid-19 to their teachers, so we are grateful for safe and effective vaccines that help our teachers come back to in-person teaching while reducing their risk!
Any teacher offering in-person lessons will be fully vaccinated, and all administrative staff will be fully vaccinated before working in-person.
Many of our students commented that having their teachers vaccinated was an important factor in their comfort returning to in-person lessons. Additionally, over 75% of students stated that they were concerned about potentially spreading Covid-19 to their teachers, so we are grateful for safe and effective vaccines that help our teachers come back to in-person teaching while reducing their risk!
Face masks will be worn by students, teachers, and staff at all times during lessons and in common areas.
While our faculty and staff are fully vaccinated, many of our students are not yet eligible for a vaccine. In addition to this being the guideline set out by the CDC for unvaccinated individuals, over 80% of students and 80% of teachers stated that wearing face masks during lessons was very important in making them feel comfortable returning to in-person lessons.
While our faculty and staff are fully vaccinated, many of our students are not yet eligible for a vaccine. In addition to this being the guideline set out by the CDC for unvaccinated individuals, over 80% of students and 80% of teachers stated that wearing face masks during lessons was very important in making them feel comfortable returning to in-person lessons.
We have installed the Dust Free Active Pure air purification system that works by filtering air and ionized particles through a UV-C light that kills viruses and bacteria.
This same system has been installed in schools, daycare facilities, a dentist office, and an urgent care clinic by our HVAC provider. Test results show this filtration system to be 99.7% effective in the reduction of the SARS-COVID-2 (Covid-19) virus within 20 minutes. For specifics on how this system was tested visit HERE.
This same system has been installed in schools, daycare facilities, a dentist office, and an urgent care clinic by our HVAC provider. Test results show this filtration system to be 99.7% effective in the reduction of the SARS-COVID-2 (Covid-19) virus within 20 minutes. For specifics on how this system was tested visit HERE.
Hand sanitizer will be abundantly available for all students and teachers.Over 75% of students and 70% of teachers stated that hand sanitizer application/general hand hygiene was important in making them feel comfortable returning to in-person lessons.
We will limit the occupancy of the building to below 50% of our normal capacity while Austin is still in Stage 2. In order to ensure this, indoor common areas will be closed and parents will be asked to remain outside during their student’s lesson. Parents may observe their student’s lesson live via Zoom.
While we know that parent observation of the student’s lesson is important for parents, students, and teachers, over 85% of students and over 75% of teachers stated that limiting the number of people inside our buildings was important to them feeling comfortable returning to in-person lessons. We are grateful that we have perfected our systems of providing access to lessons online via Zoom, so that parents may still observe their student’s lesson and interact with their teacher in real time. This option also expands the opportunity for parents or other guardians not present at the location to observe the student’s lesson if they wish.
While we know that parent observation of the student’s lesson is important for parents, students, and teachers, over 85% of students and over 75% of teachers stated that limiting the number of people inside our buildings was important to them feeling comfortable returning to in-person lessons. We are grateful that we have perfected our systems of providing access to lessons online via Zoom, so that parents may still observe their student’s lesson and interact with their teacher in real time. This option also expands the opportunity for parents or other guardians not present at the location to observe the student’s lesson if they wish.
Common areas will be periodically sanitized throughout the day. Staff will be responsible for disinfecting surfaces in common areas throughout the day. This includes door knobs, counters and tabletops, outdoor chairs, and bathroom faucets.
RESPONSE PLANS
In Case of a Surge in Cases
While in-person lessons are offered, Orpheus will closely monitor the risk-based guidelines for the Austin area to ensure that in-person lessons continue to be a safe option for students and teachers. As long as Austin remains below stage 5 we will continue to offer in-person private lessons and group classes. If the Austin area enters Stage 5, in-person private lessons and group classes will be suspended and online lessons will resume until 2 weeks after Austin enters Stage 4. No matter what, we will always communicate with our students in advance of any changes to their schedule.
In Case a Student or Teacher Exhibits Symptoms
Students and parents are expected to perform a daily health check before coming to Orpheus. As part of this daily health check students and parents will ask themselves if they have had any of the following symptoms in the past 24 hours:
- Fever?
- Chills?
- Cough?
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing?
- Fatigue/have been unusually tired?
- Headache?
- Muscle or body aches?
- New loss of taste or smell?
- Sore throat?
- Congestion or runny nose?
- Nausea or vomiting?
- Diarrhea?
- Not feeling well in general?
Similarly, teachers and staff members will be conducting daily health checks and will not be coming to work if they are exhibiting any of the above symptoms. For this reason, a student’s in-person lesson may be rescheduled as an online lesson at any point. They will be contacted in advance if this occurs.
In Case a Student Tests Positive for Covid-19
If a student, or household member of a student, tests positive for Covid-19 we will notify all of the students and teachers who came to the building on that day. All lessons and classes taught by any teacher who had contact with that student will be conducted online for at least two weeks. For this reason, a student’s in-person lesson may be rescheduled as an online lesson at any point. They will be contacted in advance if this occurs.
In Case a Student is Exposed to Covid-19
We ask that any student/parent who has been exposed to Covid-19 stays home and participates in online lessons until the student/parent receives a negative Covid-19 test. You may contact the front desk to arrange an online lesson for that week.
HOW TO SCHEDULE IN-PERSON LESSONS
- Once in-person lessons are available, current students should first discuss the transition with their private teacher.
- Their teacher will then arrange for them to be sent an online in-person lesson agreement form.
- After the parent or student signs the agreement form, our administrative staff will schedule their in-person lessons going forward and send them a confirmation email.
OTHER FAQs
At what point will parents be able to observe their student’s lesson in-person?
Two weeks after Austin enters Stage 1, one parent or guardian will have the option to observe their student’s private lesson in-person, though Zoom observation will still be available. Parent observation of group classes will remain unavailable until further notice.
Since the waiting area will be closed, where will parents and students wait before and/or between lessons?
A covered patio space is available at the NW Austin location. Additionally, parents may choose to wait in their car. As was true before the pandemic, we will not be able to provide childcare for children waiting between lessons. Our outdoor waiting area will not be monitored by a member of the Orpheus staff. For this reason we ask that a parent or guardian is present at all times while students are outdoors.
Will students be able to schedule some online lessons even if they are in-person the majority of the time?
Absolutely! As usual, we only ask that students communicate any schedule changes with the front desk so that we may notify their teacher in advance of the lesson. Many parents and teachers stated that they’ve enjoyed the flexibility of online lessons! So, if a student is feeling under the weather, can’t make their lesson due to commute time, or is traveling while on vacation, they can take their lesson online. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to schedule online make-up lessons!
Where can students submit feedback about this?
We truly value the input of our students! If students have questions, or would like to share feedback, they may email us at [email protected] to schedule a phone appointment with a member of our admin staff.
Two weeks after Austin enters Stage 1, one parent or guardian will have the option to observe their student’s private lesson in-person, though Zoom observation will still be available. Parent observation of group classes will remain unavailable until further notice.
Since the waiting area will be closed, where will parents and students wait before and/or between lessons?
A covered patio space is available at the NW Austin location. Additionally, parents may choose to wait in their car. As was true before the pandemic, we will not be able to provide childcare for children waiting between lessons. Our outdoor waiting area will not be monitored by a member of the Orpheus staff. For this reason we ask that a parent or guardian is present at all times while students are outdoors.
Will students be able to schedule some online lessons even if they are in-person the majority of the time?
Absolutely! As usual, we only ask that students communicate any schedule changes with the front desk so that we may notify their teacher in advance of the lesson. Many parents and teachers stated that they’ve enjoyed the flexibility of online lessons! So, if a student is feeling under the weather, can’t make their lesson due to commute time, or is traveling while on vacation, they can take their lesson online. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to schedule online make-up lessons!
Where can students submit feedback about this?
We truly value the input of our students! If students have questions, or would like to share feedback, they may email us at [email protected] to schedule a phone appointment with a member of our admin staff.
