News & Events
COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Updates 5/24/21 through 7/17/20

Face Covering Update 8/28/2020

Dear Parents,

The School’s Re-Entry Team continues to monitor new information and guidelines with regard to our health policies. The latest scientific evidence questions the efficacy of both neck gaiters and masks with exhalation valves or vents in providing the best practices for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. In an effort to be as protective as possible, these types of face coverings will not be acceptable on campus beginning September 4, 2020. The most current literature suggests that the most effective protection is provided by surgical or cloth face masks with no valve or vent.

We are mindful of the hardships these changes may create for families, but ultimately we must do everything we can to keep our community as safe as possible.

Thank you for understanding the necessity of this policy change. A copy of our complete policy is listed below.
 
Sincerely,
David C. Faus
Head of School

Face Coverings:

Early Childhood Students (WOW and Pre-Kindergarten)
Until further notice, students in WOW and Pre-Kindergarten will be required to wear face coverings at drop-off, pick-up, and any other transition time. When students are seated in their classrooms, a face covering will be encouraged, but not required, if students are physically distant from each other and not working with others in a group. However, the CDC recommends children above the age of two wear face masks at all times while in public settings. When participating in outdoor activities such as recess and Physical Education, if students remain physically distant from each other, face coverings will not be required. Face coverings must be school appropriate and should be worn in accordance with CDC guidelines. 
 
Students in Grades K-12 
Until further notice, students in Grades K-12 will be required to wear face coverings at drop-off, pick-up, during transition time, and while inside the classroom. When participating in outdoor activities such as recess and Physical Education, if students remain physically distant from each other, face coverings will not be required. Face coverings must be school appropriate and should be worn in accordance with CDC guidelines.
 
Faculty and Staff
Until further notice, all faculty and staff will be required to wear face coverings at drop-off, pick-up, during transition time, and while inside the classroom. When participating in outdoor activities such as recess and Physical Education, if faculty can maintain physical distance, face coverings will not be required. 
 
Face Covering Types
Effective September 4, 2020
Cloth or surgical face masks without a valve or vent are the only facial coverings allowed to be worn at school. If a face shield is worn, it must be worn in conjunction with a face mask and may not be worn alone. Neck gaiters and masks with valves or vents are not approved for use on campus. Images or graphics on face coverings must be school appropriate and should not include political statements.


A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
After hours emergency contact:
Leslie Downs/Chief Operating Officer
Ph:  561.657.0075 or 561.747.0585