Current Agape Statement Regarding Covid19 and Variants

(July 2022)

Agape has continued in working diligently to stay abreast of the Covid19 pandemic and its variants. As of July 2022, the board recognizes that US officials acknowledge that Covid19 is no longer an acute emergency. We also understand that the virus is unpredictable and that we will need to continue to keep monitoring Covid19 and variants within our community. 

Agape will continue with the following practices.

1. We ask that all families participating in Agape Co-op be wise when attending classes and events. By this, we ask that you do not participate in classes if you (or your child) is sick, running a fever, or has been in close contact with someone else who has a contagious sickness. 

2. Agape will continue to have a Zoom account. Teachers can discuss using this if need be.

3. Masks - the CDC recommends that people wear a mask in various situations. However, right now, it is not mandated by the state, the Harrisburg Diocese, or by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (StEAS). Therefore, Agape will defer to families to make their own decisions about mask-wearing. Please communicate that within your own family and instruct your children to wear a mask.  We ask that all members respect the choices of others.

4. Social distancing - Currently, as of July 2022, StEAS has lifted all previous Covid restrictions. We will continue to keep healthy communication with them and will pass down any changes if they occur.

5. Honor and Respect - We understand that there are many positions and comfort levels regarding Covid19. We encourage you to dialogue respectfully about your (or your children's) proximity to one another and any other issues concerning the pandemic.

6. The CDC has determined COVID is less likely to be transmitted by touching surfaces.  If you want to sanitize your chairs, desks, tables, etc before you sit down, feel free to use your own cleaning wipes.

7. Washing hands - it is recommended that people wash their hands frequently. Agape will provide hand sanitizer in each of the classrooms. Please instruct your children to use proper hand washing techniques.

8. Supplies - in an effort to lessen the spread of germs, we ask that all students bring their own pencil box and include the following items: crayons, colored pencils, scissors, glue stick and regular pencils to write with. The supply closet will still be available for use.

9. If you have a special request for your family, please let Becky know ahead of time to see if we can accommodate your request.

Statement of Privacy and Contact Guidelines

We respect the privacy of others, therefore we will not ask about vaccination status. However, if you or your family has an active case of Covid19 and may  have exposed the co-op, we ask that you notify Becky Schreiber immediately. A confidential email will be shared with the co-op that there is an active case. We will protect your confidentiality and not share your name, etc with others. We encourage you to share that information with those who may have come in contact with you. 

We understand that in these uncertain times there may be more questions or needs. Please feel free to contact Becky Schreiber, at 717.364.4248 or through email at [email protected]

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Previous Agape Statement Regarding Covid19
(July 2021)

As with all businesses, educational groups, churches, etc,  Agape has been working diligently to stay abreast of the Covid19 pandemic. This unique season of life has required all of us to be flexible with the ever-changing and unpredictable circumstances that Covid19 has caused. It is with great hope and prayer, that we move forward towards the 2021-22 co-op year.

With that said, please read the following carefully to understand the details:

1. We ask that all families participating in Agape Co-op be wise when attending classes and events. By this, we ask that you do not participate in classes if you (or your child) is sick, running a fever, or has been in close contact with someone else who has a contagious sickness. 

2. Agape will continue to have a Zoom account. Teachers can discuss using this if need be.

3. Masks - the CDC recommends that people wear a mask. However, right now, it is not mandated by the state, the Harrisburg Diocese, or by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church (StEAS). Therefore, Agape will defer to families to make their own decisions about mask-wearing. Please communicate that within your own family and instruct your children to wear a mask.  We ask that all members respect the choices of others.

4. Social distancing - please be advised that as of July 2021, StEAS has recommended social distancing when possible. Agape will follow that recommendation by doing the following.

   1. Morning announcements - chairs will be placed with extra space between the rows. We advise and respect families who may want more space to move their chairs if need be.

   2. We will limit the number of students in the classrooms according to StEAS covid policy.

   3. If you are concerned about your children’s exposure when changing classes, feel free to have your child wear a mask during those times.  Please instruct your children to do so.

5. Honor and Respect - We understand that there are many positions and comfort levels regarding Covid19. We encourage you to dialogue respectfully about your (or your children's) proximity to one another and any other issues concerning the pandemic.

6. The CDC has determined COVID is less likely to be transmitted by touching surfaces.  If you want to sanitize your chairs, desks, tables, etc before you sit down, feel free to use your own cleaning wipes.

7. Washing hands - it is recommended that people wash their hands frequently. Agape will provide hand sanitizer in each of the classrooms. Please instruct your children to use proper hand washing techniques.

8. Supplies - in an effort to lessen the spread of germs, we ask that all students bring their own pencil box and include the following items: crayons, colored pencils, scissors, glue stick and regular pencils to write with. The supply closet will still be available for use.

9. If you have a special request for your family, please let Becky know ahead of time to see if we can accommodate your request.

Statement of Privacy and Contact Guidelines

We respect the privacy of others, therefore we will not ask about vaccination status. However, if you or your family has an active case of Covid19 and may  have exposed the co-op, we ask that you notify Becky Schreiber immediately. A confidential email will be shared with the co-op that there is an active case. We will protect your confidentiality and not share your name, etc with others. We encourage you to share that information with those who may have come in contact with you. 

We understand that in these uncertain times there may be more questions or needs. Please feel free to contact Becky Schreiber, at 717.364.4248 or through email at [email protected].

Previous Agape Statement Regarding Covid19
(April 2021)

As with all businesses, educational groups, churches, etc,  Agape has been working diligently to stay abreast of the Covid19 pandemic. This unique season of life has required all of us to be flexible with the ever changing and unpredictable circumstances that Covid19 has caused. It is with great hope and prayer, that we move forward in planning the 2021-22 co-op year.

With that said, please read the following carefully to understand the details:

1. Agape co-op will begin its classes early this year. Because we can’t predict covid variants or the government we have decided it would be wise to begin early and end before Thanksgiving. This gives families the opportunity to celebrate holidays together uninterrupted and protects us in case there are covid issues. Weekly classes will begin on August 16 (all family classes 8/23). We will be off for Labor Day and our last classes will be on 11/22. (If we do Family Night it will be on 11/22). We recognize that some of us will have vacations towards the end of August and beginning of September. That is ok! Just let us know when you will be going and we will work on a substitute. 

2. Masks - Until the state lifts the orders, we are required to wear them. However - please know that the second that mandate is lifted, we will lift that requirement as well.

3. The Covid vaccine - We do not want to know if you are or are not getting the vaccine. That is your own personal choice and we will not be monitoring it.

4. There will be a Covid liability form for you to sign at the beginning of the school year. This is to protect Agape and the current facility in which we meet, as well as each of you. 

5. We will continue to remain abreast of the Covid19 pandemic. We ask that all families participating in Agape Co-op be wise when attending classes and events. By this, we ask that you do not participate in classes if you (or your child) is sick, running a fever, or has been in close contact with someone else who has a contagious sickness. 

We understand that in these uncertain times there may be more questions. Please feel free to contact Becky Schreiber, President of Agape Homeschool Co-op thru email at [email protected]