Dorm "Family Groups"

Students living on the same floor will become a “family group” that eats meals together and spends most of its on-dorm time together. Many colleges and schools are creating such groups because health experts recommend them as a prevention practice for meals and dorm life, when social distancing is more difficult and the chance of virus transmission is higher.

Family groups will be assigned to ensure a good mix of students, and the Activities team is planning games and programs to bring each group together.

After the first few weeks, students will be able to socialize with their friends outside dorms and dining during the academic day and during structured extracurricular and free-time activities.

What to expect on dorm

List of 7 items.

  • Dorm rooms arranged with six feet between beds and desks.

    At night, when students are sleeping and can't wear a mask, curtains will separate beds as an additional measure of prevention.

  • Beds that can be lofted at a low level (24 inches, 33 inches, or 39 inches),

    allowing for storage and mini-refrigerators (one per room; no taller than 35 inches). There won't be room for most couches and desks underneath.

  • Items stored with Dorm Movers placed in your room.

    If you stored items from last year over the summer, the School is arranging for those to be placed in your room before your arrival.

  • Limits on large items brought to campus.

    Plan to bring less stuff for the first part of the year; see the School's recommended packing list and guidelines. Beds may be lofted at a low level, allowing for storage and mini-refrigerators (one per room; no taller than 35 inches), but there won’t be room underneath for most couches or desks.

  • Relaxed dress code and use of video games.

    Boys will not be asked to wear ties, and we will allow shorts of any length, EHS sweatshirts, denim, leggings, and athletics shoes. Additionally, we will not ask students to wear Vespers attire this year, so students do not need to bring more formal clothing, including blazers or cardigans. Also: We will allow students to use video game consoles during the week during non-academic times. We feel this change is appropriate given that this year we will ask students to spend more time in dorm rooms and use physically distancing. See the 2020-21 Student Handbook for details.

  • Morning shower times and use of common rooms

    will be expanded and scheduled to avoid density. Also: Sinks will be separated by curtains or plexiglass.

  • A patio or other outdoor gathering space for each dorm.

Dining

At Episcopal, meals are an important and fun time to socialize and build community. Students and faculty will continue to eat communally, even as we add prevention measures.

List of 3 items.

  • Meals will be served in Flippin Field House

    in addition to the Dining Hall to reduce density. Tables in these spaces will be arranged to provide ample physical distancing, and directional signs will create clear paths, entrances, and exits.

  • In addition to the traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner,

    there will be a school-provided snack in the afternoon. Also, there will be snacks provided in the dorm common rooms.

  • Our dining service staff will be screened daily

    (including a temperature check). 

FAQs

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Should students follow Covid-19 prevention measures during an emergency?

    Whatever Covid-19 prevention measures are in place, students should follow the procedures established by the School for responding to emergencies such as a fire, storm, or active shooter on campus. For instance, while our wayfinding system was developed to help students maintain six feet of physical distance, they should use the quickest route to exit a building during an emergency evacuation.

  • Can students order in food?

    When we are trying to establish the community’s healthy baseline at the start of the semester and when we are observing strict prevention measures, individual food delivery will not be permitted. Like in the fall, as conditions allow, we will make arrangements for food delivery at established times and to a central point on campus.

  • Can students go to the Center to buy food?

    Nonessential trips off campus will not be permitted unless conditions allow.

  • Can students bring food?

    Absolutely. As you pack, consider what snacks you can send along with your students and pack them in bins with lids.

  • Can students have refrigerators in the room?

    Yes, one per room. If beds are lofted, there will be room underneath for a mini-refrigerator.
1200 North Quaker Lane
Alexandria, Virginia 22302
703-933-3000