Have Questions About COVID-19 and the CMA School Year?
By: Casey Robinson on Jun 30, 2020 | Categories: General
June 30, 2020
A number of questions have been asked regarding a number of topics regarding the 2020-2021 school year. Below we will attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Will CMA definitely have face to face instruction this school year?
CMA plans to only offer face to face instruction. Cadets will not be allowed to voluntarily participate in distance learning.
Will parents be allowed to visit their cadet on campus?
At this time, our campus will remain “closed.” That means visitors will not be allowed on campus. However, care packages can be mailed to cadets. Please utilize technology to communicate and virtually visit with your cadet.
What will registration day look like?
We are still discussing options. However, we do know that all cadets will be asked to complete a questionnaire as well as have their temperature taken in the infirmary upon arriving on campus. Cadets that have a temperature or who indicate recent exposure will not be allowed to complete registration and remain on campus. Options are being explored for some type of rapid testing on registration day. No more than 2 people should accompany the student during registration. Anyone accompanying a cadet during registration will also be required to complete the questionnaire and have their temperature taken. Only cadets will be allowed in the barracks and parents will be asked to wait in the car.
Are sports being played this fall?
The academy will follow the recommendations of the high school league. At this time, we plan to play sports this fall if we can do so safely.
Are cadets required to bring documentation of a negative COVID test to registration?
At this time, this is not a requirement.
Will distance learning be implemented this year at CMA?
CMA has no plans of offering distance learning on a voluntary basis. Options will be available in case there is a mandatory government “shutdown” of the academy due to COVID. We will implement tools such as Google Meet and Zoom, if needed. Again, we plan on face to face instruction.
What day do football players (10th, 11th and 12th grades) report?
Football players in grades 10-12 report on August 16.
Have off campus trips been cancelled for the year?
The optional trips offered for the first semester (trips 1-5, NFL and NBA) have been cancelled.
We hope to be able to travel during the second semester.
Are protocols in place in case there is a positive COVID case on campus during the school
year?
Yes, our nursing staff and Col. Boland participate in ongoing communication with state, county and local officials. More details will be available closer to the start of the school year.
Will CMA teachers take precautions in the classroom?
Yes, teachers and staff will wear face coverings and adhere to social distancing protocol as much as possible. There are also hand sanitizing stations in classrooms and all around the campus. Classrooms and common areas will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.
When will the second semester calendar be available?
Any changes to the calendar for second semester will be released in early December
When is the first time I should plan for my cadet to have a furlough or be at home for a break?
After registration, the first scheduled break begins on December 4, 2020.
Are the due dates for tuition and enrollment forms the same as originally scheduled?
Yes, all tuition and enrollment forms are due by July 20, 2020.
Will I be able to turn in enrollment forms during registration?
No, all enrollment forms, tuition and fees must be received prior to the cadet’s arrival on campus.
Will every cadet have a roommate this year?
Yes, because of our enrollment numbers, most cadets should plan to have roommates as usual.
We understand that new questions arise every day and we are diligently working to adapt to the new normal. Your patience and understanding are appreciated as we continue to monitor and adapt to these unprecedented times. As you know, the situation is very fluid and sometimes changes daily. Please know that every consideration and decision being made regarding the upcoming school year places priority on the health and safety of our cadets, faculty and staff.
Any additional questions should be directed to Col. Eric Boland or Mr. Casey Robinson by emailing or calling 803-432-6001.
Please continue to monitor your email and social media for any updates or changes due to COVID-19.