Classes are running again! Here are the COVID-19 Safety Protocols that allowed us to reopen:

Port Townsend School of Woodworking 
Covid-19 Operational Procedures 
For Instructors and Students

In response to COVID-19, PTSW has adopted the following procedures and policies. We expect all visiting instructors and faculty to adhere to and enforce these procedures. We expect all students to respect these policies and procedures as well. If you have questions or comments, please contact Executive Director Heron Scott at heron@ptwoodschool.org or call 360-344-4455.

July 6th saw the start of the Woodworking Machines for Beginners Class and the Build an Entry Door class.

Student Expectations: 

We encourage all students to be safe and compliant with the best practices as recommended by health officials when outside of PTSW facilities. This behavior will help ensure every student has a great, safe experience. We appreciate your cooperation.   
We recognize that maintaining a 6 foot distance at all times inside a PTSW facility is near impossible. However, during a course please do your best to back up and create distance when you can. 
Please prioritize communicating with your fellow classmates around COVID-19 risk mitigation procedures. For example, if you do need to move within 6 feet of someone or share a tool, ask first. 
Sanitizing surfaces consistently before and after use is difficult to remember. A good rule of thumb is to wash or sanitize your hands once per hour. 

Facility Preparations :

Virus mitigation preparations have been implemented for all PTSW facilities:Video technology to limit crowding during demonstrations. Daily cleaning checklists and procedures Staff and instructor training in policies and procedures Additional ventilation installedUV light installed in restrooms and incorporated into sanitization procedures Updated signage directing students and instructors on policies and procedures Proper cleaning supplies and PPE stocked Kitchen facilities reduced to minimum 

Instructor Policies/Procedures:

All instructors must review procedures with PTSW staff. Failure to comply with procedures will result in instructor dismissal. Enforced by the Executive Director. 
On each day of instruction, the following activities/procedures must be taken:Instructor and a PTSW staff member arrive at 8:00 AMTemperature checks of instructor and staff performed and logged. If a temperature is recorded of over 100.4 degrees F, another reading will be made after 10 minutes. If a second reading of over 100.4 is registered, the instructor will not be allowed to teach this day. Verbal and visual symptom check performed by PTSW staff. If instructor exhibits any symptoms related to COVID-19, the instructor will not be allowed to teach this day Morning cleaning procedures performed by instructor and PTSW staff (see checklist)Perform opening procedures (see checklist)Check all rooms for proper supplies. Restock as needed.Check all rooms and entryways for proper signage Fill out student attendance log Evening closing procedures (see checklist)
During a course, instructors must follow these policies:Instructors must do their best to respect a six foot social distanceInstructors must minimize their use of student toolsInstructors must use video technology for demonstrations whenever possible Instructors must wear a mask at all times when inside a PTSW facilityInstructors must wash hands at least once an hourInstructors must wash hands before and after use of restrooms

Student Procedures/Policies: 

All students are sent these procedures and policies prior to class start. On the first day of the course, instructors must review these procedures with students. 
The following policies and procedures are expected of all PTSW students:Classroom buildings open at 8:45 to allow time for morning cleaning procedures. Please do not arrive before then.If you are feeling sick or unwell, stay home and call the officeIf you have had recent (within 14 days of the start of class) exposure to COVID-19, or live with someone who is COVID-19 positive, please stay home Only instructors and staff may open or close entry doors and windows; entry doors will remain open during class. During lunch breaks, an instructor may choose to close an entry door for security as needed. Wear a mask when inside any PTSW facilityPTSW will provide one mask a week per student Students are encouraged to provide their own maskWash hands before and after use of restroom Do not share personal tools with fellow students or instructors Do your best to maintain and respect six feet of social distance Only use your own bench for project workWash hands before and after using common machines/tools/areas such as a bandsaw or the sharpening stationDo not invite guests to the classroom Students are encouraged to bring their own ear and eye protection 
We ask students to help hold each other accountable for the good of the class. Any student not in compliance with this behavior will be given a verbal warning. Repeated offenses may result in suspension or expulsion from a course. This decision will be made by the Executive Director based upon recommendations of the Lead Instructor. 

Lunch and Meals Policy/Procedures:

Kitchen areas in both classrooms (315 and 304) have been reduced to a microwave, sink, and mini fridge. All communal kitchen items and functions such as the coffee pot, toaster, and utensils have been stored and prohibited from use. 
The following procedures and policies will be enforced:During the lunch hour (12-1), students may remove their mask and eat at their benches. Students and instructors may bring their own food, but are encouraged to bring items that don’t need to be refrigerated. Students and instructors must bring their own utensils, plates, or any other items they need to consume their food. Students and instructors are encouraged to eat lunch outside.No sharing of food, utensils, or other communal items is allowed (please don’t bring treats for other students!) Students and instructors are encouraged to bring their own water bottle

Procedure for a Positive COVID-19 Test:

If any personnel are diagnosed COVID-19 positive the following procedures are to take place:All PTSW students, instructors, and staff that have had contact with the person will be notified immediately.An individual who is sick may no longer attend a PTSW program, facility, or activityBefore returning, an individual who is sick must fulfill the following:Quarantine for 14 days No fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers) Other symptoms have improved (for example when your cough or shortness of breath have improved) A doctor’s note must be obtained and provided to PTSW administration clearing the individual to take part in classesThose who were in contact with the individual who tested COVID-19 positive will need to self-isolate for 2-5 days until more information is gathered and a determination made as to whether they are also required to quarantine for 14 days. The shop, classroom, or office that an individual who tested COVID-19 positive spent time in or worked in, will be disinfected using CDC Guidance.Students, Staff/Faculty who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify the Executive Director and follow the following CDC recommended precautions found here CDC Precaution Guidance.

Procedure if a Student is Feeling Unwell During a Course:

If a student feels unwell or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, the following procedures are to take place:Student informs instructor or Executive DirectorStudent leaves classroom Student calls Jefferson County COVID-19 hotline- (360.344.3094) and consults with a healthcare professional Based upon advice given by the healthcare professional, student may:Return to class Get tested for COVID-19 Re-assess the following morning with Jefferson County Public HealthStudent must clarify with the instructor or the Executive Director which option is chosenThe instructor or Executive Director will communicate with the rest of the student cohort about the student who felt unwell and the decision around their continued enrollment in the course

Refund Policy: 

If a course has to be cancelled or delayed due to COVID-19, PTSW will refund students a prorated amount based upon the cost of the overall tuition. All unused materials fees will be refunded. For example, if a five day course with a $500 tuition fee has three days cancelled, $300 will be refunded to the student. 
If a student leaves a course before the end of a course, that student will be refunded at prorated tuition based upon the amount of instruction days completed. All unused materials fees will be refunded. For example, if a student in a five day course with a $500 tuition fee only completes two days of instruction, $300 will be refunded to the student.