COVID 19 Safety Policy for Fall 2021

As we look forward to welcoming our students and faculty back to in person learning this fall, we are prioritizing the health and safety of our entire Crestwood family. Our goal is to provide an optimal learning environment, while ensuring that everyone feels safe in our school. 

Given the age range of our student body, and the fact that many of our young students are not yet eligible for vaccination, Crestwood will continue to follow the NYS and CDC guidance for Child Care Agencies, Pre-K-12 Schools, and Small Performing Arts Venues. 

The following safety protocols are in effect September 1, 2021 and will be updated throughout the semester accordingly. 

  • Masks: At this time and until further notice, it will be required that masks are worn at all times by both students and faculty, regardless of vaccination status. Masks must be worn properly, covering both the nose and mouth. Acceptable masks include surgical grade, KN95, and N95. Cloth masks will not be accepted. Surgical and/or KN95 masks will be available in the main office. Special masks for woodwind instruments, as well as bell coverings will be available and required for woodwind lessons. This policy will be strictly enforced. 
  • Vaccination: As of September 1, 2021, all Crestwood faculty who will be on premises are fully vaccinated. With the exception of activities listed in #3, Crestwood will not mandate vaccination for students or visitors until NYS does so for Pre-K-12 schools. In such an event, the school will consider requests for medical and religious exemptions. 
  • Programs Requiring Vaccination: These include all group classes (ensembles, orchestra, theory classes, production classes, group songwriting, etc), as well as individual wind, brass, and voice students ages 12 and older. 
  • Health Screening: Crestwood will conduct mandatory health screenings based on CDC and NYS guidelines, including a question on vaccination status (with answer choices of “yes” “no” and “prefer not to say”), and temperature checks for all persons engaged in in-person activities at the school. In the event the student or visitor is a minor, their parent or guardian is responsible for completing the required screening form. Students experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or other illness, or who may have been exposed but are asymptomatic, are asked to stay home and may request an online lesson in place of their in-person lesson or a make-up lesson on a future date. 
  • Remote Learning Option: In the event that a family would prefer to have their child study remotely, or would like to switch to online lessons at any point, we will be offering a remote option to all students of private instruction. In this case, please notify Dr. Cano at least one week prior to your next lesson by calling the school at (914) 961-3497. 
  • Social Distancing: Per CDC guidelines, we are asking that all students and faculty maintain a distance of at least 3ft apart. Until further notice, we strongly encourage parents to do their best to generally limit their time inside the school. We ask that parents drop off and pick up students whenever possible. Parents should not occupy waiting rooms unless they are waiting to speak with a teacher or administrator. Students should arrive as close to their scheduled lesson time as possible in order to avoid traffic in the waiting rooms. 
  • Additional Measures: Upon moving to Scarsdale, we made significant upgrades to the existing HVAC system and in house safety capabilities. Our HVAC system is fully equipped with central HVAC units, MERV 13 air filters, and an UltraViolet light (UV-C) purification system. Each room will have hand sanitizer, clorox wipes, and lysol for use. Teachers are required to wipe down surfaces in between lessons, and daily cleaning procedures will be in place. Additional hand sanitizer stations will be placed around the school. 


For any additional questions/ concerns, contact Dr. Cano at (914) 961-3497, or via email at info@crestwoodmusic.com. Remember, if you or anyone in your household is experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home. Let’s stay ahead of the curve and have a wonderful year of music. We can’t wait to welcome you back!