General
What did ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ take into account when planning for the 2020-2021 school year?
The vision of the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Reopening Plan is to ensure the health and safety of students, staff, and community as we reopen for learning. The mental and physical well-being of our students, staff, and families are our foremost priorities.
Who was part of the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Reopening Task Force?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Reopening Task Force is comprised of a cross-section of the stakeholder groups within our ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ and further informed by the responses of community members to our surveys.
Why did ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ choose the model it is using?
Due to the limitations on space within our buildings and the focus on the health and safety of our students, staff, and families, we came to the conclusion that it will not be possible to have all of our students in our buildings every day while adhering to the guidelines set forth by New York State.
Is this plan in place for the whole year or will it change?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Reopening Plan is fluid and will change as necessary. It is possible that we may need to alternate between in-person and distance learning throughout the year due to guidance from Governor Cuomo, the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Education Department. Additionally, we are operating with the goal of continually evaluating the program so that we can continue to add to the number of days students are in school each week and the number of students who are in school at a time. Our goal is to be able to bring all of our K-5 students back to an in-person setting during the 2020-2021 school year.
What are the protocols for UPK?
Scheduling
Will students return to the classroom in September 2020?
Yes, students will return to our classrooms for in-person instruction. However, when the 2020-2021 school year begins, ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ’s schools will look much different than previous years due to the COVID-19 health crisis.
When will instruction begin in the 2020-2021 school year?
The first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year is Thursday, September 10, 2020.
What time will school begin/end?
All schools will operate using their normal start and end times, but with a staggered/lengthened drop-off/pickup schedule at the K-5 buildings.
What will the schedule be for students to be in the classroom?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will utilize a Hybrid Instructional Model. Approximately 50% of students will attend school each day for four days per week on a Monday/Thursday (Group A) and Tuesday/Friday (Group B) rotation. Google Meets will be available for all students on Wednesdays for the purposes of remediation, reinforcement, and support. Self-contained special education students will attend school five days a week. ENL students in a Sheltered program will attend 4 days a week; all other ELLs will follow the A/B format.
Will the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ ensure that siblings are in school on the same days?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ is currently finalizing a plan to divide students based on households so that all students in the same house will attend in-person instruction on the same days.
How many students will be in each classroom?
To start the school year, class sizes are anticipated to be around half of what a normal class would be, however, we are not able to give exact numbers of students in each classroom each day. We will do our best to create an equal balance between Group A and Group B, but it may not be an even split. We will follow appropriate social distancing guidelines. Additionally, we are operating with the goal of continually evaluating the program so that we can continue to add to the number of days students are in school each week and the number of students who are in school at a time.
What are the procedures and expectations for school attendance?
Regular attendance is an essential component to academic success. The New York State Education Department mandates that daily student attendance be recorded. When students are in school, teachers will record daily attendance in Infinite Campus. Attendance during distance learning is defined by student engagement and participation. Attendance will therefore be determined through: work completed during asynchronous instruction, and online contact that includes synchronous (live) instruction through Google Meets, Seesaw, and Google Classroom. Contact with families will be made to determine reasons for absence and/or needs and barriers students may face with regard to participating in on-site learning.
Will remote learning be available for families who do not want to send their children to school?
We will provide a remote learning option for families who prefer that option K-12. At the K-8 level, the remote learning model will be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous lessons in core subject areas. ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ High School students (grades 9-12) will receive synchronous instruction four (4) days per week and asynchronous learning one (1) day per week (Wednesday). Instruction will be aligned to essential learning outcomes in all courses and students will follow their regularly scheduled classes.
Will dual language be offered as part of the remote learning program?
Will there be special area subjects at the elementary level? If so, how/where will they be held?
All core and special area instruction will be delivered in the classroom.
Will physical education classes be held and what will they look like?
Students will receive physical education classes at all grade levels. Traditional curriculum may be altered to accommodate social distancing requirements.
Will students be able to attend BOCES programs?
Yes.
Will students be able to attend the Suffolk Early College Program?
Yes, however, all classes are currently scheduled to be delivered remotely.
Will the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ offer driver’s education?
No. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer driver’s education at this time.
What accommodations will be made for students who are immunocompromised or have an immunocompromised household member?
Students who provide medical documentation of their own medical condition may be entitled to home instruction.
How will middle school and high school students change classes?
Students will change classrooms during the day with health and safety protocols in place such as one-way signage and social distancing markings. Elementary schedules have been created to minimize movement.
Will middle school and high school students use lockers?
Under current social distancing guidelines (6 feet), access to lockers may be severely restricted during in-person instruction. More information will be disseminated by the middle school and high school principals.
Why is the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ using an A/B/A/B schedule instead of an AA/BB schedule?
This decision was made in the best educational interest of our students. The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ leadership team was unanimous in its belief that our students will obtain the best educational outcomes by staggering student schedules, so as to minimize the number of days in between in-person teaching days. Teachers will be able to provide more responsive and timely teaching in the forms of enrichment, remediation, and support utilizing this schedule. Additionally, this schedule works more effectively at the secondary level. By using it on both the primary and secondary level and grouping students by household, it will be easier for older siblings to help with younger siblings.
When will parents receive notification about whether their child is in Group A or Group B?
Parents will receive notice as soon as schedules are finalized.
Special Education
How will my child receive their related service(s) of speech, OT, PT, and/or counseling as well as Resource Room?
Related services as well as Resource Room, will be delivered both in person, as well as remotely, through the use of Google Meet and Google classroom. For example, if a student receives speech three times weekly, two sessions may be in person and one session may be remote. Students may continue to participate in groups up to five, as indicated on their IEPs.
How will the needs of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) be met?
The district must make every effort to provide special education and related services to students in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or, for students entitled to free appropriate public education (FAPE) under Section 504, consistent with a plan developed to meet the requirements of Section 504. During Statewide School Closures due to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak in New York State,” dated March 27, 2020, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) stated, “NYSED will allow school districts as much flexibility as federal and state laws and regulations allow in determining how FAPE is to be provided during the Coronavirus outbreak.” With that said, ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will provide special education and related services to the greatest extent possible through a combination of in-person, and synchronous/asynchronous/web-
Will students that have IEPs or 504 plans still receive their accommodations?
The school district must ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, each student with a disability is provided the accommodations and modifications identified in the student’s IEP or 504. However, the guidance from NYSED has recognized that during the COVID-19 emergency, schools may not be able to provide all accommodations and modifications in the same manner they are typically provided.
Will the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ conduct CSE/CPSE and 504 meetings for the 2020-2021 school year?
As per the recent guidance from the Department of Health, school districts should consider limiting the number of visitors permitted on school grounds and in school facilities. Additionally, many of our conference rooms do not allow for acceptable social distancing. As per New York State Guidance, CSEs are not required to meet face-to-face and are authorized to meet using phones or online means, with the permission of the family. At this time, we will begin the 2020-2021 school year conducting CSE/CPSE and 504 meetings on a virtual platform such as Google Meet. Parents will be provided the choice to participate via a phone conference or video conference, when invited to their child’s meeting. We will continue to evaluate this as the school year continues.
Grading/Assessments
How will testing and assessment schedules be handled?
To the greatest extent possible assessments will be given on days students are in school for in person instruction.
Will there be any changes to the grading policy?
Our grading policy will return to normal (pre-COVID-19), with some minor extensions to deadlines to submit assignments if the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ is operating in a remote or hybrid model. Specific information will be shared by your child’s teachers and/or building principal.
Social Distancing
How will the school practice and enforce social distancing?
All building occupants will be required to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from one another. The size of groups/cohorts of students will be determined by the number of students who can be in each classroom while maintaining 6 feet of social distancing, or provisioned with the use of appropriate physical barriers. Unnecessary furnishings may be removed to maximize capacity. Student entry points may be divided, rather than funneling all students through the same entry space. Designated areas will be established for student drop-off and pick-up, limiting contact and entry of parents/guardians into the building, to the greatest extent possible.
Face Coverings
Will students, staff and teachers be required to wear masks at school?
Students and staff will be required to wear masks at all times in and around school grounds unless directed by a responsible party. No exhalation masks, bandanas or neck gaiters are allowed to be worn.
Will the school provide masks for students?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will provide employees and students with a disposable mask, at no cost, if needed.
Will parents and visitors to school buildings be required to wear masks?
Anyone who is entering a school building must have a mask on at all times.
Can a student wear a plastic face shield?
A plastic face shield alone is not an acceptable face covering. Face coverings must completely cover the individual's mouth and nose. A face shield may be worn in conjunction with a face covering/mask.
Health and Safety
What are families required to do before sending a student to school?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will require daily temperature checks for all students and periodically use a questionnaire for students, particularly younger students who may require the assistance of their parent/legal guardian to answer. In particular, parents will be instructed to monitor their child(ren) for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to sending them to school or the bus. If they present with a temperature over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, they SHOULD NOT be sent to school. To the extent possible, the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will implement a remote screening procedure (e.g., by electronic survey, digital application, and/or telephone, which may involve the parent/legal guardian) before students report to school.
Will students have their temperatures taken at school?
Upon arrival, all students will be required to receive a temperature check daily. At the UPK-5 level, temperatures will be taken via a contactless infrared forehead thermometer prior to a student exiting the vehicle (in the case of parent drop-off), or at the entrance to the building via a contactless temperature scanning system (in the case of arrival via a school bus). At the 6-12 level, temperatures will be taken at the kiosk when a student checks into the building using their ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ issued identification card, via contactless temperature scanning.
How will staff and teachers be screened for symptoms/illness?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will implement a daily screening and temperature check questionnaire for all faculty and staff reporting to school, which must be completed prior to entering any building on campus.
Will parents and visitors to school buildings have their temperature taken?
Visitor access to school buildings will be restricted, and online meetings with parents and other persons will be utilized when feasible.
What will happen if a student exhibits symptoms during the school day?
Students and staff with symptoms of illness must be sent to the Health Office. Ideally, a school nurse (Registered Professional Nurse, RN) will be available to assess individuals. If a school nurse is not available, schools will have to isolate and dismiss any student or staff member who has a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 for follow-up with a healthcare provider. Students suspected of having COVID-19 awaiting transport home by the parent/guardian must be isolated in a room or area separate from others, with a supervising adult present and utilizing appropriate PPE.
Will students diagnosed with COVID-19 need documentation to return to school?
Schools must follow local Department of Health guidance for allowing a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If a person is not diagnosed by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) with COVID-19, they can return to school once there is no fever, without the use of fever reducing medicines, and they have felt well for 24 hours OR if they have been diagnosed with another condition and have a healthcare provider-written note stating they are clear to return to school. If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test or their symptoms, or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they should not be at school and should stay at home until It has been at least 10 days since the individual first had symptoms AND it has been at least 3 days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine) AND it has been at least 3 days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.
If a household member is diagnosed with COVID-19 will a student need to quarantine before returning to school?
Yes, students will need to quarantine for 14 days.
Will classes be quarantined if a student or staff member tests positive? Will the entire school be shut down?
School and district administrators will collaborate and coordinate with local health officials to make mass quarantine and/or school closure decisions.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
How will buildings be cleaned?
There will be an increase in the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, focusing on high-touch surfaces, such as desks and chairs, tables, public restrooms, exercise & weight room, library tables, handrails, faucets, door handles and push plates, remote controls, shared computers and keyboards, light switches, and elevator buttons. Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting with attention to these areas helps remove bacteria and viruses, including the novel coronavirus.
Will special measures be taken for cleaning if there is a positive case of COVID-19?
If a COVID-19 case is confirmed in a school building, custodial staff are required to follow the guidance for enhanced cleaning and disinfection as per the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ’s Reopening Plan.
What type of cleaning products will the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ use?
Transportation
How will transportation to and from school be handled?
ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will conduct transportation activities that are consistent with state-issued public transit guidance and NYSED School Reopening guidelines. Students and school/transportation staff must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school buses (e.g., entering, exiting and while seated) and should maintain appropriate social distancing to the extent practicable. Members of the same household may be seated within 6 feet of each other. Parents/guardians are encouraged to drop off/pick up and/or walk students to/from school to reduce the density on buses.
Events and Activities
Will students be permitted to go on field trips?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ has suspended all educational field trips and athletic trips for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Health and safety conditions will be reviewed for student and transportation concerns prior to reinstating educational field trips and athletic trips.
Will extracurricular activities be allowed to take place?
Not at this time.
Nutrition
Will students eat lunch in the cafeteria?
Both breakfast and lunch service will be made available in all K-12 buildings, in accordance with the requirements of the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. In UPK-5 buildings, individually packaged meals will be delivered to and consumed in the classroom. At the middle school level, Grab & Go Breakfast will be made available to students at the building entry points. Lunch meals will be prepared and handed directly to students from the server on the line, or while the student is seated at his or her assigned seat in the cafeteria. At the high school level, students will pick up meals at cafeteria serving lines for consumption in designated seating locations.
How will food allergies be taken into account?
Meals for students with allergies that are delivered to the classroom for service will be identified with student name and wrapped separately for transport. Risk of cross-contact of allergenic proteins in both the classroom and the cafeteria will be minimized by the cleaning and disinfection of desks/tables at the conclusion of each lunch period. Food sharing in the classroom and the cafeteria will not be permitted.
If school is held virtually or in a hybrid model, will meals be available for students?
Meals will be available to students assigned to asynchronous learning days at curbside pickup locations at ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ High School, ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ Middle School and Gardiner Manor School between the hours of 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. These meals are provided for students only, in accordance with the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program, and are not considered emergency meals. The Free/Reduced/Paid structure will apply to these meals. Parental pick-up of these meals is permitted. Students do not need to be present. One breakfast and one lunch per student will be distributed upon presentation of an enrolled student’s name and/or ID number.
Athletics
Will athletic activities be allowed to take place?
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Public High School Athletics Association delayed the Fall sports start date until September 21, 2020. The Association also put in place guidelines that must be adhered to in addition to appropriate social distancing, PPE usage, and cleaning and disinfecting of equipment. If the Fall sports season is interrupted or impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis then a condensed plan for the remaining season(s) will be implemented.
Communication
How will the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ communicate with families about new cases of COVID-19, whether a student or staff case?
The ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ will communicate with families through phone blasts and emails, as well as on its website and social media channels. Families of students who were in direct contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be contacted directly.
Should families notify the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ if a student or family member has been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19?
Families should notify an administrator in the child’s school building.
Technology
If the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ continues to use distance learning, will there be laptop devices available for students who need one?
In addition to our ongoing 1:1 program the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ School ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ has made Chromebooks available to any students in households without access to an appropriate device for distance learning.
Childcare
Will before and after school childcare services be available? Will the ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ provide childcare for parents who have to work and have no one to watch their children on the days they are not in school?
Childcare options are still under review and consideration.