General Questions

What are the requirements for masks?

UPDATED JUNE 8, 2021:

Effective June 7, 2021, face masks are not required to be worn outdoors on school grounds, including during outdoor school sports. However, Responsible Parties may choose to require face masks outdoors on school grounds subject to the parameters of this guidance. No student, teacher, staff member, or visitor may be prevented from wearing an acceptable face mask voluntarily on school grounds.

All students, faculty, and staff are required to wear acceptable masks before entering indoor school facilities or other indoor spaces owned or administered by the school or school district (e.g. school buses).

Please see the June 7, 2021 update to the INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION AT PRE-K TO GRADE 12 SCHOOLS DURING THE COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY for more details.

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All students and staff will be required to wear masks/face coverings regardless of physical distancing parameters except during meals. Those with medical documentation would be provided an exemption. As per NYSDOH and CDC, face coverings are not required

• for anyone who is unable to medically tolerate such covering, including students where such a covering would impair their health or mental health, or where such covering would present a challenge, distraction, or obstruction to education services and instruction.

• anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious

• those with documentation of rare medical contraindications would be provided an exemption, pursuant to state guidance.

Medical exemption requests will be reviewed by the district physician. Students who cannot wear a mask will use a desk shield.

The district will provide opportunity for mask breaks, as needed, in a manner that is safe and abides by physical distancing guidelines, such as when there is six feet between individuals or when seated six feet apart and positioned between desktop barriers. The district will provide desktop barriers for students as a means of redundant physical protection. The New York State Department of Health defines a 10-minute exposure to an infected individual as a “close contact”, so mask breaks will be of lesser duration of 10 minutes. Students requiring additional time, will make a request to the classroom teacher and appropriate accommodations will be made.

The district will maintain an inventory of face masks for students, staff, and visitors that arrive without one.

Students and staff will be permitted to use alternate PPE (i.e., face coverings that are transparent at or around the mouth) for instruction or interventions that require visualization of the movement of the lips (e.g., speech therapy). These alternate coverings may also be used for certain students (e.g., hearing impaired) who benefit from being able to see more of the face of the staff member.

The district will reevaluate the mask policy monthly, based on information and updated guidance from the AAP, DOH, and NYSED. Current AAP FAQs on mask wearing can be found here.

What is the protocol for dealing with students who will not wear their masks?

Students who will not wear masks will first be asked to put on their masks. If the student refuses to comply, the student will be referred to the school nurse and/or a member of the counseling staff to ascertain the student’s reluctance and/or resistance to complying with mask guidelines. If it is determined that the student’s resistance is not medically/psychologically based and the student continues to disregard health protocols, a referral will be made to administration. In all cases of mask refusal, a parent/guardian will be notified.

Can students wear a face shield instead of a mask?

No.

Will there be cohorts?

Students at the elementary school level will remain as a cohort in their assigned class. The district is trying to maintain student groupings by grade and academic levels on the secondary level, whenever possible.

Where will specials take place?

All specials will take place in designated classroom areas that allow for physical distancing. In some classes, specials may be delivered in the classroom and certain music classes may be assigned to the auditorium to allow for physical distancing.

What is the protocol for recess?

Students will be provided opportunity for recess. A staggered recess schedule is being developed to maintain student groupings and abide by physical distancing guidelines.

Will students be required to wear masks during outdoor recess?

No, as long as they continue to maintain physical distancing.

What social-emotional learning will take place during the in-person plan? (include link to page)

The district has created and will implement a screening process for teachers and staff to help identify students who require a greater level of support and intervention. The district will educate staff members on proactive ways to encourage students to share any concerns they may have and will outline a clear referral process for support. The district has developed strategies and supports for students, families and staff members.

In addition, a Multi-Tiered System of Supports document for leveled intervention services for Social Emotional Learning, Mental Health Support, Behavioral Supports and Interventions, and Restorative Practices is addressed in the school reopening plan.

If the district had to move to a remote model for all, SEL will be provided from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays.

Where will students be storing their backpack, jackets, instruments, and supplies?

As cubbies and lockers will not be utilized, student backpacks and jackets will remain with the student at all times. At the elementary level students will be able to store materials in their desk and keep their backpacks on the back of their chairs.

The use of Chromebooks district-wide will limit the number of supplies that are needed.

Instruments will be stored in the music classrooms.

Will SACC be available 5 days per week for the entire year?

Yes, at this time; however, we will continue to evaluate this decision based on health and safety needs.

Can I pull my child from the Pre-K program if there is an employment change in my household?

Yes, a parent may remove his/her child from the pre-kindergarten program at any time.

Please comment on the level of virus outbreak at summer camp and ESY.

There have been no reported student or staff cases of COVID-19 at any district summer program.

When will the community be notified if a hybrid plan is being offered?

The district is gathering information through the Parent Portal application by the end of the day Friday, August 21. Based on results provided by families, the district will make a decision about the possibility of a hybrid plan.

Will lunch be business-as-usual, or will there be grab-and-go, pre-ordering, etc.?

Grab-and-go lunch for those on remote instruction and qualifying for free or reduced meals will continue. For in-person attendance, students will be physically distanced in the cafeteria. At the elementary level (K-6), three students will be assigned to each table and at the secondary level (7-12), individual desks will replace tables to allow for physical distancing. In addition, at the secondary level, classrooms and/or auditorium will be used for lunch to reduce student numbers.

How will social distancing be maintained when secondary students are accessing their lockers?

At this time, we are not planning on permitting students to utilize lockers, as proper social distancing would not be possible.

How will students store personal items?

Elementary students will store materials and personal items at their desks. Secondary students will need to carry their personal items with them. Students with special needs and 504 plans requiring special accommodations, will be addressed on an individual basis.

Will there be videos discussing hand washing, social distancing, temperature checks, new classroom layouts, hallway usage?

Yes, the district is in the process of developing videos to address hand hygiene, health and safety protocols, classroom layout, hallway usage, and instruction.

Will visitors be allowed in the school buildings?

No outside visitors or volunteers will be allowed in school buildings at this time. Currently building visitors are limited to those participating in essential and/or necessary functions only, such as picking up a child.

Vendors and contractors will be permitted into the buildings to address essential and/or emergency facility needs. All vendors and contractors will have their temperature taken upon entering and be required to wear face coverings/masks and maintain social distancing at all times.

Parent meetings will be held via video conference.

What is the latest date a family can make a change to a student’s instructional plan placement for the Fall?

The latest date is prior to the start of the school year; however, to allow the district to properly plan, we are encouraging parents to make a decision by Friday, August 21.

Why can secondary reevaluate in January/February, but not elementary?

The district has reevaluated this decision.

Parents/guardians of students enrolled in the remote model will be able to request a change to in-person instruction at the beginning of either the second or third trimester for elementary level students and at the beginning of the second semester for secondary students. In order for the district to plan and staff appropriately, changes in the learning model can only be accommodated at these specified times.

We will make every effort to place the student into an in-person classroom setting, contingent upon space availability.

If my child returns to school in-person but conditions change and/or they are uncomfortable in the new environment, can we immediately switch to virtual instruction?

Yes, students may request virtual instruction at any time.

Do I have to make the same decision on the fully virtual model vs in-person instruction for all my children? Or can I make an individual decision for each child?

The decision to opt-in to virtual instruction is made on an individual student level. Parents/guardians are not required to make the same decision for all their children.

If a student switches between in-person and virtual instruction, will they have a different teacher?

At the secondary school level, the student who moves from in-person to all remote instruction will remain with his or her teacher.

At the elementary school level, a student who moves from in-person to all remote instruction will be assigned a different teacher who is appropriately certified. Students will be in a remote class with students from other elementary schools in the district.

Who will be in charge of monitoring and preventing large groups of kids from congregating?

Staff assigned to hall duty will monitor the flow of traffic through the hallways.

What about administrative offices and guidance counselors? If a student needs a working card, how can they obtain this online?

All administrative and school counseling offices will be fully operational and available to students. Parents/guardians will have access to school counselors and administrators via telephone, e-mail, and Google Meets. Any student requiring working papers will be provided with information to obtain a working card. In the event the district must implement a full remote plan, procedures that were previously instituted will be used.

How will medical claims against the district be addressed?

Any claims against the district will be referred to the district’s legal counsel and insurance carriers.

Health & Safety Questions and Answers

PLEASE NOTE: Updated October 2, 2020

Are masks with exhalation valves or vents permitted?

The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with infection control. However, masks with one-way valves or vents, allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in expelled respiratory droplets that can reach others. This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask, from transmitting COVID-19 to others. Therefore, the CDC does not recommend using this type of mask for infection control of the COVID-19 virus.

What type of diagnoses qualify for a medical exemption?

There is no guidance, or an official document from NYSED, NYSDOH, or CDC regarding a medical exemption from wearing face masks. New York State Department of Health does allow for a Medical Exemption from Immunizations required to attend school.

Written documentation stating the reason a student cannot wear a mask may be submitted from a licensed medical professional to the school nurse

Guidance for medical exemptions for vaccination can be obtained from the contraindications, indications, and precautions described in the vaccine manufacturers’ package insert and by the most recent recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) available in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publication, Guide to Vaccine Contraindications and Precautions. This guide can be found at the following website:

A New York State licensed physician must complete the NYS Medical Form to be reviewed by the Chief Medical Officer for compliance. All medical documentation should be shared with the school nurse.

Is there a process for someone who lives with an immunocompromised person?

All persons in the household should carefully follow appropriate DOH, CDC and AAP guidelines related to COVID-19.

How will physical/social distancing be maintained?

Social or physical distancing means keeping at least six feet between yourself and other people while outside your home, and avoidance of gathering in groups, crowded places and mass gatherings. The goal of social distancing is to limit physical contact to decrease viral spread among people in community settings, such as schools.

• Instructional spaces have been redesigned so that students can maintain a social distance of six-feet from one another.

• Furniture placement in the classrooms has been adjusted accordingly.

• Changes to foot-traffic flow through buildings have been identified to limit the amount of close contact between students in high-traffic situations. At the secondary level staircases will be identified as up/down.

• Bathroom usage may be monitored by staff to ensure social distancing.

• Signage, floor markings and visual aids (e.g., tape, stickers, posters, cones etc.) will be used to illustrate traffic flow and appropriate spacing to support social distancing indoors and outdoors.

• 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 distance.

• In both elementary and secondary classrooms, all desks will face in the same direction in an effort to reduce transmission.

• Coat hooks and cubbies in elementary classrooms will not be used, nor will hallway or gym lockers at the secondary level.

• In classroom settings where social distancing is not possible, such as employees working with students with disabilities, additional personal protective equipment will be provided.

Will there be less movement around the school?

Whenever possible, the district will make every effort to limit movement around the school and reduce student congregations. Specific information regarding elementary, junior high, and high school physical distancing protocols will be explained in detail in upcoming FAQs and at the forum on Tuesday, August 18.

What is the protocol if someone tests positive? Will the class and/or school be quarantined/closed?

• Any student or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 will immediately be placed in isolation at home for at least 10 days.

• School administrators will notify Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) to determine what steps are needed for the school community.

• The District will assist the local health department in contact tracing efforts by providing a list of probable close contacts (defined as being within 6 feet of the infected individual for at least 10 min.) The identification of close contacts should begin 48 hours before the student became symptomatic, or 48 hours before the student was tested for the COVID-19 virus is asymptomatic.

• Identified close contacts should also remain at home for 14 days of quarantine from the date of last exposure to the infected individual.

• Please visit this infographic from the CDC regarding when to quarantine and when to return to school.

What happens if a student or faculty/ staff member starts showing symptoms during the school day?

• School buildings have designated a room to isolate students or staff with symptoms of COVID-19 identified during the school day.

• Students or staff will be moved safely, discreetly, and in accordance with applicable privacy laws or regulations, to the isolation room for evaluation.

• The individual will be provided a mask if they are able to use one, and students will be supervised by a staff member who maintains at least 6’ of distance and uses appropriate PPE.

• Parents/guardians of the student who is ill will be contacted and asked to pick the child up from school immediately.

• After the ill student/staff member has been removed from the classroom, the remaining students will be moved out of the classroom to decrease risk of transmission.

• Once the students are removed from the classroom, they will be asked to thoroughly wash their hands.

• The entire classroom will be cleaned to disinfect all touch points in the classroom (desks, chairs, tables, doorknobs, lockers, etc.).

What will be the protocol for a faculty/staff member or student to be cleared to return to school following illness or diagnosis of confirmed cases of COVID-19?

If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test they should not be at school and should stay at home until:

• It has been at least ten days since the individual first had symptoms.

• It has been at least three days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); and

• It has been at least three days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.

• When the isolation or quarantine period has ended, a letter from SCDHS confirming release will be provided to each case and contact. Students and/or staff can provide the letter to their school district upon return.

What is the protocol if someone has been in close or proximate contact with an infected individual? What is the definition of close or proximate contact?

As per CDC and NYS DOH:

A close contact is defined as being within six feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (10 minutes or more). One would also be considered a close contact if someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 coughed or sneezed on you.

• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19

• You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)

• You shared eating or drinking utensils

• They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

The CDC and DOH recommends that those who come in contact with a close contact:

• Stay home and monitor your health

• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19

• Watch for fever (100.0◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19

• If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19

Will all parents be notified if someone is diagnosed with COVID-19?

The school district will make appropriate notification as directed by the DOH.

Is it safe for children to wear masks all day?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children wear face masks. They have determined that it’s not only safe, but to not do so is potentially unsafe. Children will have mask breaks. Medical contraindications to mask-wearing are actually very rare.

If a student has a medical mask exemption, will they be kept away from other students?

Students with special needs or students who are medically fragile may not be able to maintain social distancing, hand or respiratory hygiene, or wear a face covering or mask. It is important for parents/ guardians to work with their child’s healthcare providers so that an informed decision can be made on how best to meet the child’s needs at school while protecting their health and safety. Transitioning these students back to school requires planning and coordination of:

• school health services personnel

• special education personnel

• pupil personnel services

• Administration

Being aware that such families are already under significant stress and COVID-19 has made their situations more critical.

If the district is unable to get its employees to consistently wear a mask, how will they enforce the mask mandate with students?

Teachers and staff must model the consistent use of masks. It is the District’s expectation that all students and staff will follow appropriate protocols.

Will there be extra face masks in the buildings?

Yes, face masks will be provided for students or staff who forget to bring their masks from home, or for those whose masks become soiled or damaged. Extra masks will be available at the security desk, main office, or health office.

Will face shields be used?

Yes, face shields will be worn by medical, nursing, and teaching staff when warranted.

What type of PPE is being provided for teachers and students?

Only Nursing and Medical staff and those taking close care of students with special needs who cannot maintain safe physical distancing require full PPE. Teachers and students only require face coverings. Extra masks will be on hand for those who forget to bring their masks from home and for those whose masks become soiled or damaged.

Are health checks being conducted before admission to a school building?

Daily health screenings, including daily temperature checks and completion of a screening questionnaire, are required for all students and staff, to confirm:

• They are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19,

• They have not been exposed to individuals known to have tested positive for COVID-19,

• They are not awaiting results from a COVID test for themselves or an immediate family member, and

• That they have not traveled internationally or out-of-state to a location designated through the New York State Travel Advisory within the last 14 days.

The district will limit contractors and vendors to those essential for the operation of our school facilities and for emergency purposes. Contractors and vendors will have this temperature checked upon arrival.

• Staff and parents/guardians must perform temperature checks prior to the arrival at school. Periodic temperature checks will be conducted by the district on site.

• Anyone who has a fever of 100.0 or above or other signs of illness will not be admitted into the school.

• Students and staff are required to notify the school when they develop symptoms or if their answers to the questionnaire change during or outside school hours.

• The district is developing a staff and family screening tool for completion of the required temperature check and survey questionnaire.

• Parents need to be on the alert for signs of illness in their children and to keep them home when they are sick.

• Each of our schools has identified an isolation room, in addition to the current health office. Individuals who are sick should go home or wait in the isolation room until their caregivers arrive. Health care professionals will monitor for emergency symptoms and seek emergency medical care if symptoms occur. Students will be escorted from isolation areas to the parent/guardian.

• As part of symptom screening, schools will refer symptomatic individuals, or their parents, to call their health care provider, or if they do not have a health care provider, to follow up with a local clinic or urgent care center.

• The Suffolk County Department of Health will be notified.

• Symptomatic students or staff members follow CDC’s “Stay Home When You Are Sick” guidance unless otherwise directed by a healthcare provider or the local department of health. If the student or staff member has emergency warning signs such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to arouse, bluish lips or face, call 911 and notify the operator that the person may have COVID-19.

• School staff will be made aware of the symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 which is a serious condition associated with COVID-19, in children and youth. Schools should notify the parent/guardian if their child shows two or more of the following symptoms and recommend the child be referred for immediate follow up with a healthcare provider:

• Fever

• Abdominal Pain

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Neck pain

• Rash

• Bloodshot eyes

• Feeling extra tired

Will there be an app for daily check ins?

Yes, the district is partnering with Qualtrics to develop a staff and parent app to collect this data.

What if my child has a health condition that causes a symptom, such as a headache, that is also a symptom of COVID? Will my student have to stay home?

The School Nurse will assess individuals that are sent to the health office, as chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies or chronic gastrointestinal conditions may present the same symptoms as COVID-19 but are neither contagious nor pose a public health threat. The school nurse will use their professional judgment, based on guidance from the NYSDOH and CDC, to isolate and dismiss any student or staff member who has a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19 that are not explained by a chronic health condition for follow up with a health care provider.

Students may be excluded from school if they have:

Any one (1) of the following:

• Fever

• Loss of taste or smell

• Shortness of breath

• Difficulty breathing

• New or worsening cough

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Congestion/runny nose

• Chills

• Diarrhea

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue

Schools will follow CDC guidance for allowing a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If a person was 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.

• If they have been diagnosed with another condition and have a healthcare provider written note stating they are cleared to return to school.

If someone has a cold, but it is not COVID, what is the protocol for their return to school?

Schools must follow CDC 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.

• 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 ten days since the individual first had symptoms.

• It has been at least three days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); and

• It has been at least three days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.

Return to school will be coordinated with the local health department.

The CDC provides specific guidance for individuals who are on home isolation regarding when the isolation may end. CDC recommends 14 days of quarantine after exposure based on the time it may take to develop illness if infected. Thus, it is possible that a person known to be infected could leave isolation earlier than a person who is quarantined because of the possibility they are infected.

If a student is sent home during the day, or excluded from attending due to symptoms of COVID as reported on the Daily Health Assessment, what is required in order for them to return to school?

What is the plan for contact tracing?

In addition to screening and testing, contact tracing is an effective disease control strategy that involves investigating cases and their contacts—typically by asking individuals to isolate and quarantine contacts to quarantine at home voluntarily. Contact tracing is a public health function performed by Suffolk County Department of Health Services to trace all persons who had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. This allows public health officials to put in place isolation or other measures to limit the spread of the virus. Three Village Schools will cooperate with state and local health department contact tracing. Schools can assist public health departments in knowing who may have had contact at school with a confirmed case by:

• keeping accurate attendance records of students and staff members

• ensuring student schedules are up to date

• keeping a log of any visitors which includes date, time and where in the school they visited; and Assist local health departments in tracing all contacts of the individual at school in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program. This does not mean schools are required to have staff members take the contract tracing program.

• Questions should be directed to the local health department.

Confidentiality must be maintained as required by federal and state laws and regulations

School staff should not try to determine who is to be excluded from school based on contact without guidance and direction from the Suffolk County Department of Health.

See CDC Infographic for more information.

What is being done to encourage healthy hygiene practices?

Healthy hygiene practices will be taught and re-taught in school for both students and staff. Videos will be created to demonstrate to the school community best practices in hand and respiratory hygiene. Additionally, signs will be posted throughout the school. Signage will remind individuals to:

• stay home if they feel sick.

• cover their nose and mouth with an acceptable face covering.

• properly store and, when necessary, discard PPE.

• adhere to physical distancing instructions.

• report symptoms of, or exposure to, COVID-19.

• follow hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection guidelines.

• follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

How are medically compromised children being protected in the nurses’ office?

All school nurses will follow the district’s policies related to COVID-19, as recommended from the AAP, NYSDOH, CDC and NYSED.

Is there a plan to close a school depending on how many COVID-19 cases are active?

Three Village Schools will collaborate with the local health department to determine the parameters, conditions or metrics (e.g., increased absenteeism or increased illness in the school community) that will serve as early warning signs that positive COVID-19 cases may be increasing beyond an acceptable level.

• School administrators should consider closing school if absentee rates impact the ability of the school to operate safely.

• Schools may choose to modify operations prior to closing to help mitigate a rise in cases.

• Schools should consult their medical director and/or the local department of health when making such decisions.The District will follow the guidance of the Department of Health and the Governor’s Office.

• There is no predetermined threshold to close a building. The Governor has determined that districts may open if the local infection rate is less than 5% and remain open if the local infection rate stays below 9%. The current local infection rate is approximately 1%.

If I have multiple children, and one is exposed to COVID-19 in school, will all my children need to quarantine?

The District will work in close conjunction with the Department of Health for guidance.

Why isn’t the district testing all employees prior to attending school? Most employers including local colleges are requiring a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering school?

It is strongly recommended that schools comply with CDC guidance and not conduct COVID-19 testing or require testing or antibody testing of students or staff members. The decision of whether a test needs to be conducted should be determined by a healthcare provider or the local department of health.

How often will teachers and staff be tested and what is the turnaround time for results?

COVID-19 testing is not required by the NYSED/NYSDOH, and not recommended by CDC.

Hospitals and nursing homes are still testing their staff weekly or bi weekly for COVID-19, shouldn’t the district be testing our staff too?

This is not required by the NYSED and NYSDOH.

How would a hybrid plan would protect children, or reduce their risk, if they are still on buses or in the building with children who are there for the full 5 days? What protocols would be in place to actually keep hybrid students separate from 5 day kids?

The District has not instituted a hybrid model.

District policy regarding head lice is such that if one student in a class gets head lice parents are not notified and other students are not checked. Will your COVID-19 positive policy resemble the head lice policy, and if so, how can you justify that policy?

Yes, patient privacy will be similarly respected while the District cooperates with the local health department during the contact tracing process. The DOH will communicate discreetly with close contacts of the patient.

Facilities & Transportation Questions and Answers

What is the square footage of our rooms?

Classrooms vary in size from 800 to approximately 1400 square feet

Will desks in classrooms be six feet apart?

Elementary classrooms will be set up so the students will be seated at least six feet apart from one another. We are working on lowering class size at the secondary level to achieve maximum distancing.

What will the layout be in the cafeterias?

Each student will sit at an individual desk in the secondary school cafeterias and there will be three students per table in the elementary schools. Students will be at least six feet apart.

How will cafeterias be disinfected?

Flat surface and high touch areas will be disinfected between groups and the entire cafeteria will be thoroughly cleaned every night.

Describe the use of polycarbonate barriers (e.g. location, height, effectiveness).

Desk barriers that meet NYS Fire Code will be provided to students and mounted to each elementary student desk and will be provided to each secondary student for them to bring from class to class and to and from home.

How will the flow of traffic in the hallways be controlled?

Floor markings and tape center line in the elementary schools, floor markings and signage in the secondary schools.

How many students will be sitting on each seat in a bus?

One student per seat, unless they reside in the same household, in which case two or three can share a seat. Face coverings are required on the bus.

Will desks be disinfected between classes?

The teacher will have the ability to disinfect desktops during the day. Classrooms will be sanitized completely every night.

How will students be 12 feet apart in chorus/music?

Rooms that allow for 12 foot separation will be used, and weather permitting, classes may be held outdoors to allow for greater distancing.

Will Three Village open classroom space at the administration building?

All available classroom space at North Country is being used by the Academy.

What is the bathroom policy / how often will bathrooms be cleaned?

A monitor will limit use, and custodial staff will clean bathrooms throughout the day, with a full disinfecting at night.

How often will banisters and doorknobs be cleaned? Specifically what sanitizing is done and how frequently?

Custodial staff will be sanitizing these areas throughout the day.

Is there enough space for all students to be physically distant during class time in the junior and high school/s?

The District is maximizing all available space and decreasing class size whenever possible.

Will buses be cleaned between AM and PM runs as well as between schools?

High contact areas on buses will be wiped down after each run and thoroughly cleaned each night.

How will common areas be set up?

Common areas, such as libraries, gymnasiums, cafeterias, etc. will have desks and chairs spaced apart, and will also have distance markers as visual reminders to socially distance. Face coverings will also be required in these areas.

Is it possible to show parents visuals of what the classrooms, cafeteria, etc. will look like?

Yes, the district is continuously adding images here.

How will the ventilation system be improved?

All classroom Uni-Vents are calibrated to provide 15 cubic feet per minute per student of outside fresh air. A MERV 13 filter is too dense and will overload the fan motors in classrooms. Many of our larger spaces will have MERV 13 filters.

Have any special partitions that are flame retardant and safe been put anywhere in any of the buildings?

Rooms that require closer contact (some special education rooms, resource rooms, etc.) will utilize barriers that conform to NYS Fire Code.

Have you maximized full use of all of the buildings to spread out classes including spaces that were not previously used as instructional for spacing?

Areas such as mini-gyms and auditoriums are available for instruction, outside instruction may also be utilized weather permitting.

Will school bathrooms always be stocked with soap and/or hand sanitizer?

Custodial staff will be checking hand sanitizer and soap dispensers regularly throughout the day.

Has the district considered hiring bus matrons who take temps before a child gets on the bus?

The recommendation from the NYS Education Department and the NYS Department of Health is for parents to take their child’s temperature at home before going to school.

Will equipment for physical education classes, microscopes etc in other hands-on classes be sanitized daily?

There will be complete disinfecting every night, however the best defense is hand washing before and hand washing after by each student. In some areas such as science, gloves will be available. When appropriate, the district will be offering virtual labs in lieu of hands-on labs.

Have you considered using reserve funds to hire more teachers/staff to have more sections to maintain all programs/classes and social distancing or for remote learning?

Absolutely. This is exactly the type of emergency situation that we maintain reserve funds for. Additional teaching staff is being hired to help decrease class size.

Instruction Questions and Answers

Is there a remote option?

Yes. The remote component is described in the Instructional Plan. Item A is intended if a school or the district must close in the event of an increase in COVID-19 cases. (The guidance for this is described under the Health and Safety section of the Re-opening Plan.) Item B is intended to provide an option for parents and students who cannot or do not want to return to a school in the in-person model.

Do students with medical issues receive home tutoring? Will their siblings be given home tutoring?

The only exemption NYS recognizes is for immunizations required to attend school. However, if a student has medical issues and provides appropriate documentation that they are unable to attend, they will either receive home tutoring or be provided instruction remotely based on individual student circumstances. Siblings do not qualify for home tutoring when a sibling has a medical condition. Parents can opt for remote instruction in this case.

Will Chromebooks be available for all students?

Yes, Three Village Central School District already has a one-to-one device program for students in grades 7-12. The district is expanding the one-to-one offering, providing a device for every student in grades K-6. Devices will be deployed at the end of August 2020, and will be available for immediate use at the start of the 2020-21 school year. Elementary student devices will remain in the classroom for the duration of the in-person instructional plan; in the event the district needs to move to a remote instructional plan, these devices will be sent home. Any student who selects a remote instructional plan will be provided with a device prior to the start of the school year.

If I have students in more than one school, will they be on the same schedule?

In-person instruction at different schools is not on the same schedule. If the district must close, all students will be provided instruction remotely as described in the Instructional Plan (Remote A). Schedules are provided for each level under this plan. In the Remote A model, all elementary schools will be on the same time schedule, and secondary schools will follow a modified schedule as provided in the plan. If the district were to implement a hybrid model, every opportunity would be made to keep households on the same rotational schedule.

How will class schedules be made?

Class schedules are created by the administration of each school. Due to COVID-19, special attention has been given to the balancing of classes to comply with the guidance from the Governor, CDC, DOH, and NYSED.

How many students to a class on the elementary level?

The average class size at the elementary level is currently 18 students. Based on the number of families expected to opt their children into the remote model, it is expected that this number will decrease.

How many students to a class on the secondary level?

The average class size in the secondary varies depending on discipline and course. Based on the number of families expected to opt their children into the remote model, it is expected that this number will decrease.

How will remote instruction be improved? If we fully open, how will teachers prepare for instruction if we need to close?

All instruction in 2020-21 will be designed for continuity, whether in-person, hybrid, or remote, through real-time, teacher-facilitated instruction. Teachers have requested training in translating direct instruction, class discussion, small group work, and differentiation to remote and hybrid formats. Additionally, professional development will focus on delivering engaging lessons using Google Meet, and using collaborative work products like Google Docs, Jamboard, Nearpod, and PearDeck. The district will be focused on using fewer tools with mastery as best instructional practice. In addition to the robust spring and summer professional development offerings completed and underway (over 90 virtual courses with 1,500 attendees), professional development will be frontloaded at the start of the 2020-21 school year, and maintained via ongoing workshops and support. Faculty, department, and grade level meetings will be refocused on training, collaborating, and curating best practices. Professional Development will be continuous, facilitated by administrators, mentors, instructional technology specialists, and point individuals.

Will students on the full day, in-person instructional plan receive remote instruction if they have to quarantine?

Yes, if a student must quarantine, they can receive remote instruction as described under the Instructional Plan (Remote B).

Has the district explored implementing a block schedule?

Yes, the District did explore block scheduling. Revamping master schedules to implement a block schedule normally takes one to two years of study and research to effectively implement. Our robust course offerings coupled with the diversity of our program offerings did not lend itself to implementing a block schedule in the short time before schools reopen.

Are there alternatives to indoor gym?

Students in physical education classes will be outside as often as possible with weather permitting.

Can teachers hold class outdoors, weather permitting?

Teachers at all levels can hold classes outside the school building with weather permitting. Internal procedures in each school are in place to support this initiative, including security and WiFi.

Who will teach in the all remote model and what is the structure for the remote model on the secondary level?

Remote (For students not returning to school under the In-Person Plan) - OPTIONAL:

• Daily attendance is required for students, including for those students who are being taught remotely.

• Students will be provided a schedule sometime after August 21^st.

Elementary

• One teacher will be assigned to deliver the instruction for each grade level in the elementary level (K-6).

• The schedule will follow the description of the schedule under the Remote section, Item A.

• Instruction will be provided daily and in real-time using the Google Suite platform.

• Chromebooks will be provided to all students in K-6 at the start of the school year.

Secondary

• Students will follow their daily schedule and report to class remotely at the assigned times of their schedule as they would if they were attending school in-person.

How much live instruction is expected in the remote model?

All students will receive daily real-time teacher-facilitated learning. Secondary students will follow their schedule. Elementary students will follow a modified schedule. Schedules will be available sometime after August 21st.

Can online instruction replace snow days?

No. There are currently no provisions in New York State for on-line instruction to replace a snow day.

Can WiFi hotspots be provided to teachers in the case of power outages?

WiFi hotspots will be provided to teachers and families who have unreliable internet access. Hotspots require power to operate, and would not be a solution in the event of a power outage. Requests for WiFi hotspots should be done through school social workers.

Will electives be taught in remote instruction or just core classes?

Yes, electives will be taught.

Will clubs and sports be available to students who select the remote option?

Athletics are under state and also local regulations from Section XI. All students, regardless of remote or in-person instructional plan, are eligible to participate in athletics. Extracurricular activities are an important part of our educational environment and provide rich opportunities for our students. Clubs will meet virtually whenever feasible and possible.

Will specials push-in to elementary classrooms?

Health will push-in to the elementary classrooms; Depending on class size, art and music will either be a push-in or pull-out. Physical education and library will not.

Will related services be in the classrooms or in the normal locations? If normal locations, will there be partitions set up?

Depending on the size of the class attending the related service, the class will either remain in the current room or be moved to a larger location to comply with guidance from the CDC and DOH.

Will secondary students be able to go to the library or extra help during lunch and/or study hall?

Students will be allowed to go to the library or attend extra help. However, the capacity of the library will be limited to ensure physical distancing.

Are there field trips this year? Virtual field trips?

The district has procured G-Suite Enterprise for Education as our live streaming vendor. As a result, we will be able to live stream important events, such as field trips and assemblies. “Traditional” field trips to locations away from students' home schools, have been suspended until further notice.

Has the music department ordered any covers for the wind/horn instruments? Or taken any other specific measures other than working in larger spaces?

Covers for the wind and horn instruments have been ordered and will be distributed on the first week of school.

What is the placement protocol for new entrants?

New entrants will be placed in the least enrolled classes in all levels to maintain balance. Schedule changes will be kept to a minimum due to the necessity to balance classes and maintain student groupings.

How will the district ensure that remote classes are balanced in the same way you aim to balance traditional in-person classes?

Once the district has final counts on who will be attending in-person and who will be remote, administrators will balance all classes.

Will honors level classes be available remotely?

Yes. Secondary students will follow their class schedules.

How will there be "equity in testing"? Students that choose remote have access to multiple computers, a smartphone, their notes, papers and other resources while taking an online test.

Teachers will be requiring more authentic assessments, for example participation in collaborative work products, student screencasts and research projects. Tests and quizzes may be given using software, such as GoGuardian, which provides reporting on student behavior during sessions.

Will incoming K students have an orientation?

Yes. The schedule will be posted on the website in the near future.

Will freshmen be able to opt out of swimming?

Swimming instruction is normally provided to sophomores in grade 10 attending Ward Melville High School. Due to the current situation, students will not have access to lockers or have the ability to change for physical education. Therefore, swimming instruction will not be provided during the 2020-2021 school year.

What is the extra help structure for remote?

Students can email their teachers to schedule extra help in the remote option.

Since kindergarten is not state mandated, has the district considered half day K as a way to have 5 day instruction and less congestion in the buildings?

This is not a consideration at this time.

How will nap/rest time be handled in PreK and K?

There has never been a nap time in PreK or K. There is a quiet room between PreK and Enrichment program, but this is not a nap room.

If schools are fully closed, will standardized tests (like the PSAT, SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests) be offered in person at Ward Melville, if the test administrators (e.g. CollegeBoard) decide not to offer an online option?

The district would allow for standardized testing to be administered at the high school provided that we are not prevented from doing so by the DOH and CDC.

Will students be able to meet with their teachers after class/meetings, afterschool, etc.?

Students can meet with their teachers in-person when in school. Staff availability after school is dependent on teacher schedules.

How will secondary school students access computer and science labs?

Computer lab use will be discontinued for the school year, as every student has a one-to-one device and all subject areas have been audited for chromebook compatibility.

The District is exploring the use of virtual science labs as those are now permissible under temporary NYS regulations.

Are there limitations around which electives the student can take or be eligible for?

Yes, there are prerequisites for some electives. In order to limit class sizes, some electives will be prioritized to seniors and juniors at the high school.

Is there a general Technology contact for set up for students/parents to contact with Chromebook or software issues?

The district is building an Instructional Technology Playbook for staff, students, and families alike. This resource will provide video tutorials and reference materials on all district tools. If a student is experiencing difficulty navigating a tool, their first contact should be the classroom teacher. If students are having a hardware issue with the chromebook, the building Computer Teaching Assistant will coordinate a loaner while diagnostics are performed on the device and any necessary repair/replacement is completed.

Will there be a “Parent University” teaching parents how to use the various applications teachers will be using if going remote?

The office of Student and Community Services will be coordinating a Parent University, dedicated to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and technology.