Continuous Learning

FACE TO FACE w/ MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Online Only Option

We anticipate having all students back in school on August 23d in person. In the case we have to suspend face-to-face learning, students will be transitioned to an online-only environment. The school district is not offering a full-time online option for students in 2021-2022.

Pod System

In 2020-2021, Central Lee implemented a POD system. It is highly unlikely we will go back to the PODS this year but if conditions warrant it, we will consider moving some elementary classrooms to PODS.

Increased Cleaning Protocols

We will continue with increase access to cleaning materials for staff and increase the frequency of cleaning public spaces and high-touch areas by our custodians. The district has continued with employment of an additional custodian from the 2020-2021 school year.

Increased Handwashing

Classrooms may take increased breaks to ensure all students are washing their hands more frequently while at school. The majority of classrooms have sinks within the room.

Hand Sanitizer Available

There will be increased access to hand sanitizer throughout the buildings for students and staff use.

Water Fountains

Water fountain use will be discouraged. We recommend all students bring their own water bottle (labeled with their name) to use and refill at our numerous refill stations.

Optional Masks

The Iowa Department of Public Education has provided the following guidance for face masks for PK-12 schools:

Encouraged: All students, faculty, staff, and visitors to our school campus are encouraged to wear face masks in all indoor spaces when around others. Unvaccinated individuals are encouraged to wear a face mask anywhere they are around others, and to practice physical distancing when possible.

Personal choice: Faculty, staff, students, and visitors to our school campus may choose to wear or not wear a face mask anywhere they deem appropriate.

Faculty and staff cannot require students and employees to wear a face mask.

Minor First Aid

Minor first aid will be taken care of in classrooms. We hope to reduce the flow of students to the nurse’s office during the school day.

Cafeteria

Elementary - The entire MPR room will be used to allow students to spread out appropriately. Depending on conditions, students may be asked to eat lunch in their classroom, as well.

Middle School - The entire MPR room will be used to allow students to spread out appropriately. Depending on conditions, students may be asked to eat lunch in their classroom, as well. The middle school may use other areas to reduce capacity in the lunchroom.

High School - The high school will have an expanded commons area allowing us to implement two lunch periods and ensure students have ample space to social distance.

School Supplies

Sharing of school supplies should be limited. Staff and parents should attempt to ensure all students have their own supplies. In some cases in which sharing is necessary, additional effort should be made to frequently sanitize supplies.

HYBRID MODEL - ONLINE & IN PERSON LEARNING

If conditions warrant it, the district may decide to move to a hybrid learning model before moving to all online. If we move to a hybrid schedule, the buildings will operate on an A/B schedule.

Please note: We must obtain permission from the Department of Education to implement a hybrid model.

Grades 7-12 - A/B Schedule

For grades 7-12, students will be placed into A and B groups. On an A day, students in this group will come to school for their normal schedule. B day groups will attend classes online for A days. On a B day, B day students will attend school for their normal schedule and A day students will learn online.

With the hybrid plan, all students will be able to engage in a full online option for coursework, if desired.

Grades PK-6

• For grades PK-6, students will be placed into A and B groups. On an A day, students in this group will come to school for their normal schedule. B day groups will attend classes online for A days. On a B day, B day students will attend school for their normal schedule and A day students will learn online.

• With the hybrid plan, all students will be able to engage in a full online option for coursework, if desired.

REQUIRED ONLINE LEARNING

If the school district is forced to close by the Governor's proclamation or by the Board of Education, the district will deploy required online learning for all students. Attendance, grades, assessments and daily work will all be required.

Please note: We must obtain permission from the Department of Education to implement an online model.

Learning Management System

Each building has defined a learning management system to facilitate online learning for students. The high school will continue to use Canvas, while the PK-8 school will begin using Google Classroom for online instruction. These tools will be used in conjunction with other tools for online learning.

Internet Access

As part of our Return to Learn funding from the federal government, the district will order up to 40 Wi-Fi hotspots to allocate to families in need. The district also plans to partner with local churches, libraries and other organizations to provide locations for Wi-Fi access within the Central Lee community.

Provide Daycare Support for Staff

One of the challenges for our staff teaching online is supporting their own children at home at the same time. If the district would require online learning, we would provide FREE daycare for our employees to ensure they can dedicate 100% of their time to students during normal school hours.

Professional Development

The district has surveyed staff on potential professional development needs and will be conducting a variety of training sessions in July and August to ensure staff are ready to support learners in an online environment.

Purchased Tools and Resources

The district continues to identify required online learning resources for staff and students. The district has committed to purchasing ongoing licensing for iReady math and reading for our K-8 students. We continue to explore additional resources and funding will be allocated to meet the needs of teachers and students.

Fall Testing

The district will partner with families to ensure protocols and strategies are implemented to perform fall testing requirements. Our typical fall testing helps us screen students for additional support.

Ensure Teachers Have Proper Tools/Spaces to Teach Online

Our staff will be allowed to teach online from home or from their classrooms. Staff will be able to access district print resources in the building. They are already allocated a computer and iPad for daily use.

Ensure All Students Have Access to a Device

Currently, the district has enough iPads for grades K-12. Online learning materials can be completed from an iPad or a personal computer.

Deploying Other Materials

In some cases, print and hard-copy materials will need to be distributed to students. These will be delivered via van routes, through the postal service or via pick-up services on campus.