SAFETY - Dartmouth Public Schools’ (DPS) highest priority is the health and well-being of its community. We believe that a healthy environment is ultimately a secure environment, one in which students, teachers and staff are able to thrive. We also believe that we have an obligation to support the health of the broader community – from our own DPS families to those around our region. At all times, we will seek to align our measures with guidance from the MA Department of Health and the Center of Disease Control (CDC). See Resource page for links.

IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION – Dartmouth Public Schools believes that the optimal learning environment for children is one in which they are learning from their teachers and fellow students in person. We also recognize the value of the unique role our school community plays in the education of our students. To the best of our ability, and in accordance with official health guidelines, we will seek to provide as much in-person instruction as possible.

ACADEMIC COHERENCE AND EXCELLENCE – Dartmouth Public Schools believes in the pursuit of academic excellence in any context and that a continuous educational experience is vitally important to achieve this end. While health circumstances may necessitate certain changes or restrictions to this, our ultimate goal is to support our students’ learning and development as seamlessly as possible.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS – Dartmouth Public Schools has always prided itself on knowing and supporting each child. We recognize that the pandemic and the social and educational disruption that continue to result from it place all of our students at heightened risk when it comes to mental and emotional health and well-being. Therefore as we plan to reopen schools, we will enhance our focus on student mental health and well-being to build resilience and manage stress or anxiety students may have experienced throughout the pandemic through our pedagogy and classroom practices.

FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY – Dartmouth Public Schools recognizes that any plan that we design to respond to external health conditions must be flexible and able to adapt to circumstances beyond our control. Our overarching goal is to create a continuous learning structure that is durable enough to adapt to possible future coronavirus infections while still allowing us to maintain as much in-person instruction as possible.

As required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Dartmouth Public School District has completed its comprehensive Return to School Plan. This plan has been developed in accordance with guidance documents released by DESE and in collaboration with many stakeholders. Comments and ideas presented by community members, health officials and staff were carefully considered throughout the planning process. The executive summary highlights key components of the plan.

• The Commissioner of Education has adjusted student learning time for the 2020-2021 school year from 180 days to 170 days in order to allow for additional professional development for staff to prepare for potential learning modes, enhance instructional strategies and learn about safety precautions. The School Committee has the authority to modify the district calendar to align with this learning time reduction.

• Beginning with its “Initial Fall Reopening Guidance” on June 25, 2020, DESE has released numerous guidance documents in support of each district’s planning process.

• DESE required each Massachusetts district to develop and submit three “return to school” plans: a 100% in person return to school aligned with safety precautions, a hybrid learning model aligned with safety precautions and a fully remote learning model.

• In developing our plans we prioritized the health and safety of staff and students by adhering to all guidance documents and collaborating with the town of Dartmouth’s local health agent. The State issued initial health guidance on June 25, 2020 requiring students and staff to maintain social distances of three to six feet, wear face masks and to organize students at the middle and high school levels by cohorts to minimize interaction.

• The district performed a feasibility study of each building and analyzed transportation guidance to determine if a 100% in person return to school was possible and prudent. In response to this effort it was determined that a full in person return to school is not practicable.

• To be prepared during this time of uncertainty, we have developed two robust education models.

  • Hybrid Learning Model: This option provides PK-12 students with a combination of in-person and remote learning experiences. Our student population at each school will be divided into two cohorts. Each cohort will attend in-person school on an every other day schedule. On the remote day students will be expected to engage in independent work, completing projects, reading, watching videos to prepare for the next day and more. All safety precautions will be followed including:

    • • Staff and students PK-12 will be required to wear face coverings while in buildings.

      • Cleaning and sanitizing will be increased in each building.

      • Social distancing of 6 feet will be practiced in the classrooms and transitions through hallways will be limited and supervised.

      • Lunches will be served in the classrooms or other designated areas.

      • Mask breaks will be provided.

      • Students will remain with small cohorts/classrooms for most of the day.

  • Remote Learning Model: This option provides PK-12 students with continuity in learning opportunities that follow the district’s scope and sequence. This model will advance academic readiness, strengthen personal relationships and inspire engagement with learning. Teachers will report to their buildings and implement a full day schedule. Students will be required to attend lessons every day. Attendance will be taken and assignments will be graded.

• Dartmouth Public Schools believes in the pursuit of academic excellence in any context. No matter the education model implemented, we will provide students with a robust learning experience. A focus will be on innovative practices that engage students in their learning.

• Appropriate PPE will be provided to staff.

• Nursing stations will include an isolation area and appropriate number of bathrooms.

• In collaboration with the local health agent, DESE’s Protocols for Responding to COVID 19 Scenarios will be followed.

• Every effort will be made to provide high needs populations including Level 1 and 2 English Learners, special education PK students and students enrolled in small group special education programs with as much in person learning as is feasible.

• This remains a fluid situation. The district will be ready to transition between plans as necessary throughout the year.

• We recognize how families, students and staff have been affected by this situation. We are committed to ensuring our students have every opportunity to engage in meaningful learning.

Dartmouth Public Schools is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all of our students in the fall. While we are all eager to return to teaching and learning in person there is much to consider. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has provided numerous guidance documents that are supporting our decisions around safety measures, transportation, special education, cleaning of facilities, special area classes and protocols for responding to COVID-19 scenarios. Commissioner Riley and his staff have also maintained constant communication with districts across the Commonwealth, providing support during a complex situation.

As required by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in order to be prepared for possible scenarios in the fall we have developed three models of education. Each one has been created in accordance with required safety and health requirements. To properly plan each model, Dartmouth Public Schools first implemented a facilities assessment to determine the number of teaching spaces and classrooms in each school that meet the social distancing requirements. While DESE guidance recommends an allowable social distance of 3 feet, we decided to use spacing of 6 feet to increase safety precautions.

Dartmouth Public Schools surveyed families on June 6, 2020. We understand most people are looking forward to sending children back to school either full in person or in a hybrid model. We share this sentiment and continue to focus on getting kids back to school when it is safe to do so.

After considering all available information, we developed the following return to school plans. This document is color coded to organize and differentiate between the various scenarios.

Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies

Dartmouth Public School has engaged in evolving and adapting teaching and learning during school closure and remote learning. As we prepare for the 2020-2021 academic year, we used teacher and student feedback and community survey data to redesign our curriculum, adapt and create new teaching materials, and design new professional learning opportunities to enhance the capacity of our teachers. Also, we are exploring and researching strategies to meet instructional goals by creatively organizing space, using new tools for collaboration and communication and fostering deeper relations that help bridge physical distance.

During this time we continue to prioritize our pre-covid goals of innovative practices that focus on the needs of students to succeed in our changing world and improvements in student performance. Although our instruction looks and feels different our instructional impacts are still purposeful, intentional, targeted and relevant. We continue to build educational experiences using personalized and blended learning. Our vision of “creating a rigorous, relevant, and risk rewarding culture that fosters ingenuity and curiosity, inspires collaboration and exploration beyond borders, and consequently develops employable, responsible citizens, who live interesting lives: still holds true.

Our lesson design is guided by the following key points:

• Expand mindsets through ongoing and embedded support and guidance

• Students will be doing the doing

• Foster a learning environment that promotes confidence, efficacy and self-awareness

• Measure student outcomes in a progressive and equitable manner

Whether in person or remote, Dartmouth Public Schools strives to develop learning activities that include options for students. Examples include, a menu of choices, a variety of materials and resources to choose from, different lengths of activities, and tapping into different learning styles and modalities. We consistently consider the process, product, pacing, and resources in lessons and activities to ensure all students can partake in some way. We embrace a focus on deeper dives into learning to provide an opportunity to continue to challenge students in new ways and expand their learning.

Planning for the possible transitioning to remote learning is difficult, but it can also be a time of reflections and growth. Dartmouth Public Schools will continue to focus on the growth of all students and educators.

Special educators often have particularly close connections with their students; therefore, ongoing communication and meaningful partnerships with families continues to be of paramount importance to us. As we move into the start of the new school year, special educators will be collaborating with related service providers, teacher assistants, general educators, and others who support students with special education services. The Pupil Support Services department will continue to ensure that services are appropriate and accessible whether they occur in-person or remotely. The collaboration that took place during the spring closures will continue into the new school year to provide students with their IEP services.

The District is committed to providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for our students. Simultaneously, we must be mindful of the health and safety of students with disabilities and educators providing the services. Special education in the fall of 2020 will shift from a “resources and supports” model to an “instruction and services” model. This means that to the greatest extent possible, students with IEPs should be receiving instruction in alignment with the minutes on their service delivery grids. As in the spring, teachers will collaborate with parents to develop a learning plan for students that outlines what IEP services will look like in our model.

In support of our vulnerable populations, the following subgroups of students will receive in-person instruction to the maximum extent possible: special education students enrolled in district specialized programs and special education preschool students who have IEP services requiring the full preschool program. Whether we implement a hybrid or remote model, we will strive to provide in-person instruction to the greatest extent possible to these subgroups of students.

Specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided to all staff based on their instructional roles and needs. For specialized program teachers and related service providers who may have to be in closer proximity to students, PPE will be more extensive and might include gowns, gloves, shields, masks and gloves.

Special education evaluations will be conducted in-person whenever possible, and remote evaluations will be utilized when appropriate based on professional judgment of evaluators. Team Meetings will primarily be held remotely in order to limit the number of visitors to each school building. The district will continue to work with families in scheduling these meetings.

Student Data Privacy

We recognize that when technology is brought into the classroom the possibilities are endless. Effective use of technology expands access to education, allows for differences in learning styles and interests and extends learning beyond the school walls. While the use of digital tools in remote learning is paramount to the success of remote learning, it does present challenges. Ensuring student safety and student data privacy are important topics that must be addressed. Many software companies offer “free” apps and software, but consumers should be wary and exercise caution. Unfortunately companies often use student data for marketing and other purposes, too often personally identifiable information about students is revealed. Our district has processes and protocols in place for determining what software and apps will be used for instruction. Staff is aware of the protocols and all student engagement must be compliant with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA). Our Instructional Technology Teachers will continue to support the district in ensuring proper procedures are followed.

Remote Learning and Technology Tools

Dartmouth educators have access to the entire suite of Google tools. Because these tools are regularly used with many students, educators will use Google Classroom and other G Suite tools. Additionally, for our younger students who may need families to share information with them, Google Sites or other website platforms that teachers have used are a great location to share activities and information for students and families. Go to our Extended Learning Site Technology Page if you want to learn more about some of the tools our teachers are using. Examples include Google Classroom, Google Meet/Zoom, SeeSaw, ST MATH and REMIND. If you need additional technological support, contact chromesupport@dartmouthschools.org.

Verifying Family Contact Information

Given increased reliance on email and other forms of communication, we are asking families to periodically review and update their contact information. This can be found in the Aspen Family Portal. Through the portal, parents can view and update email addresses. If you believe you are not receiving contact from DPS through email, text or phone via our Alert System or if you need any Aspen Help, please email aspenhelp@dartmouthschools.org.

Deploying 1:1 Devices for Students During Remote Learning

High School and Middle School Chromebook Deployment: The Dartmouth Technology Department has been preparing the fleet of Chromebooks owned by the district for use in a remote and partial remote instructional model. Students in grades 10 through 12 are currently in possession of their personal 1 to 1 Chromebook devices. Some of these Chromebooks were submitted for technical repair during the spring remote learning time. These units will be returned to the assigned student to start the school year. We have also prepared for dissemination of new Chromebooks to students in grades 7 through 9 for 1 to 1 use during the remote learning time.

The Dartmouth Tech Department has also readied additional Chromebook with existing carts that hold 300 devices. These will be used for one to one with students in grade 6 of the Middle School.

During the remote instructional model, the Dartmouth Technology Department will hold Tech Support hours at locations throughout the district at various schools, online and by phone. Staff and students will be able to obtain troubleshooting assistance or exchange malfunctioning Chromebooks for use while their computer is being repaired.

Elementary School Chromebook Deployment: The Dartmouth Tech Department is preparing the remaining fleet of 1500 Chromebooks to deploy to students in grades K-5 who did not have access to technology. Tech Support hours will also be scheduled in central locations for elementary staff and students.

We recognize that Internet access may pose a problem for some families. It is recommended folks contact the appropriate resources below to inquire about assistance. For DPS students who may have Xfinity (Comcast) Internet Assistance Program or 1-800-934-6489 If after contacting the assistance program and your family is in need of internet service, please contact the secretary of Teaching and Learning at karenscorpio@dartmouthschools.org or 508 997-3391 ext. 1107.

The Dartmouth Public Schools Transportation Plan is based on and incorporates the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Transportation Guidance issued on July 22, 2020. The transportation of students to and from school is a critical part of achieving the safe return of students to in-person school settings. The health and safety of students remains our top priority. This plan focuses on developing a transportation strategy that aligns with state guidance, thus providing safe conditions for all students and staff traveling by bus.

Limitations of this plan

This plan employs practices that greatly limit capacity of our transportation system. Implementation of this plan under a full school reopening plan would require significant measures including creating walk zones and eliminating transportation for any students inside the State established requirement, staggered school start and end times, adding additional buses (if they could be procured and funded), encouraging family provided transportation and encouraging walking and bicycle riding to school. In consideration of those challenges this transportation plan focuses on the hybrid school reopening model. Using this model, cohorts of students would be created, thereby reducing the number of students who ride the bus each day. This would allow us to stay within the transportation guidance parameters while transporting students to and from school.

Core health and safety practices

Several core practices will support safe school bus operations this fall:

• Masks - Regardless of age, all staff and students riding a bus will be required to wear masks at all times. Masks should be provided by the student/family.

• Distance - Students will be seated no more than one student per bench, alternating sides for each row, which allows students to maintain approximately three feet of physical distance. There will be a maximum of 25 students assigned to each 77 passenger bus, resulting in 32% of full capacity. Specialized transportation will be provided maintaining approximately three feet of physical distance.

• Ventilation - Windows will be kept open at all times during operation, unless not possible due to extreme weather conditions. Roof hatches will be kept open when weather conditions permit.

• Seat assignments - Students will be assigned to a single bus for AM transportation and a single bus for PM transportation. They will receive a specific seat assignment. One morning pick up location and one afternoon drop off location per student will be allowed. No bus passes to ride a different bus than assigned will be allowed.

• Hand hygiene – Hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed at the entrance of each school bus for students and staff to clean hands as they board and exit the bus.

• Bus monitors – Bus monitors will be employed as needed to ensure adherence to these health and safety guideline