Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to these questions pertain only to DCMO BOCES and meant to guide parents/guardians

Check with your local school district for their plans and requirements

Planning Documents

Where do I find the Planning Documents?

All the planning documents with detailed information can be found at our website:

WWW.DCMOBOCES.COM - Click on COVID-19 UPDATES

Start Date

When will students begin classes at DCMO BOCES ?

BOCES will begin classes on September 10, 2020.

Transportation

Who will transport students on days that the home school is closed.

DCMO BOCES will have a full week - 5 day class days. DCMO does not provide transportation. The Home School will transport the students to the school on class dates. For other days, arrangements between the school district and families will have to be made for self transportation. Also, class size to make sure that BOCES has room for that student while limited by social distancing requirements.

Social Distancing

How will social distancing work in classrooms with more than 10-15 students?

Rooms will be arranged to comply with social distancing requirements. This may include shields, desk locations and traffic flow, and seat set up.

What about classes/grade levels that require close contact and collaboration for content and social-emotional development such as Pre-K and Special Education?

All rules for use of Protection Personal Equipment (PPE), physical contact, hand washing, etc. will be followed regardless of the activity.

Will there be an aide on every bus to monitor distancing and mask use, since the bus driver will be focused on driving?

The Component School Districts will determine the protocol based on their plan. For DCMO BOCES transportation, the Health & Safety team will determine the protocol based on number of students and supervision needs.

Will bathrooms have monitors to ensure only X amount of children enter at a time?

The Health and Safety Team is working on a plan to monitor social distancing for students entering the bathroom. Final decisions will be made depending on the number of students who attend the school each day.

Masks

Who will be required to wear masks?

Everyone will be required to wear a mask or appropriate approved protection.

Why are students given an option to not wear a mask?

They are not. The only exception allowed is for a student with a certified medical condition which prohibits face covering.

What about masks for unprepared students?

DCMO BOCES will provide masks for unprepared students.

If a student is not wearing a mask then will the teacher help that student from a 6-foot distance, as otherwise the teacher will be put at risk?

No, as the teacher will be wearing a mask.

Will face shields be an acceptable face covering for students and staff?

Only under certain circumstances when masks cannot be used, e.g., for speech classes.

Can students who have breathing issues use face shields in place of masks?

Only as an accommodation for a certified medical condition.

Student Attendance/Absence

Will the state attendance laws be changed so students/families aren't compelled to come to school sick?

Students are not compelled to come to school when sick under current law.

What will happen with students who are sent to the nurse with fevers or other Covid-19 symptoms?

DCMO BOCES will follow a safety plan that includes having a nurse assess the student condition, isolate the student, alert parents immediately, contact medical emergencies if deemed necessary, etc. You can read the full procedure in the opening plan referenced at the beginning of this document.

Facility

What happens in buildings with no AC and no windows to open?

The Health & Safety team is working to improve ventilation flow. Facility arrangements will be made to place students is rooms that have proper temperature and ventilation levels

What happens to fire or other drills?

Existing laws concerning fire and other drills have not been suspended or waived, so they must occur, although procedures may be modified. Like students on a bus, masks will be required during the drill.

What type of cleaners will be used to clean the facility?

Only approved cleaners will be used for the safety of all.

Who is building the barriers between the students if needed?

The Health & Safety team will build barriers to comply with all applicable rules or regulations.

What type of accommodations will be given for speech impaired students who need to read lips?

Alternatives such as face shields may be provided. Teachers will work with parents to find the best solution for each individual student.

Instruction

If students come from other districts that choose different models of school with split sessions or etc. how would that be handled?

DCMO BOCES will work closely with all component school districts, in conjunction with the models chosen, to provide educational services.

What happens when parents choose to homeschool their child(ren) and then enroll after the district’s deadline?

Such situations are handled in accordance with the law and procedures for enrollment of students in each district.

Will there be an option for parents to continue remote learning (following the school academics)?

The school district will work with DCMO BOCES to identify the best learning modes for the student. More details on the instructional plan outlines multiple learning modes. You will find a link to the Instructional Plan listed in our website.

How are they going to implement social distancing for special education students?

The Special Education has prepared new protocols to support students with special needs. Instructors will learn the new procedures during orientation days.

How should science labs be handled?

DCMO BOCES is working on blended learning styles to give students the best possible learning experiences. For example NYSED is allowing a combination of hands-on and virtual lab programs to meet the 1,200 minutes requirement for science labs.

How will grading work (especially if some students remain at home)?

Depending on the learning mode, the grading work will be customized to support the students. The grading system will be clearly discussed with students during the orientation period.

Physical/ Mental Health

How will we address the mental health needs of our students in a safe and effective manner?

In the same manner as before while following the health and safety rules for social distancing and use of PPE.

Will there be temperature checks upon entry?

Students will follow the school district’s protocols for temperature checks. DCMO BOCES will require parents/guardians to take their child(ren)’s temperature at home and report the results to their campus.

Do families need to sign waivers of disclosure if they’ve been exposed, tested, results?

No such waivers will be required, and disclosure of medical information is strictly controlled by law. Response to the Health Assessment Questionnaire is mandatory for admittance to the facility. Voluntary disclosure of other information is allowed.

If a student tests positive, what does that mean for the rest of the students in the class?

They may be questioned by Public Health, monitored closely for symptoms, required to provide daily health assessments, and wear face coverings. Public health could mandate isolation/quarantine if the exposure is deemed sufficient.