Will staff and students be required to wear masks at school?

At this time, following Rock County Public Health Department guidelines, the District will require students and staff to wear masks, face coverings, or other personal protective equipment (PPE). Furthermore, these guidelines are consistent with the new Wisconsin Public Health Emergency mask mandate effective August 1.

Why wear masks if social distancing in the classroom? Will face coverings be washed regularly by school or families?

Face coverings offer one more layer of protection to all people in the classroom. The particles are airborne and can travel farther than six feet which is the recommended social/physical distancing guidelines. The district has 3500 cloth masks on hand and has asked for local donations of masks as well. Although the primary responsibility of washing masks lies with families, the district will accommodate this task as needed. Additional information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services regarding face coverings and masks can be found here.

How will classrooms and other high traffic areas be socially distanced?

Classrooms and other high-traffic areas will be socially distanced to the greatest extent possible. Signage and decals indicating social distancing as well as traffic patterns will be placed throughout the building to support the safety measures taught to students. The District will require that a mask or face covering be worn by students and staff.

Non-essential furniture and materials will be removed from classrooms to accommodate social distancing. What are plans for larger gathering spaces within the buildings?

The "traditional" usage of large gathering spaces will not continue at this time. We have spent considerable time discussing, and planning, for all scenarios and circumstances for larger gatherings within and outside of the buildings. When spaces such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, and playgrounds are used, small groups of cohorts will follow specifically scheduled and detailed physical distancing requirements instructed by staff members and supported through signage. Cohorts of students will be assigned to specific tables/areas that will be sanitized before and after usage. Large groups of students will not travel to these areas. Additional strategies including moving some classes outdoors this fall, increasing distance between music performers with modified classes in music, etc., will be utilized.

Will staff and students be required to have their temperature taken every day before entering school?

No. Staff will be provided with a daily health assessment checklist here. It is the responsibility of families to do a home health assessment for COVID-19 symptoms each day before school. Staff and students needing access to a thermometer may request a temperature check at the school.

Will the District be tracking symptoms?

Yes. Our success will depend on members of our Evansville community putting in the efforts necessary to protect each other. The District will track symptoms of students sent home or kept home due to illness. Parents who have an ill student at home should inform the Attendance/Health Clerk at their child’s school building of the symptoms the ill student is experiencing by calling or leaving a message on the health/attendance line.

Symptom tracking is confidential information that will be used to monitor potential classroom and building outbreaks of communicable disease, including, but not limited to, COVID-19, flu, chicken pox, measles, and mumps. Although not required by law, parent reporting of symptoms is an extremely important and confidential method to ensure the health and safety of students, families, staff, and the community. This confidential symptom information will be shared only with School Nurse Abbey Tway and the health office to ensure appropriate tracking of symptoms.

We all share the responsibility to keep each other safe -- let's all commit to doing our parts (wearing face coverings; reporting symptoms, etc.) so we can get through these trying times together!

If our student is ill or showing typical cold/allergy symptoms should we be keeping them home?

Yes, if a student is symptomatic then they should stay home and attend virtually that day and until it is recommended and safe for the student to return to school. It is expected that all families do a symptom check at home each morning before sending their children to school. Please refer to this chart and these family resources from the Rock County Health Department for guidance on COVID-19-related decision on attending/returning to school.

What should students and staff do if they have been exposed to a person with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19?

If a student or staff member has been in close direct contact with someone who has been officially diagnosed with COVID-19, they should contact the Rock County Health Department at 608-757-5440. The Rock County Health Department will provide guidance on home quarantine practices and will help to determine when it is safe to discontinue isolation. The timeline for discontinuing isolation is different for each individual depending on many factors. Families and staff should refer to this Rock County Health Department return to school/exposure guide.

Any school absences due to self-quarantine or illness related to COVID-19 should be reported to the school as all other absences are reported.

Similarly, if a teacher or other staff (aides, bus drivers, etc.) has symptoms and get tested for COVID-19 will families who have children in contact with that teacher be notified? And will all students who had been exposed to that teacher be required to isolate and stay home and for how long? ?

Yes, families would be notified. We will follow the COVID Exposure Guide and Decision Making Tool as posted in the Return to Learn Plan.

What will happen if it is determined that a large number of students and/or staff have been exposed to COVID-19 in the same classroom or same school building?

There is no one single answer to this question. Due to a variety of factors, the District is prepared to analyze each individual situation with the assistance of the Rock County Health Department utilizing this decision guide. While it is possible that a single classroom or single building could be quarantined and/or closed for a period of time, instruction would then take place by the regular classroom teacher(s) through a virtual model until it is deemed safe to return for face-to-face instruction. This option is just one example of many scenarios and options that could be implemented and arise with a face-to-face return to school.

What will the protocol be regarding students who have a family member test positive? Will they be required to quarantine?

Students, families, and staff should follow the COVID Exposure Guide and Decision Making Tool as posted in the Return to Learn Plan. If they have been in close contact and have not been wearing a face covering, then they would be required to quarantine.

How will buildings and classrooms be sanitized?

All building and classroom sanitizing supplies will be provided by the District and custodial staff will continuously sanitize highly touched surfaces throughout the day. In addition, through the use of one of the District’s Electrostatic Sprayer, a thorough cleaning will be completed after school hours.

How will the District handle student attendance if a student and the family do not wish to send the student to school because of concerns of COVID-19? Will the attendance policy be modified in any way to accommodate students who may develop COVID-19 or have to stay home because their family may have it? How will their learning be accomplished? Can they convert to virtual at that time?

The Department of Public Instruction has not implemented changes to attendance at this time for the 2020-21 school year. Please refer to this Rock County return to school/exposure guide. Students will be able to attend virtually if they are not able to come into the building. As long as they are attending virtually, attendance will not be a concern.

Will the District implement staggered start and end times for different groups of students to control traffic flow and student contact at the start and end of the day?

At this time, the District will have consistent start and end times at all grade levels. Individual building administrators will communicate information to staff, students, and families on which door number students should enter and exit.

Will breakfast and lunch continue to be served to students when school resumes?

The District will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to students on campus when school resumes. Breakfast and lunch may be served in the classroom, cafeteria, and/or other designated areas and spaces to allow for social distancing of students. Additional lunch periods may be developed. Menu options may be limited with almost all items being pre-packaged or wrapped. Students are welcome to also bring lunch from home.

Will staff be allowed to participate in out-of-district professional development sessions, conferences, conventions, etc?

At this time, staff are not allowed to travel outside of the district, both in state, out of state, or out of the country, for professional development sessions, conferences, conventions, etc. Staff can participate in virtual opportunities or within the District through opportunities that are offered.

Will students be participating in field trips?

At this time, all field trips that are not a virtual experience will not take place.

Will family-teacher conferences still be held during the school year?

Family-teacher conferences will be held in a virtual format.

Will events such as choir concerts, Grandparent’s Day, etc... take place?

At this time, school sponsored events with face-to-face audiences or guests will not take place. Virtual events may be showcased when face-to-face audiences cannot be accommodated due to COVID-19.

Will visitors be allowed in the school setting?

Families needing to drop off items for their student may access the secure drop off box located in the vestibule in each building. Make sure that items dropped off are labeled with your student’s name.

The District is temporarily suspending volunteers from entering District buildings.

Will there be enough healthcare staff present at all schools to evaluate students who develop symptoms of illness?

Each building has a Health Clerk and we also have a full time School Nurse. If a student is showing symptoms they will be isolated from others and families will be contacted for pick up. Our school nurse has identified isolation areas in each building.

Can I switch my child from virtual to in-person at any time?

The first time, yes. After that, we will request that students switch at the end of a term. Although we are striving to be as flexible as possible for families, switches will be dependent on the space in the classroom (specifically 6-12). Families would contact their child’s building administrator.

What will lunch look like?

Grades K-8 will use the lunch room and sit with their classroom cohorts while continuing to practice social/physical distancing.

The 6-8 tentative plan includes splitting up groups to allow half of the students to have recess time and the other half to eat and then switch.

Grades 9-12 will continue to run two lunch periods. Students will be social/physical distancing throughout the lunch period and there is enough space to allow for this in the current lunch room. Other options are currently being discussed such as the possibility of allowing Juniors to have an open campus privilege along with the Seniors. Another option is to eat in the classrooms.

Will students have to wear masks while eating?

Students will take off their masks while eating breakfast and lunch. Areas will be sanitized prior to and after eating. Students will be washing their hands prior to eating. Our school nurse is putting together videos and will show students how to safely store their masks while they are not wearing them. If students need to leave their table during lunch to use the restroom and get something they will need to put their masks back on.

Will students be able to participate in activities ?

For grades 9-12, we will make every effort to run all activities. For grades 3-8, we will not be running activities at this time due to the fact that most activities are across grade levels and we are trying to keep cohorts of students together.

Will teachers be encouraged to take classes outside, if so will the student be able to bring sunscreen?

Teachers will be encouraged to take classes outside. It is a parent decision to send in sunscreen but teachers will not be responsible for putting sunscreen on students. Students would be allowed to wear a hat during outdoor activities.

Will my child have access to the library and library books?

Yes every student will have access to library books. We are working on a plan as to how to get materials to students as well as how to return the materials.

Will there be any changes to drop off/pick up routines?

For grades K-8, cohorts of students will be assigned to specific entrances and exits. Lessons will be provided to students regarding social distancing at these entrances and exits. These conversations will take place through virtual open house sessions.

Can parents be added to Google classroom?

Yes families can be added to Google classroom and this will be shared by teachers once classrooms have been assigned. Grades 6-12 will be using Skyward to enter grades and parents will have family access.

What will open house look like this year?

The open houses will all be virtual this year. Each building will be sending out information over the next several weeks.

How will the students be taught expectations in this adjusted classroom experience?

Our school nurse is creating several videos which will be shared with all families and students. During the first week back to school we will also take time throughout the week to teach the expectations.

Has air quality and air circulation been checked?

ECSD is working with Honeywell to identify and address airflow needs in each building.

Are there any changes to bus procedures, bus routes, transportation, etc., this year?

All drivers and riders will be required to wear a mask. Routes and additional information will be shared after registration is completed. The registration process will ask families if they intend to ride the bus and this will help us to determine the number of routes and how many students would be on each route.

What if students refuse to wear a face covering?

This will be addressed age appropriately at each level. Face coverings will be provided for those who may not have one. The expectation is that all students wear a face covering based on Rock County Health and CDC guidelines. Furthermore, this expectation is in line with Governor Evers' recent statewide mask mandate.

What exactly is Edgenuity virtual software?

Edgenuity is an online platform for virtual classes. This program allows for ECSD staff to create online classes that align with the material being taught in the in-person classes. Once these classes are created they will be self-paced, but students will have access to a virtual Edgenuity tutor. Students who choose this option will be monitored by a ECSD staff member who will keep track of pacing and completion of the courses. The expectation is between five and seven hours of online engagement in this software daily.

Does Edgenuity software match classes in the HS schedule?

Students enrolled in the Edgenuity software will have classes that, for the most part, match with what they would be taking in-person in the building via traditional HS courses. The expectation is a similar amount of time committed to and engaged in Edgenuity as it would be if a student were in the classroom (approximately five to seven hours per school day). The Edgenuity platform allows more flexibility in terms of scheduled time during the day spent on instruction and learning.

Will Edgenuity assessments be the same as in the building assessments?

No, it will not be the same assessment but the assessment will be assessing similar critical learning targets.

How will student pictures be taken for their IDs, yearbook photo, family purchasable photos?

Pictures will be taken at school in September. We are discussing options for students that are not in the building as well. More information will be shared as plans are developed.

Will Chromebooks be coming home each day or can students keep them at home and then have another Chromebook at school?

Students grades 6-12 will take Chromebooks home each day. Students K-5 will leave Chromebooks at school.

Can children in K-5 have a blended schedule to match the middle/high school schedule? Can they attend four days per week instead of five?

We are implementing a schedule that allows our K-5 students into the classroom as much as possible while practicing social/physical distancing. We will not be offering either the blended or 4-day per week schedule.

Will my child get advanced math and reading in 5th grade if we choose virtual?

It is our responsibility to meet the needs of all students within the classroom, whether virtual or in-person.

What will recess look like K-5?

Smaller groups of students will be at recess at a time. K-5 will be allowed to play in pre-designated spaces per cohort classrooms. Equipment will be sanitized between groups. Students will wear masks outdoors.

For specials classes (e.g., Art, Physical Education, etc.) will students travel to the classroom and what will the schedule look like?

We are limiting the amount of classes that specials will see in a week therefore we are moving to a quarter system for the majority of specials with the exception of Physical Education. For example, students will have Art for 9 weeks and then music for 9 weeks. The students will be traveling to the specials’ classrooms and disinfection will occur between classes.

PE classes will be outside as much as possible.

We will be purchasing additional materials to limit the need of sharing materials. When sharing is the only option the materials will be disinfected between students using the materials.

Will there be Freshmen Orientation this year for my incoming 9th grader?

There will be no formal in-person orientation meeting; however, the schedule for the first week of school will be built to allow for Freshmen Orientation throughout the week. A virtual orientation for families will be sent out prior to the start of the school year.

Will there be any changes to Band or Chorus at the MS/HS levels?

In the MS, grades 6-8 will be able to offer band and music classes. Once registration has been completed we will know how many students are in the classes at a time. Our goal is to create a class small enough to allow for students to be able to sing and to play their instrument.

Our HS students are encouraged to remain in band/music as scheduled as the classes will be running while following guidelines. As with all high school classes, students will have the opportunity to make schedule changes within the first few days dependent on space available in other classrooms.

Will classes such as band and chorus be modified since playing instruments and singing results in respiratory droplets being at much higher concentrations. Will students be allowed to modify their class selection if we do not feel comfortable with them in these classes? Similarly, regarding physical education, will students be required to wear masks and continue to social distance or will that have modifications? ?

Yes, the classes will be modified based on the research for the particular class. The band instructors are planning for additional spacing between students, special masks that allow students to play instruments, “socks” on the ends of flutes, puppy pads to collect saliva rather than it going onto the floor, etc.

Students will be able to make class changes but would need to do that within the first couple of weeks of school. This is typically within 3 days but due to the change of schedule the timeline will be lengthened. Please contact the High School Guidance Office with any questions.

Physical Education will be required to wear masks and social distance along with making modifications to their curriculums. Any equipment that is shared will be disinfected between classes. Students will use hand sanitizer and/or wash hands after activities.

Will MS/HS students be changing classrooms during the day?

Our grades 6-12 students will be changing classrooms. At the MS in grades 6-8 students, will be traveling with their assigned, consistent cohorts. Due to the nature of the HS schedule, this is not possible for 9-12 students. We will not be using bells in an effort to minimize simultaneous hallway traffic.

Why are Fall sports practicing right now?

We are following the guidelines from the WIAA, Rock County, and the Rock Valley Conference. There is no definitive answer at this point what will happen to the Fall sports season.

What chemicals are being used for cleaning and classroom disinfection?

We are using FDA approved hospital grade sanitizer, Buckeye Eco Neutral Disinfectant, and Clorox disinfecting wipes, in addition to our electrostatic spray cleaners.

Will the K-5 virtual teachers be the same as the teachers in the building or will there be teachers assigned to the virtual classroom? ?

If we regress to Phase 1 and all students (K-5 in-person) virtual then it would be the same teacher as in the building. For students selecting a virtual classroom regardless they will have one teacher and it is not going to be the same teacher as in the building.

Will students be able to engage and talk with one another? In hallways and at lunch will they be able to talk?

We know that social emotional learning is a high priority to all staff at ECSD. We will encourage students to talk and engage while practicing social/physical distancing as well as wearing a mask. Social emotional learning will be supported during the first week of school and academics will be second priority that first week.

What does "new normal" mean in Phase 3?

As of current language, our Phase 3 "new normal" will look similar to Phase 2; however, we will follow the guidelines provided by Rock County Health Department. We all hope the future allows all our students to return in-person within a greater community and society that has weathered through this pandemic situation.

What happens if a student needs to be quarantined due to the student or a family member testing positive for COVID-19?

If a student with a disability contracts or is exposed to COVID-19, and needs to be in quarantine away from school for up to 14 calendar days, and the student is available for instruction, ECSD, in consultation with the parent, will consider what services such as online or virtual instruction, teleservices, instructional telephone calls, and other curriculum-based instructional activities, should be provided. If the quarantine is a temporary emergency for up to 14 calendar days, the provision of services is not considered a change in placement.

Will special education needs be met regardless of how a student attends school?

Yes, absolutely! We will do our very best to ensure all students are learning and achieving whether in-person, blended, or virtual.

What happens if a student cannot return in the fall due to an underlying medical condition or having susceptible family members in the household?

In some cases, a student’s individual medical needs or the medical needs of immediate family members will put them at such an increased risk that there may be concerns about the student returning to instruction in the school building even with reasonable precautions in place. Under these circumstances, it is important for the IEP team to meet, discuss the student’s situation, and determine the student’s placement. The school nurse will also be included as part of the IEP team and/or seek permission from the parent to invite the student’s physician to participate in the IEP team discussion. The IEP team must avoid predetermining placement and ensure that a full continuum of placement options are discussed, the thoughts of all IEP team members are considered, and the decision is carefully documented. Services may be delivered in a variety of ways that meet the student’s needs, including, but not limited to: virtual instruction, teleservice, services provided in the home or at a remote site, or services provided in the school environment. IEP teams could also determine some services would be provided through distance learning, with others, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy, be provided in person with precautions. The IEP team must make a placement decision based on the student’s individualized needs and in accordance with the least restrictive environment requirements, which includes consideration of the health and safety concerns of the student and their family. In making these determinations, information from the parent about student and family health needs should be given significant consideration. If the parent disagrees with the placement decisions, the parent may use the special education dispute resolution options available under state and federal special education law. For more information about the dispute resolution options, see https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/dispute-resolution.

When a school is closed under a public health order and learning opportunities are being provided must students with disabilities have access and should special education services be provided?

Yes. ECSD must ensure that students with disabilities have equal access to these learning opportunities to the greatest extent possible and that supports provided are appropriately tailored to the individualized needs of the student. This may require using different instructional methodologies or different formats. ECSD will also consider how to continue to provide special education services consistent with the need to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Special education law allows for flexibility in determining how to meet the individualized needs of students with disabilities, and specially designed instruction and related services may be provided, if appropriate, through distance instruction. If some services cannot be provided, IEP teams will need to determine on an individualized basis, whether and to what extent additional services are required.

What if the hours of instruction for all students are not the length of a typical school day (e.g., students are receiving three hours of on-line instruction each day)?

If the hours of instruction for all students are reduced, then ECSD should consider whether the amount of special education and related services should be adjusted in response to the revised school day. During the period of the public school closure, ECSD should consider how IEPs will be implemented during this time, document how and what services are being provided, and communicate this with the student’s parents.

In some cases, the student’s IEP may need to be revised. The District may, with parent agreement, use the Notice of Changes to IEP Without An IEP Meeting form to make revisions to the IEP or may hold virtual IEP team meetings.

When a school is closed, may IEP team meetings be conducted virtually or through conference calls?

Yes, in order to minimize contact with others, an IEP team meeting may be conducted through virtual technology or through a conference call. All required IEP team members should participate unless appropriately excused.

What should families do if they are concerned that distance learning options such as virtual learning and packets are not a good fit for their child’s learning style?

During the public health emergency, schools cannot provide all services in the same manner as they can when schools are open. The department recognizes this creates a challenge for students who learn best through more direct, hands-on teaching techniques. Families are encouraged to contact their child’s school and request an IEP team meeting to discuss possible alternatives consistent with public health orders. IEP team meetings can be held virtually or on the telephone. If parents and school staff agree, the student’s IEP could be changed without a meeting using form I-10 or its equivalent. If a parent disagrees with the determination regarding services, parents may utilize any of the three dispute resolution options under state and federal special education law: mediation, due process hearings, or IDEA state complaints. More information on dispute resolution options is available at https://dpi.wi.gov/sped/dispute-resolution. After the public health emergency, schools and IEP teams will consider, on an individualized basis, whether and to what extent, additional services are required due to the closure.

If interventions are needed for the purpose of an Specific Learning Disability (SLD) evaluation, should district staff deliver scientific research-based interventions (SRBIs) virtually during school closures due to the emergency health order?

During school closures due to the public health order, if interventions are needed to determine response to intervention for the purpose of an SLD evaluation, district staff should deliver the interventions virtually if the intervention can be delivered with fidelity. There are a limited number of SRBIs that can be implemented virtually with fidelity. There are several factors that are beyond the control of the ECSD during the public health emergency, which include: lack of staff trained in virtual assessments or virtual interventions, inability to observe students during interventions or instruction, inability to monitor fidelity, and inability to administer probes. If the IEP team can identify an SRBI that meets the standards of the SLD rule and can be implemented with fidelity, it can be considered. If this is not possible, IEP teams and ECSD should work with parents to determine a timeline to extend the evaluation. If the IEP team determines that it has sufficient information to make an eligibility determination or if the additional information that needs to be collected can be done virtually (such as checklists or questionnaires, parent interviews), the IEP team can meet to determine eligibility.

For a student who is receiving interventions as part of an initial SLD evaluation, how should IEP teams address the need to extend evaluation timelines due to disruptions caused by the public health order?

The IEP team first considers whether they have sufficient data to make a determination, and, if so, the IEP team should complete the evaluation using the data collected to date. In determining whether an IEP team has enough data, the intervention must be implemented long enough to expect a positive result, and the IEP trend line must be stable. Due to disruptions caused by the public health emergency, IEP teams may not have sufficient data to make a determination. If there is not enough data, the IEP team may extend the 60-day timeline with written parent agreement by using the M-3 form to document the extension and include a date when the evaluation will most feasibly be completed. Absent parental agreement, the evaluation timeline may be extended because the student is not available due to the public school closure. IEP teams should document the extension with a memo in the student's file in lieu of the M-3 form. It is likely that extensions to complete the evaluation will go into the next school year. Teams should consider which grade level to continue interventions and progress monitoring.

Does the requirement that initial and reevaluations must be completed within 60 days of receiving parent consent still apply?

If there is sufficient data to determine eligibility, then the IEP team should proceed to determine eligibility, and it would be appropriate to conduct the meeting through virtual technology or a teleconference. If additional testing is required that cannot be done virtually, then the timeline may be extended because the student is not available due to the school building being closed. ECSD should maintain documentation as to why the timeline was extended, and communicate to the parent as to why the evaluation cannot be completed within the 60 days.