NTI refers to non-traditional instructional days when the entire district is learning outside of the school building and teachers are working directly with their students. Students who choose remote learning will make the decision for at least the semester.(This is due to several factors, such as curriculum and pacing, classroom set-up and staff assignment plans which must be based on numbers, etc.) Teachers with medical conditions who qualify for ADA who are not able to teach in-person (even with accommodations), will supervise the remote learning program and students. Classroom teachers will not be expected to teach students in-person as well as students learning remotely.

Since 70% of our teachers and staff do not support remote learning/ rotation schedules, we do not want to make that an option for the entire district.  However, individual families can decide to opt for remote learning for their child (ren).

Since 70% of our teachers and staff do not support remote learning/ rotation schedules, we do not want to make that an option for the entire district.  However, individual families can decide to opt for remote learning for their child (ren).

Students choosing remote learning will have specific teachers dedicated to this and there will be set hours. 

We will treat this just like an absence-however teacher typically provide make-up work for students, as it would not be considered NTI unless the entire district is out

Yes, therefore we cannot livestream classes

The state recommends that if a district is closed for more than 3 days they should move to NTI.  This also makes sense for make-up day purposes.

We do not plan to do a rotating schedule at this time.  70% of teachers and staff preferred a five day a week in-person option over a rotation schedule based on many factors such as: concerns over childcare and supervision of students-their own and other FTIS families’, loss of instruction, concerns over safety of students gathering or in childcare on days they do not attend school, workload of teaching both in-person and monitoring out of school lessons while they are teaching full-time, etc. Any benefit of an A/B rotation did not seem to outweigh the negatives.  If we could not create 6-foot distancing in classrooms, however, we would have had to resort to a rotation schedule. Schools have been very creative in changing schedules, classroom spaces and smaller student cohorts to make in-person instruction work within the safety guidelines.

NTI would be a last resort temporary option  to start the school year if we could not determine how to create six-foot distancing in classrooms or if our state makes the decision for schools not to open if they deem the situation too unsafe.  We are planning to start school in-person; however, this could change during the year. 

We do not plan to do a rotating schedule at this time.  70% of teachers and staff preferred a five day a week in-person option over a A/B rotation schedule based on many factors such as: concerns over childcare and supervision of students-their own and other FTIS families’, loss of instruction, concerns over safety of students gathering or in childcare on days they do not attend school, workload of teaching both in-person and monitoring out of school lessons while they are teaching full-time, etc. Any benefit of an A/B rotation did not seem to outweigh the negatives.  If we could not create 6-foot distancing in classrooms, however, we would have had to resort to a rotation schedule.  Schools have been very creative in changing schedules, classroom spaces and smaller student cohorts to make in-person instruction work within the safety guidelines.

We will need to establish very clear criteria and this will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  However, we will be encouraging consistency and a decision that is made for relatively long-term implementation (quarter, semester, etc.).

We will have to make the commitment to remote learning at least for one semester as many decisions about teacher assignments and classroom space are being made based on the numbers.

Students that elect remote learning will be eligible for extracurricular activities and will be expected to follow the same health and safety precautions as in-person learners during those activities.

Students participating in the remote learning alternative will be expected to engage in their virtual programming for upwards of 4 hours each day.  This is a standard expectation for all grade levels, but students working at home have some flexibility in the total length of daily time it will take to complete assigned tasks.  Remote learners should be working during regular school day hours since remote teachers will be available at those times to provide support, assistance, and to schedule virtual meetings.  

Remote learners will have access to a complete virtual learning experience; no additional print materials will be required.  

Remote learners will have access to a complete virtual learning experience; no additional print materials will be required.  It is imperative that we have the assurance that students have access and demonstrate a level of mastery with grade level standards, so we will want our remote learners to be assigned to entry points within the platform that allow for individual acceleration and enrichment - even above grade level - yet also work through on-grade level content.  It's entirely customizable and we want students to have every opportunity to excel and advance in their skill acquisition, content knowledge, and mastery of concepts.  

As a supplement to Edgenuity Pathblazer, our remote learners will also be enrolled in iXL to engage in Spanish as a World Language.

Grading is based on FTIS criteria and will be recorded in Infinite Campus.  Intermittent assessments for progress monitoring will be administered to remote learners consistent with those students participating in in-person instruction.  

In-person instruction and the scope and sequence of the remote learning program are aligned and, thus, students in both settings will have equitable access to grade level content.  Therefore, if a remote learning student were to return to in-person instruction in the second semester, it is expected that they will be on pace with their same age peers.  

FTIS certified teachers will be assigned to remote learners and we fully intend to group students into age-appropriate levels when assigning them to remote teachers.  Certification criteria, as established by the Educational Professional Standards Board and the KY Department of Education, will be followed in these assignments.  

Academic standards related to writing are embedded within the Reading curriculum; opportunities for writing “offline” should be extended for remote learners.  However, the entire scope of academic tasks will be based on the selected platforms - remote teachers will not be assigning additional tasks.  They will, however, provide support and assistance, as well as opportunities for remediation and enrichment.

After July 31, 2020, the Remote Learning Option Commitment Form will close, and all further requests will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in order to determine our capacity.  The selection of the remote learning alternative is binding regardless of the district's potential transition to Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI).  

If the district were to implement NTI - either before or after the students' first day of school - remote learners will continue in their remote learning plan.  

The rationale for this position is that NTI is a short-term solution for intermittent closures whereas the remote learning alternative is a relatively long-term option for families that have concerns about the health and safety of their child at school due to the conditions associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic.  

We aim to provide our students with regularity and consistency with their educational experience this year and this will allow all learners to an equitable and verified access to the curriculum.

There is no way to rotate all students in and out of a cafeteria with six foot distancing, and extensive cleaning between students in a typical lunch period, so lunch will be different.  Each school is making plans .

Lunch will look different.  We may be eating in the classrooms or have very specific criteria for using the cafeteria with assigned seats. Each school will do lunch differently due to schedules and space.  Most likely, students will order lunch for the week so that we can be more efficient in getting it to them.

This is a great idea.  We are looking into forms and apps that could help with this, especially those that could connect to the lunch payment system.

The staggered drop off and dismissal would most likely still be within the window we have, for example HMS is now 7:30-8:15, but would be more intentional

Yes, it is best if students are in the same seat (s) each day for both contact tracing/ exposure and cleaning protocols.

Transitions will be decreased as much as possible, knowing this is not possible at high school and not very possible at middle school. Transition times will most likely be longer

Preschool is now currently scheduled to begin on September 8th.  More details for families will follow once we receive Preschool Guidance from the KY Department of Education this month.

Drills will still occur but they will look different than in past years.  They will be staggered and may take place over multiple days.

Yes, it is best if students are in the same seat (s) each day for both contact tracing/ exposure and cleaning protocols.

We have asked several times, but have been told by the state and local health department that we cannot use plexiglass because they feel it is unsafe and hard to clean.  We will continue to ask.

Our custodial department and architect are evaluating this.  They have found nothing that would be detrimental.  The health department’s recommendation is also to keep windows open as much as possible as well.

The goal is to limit transitions as much as possible, which would also minimize cleaning.  Students will be involved in cleaning.  We are in discussions with both health and custodial personnel on which are the safest, best options.  For example, the students might apply a cleaner before leaving and the next class would come in and wipe it off.

We did a trial run with elementary and middle school students on 7/3 .  Woodfill also conducted a trial run. and the other schools are planning these as well.

In addition, we would like to do a “soft launch” on 8/21 with a portion of students.

The goal is to limit transitions as much as possible, which would also minimize cleaning.  Students will be involved in cleaning.  We are in discussions with both health and custodial personnel on which are the safest, best options.  For example, the students might apply a cleaner before leaving and the next class would come in and wipe it off.

Students should bring their own masks, but there will be disposable ones if students forget. We have confirmed that disposable ones are OK

Anyone less than 6 feet from the person moving will have to put on a mask.  We know this will mean changing procedures-for example, students keeping all of their supplies with them, including tissues-to minimize walking around. 

Yes, students could work in small groups if masked

Students can come to a group but have to wear a mask

If a student moves they mask

If working side by side with an IA they wear a mask

Masks will be worn at all times when students are not six feet apart.  The Public Health Department explains that “spittle” can travel up to 5 feet and the additional foot provides a cushion.  Both the Health at Work guidance document (which are the requirements we must follow) and the Governor’s order state that: masks should be worn in “any indoor public space in which it is difficult to maintain a physical distance of at least six feet from all individuals who are not members of that person’s household.” If students are seated at six foot distances they would not be required to wear a mask, but would have to wear a mask in any situation where they are less than six feet.

Only in specific circumstances (such as a teacher with a medical condition for a period of the day during high school) should students be asked to wear a mask the entire time.  This will be determined on an individual basis. The Public Health department has stated it is not necessary to wear masks when more than six feet apart. 

We are still exploring different clear mask options for specific needs

It will be a school requirement, in the code of conduct

Teachers will receive some cloth masks-either by the school PTO or district. We know, however, that individuals may have certain ones they prefer.

2-ply cloth masks and disposable medical masks have both been approved.

Every student must wear a mask when closer than 6 feet, This is not an option unless the child has a medical waiver.

Masks will be enforced (when students are 6 feet apart) and the code of conduct has been revised to reflect this as a safety expectation, with accompanying consequences if not followed. We will spend time going over these procedures with students.  

 We have confirmed that disposable ones are OK. 

Any student with a fever greater than 100.4 (or a list of other symptoms) wil go home and not return until they have a note from a doctor or for three days.   

The Health Department will handle all contact tracing. When a student arrives at school they will have their temperature checked, by no-touch thermometers. If they are found to have a fever of 100.4 or higher, they will be isolated. At this time the school will contact the Health Department for contract tracing to occur. 

For the purposes of contract tracing, the Health Department will request information about who the child was with at school for the 48 hours prior to the fever to determine who else has been impacted. This naturally would include siblings.

The Health Department will provide information about quarantine for contacts if a student is determined to have COVID-19.

With regards to contact tracing, by staying in the same desk in class and with the same students around this would limit the number of students who would have to be quarantined.  We must keep detailed records and turn those over to the Health Department if a case is confirmed.  The Health Department will tell us who must be quarantined.

The Public Health Department will oversee this 

Students will receive services either through telehealth or in-person.

Decisions regarding the provision of services would be discussed and determined through the ARC process. If tele therapy is the chosen method then services would be conducted consistent with each student’s IEP.

Yes, we will have to follow that unless they have a doctor note confirming covid neg.

School districts cannot be held liable if they have made a good faith effort - we have to follow the expectations (masking, desks closer than 6 feet, no temp scans). As long as you aren’t negligent we are ok.

The Health Department will notify us and specific directives will be given to families of students testing positive.

While we cannot mandate families quarantine, we will certainly let everyone know how important it is to follow the CDC guidelines, especially with six-foot distancing and masking.  Thankfully, we have been very low on cases in our area, so people are being pretty safe as a whole.

We have heard of families that have travelled to coastal areas,  but for the most part they seem to have completely changed their plans during their vacations-staying in houses/ condos (rather than hotels) away from everyone else, staying away from crowds, cooking their own meals or doing take-out, doing many outdoor activities.  However, we will send messaging out closer to the start of school of how important it is to stay away from crowds/ gatherings, wear masks, not travel to high-case areas, keep social distance of 6 feet.  This is definitely an important message.

The goal is to limit transitions as much as possible, which would also minimize cleaning.  Students will be involved in cleaning.  We are in discussions with both health and custodial personnel on which are the safest, best options.  For example, the students might apply a cleaner before leaving and the next class would come in and wipe it off.

 We are still getting information about how/ when sick days have to be used, as opposed to federal emergency days, worker’s comp, etc.

If schools have to be closed due to an outbreak for an extended period of time, the entire district will enter NTI.  These count as work days, just like they did in the spring

Schools will try to minimize staff working with numerous classrooms, especially to help with exposure and contact tracing.

There will be a need to still do pull out and we would want the same students to be with the same teachers as much as possible

The schools have some innovative ideas for this to possibly have a special area teacher stay with a grade level for 6-7 weeks, as an example.

The Board approved a calendar which equals six fewer days for teachers to equal the additional 15 minutes per instructional day