Work and Learning Environment

Information as of 9/16/2020

Classroom Configuration

• Group or pair work can be implemented while maintaining physical distancing.

• Facial coverings will be worn in grades PK-12 if group gatherings occur during substantial and moderate transmission levels.

• When possible, technology can be utilized when the use of manipulatives is needed. Teachers will consider assigning cohorts of students specific manipulatives in order to reduce the possibility of exposure or consider creating individual bags of supplementary aids and/or manipulatives for student use that could also be sent home in the event of school closure.

• The use of outdoor space for learning will be considered when possible.

• Desks or tables will be socially distanced as much as instructionally possible.

• When possible, eliminate communal supplies. Shared supplies will be sanitized between use.

• Remove blankets, pillows, and other shared non-essential items from the classroom.

• Students are encouraged to bring their own technology (tablets, laptops, etc) if possible to minimize the sharing of electronic devices.

• Recommended procedures will be applied to all classroom settings, including special education service locations when possible and appropriate. Students’ individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Collaborative Work and Projects

• When possible, technology will be utilized when students are involved in collaborative work.

• Group or pair work can be implemented while maintaining physical distancing.

• It is recommended that students who work in pairs or groups wear a mask or shield.

General Classroom Supplies

• Signage will be posted in all classrooms regarding protocols and prevention.

• Multiple locations of hand sanitizer, tissues, and trash cans will be available in several locations to limit student and staff movement.

• Each classroom will have doors propped open for no-touch entry between classes.

Specialized Classrooms

• When appropriate, students will be provided face shields instead of facemasks for safety when there is an increased risk of burn or injury.

• Specialized equipment will be sanitized between each use. There will be adequate supplies to minimize the sharing of high touch materials or limit use of supplies of equipment to one group of students at a time.

• Procedures and protocols will be put into place to address locker rooms by maintenance and operations. Protocols will be in place for disinfecting of equipment, students changing clothes, students showering, distancing of students, etc.

• Special education classrooms and service locations may have additional protective barriers in place to support a safe environment for our students.

Physical Education Classroom Protocols

• Whenever possible, physical education classes will be held outside to allow for maximum physical distance between students.

• Any activities bringing students into close physical contact will be avoided.

• Visual markers will be on the gym floor and bleachers as reminders of social distancing rules.

• Procedures will be implemented in the locker rooms to ensure physical distancing.

• Equipment will be disinfected after each use.

• Activities requiring multiple students to touch or handle the same equipment will be avoided.

• Sanitizing areas and access to handwashing will be provided.

Common Areas

In order to provide the safest environment possible in our common/collaborative spaces, while promoting disease prevention and mitigation, the following guidelines will be implemented:

Meeting Spaces

• Meetings will be limited to video conferencing when possible.

• If meetings must be held in person, all social distancing protocols will be implemented.

• Facial coverings during substantial and moderate transmission levels.

• Limit the sharing of materials/supplies.

Administrative Spaces - Reception Areas, Offices, Conference Rooms, Mail Rooms

• When possible, meetings will be conducted virtually. However, if the need arises to meet in person please follow campus guidelines.

• Facial coverings or masks will be utilized during substantial and moderate transmission levels.

• Please stand behind the shield guard installed at the reception desk.

• Hand sanitizer will be provided in front office spaces.

• Distances of 6 feet will be provided between all occupied seats and workspaces.

Flexible Learning Spaces

• The number of students in these areas will be limited as driven by available space and social distancing guidelines.

• Common spaces and supplies in these spaces will be disinfected frequently.

Elevators

• Only students and staff with a physical impairment or the need to move large/heavy equipment will be able to use the elevator.

• No more than 2 people will ride in the elevator at the same time.

• Masks will be worn when on the elevator.

Restrooms

• Students must wash hands and then use hand sanitizer before entering the classroom.

• Increased disinfecting will occur throughout the school day.

• Each campus will comply with health agency recommendations and social distancing.

• No more than 2 male students and 3 female students will be allowed in the Pod restrooms at any given time.

• Student restrooms will be monitored by staff in between class periods (passing periods).

• Students will be allowed to use the restrooms during class times maintaining the criteria listed above.

Library

• Visual reminders will be added and furniture rearranged to help students maintain social distancing while in the library.

• Students and staff will wash/sanitize hands upon entering and after visiting the library.

• High touch surfaces (i.e. table tops, chairs, door handles) will be disinfected regularly.

• Occupancy will be limited.

Transitions

• Students and staff will follow protocols for face coverings.

• Classroom doors will be propped open to reduce high touch areas when possible.

• Traffic patterns will be established throughout the campus that separates individuals to the greatest extent possible.

  • When transitioning between classes, students shall travel corridors as far to the right as possible.

  • Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established.

• Staff and signage will be posted to reinforce physical distance expectations.

Breakfast/Lunch

• Depending on the number of students in the school, students may have meals in both the cafeteria and in classrooms. At RMS we will be utilizing our common spaces as well during regularly scheduled lunches.

• Cafeteria capacity will be based on current guidelines. Physical distance will be provided around each seat.

• Breakfast will be grab and go in the grade level pod. Students will eat their breakfast in their 1st period class. Students are expected to clean up their desk area after eating.

• Signage and staff will reinforce physical distance and traffic patterns in the cafeteria.

• Microwaves will not be provided in the cafeteria due to the opportunity for cross contamination with a high-touch device.

• Hand sanitizer stations will be available at entrances and exits of the cafeteria.