Social Distancing and Cohort Groups

Distancing & Cohort Groups

Social distancing and the use of cohort groups are key elements of the Hazel Park School District MI Safe Schools Plan. These two practices are based on guidance from the CDC, the Oakland County Health Division, and the Governor's MI Safe Schools Roadmap.The information below provides an outline of how Hazel Park Schools will address social distancing and cohort groups in our buildings. More detailed information can be found in the Hazel Park School District MI Safe Schools Plan (This document will be posted once final edits have been completed).

Classrooms

• Hazel Park Schools intends on utilizing our square footage to make the learning environment as safe as possible. The spacing of desks should be within reason and will strive to keep 3-6 feet between students whenever possible.

• The district will not mandate but fully supporting a teacher’s decision to keep 6 feet social distancing from students while teaching in the classroom or while working in Hazel Park.

• In classrooms where large tables are utilized, students will be spaced as far apart as feasible. Classrooms for K-5 will use plastic sneeze -guards for additional safety.

• A reduction in the number of students per class, along with changes in the traditional desk and table configuration will support social distancing in the classrooms.

• Early Childhood - Grade 8 students will work in cohort groups throughout the day.

Common Spaces and Hallways

• Signage will be posted throughout each building to indicate proper social distancing.

• Teachers may decide to allow students to use lockers but only if social distancing can be maintained.

• As feasible, lockers will be spaced apart to help ensure students social distance when in the halls.

• Students will take their backpack class to class to limit the times to return to the their locker at the beginning and the end of the day.

• Floor tape or other sign markers will be used at six foot intervals where line formation is anticipated (hallway, cafeteria, media center)

• Social distancing floor/seating markings will be placed in waiting and reception areas.

• Signs will be placed on the doors of restrooms to indicate proper social distancing and hand hygiene techniques by the sinks in the rest rooms..

Cafeteria

All students will wear masks into the cafeteria and can remove them when eating. They will put them back on when eating is completed. All cafeteria workers will wear masks and gloves when handling food items. They will wash their hands before and after all food service according to CDC guidance. Visual guidance will be posted in the kitchen and by every sink to encourage the correct procedure for hand washing. All schools not represented below

Elementary

• Elementary Students will eat lunch in cohorts. Food Service staff will place lunch in a carry container. Students will line up and remain six feet apart.

• Elementary lunch aids will support the cafeteria through the meal time supervising students.

• Elementary schools will have three lunch periods to ease the load within the designated areas which include classrooms, gyms, and cafeterias.

Middle School

• Middle school students will enter the lunch service line at a staggered schedule. We will have an A, B, and C lunch schedule. Students will also be released from class in a staggered fashion, to avoid long lines.

• Middle School lunch aids will support the cafeteria throughout the meal time supervising students to ensure that social distancing is maintained.

• The areas will be cleaned between each lunch group.

High School

• High School students will be dismissed at staggered schedules.

• Markings will be put on the floor to designate six foot distancing as students wait in line in the cafe and at the office and counselor office.

• High School lunch aids will support the cafeteria through the meal time supervising students.

Playground

• At Webster and the elementary buildings a schedule will be put together that allows 1-3 (depending on the size of the playground) classrooms on the playground for recess. Students stay in cohorts in designated areas. Teachers will be asked to move around the playground separating students congregating in groups of more than 10. Face masks will be worn at all times on the playground unless the individual is medically unable. Students will use hand sanitizer before entering the building.

• Elementary - Due to social distancing on the playground a rotating lunch recess schedule will occur.

Transportation (Coming soon)