Onsite/Hybrid Model
Classroom Capacity
Classroom capacity is determined by calculating the number of students and teachers who can safely maintain 6 feet of social distancing in all directions. Student desks are spaced six feet apart and face the same direction. Extraneous classroom furniture has been removed from each classroom to the extent possible to allow for social distancing.
Elementary Onsite/Hybrid Model
We have designed our elementary model to ensure that all students have returned to our Elementary Schools each school day in one of the models outlined below:
100% of students in grades Kindergarten through Fifth Grade are in classroom with classroom teacher every day. In order to accomplish this, all Kindergarten sections are housed at Shelter Rock Elementary and 60 fifth grade Munsey Park attend class at Shelter Rock Elementary School.
Students in grade 6 are able to physically attend school every other day as follows:
A Day: Students with last names A-L
B Day: Students with last names M-Z
On the day that students are not attending class, they engage in classroom instruction remotely through the Zoom video conferencing platform.
Parents of sixth grade students may elect to send their child(ren) to school on their remote instruction days. Students not physically present in the classroom participate in the instruction taking place in their classroom remotely from areas of the school building under the supervision of Teaching Assistants. In these locations, students bring their district issued Chromebook and their headset to participate in classroom instruction through Zoom video conferencing.
Elementary Specials
In order to reduce in-school movement most elementary specials are delivered in the student's grade level classroom. Art teachers, music teachers, computer teachers, science specialists, and librarians provide instruction in the student's classroom.
Physical Education
Physical Education occurs in the gym or outside (weather permitting). Students in Physical Education will remain 12 feet apart in all directions.
Instruction focuses on:
individual pursuits or skills rather than traditional team sports or activities.
games and activities that require no physical contact and do not require students to be in close physical proximity to each other.
Elementary Music
The New York State Department of Health recommends that twelve feet in all directions is maintained between individuals while participating in activities that require projecting the voice and playing a wind instrument. General social distancing of 6 feet and safety precautions is observed for string instruments.
Students continue to participate in Classroom music activities. Music teachers deliver these lessons in-person in each individual classroom. Music activities are modified to follow best practices related to social distancing. This includes students not sharing instruments or materials, choral activities assigned as in-home assignments and through after school Chamber Singers rehearsals wearing masks and band students wearing masks while not performing on their instruments. Elementary instrumental lessons continue to occur in small pull-out groups throughout the day. We continue to hold before-school instrumental rehearsals in smaller groups where the space to do so is available. Wind instruments are played outdoors weather permitting. When weather does not permit outdoor instruction rhythm exercises and sight reading activities occur.
Secondary Onsite/Hybrid Model
Due to social distancing requirements of 6 feet, and the complexities of student schedules, a Hybrid Model at the Secondary School is necessary. Students in the Secondary School attend class every other day. On the day that students are not in their classroom they participate in classroom instruction through Zoom video conferencing from their home.
Students will generally be separated alphabetically as follows:
Students with last names that begin with A-L attend school on "A" days.
Students with last names that begin with M-Z attend school on "B" days.
Alternating day classes:
In order to ensure that students have the opportunity to attend their alternating day classes the traditional odd/even format will be modified as follows:
Secondary Performing Groups
The New York State Department of Health recommends that twelve feet in all directions is maintained between individuals while participating in activities requires projecting the voice and playing a wind instrument. Six feet social distancing and safety precautions are observed for string instruments.
Band, chorus and orchestra continue to meet during the day in small groups and large spaces according to the appropriate social distancing guidelines established by the NYS Department of Health.
In addition to rehearsing smaller groups in larger spaces, best practices are observed in an effort to minimize risk of COVID transmission. This includes students not sharing instruments or materials, choral students wearing masks and band students wearing masks while not performing on their instruments. Wind instruments are played outdoors weather permitting. When weather does not permit outdoor instruction rhythm exercises and sight reading activities occur.
Theatre activities are modified in a way that allows for a meaningful theatrical experience while maintaining social distancing guidelines in both rehearsal and performance situations. Some extra-curricular performances and rehearsals may move to an online format. In-school theatre classes will continue to meet while observing social distancing guidelines and best practices.
Secondary Physical Education
Physical Education occurs in the High School Gym or outside (weather permitting). Students in Physical Education remain twelve feet apart in all directions.
Instruction focuses on:
individual pursuits or skills rather than traditional team sports or activities.
games and activities that require no physical contact and do not require students to be in close physical proximity to each other.
Policies and Procedures
Attendance
Student attendance, as required, is recorded using the eSchool student management system. Parents should continue to report student absences to the school. Attendance (defined as being on the Zoom session with video on) is mandatory when participating remotely. The District's current attendance policy remains in full force.
Academic Integrity
The Board of Education’s Academic Integrity Policy remains in full force.
Students and parents are asked to review the policy and sign the Academic Integrity Pledge.
Grading
The District's typical grading structures remain in effect.
Elementary: Teachers provide feedback on student work.
Secondary: Traditional grades are issued and recorded on student report cards. Grades are based on student achievement, active participation, and attendance. Report Cards and Progress reports continue to be issued as indicated on the school calendar.
Curriculum Implications
Whether instruction is provided remotely or in-person, three guiding principles inform our approach to curriculum and instruction: clarity, consistency, and communication. Each of these “Three Cs” are deemed critical to preserving the strength of our instructional program and ensuring collaboration among all stakeholders.
To fulfill these principles:
Teachers align instruction to the NYS learning standards.
Teachers administer pre-assessments to determine specific areas for reteaching or filling learning gaps.
Teachers prepare for potentially wider-than-normal skill gaps, and they address individual needs as they arise.
Teachers provide feedback, especially to younger students, with the awareness that school personnel are assisting parents—students’ “first teachers” — as they support their children at home.
The District communicates clear distance-learning assessment guidelines and expectations for students and parents to ensure as accurate an assessment as possible.
In any model, teachers and administrators continue to be available to answer questions related to a child's performance, curriculum or instruction via e-mail or phone call.