COVID-19 School Closures

Community Information

Clark County School District (CCSD) understands the impact of COVID-19 on our children, families, and school communities. CCSD would like to keep our school communities up-to-date with issues related to the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19, in Clark County.

CCSD will continue to work closely with a coalition of partners, including the Office of the Governor, Clark County Government, the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD), and other agencies on a cohesive community response to protect the health and well-being of our students and staff.

Please find answers below to questions CCSD has received. We will continue updating this document as new questions come to us from our school communities. Please note updates will be marked by highlighting the question.

Revised: 3/26/2020

CONTINUITY OF INSTRUCTION

How long will schools be closed?

The closure will continue through at least Thursday, April 16, 2020, which includes the scheduled Spring Break.

Will school days have to be made up at the end of the year?

This decision will be determined by the Nevada Department of Education. While Nevada law provides language that allows the State Superintendent to waive missed school days, this determination has not been reached as of yet.

What instruction is being offered to students during the closures?

During the timeframe in which schools are closed, all students are being provided with learning extension opportunities. These student learning extension opportunities are not required for students to complete but attempt to provide activities for students to engage in learning at home. Parents/Guardians can pick up academic resources in the near future at designated food distribution locations. These resources are also available online for parents/guardians at ccsd.net. Click here or visit CCSD.net for the latest updates.

At this time, the Special Needs Resource Library at Vegas PBS is available to complete requests for books for students with special needs from parents/guardians by calling 702-799-1010, Option 7 or emailing SpecialNeeds@VegasPBS.org.

Will there still be SBAC and other Nevada State testing this year?

CCSD follows guidance from the Nevada Department of Education. A first option is to extend the testing window. Currently, the window for administering the CRT (SBA and Science CRT) is open from February 27 through May 15, 2020. In the event the testing will be extended, the Assessment Department will develop a revised testing schedule and communicate with school administrators. The United States Department of Education released guidance on March 12, 2020, stating that in the event it becomes necessary, a one-year waiver may be granted to states and subsequent school districts. This process, if needed, will be facilitated by the Nevada Department of Education.

Is there a contingency plan for graduation, AP exams, EOC’s and ACT testing?

ACT exams were administered and completed by juniors. CollegeBoard continues to provide updates on their website related to Advanced Placement options that may be provided. Graduation ceremonies are still scheduled. If those events are changed, this FAQ document will be updated accordingly.

How will the closures affect graduation?

At this time, graduation ceremonies are still scheduled. We will continue to work with our community partners and health officials to determine if graduations will be affected. We will provide updates as we progress through this situation.

Where will graduation packages with invitations be delivered? Should parents pick them up from schools?

While we expect these items to be delivered by all vendors in April 2020 to high schools, more information will be shared regarding delivery location of the graduation packages as more details are learned related to length of school closures.

Are parents required to pick-up medication maintained in the school Health Office?

Parents are not required to pick-up student medication maintained in the Health Office during this closure. However, some parents may choose to pick up controlled substances or emergency medications during this time. Please contact Health Services at (702) 799-7443, if you have any questions or need assistance to schedule a time to pick-up medications at your student's school site. Health Services will coordinate with the site administrator to schedule a time when medications may be picked up.

Will school closure have a negative impact on the attendance criteria for STAR rating?

CCSD will work alongside the Nevada Department of Education for guidance regarding school accountability measures.

In the event school closures have a long-term effect on school absences, state testing and other Nevada School Performance Framework (NSPF) criteria, the United States Department of Education has released guidance allowing states and subsequent school districts the opportunity to apply for a one-year waiver in these areas:

  • ESSA required state proficiency testing

  • 95% participation requirement

  • Chronic Absenteeism metrics

  • CSI/TSI/ATSI School Designations

With schools closed, who can I call for more information?

At this time, schools are operating with limited staff. School administration will be in contact with school communities on ways to communicate with teachers and staff. Many teachers have already been in contact through email and ParentLink. We have asked all school administration to post contact information on their websites.

What is being done to provide mental health services for students in crisis during the school closure?

SafeVoice is still monitored even with school closures. The District continues to work with the Nevada Department of Education regarding SafeVoice tips as we realize students still may require support during the school closure period.

Will fail-safe letters still be distributed to students not on track to graduate?

Letters were scheduled to be sent to students and families by April 3, 2020. The District intends to still update seniors not on track for graduation by using information for student progress as of March 13, 2020, as done in the past.

Is it possible for students to earn credits during this time?

We continue to work with the Nevada Department of Education to determine what instructional options may be available for students at this time. Once more information is provided, this question will be updated.

How will student registration be completed for the 2020-2021 school year?

Online registration for the 2020-21 school year through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal will open on April 16, 2020, and will remain open through the end of October 2020. For class registrations, counselors should have already collected information and teacher recommendations were completed January 14 through February 21, 2020.

FOOD SERVICES

Will students still have access to meals while schools are closed?

CCSD will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to students during the closure of our schools.

Student food distribution pods are set up at 35 school locations throughout Clark County from 8 am to 11 am Monday through Friday.

Parents and guardians will now be able to pick up meals for their children without their child/children present.

However, parents/guardians picking up meals without a child present at CCSD Distribution sites will be asked to:

  • If possible, have the student ID card present when picking up meals.

OR

  • If a student ID card is not present then please be able to verbally provide the following information:

  • Name(s) of students

  • Student Identification Number(s)

  • School Location(s)

  • Grade level(s) of students

The full list of distribution sites is regularly updated online and may be accessed by clicking here.

Do students need school IDs to be able to get food?

Any child 2-18 years old may receive a meal and does not need to show a school ID card if they are present during meal pick up.

Parents and guardians will now be able to pick up meals for their children without their child/children present.

However, parents/guardians picking up meals without a child present at CCSD Distribution sites will be asked to:

  • If possible, have the student ID card present when picking up meals.

OR

  • If a student ID card is not present then please be able to verbally provide the following information:

  • Name(s) of students

  • Student Identification Number(s)

  • School Location(s)

  • Grade level(s) of students

Do we have options for food delivery for families without transportation?

At this time we do not have the resources for home delivery. Additionally, home delivery is not allowable under the Seamless Summer Option in which we are serving meals.

Will more food sites be available in the future?

We are looking at expanding service to additional sites within the District.

In the meantime, we are working with community partners to see if they have resources to provide meals in more locations.

Will it be possible to pick up food for multiple days at one time?

Currently, the Seamless Summer Option waiver that has been granted allows for service of up to two meals at one time (i.e. breakfast AND lunch) per child, per operating day. Currently, we are serving daily, Monday through Friday at locations including the rural areas.

HUMAN RESOURCES - EMPLOYEES

Will employees have to report to work during school closures? Will employees be paid during the school closures? Is CCSD going to take care of CTT’s and substitute teachers pay as well?

As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, CCSD made the decision to scale back district operations and scale staffing down to the essential core functions. Specific employees have been identified to continue this work. Those employees will be contacted directly by their supervisors.

Can school nursing personnel be called upon to assist with school/community needs?

As part of Clark County/ CCSD Emergency Operations procedures, nursing personnel may be called on to assist.

SCHOOL CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Is CCSD cleaning schools to ensure everything is sanitized?

When health officials determine a return to school is appropriate, our hard-working custodial staff will provide a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of our campuses to ensure staff and students return to a welcoming environment. We have created additional documentation and inspection protocols to ensure that each classroom gets a proper cleaning.

CCSD POLICE & SAFETY

If schools are closed, can school police assist in community policing/outreach?

School police will continue to work with all local law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS throughout the school closures to ensure community policing and outreach efforts are supported.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

COVID-19 will have a significant financial impact on Clark County and Nevada. What plans are being discussed to mitigate this impact on schools?

CCSD is working with the Nevada Department of Education, the Governor’s Office and local leaders to address limit the impacts any financial concerns would have on students and staff.