Elementary K-6

Kindergarten – Grade six (Elementary Programs)

Per Commissioner’s regulations, all students shall receive instruction that is designed to facilitate their attainment of the State learning standards. Schools must ensure that students receive high quality rigorous, standards-based instruction that will meet their academic needs and allow them to attain the learning standards in all curricular areas. There are no subject specific time requirements in grades K-6 for any subject with the exception of physical education (PE). Educational programs delivered in these grades should employ the best available instructional practices and resources and be mindful of maximizing instructional time and support with these young learners. Schools must plan for the possible contingency of fully remote learning. All students should have access to and interaction with an appropriately certified teacher on a regular basis. Understanding that there are challenges with remote instruction that are particular to certain school communities as well as individual students, schools should strive to ensure teachers have daily contact with students in some format in order to support both their academic needs and social emotional wellbeing. Schools are responsible for developing a reporting mechanism to track teacher/student contact regardless of the instructional setting.

In an effort to ensure that all elementary grade (k-6) students have the ability to attend in-person learning if they desire, our leadership team conducted a thorough review of our instructional spaces to determine capacity for in-person learning, ability to transport, and availability of staff to complete the required cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day. The Rome City School District has several small school buildings, several medium buildings, and a few large buildings. The ability of our school buildings to accommodate the 70% in-person attendance target (based on recent survey data) will be extremely challenging, however, with the use of creativity, it may be possible to allow k-6 students to attend their home school for in-person instruction, five (5) days a week.

This configuration allows for as much normalcy as possible for our students and staff, while providing families with a consistent schedule for child care purposes. We will be requiring all families to complete an Instruction Model Request Form for the 2020-2021 school year. Families will be asked to complete this form prior to Friday, August 14, 2020. Please note that parent responses on the Instructional Model Request Form will be binding for the first semester of the 2020-2021 school year. Near the conclusion of the first semester, if a significant amount of families desire to change their primary model of instruction for their child, one (1) of three (3) scenarios will be implemented:

1. No change in the overall model of instruction;

2. If operating in a hybrid model, shifting to an in-person, five (5) day a week model may be implemented if enough families opt to move to complete remote learning;

3. If operating in an in-person or hybrid model, shifting to a complete remote instructional model at the requirement of SED, the NYSDOH, or the Governor’s office.

Under no circumstances would we move from an in-person model of learning experiences to a hybrid model mid-year. This would cause substantial disruption to our families and learning environments. If the school year opens with an in-person model of instruction, students may switch from remote to in-person after the first semester, so long as the class rosters and building capacities can support additional students.

After reviewing the initial responses from these requests in August, the Rome City School District will determine which instructional model our facilities can support. If we cannot support in-person instruction for any one of our elementary facilities due to capacity issues, then a hybrid model detailed below will be implemented for all buildings.

IN-PERSON INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

In-person learning experiences will be available to our kindergarten (k) through grade six (6) students. Parents/Guardians will have the option to choose which instructional model they prefer for their students. For those opting to participate in in-person learning experiences, students will attend school five (5) days a week for at least the normal duration of time for our elementary programs. Consistent with our normal operating procedures, transportation for students in grades k-6 will be available for students opting for in-person learning experiences. Students involved with this model will have to adhere to social distancing requirements in the classroom and at all times while in the school facility. Class sizes will be limited to between ten (10) and twelve (12) students. While students are at their individual work stations, face coverings will not be required. Face coverings will be required at all other times throughout the day. Each student will be provided with a cloth mask and the district will have a supply of paper (disposable) masks on hand for any student who forgets their mask. Students may also wear their own personal face covering, so long as it does not violate the Rome City School District Code of Conduct related to dress/appearance. All students will have access to all New York State Learning Standards for grade k-6 programs. We will be requiring all families to complete an Instruction Model Request Form for the 2020-2021 school year. Families will be asked to complete this form prior to Friday, August 14, 2020. The model of instruction that will be implemented for the 2020-2021 school year will be announced on Monday, August 17, 2020.

REMOTE INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL (iLearning)

Remote instructional learning experiences will be available to our kindergarten (k) through grade six (6) students. Parents/Guardians will have the option to choose which instructional model they prefer for their students. For those opting to participate in remote learning experiences, students will attend school five (5) days a week and follow the guidelines of the Rome City School District’s 2020-2021 iLearning Plan. Students will engage in remote learning with a certified teacher and a synchronous schedule with attendance requirements for all students. The anticipated hours of synchronous, remote learning is between three and a half (3.5) and five (5) hours per day. Teachers and staff will be available for additional supports throughout the day to collaborate with parents/guardians on the learning targets for their students. All students will have access to all New York State Learning Standards for grade k-6 programs. We will be requiring all families to complete an Instruction Model Request Form for the 2020-2021 school year. Families will be asked to complete this form prior to Friday, August 14, 2020. The model of instruction that will be implemented for the 2020-2021 school year will be announced on Monday, August 17, 2020.

HYBRID INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL

At this time, the Rome City School District is not offering a hybrid model of instruction at this level as we have the capacity to serve all of our k-6 students who desire to attend school in-person. Those that are not attending in-person learning experiences have voluntarily opted to participate in remote learning experiences. This decision was based on the need for consistent child care and scheduling in our community and the hybrid model puts too much stress on our working families to find part-time child care and may not be able to be sustained by the capacity of our local child care centers.

In the event that the requests from families is too great to accommodate an in-person model due to building capacity issues, a hybrid model will be enacted for the 2020-2021 school year. A hybrid model at the elementary level will mirror a hybrid model at the secondary level in an effort to ensure that elementary students with older siblings will have the same school schedule, which should minimize a family’s need for childcare services. Students will attend in-person learning experiences two (2) days per week and participate in remote learning experience three (3) days per week. A sample weekly student schedule is below, however, please note that this is subject to change:

We will be requiring all families to complete an Instruction Model Request Form for the 2020-2021 school year. Families will be asked to complete this form prior Friday, August 14, 2020. The model of instruction that will be implemented for the 2020-2021 school year will be announced on Monday, August 17, 2020.

ART

Art instruction will be available to all students, regardless of which instructional model they select. In-person art experiences will occur in the student’s main classroom to minimize transitions and movement within the building. All supplies/materials for art courses will be provided by the school, with the possible exception of the need for a smock. As with general classroom supplies, the sharing of art supplies between students will be prohibited. Those students who are engaging in remote learning experiences will be assigned an art teacher by the school at least one (1) week prior to the start of the school year. A schedule of weekly synchronous learning for elementary art classes will be developed and shared with students and parents/guardians at that time. Communications regarding individual student schedules will be handled through each student’s assigned school.

MUSIC

General music instruction will be available to all students, regardless of which instructional model they select. In-person general music experiences will occur in the student’s main classroom to minimize transitions and movement within the building. All supplies/materials for music courses will be provided by the school. As with general classroom supplies, the sharing of music materials between students will be prohibited. Those students who are engaging in remote learning experiences will be assigned a music teacher by the school at least one (1) week prior to the start of the school year. A schedule of weekly synchronous learning for elementary music classes will be developed and shared with students and parents/guardians at that time. Communications regarding individual student schedules will be handled through each student’s assigned school.

Instrumental and vocal music opportunities for elementary students in grades four (4) through six (6) will be available, however, on a modified and limited basis. Lessons for voice, woodwind, and brass instruments must occur in groups of two (2) or three (3) to ensure social distancing of twelve (12) feet. Percussion and string instrument lessons can occur in groups of three (3) to five (5) students to ensure social distancing of six (6) feet. Students participating in percussion and/or string instrument lessons must also wear a face covering while at their lesson. We are continuing to work on the development of a plan that would allow for the rehearsing of student ensembles. However, space capacity is a significant barrier to music ensembles as social distancing of twelve (12) feet is required for these activities. More information about music ensembles will be available as we get into the school year and can evaluate the situation related to COVID-19. Instrumental and vocal music opportunities are available to all students, regardless of chosen instructional model.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Participating in Physical Education (PE) is important for our students’ health and wellbeing. Not only do PE activities benefit students’ physical health, but research indicates regular physical activity improves students’ mental health as well as contributes to academic success. Understanding that remote learning may limit face-to-face class time with a certified PE instructor, our staff is prepared, to the best of their ability, a menu of learning activities for students to engage in independently. The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) has released a website outlining school re-entry considerations (https://www.shapeamerica.org/Reentry) for returning to school in the 2020-2021 school year. The website provides a number of excellent resources including, but not limited to: equipment and safety; personal hygiene; recess; classroom-based activity; social emotional learning; trauma-sensitive learning environments; and student assessments. They also give suggestions for instructional strategies for in-person, remote and hybrid models.

In the Rome City School District, PE courses will continue, to the greatest extent possible throughout the school year. As weather permits, PE courses will occur outdoors. All PE instruction will be provided by an appropriately certified PE teacher. While participating in physical activities outdoors, students will be required to maintain social distancing parameter of twelve (12) feet, to the greatest extent possible. Also, it is not recommended that students wear face coverings while participating in physical activities, however, students are permitted to wear a face covering during PE classes at their discretion. The sharing of PE equipment must be minimized to avoid potential spread of any germs. On days where the weather does not permit, PE classes will be held in the students’ classrooms with an instructional focus on health and wellness and at-home physical training opportunities that are age appropriate. We will be re-evaluating the in-person learning experience for PE frequently and continue working on parameters for in-person learning for the winter months. Students participating in remote learning experiences will be assigned to a PE teacher who will teach the class remotely. Classes will be held on a synchronous schedule and students will participate in at-home learning activities that promote physical well-being, a healthy lifestyle, and basic health awareness.

ACADEMIC INTERVENTION SERVICES (AIS)

Students in grades 3-8, including students with disabilities and English Language learners, who are at risk of not achieving State Learning Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and or Science are entitled to receive Academic Intervention Services in accordance with Commissioner’s Regulations section 100.2(ee). As the New York State Assessments in grades 3-8 were not administered in the 2019-20 school year, districts shall use a district developed procedure to be applied uniformly at each grade level for determining which students are entitled to such services. Districts may consider students’ scores on multiple measures of student performance, which include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following measures:

• Developmental reading assessment

• Benchmark and lesson embedded assessments

• Common formative assessments

• Unit and lesson assessments

• Results of psychoeducational evaluations

• Diagnostic screening for vision, hearing, and physical disabilities as well as screening for possible disabilities pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulations Part 117

The Rome City School District’s Academic Intervention Services Plan (https://www.romecsd.org/AIS)

will be the guiding document for the development of procedures related to the determination of AIS services. To the greatest extent possible, all AIS services will be delivered through a “push-in” service model in 2020-2021. In some instances, where a student or small group (2-3) students are considered a tier 3 student and they are from the same classroom, AIS services may be provided through a small group “pull-out” model.

GRADING AND ASSESSMENT

Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, Rome City School District teachers will shift to more standards-based grading, as compared to traditional grading models of compliance, regurgitation of facts, and task completion. As a school community, we understand that for our students to become successful and productive members of a global economy, they must possess the skills necessary to do this. These skills include but are not limited to: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Information, Media, Technology, Flexibility, Leadership, Initiative, Productivity, and Social. Rome City School District teachers will be the leaders in redefining how student success is determined using these core skills as their guide to developing their grading procedures. Regardless of whether a student is participating in in-person learning or remote learning, the grading practices and requirements will be the same. Under the guidance of our Educational Programs staff, teachers will be provided the flexibility to develop criteria for measuring student success and growth as it relates to the standards and specific content they teach. Details related to how grades are determined will be provided prior to the start of the school year and communicated through each individual teacher’s syllabus.

Assessment practices for the 2020-2021 school year will also shift to a model that recognizes skill achievement and the mastery of standards. However, our teachers and district must keep in mind that as long as New York State achievement measures require standardized assessments for our students, that this task will be a challenge for our teachers. Ensuring that students are poised for success on a standardized assessment (i.e. Regents examination) while trying to promote life skills that are contrary to standardized assessment is a challenge facing all educational systems. The Rome City School District recognizes this challenge and is committed to working with our teachers to promote knowledge acquisition and assessments that are more formative in nature, as compared to traditional summative measures of assessment. Details related to how grades are determined will be provided prior to the start of the school year and communicated through each individual teacher’s syllabus.

The Rome City School District will provide all staff with clear grading and assessment expectations prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year and will work with all staff to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to assess student learning in our new educational world.

REPORT CARDS

For the 2020-2021 school year, the Rome City School District will move to a reporting model that incorporates three (3) marking periods for students in grades pre-k-6. The school closure during the spring of 2020 required school personnel and parents/guardians to learn and harness the power of electronic communication. Given the shift that we were all required to utilize, the process of providing feedback to parents/guardians has become much more regular and consistent. Parents/guardians have access to student records through ParentPortal and a host of other applications used by teachers is altering the way in which traditional school progress reporting occurs. In the coming year, student report cards will continue to be processed and distributed electronically. The process of parents/guardians collecting/obtaining feedback on their students’ progress will continue to be through frequent interaction with the classroom teacher.

KINDERGARTEN SCREENING

All screening activities for kindergarten students, regardless of an in-person or remote learning experience, will be conducted during the initial weeks of school in September. Once classrooms are set, our teachers will contact student families to inform them of the process and schedule for screenings to occur.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

During the 2020-2021 school year, the sharing of student supplies throughout the day between students will not be permitted. For in-person learning experiences, each student will have their own personal box of necessary supplies. For remote learning experiences, students who do not have access to an electronic device will be provided with a device. School supplies should be furnished by parents/guardians, however, students who are unable to obtain supplies will be supported by the school. Face coverings will be considered a school supply that will be furnished by the school.

BEFORE AND AFTER CARE PROGRAMS

As we begin the 2020-2021 school year, the Rome City School District will not be operating before and after school programs within our facilities. Before and after care programs that are conducted offsite, may continue to operate, at the discretion of the individual agency. We will continue to collaborate with these community partners to ensure any and all transportation needs for students are met. In a normal year, we do not operate before school programs and do not intend to add this additional programing at any point throughout this year. As the school year progresses, we will continuously assess our ability to offer after school programming utilizing our long-standing community partners that we utilize in a normal year. These partners will include, but not be limited to:

• Mohawk Valley Safe Schools

• Rome YMCA Programs

• New York State Mentoring Program

• Connected Community Schools

MASK BREAKS

It is recommended that students in all grades be permitted to have ‘mask breaks’ throughout the course of the school day. The Rome City School District will recognize time that students spend at their individual work stations as an opportunity for students to have a mask break. While students are working independently, they may remove their mask (at their discretion) for any length of time so long that they remain seated at their work station.

CONTACTS

Mr. Christopher Brewer Ms. Dana Benzo

Assistant Superintendent for Educational Programs Director of Elementary Programs

409 Bell Road, Rome, NY 13440 409 Bell Road, Rome, NY 13440

cbrewer@romecsd.org ~ 315.338.6512 dbenzo@romecsd.org ~ 315.338.6512

https://www.romecsd.org/educationalprograms