2020-21 School Year FAQs

How is RSD updating the community on the plans for the 2020-2021 school year?

The school submits weekly and monthly updates to the community via the epocket and Ross School Coffees respectively Current information pertaining to the 2020-2021 school year may be accessed via our website.

Who do I contact if I have other questions?

Contact the District Office for further questions or information regarding COVID-19. Questions pertaining to K-4th grade, Student Services including Special Education should be directed to Angela Gramlick, agramlick@rossbears.org. Questions pertaining to 5-8th grade, Curriculum, Instruction, Testing and Accountability should

be directed to David Rice, drice@rossbears.org

Why is the Ross School District engaging in long term facilities projects right now?

The Ross School District is continually evaluating long term improvements to the facility that will enable our district to be well positioned for offering the best learning experience in the world.

Current short term projects include updating the technology infrastructure of the school site, resurfacing the the outdoor stage and reflooring the gym.

Currently the District is investing in long term projects that will enhance the District for years to come. Those long term projects include external shades for the 1-8th grade play spaces, a generator or solar batteries that will enable the school to stay in session during power shut offs, and HVAC for the second floor of the elementary wing. The funds used for these projects have been earmarked for maintenance and facility upgrades.

How did the district determine the best way to re-open school?

The Ross School District (RSD) has developed a number of schedules and determined the schedule to implement based on health and safety orders and/or guidelines from the federal, state and local government. Moreover, RSD continually evaluates community spread of COVID-19 and the response time for testing community members. Finally, the district continues to evaluate the opportunities and constraints of the facility, labor negotiations, and staffing to devise a plan.

What are the key factors for opening and closing school?

School districts and local county public health officials will be able to reopen schools when counties have sustained 14 days of decline in COVID cases, based on the County monitoring list. The CDPH measures used to shut down counties and businesses, include: positivity rate, transmission rates, ICU capacity, hospitalization numbers, ventilators available

School districts and local county public health officials will close

• • • if they have a 5% positivity rate of COVID-19 of students and teachers, with 14 days of quarantine

    • when it experiences a 5% positivity rate of COVID-19 of students and teachers, with 14 days of quarantine

    • when 25% of school sites test positive, the school district will shut down completely

The District is also required to adhere to any local ordinances and guidelines. Marin County Public Health stated, “Depending upon local data, safety readiness, testing availability and with guidance from Marin County Office of Public Health (MCOPH), local districts may begin in-person instruction no sooner than September 8.” However, in the recommendations, MCOPH, stated that districts may choose to bring small groups of students into the classroom.

What is the current schedule for students?

Based on current state and local recommendations and restrictions, RSD will be offering either a phased in-hybrid model that combines distance learning with a shortened school day for K-2 grade students and small student cohorts for 3rd-8th grade students. Students also have the option to engage in our full distance learning model.

Hybrid Models

To learn more about our K-2 or 3-5 Schedules click here

Full Distance Learning Program

Students participating in the 100% Distance Learning Model will be assigned a coordinator of distance learning. The coordinator will work with students to engage in morning and afternoon check-ins, specialists workshops online, asynchronous activities, and weekly check-ins with classroom teachers online. To learn more about the Full Distance Learning Schedule click here

If a school implements distance learning, must they provide daily synchronous instruction?

Ross School will provide daily synchronous instruction in both models.

"Distance learning shall include...daily live interaction with teachers and peers for purposes of instruction, progress monitoring, and maintaining school connectedness. This interaction may take the form of internet or telephonic communication, or by other means permissible under public health orders. If daily live interaction is not feasible as part of regular instruction, the [district board] shall develop... an alternative plan for frequent live interaction..." (EC 43503(b)(6))

When is distance learning allowed? Must there be a state or local health order requiring or recommending limited school reopening in order to implement distance learning?

Letter to the Journal from the Legislature: No. "[The section which defines when distance learning may be offered] is not intended to require an LEA to seek out or receive approval from a state or local public health officer prior to adopting a distance learning model. This section is also not intended to prevent an LEA from adopting a distance learning, hybrid, or mixed-delivery instructional model to ensure safety. Instead this section is intended to grant flexibility to an LEA to determine what instructional model the LEA will adopt during the COVID-19 Pandemic, taking into account the needs of their students and staff, and their available infrastructure, provided the model adheres to an applicable state or local public health order or guidance. "

Governor's Signing Message: "The preferred method of instruction will always be in-person; students gain the most from the relationships developed through in-person interactions. However, it is the expectation of the state that if a school offers hybrid or mixed-delivery instructional models, it will do so through a framework of maximum teacher­ student engagement, with plans in place to ensure that no child falls through the cracks. This balance of flexibility for schools and instructional accountability is essential to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic while minimizing the impact on educational disruption on student learning."

Will distance learning students have synchronous instruction and a schedule?

Yes. Students will have a daily schedule to avoid conflicts. Teachers will also provide a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction.

Will students be on a screen during an entire class?

No. During live instruction periods, teachers may ask students to conduct work offline and then come back online later to share their responses, work and feedback.

How have staff been involved in the planning and implementation of the 2020-2021 school year?

RSD has involved all staff in the planning and implementation of the 2020-2021 school year through multiple surveys, polls, staff meeting synchronous updates and feedback sessions, labor discussions, and representation on the Ross School District Task Force.

Does everyone agree with the scheduling decisions?

No. There are stakeholders that believe other options provided are better for the start of school. The District has gathered input and the Superintendent has made a decision that ensures the highest level of safety and the most effective way to impact learning.

What protective measures will school employees be taking while at school?

Everyone will be required to complete an online survey before entering the campus every day. Staff and students will be required to wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, and use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. The Ross School District will ensure that ongoing professional development and resources are made available for employees. All employees, students and members of the community will be required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing guidelines at all times on campus.

What are the expectations of all RSD employees?

For information regarding employee expectations, please click here.

When campus is open, are students or employees required to wear masks?

The school will require everyone on campus to wear a mask. Furthermore, people are encouraged to wear masks when in crowded or confined spaces.

Will training be provided to PTA/classroom volunteers regarding safety protocols?

Initially, volunteers on campus will not be permitted. At some point, we would like to have volunteers and will be monitoring safety regulations in order to welcome volunteers back to the school. We all are working together to prevent illness and reduce the number of people on campus for physical distancing.

How will districts take and document student attendance on distance learning days?

"Each LEA shall document daily participation for each pupil on each schoolday, in whole or in part, for which distance learning is provided. A pupil who does not participate in distance learning on a schoolday shall be documented as absent for that schoolday." (EC 43504(d) and (f))

"Each LEA shall ensure that a weekly engagement record is completed for each pupil documenting synchronous or asynchronous instruction for each whole or partial day of distance learning, verifying daily participation, and tracking assignments." (EC 43504(e))

In order to be marked as present on a distance learning day, a pupil must engage in daily participation. What constitutes daily participation?

"Daily participation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of participation in online activities, completion of regular assignments, completion of assessments, and contacts between employees of the local educational agency and pupils or parents or guardians." ((EC 43504(d))

Can schools meet the 180 instructional days requirement through distance learning?

"For the 2020-21 school year, a LEA shall satisfy the annual instructional day requirements... through in-person instruction or a combination of in-person instruction and distance learning..." (EC 43502(c))

Annual instructional minute requirements were waived but daily instructional minutes requirements were not. What is the difference?

• Kindergarten: 180 per day (versus 200)

• Grades 1 to 3: 230 per day (versus 280)

• Grades 4 to 8: 240 per day (versus 300)

• Grades 9 to 12: 240 per day (versus 360)

The current RSD in-person schedule meets this requirement.

How will instructional minutes be calculated for distance learning?

Day in which there is only distance learning: "instructional minutes shall be based on the time value of assignments as determined and certified to by a [certificated employee]." (EC 43502(e))

Day in which there is both in-person and distance learning: in-person instructional minutes plus "assignments made under the general supervision of a [certificated employee]." (EC 43502(e))

What should I expect in classroom based instruction?

Classroom-based instruction is primarily going to focus on leveraging student dialogue, feedback and creative problem solving along with core academic instruction. For detailed information on the core tenets of our instructional model please click here.

Our specialists schedule will look quite different from the past. In this way students will take each special for six weeks per year. This also allows classroom teachers and specialists the ability to integrate their curriculum and provide students with the opportunities for projects alongside developing core knowledge and skills. Beyond these benefits, it maximizes safety with limited changes to adults with student cohorts.

Middle school students will have required electives including Spanish and Physical Education. Students will have the option to take electives through Courseware.

What should I expect in distance learning instruction?

Students will be taking interactive synchronous and asynchronous coursework every day from approximately 8:30-3:00 pm. Students will engage in multiple check ins throughout the day with their teachers, support staff and student services (counseling, physiology, and learning center).

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

What will be done to promote physical distancing?

We will ensure physical distancing throughout the day. Schedules will be developed to reduce the number of students in common areas during breaks and lunches (when initiated). Classrooms will utilize space by spreading desks and tables around the room, as well as using vacant classrooms and outdoor spaces, as available. Moreover, RSD has invested in creating outdoor classroom spaces for every class.

Will temperature checks be taken for all staff and students each day?

No. Self-screening will take place before starting each day. Students exhibiting symptoms after arriving at school will receive temperature checks, consistent with the guidelines from MCOE.

Will students need to refrain from physical contact with their teachers and peers?

We will be following the physical distancing guidelines per the most current health order as most feasible. However, we also recognize the need for social connection and interaction. Parents should speak and work with their children about maintaining appropriate physical distance and boundaries and the importance of wearing a mask when physical distance is not possible.

Will there be changes to the arrival/departure procedures?

RSD recommends that drivers are to remain in their vehicles, to the extent possible, when dropping off or picking up students. When in-person drop-off or pick-up is needed, only a single parent or caregiver should come to the facility to pick up or drop off the child. All adults entering campus for in-person pick-up or drop-off must wear a face covering and stay in the Rotunda behind the first plexiglass barrier.

Parents are strongly encouraged to immediately pick up students from school each day to prevent the congregation of people.

What are the current campus access procedures?

Yo can access Campus Access and Operations linked here.

Are face coverings required?

Face coverings are required for all staff members and students.

Will the school review hygiene with students?

Hygiene practices will be reviewed regularly with students. We will teach and reinforce washing hands, avoiding contact with one's eyes, nose, and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes among students and staff. We are adding hand sanitizer stations to high traffic areas on all campuses.

What measures will be implemented on campus to ensure the safety of staff and students?

Cleaning and Disinfecting: RSD will take essential actions to create a physical environment that promotes student and staff safety through established protocols and procedures. These will include daily disinfection of areas used by students and staff, focus on high-touch surfaces such as door handles and restrooms during the day.

Details for cleaning and disinfecting include:

• In addition to the regular cleaning activities that take place after school, cleaning crews are taking extra precautions to wipe and disinfect surfaces using a bleach solution, paying special attention to entrance areas, handrails, door handles, and other frequently used public areas.

• Throughout the school day, cleaning crews will continue to use alcohol-based wipes to disinfect common-use surfaces such as handrails and door handles, and railings, especially those areas that are most frequently touched such as bathroom doors.

• Hand sanitizers, wipes, and tissues will be widely distributed throughout the school, in addition to the bathrooms within the school that are available for handwashing.

Furthermore, we have created the following facility upgrades for our school:

• Health supply stations in the school

• Purchased supplies for masks, sanitizer, and dispensers,

• Purchased barriers in the school for hallway transfers and classroom instruction

We are going to leverage outdoor learning spaces for children and teachers. With the support of the PTO, RSD has invested in large shades for the kindergarten area and the 1-8th grade play area. Additionally, RSD has invested in portable tents that may be used on the Ross Common and the outdoor stage for lunches and recess.

What precautions will be taken for issuing food services on campus? What meal options will be provided for online learners?

When we can include lunch as part of our schedule, staggered lunch times will be developed to reduce the number of students at lunch time. Hand sanitizer stations will be located near food service areas to support personal hygiene. Lunch options will be limited and students will eat in classrooms or outside.

What will lunch and recess look like?

School schedules will be developed to reduce numbers of students in common areas during breaks, lunches and reduce large gatherings. We will be providing markings to indicate spacing for any area where students may line up such as the lunch area.

Will sports and extra-curricular activities be permitted for the 2020-21 school year?

Students will have the option to participate in on-campus sports and extracurricular activities as available.

Will music be provided in either on campus or virtual options?

Music classes will take place; however, current guidelines prohibit in-person singing or playing of instruments. We will monitor developments and adjust accordingly.

What are the Marin County Public Health Protocols?

The following link offers Marin County Public Health protocols on the onset of symptoms, potential exposure to and/or close contact with an individual testing positive for COVID-19 in a school classroom/cohort setting.

What do I do if I find my child is symptomatic?

Please go to the following page and follow the instructions.

What happens if a student comes to school ill?

A child who is ill and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be given a mask to wear if they are not already wearing one and supervised in a separate area until parents arrive to pick them up.

Will they be required to be tested for COVID-19?

RSD will advise sick staff members and students not to return until they have met CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation, including 4 days with no fever, symptoms have improved and 10 days since symptoms first appeared.

What if I have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

First contact RSD and your health care provider for specific actions you should take. Second, for a reference of all situations, please review the following flow chart.

What does my child do if they are simply sick and must stay home from school?

Have them rest and recover. Next, contact the teacher and ask for any work that should be made up.

What if a teacher does not report to work? Do students go to school that day or do we get a sub?

If it's last minute a current employee (Administration, Counseling, Learning Center) would teach the class.

What do I do if my child is required to stay home for 10-14 days?

The district will provide you and your child with a schedule for engaging in instruction.

CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE(S)

Will parents, students and staff be made aware if someone on campus tests positive for COVID-19?

Yes, the California Department of Public Health guidance states that schools should document/track incidents of possible exposure and notify local health officials, staff and families immediately of any positive case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality, as required under FERPA and state law related to privacy of educational records.

What happens if a staff member or student tests positive? Will school be closed for 14 days? Is there a procedure in place for quarantining in the event that a person on campus tests positive or in the case that a family member of a student or staff personnel tests positive?

We will follow the Marin County Office of Public Health (MCOPH) guidelines for closures, beginning with notification to families and staff members.

There is not a predetermined blanket answer. Each scenario has different circumstances which could affect our ability to trace likely contacts. The MCOPH will assist in the process.

Will truancy limits (10% of missed days) remain the same in event that a student is sent home for a minimum of 14 days due to COVID-19 exposure?

An absence of this type will not count towards truancy. Students with needs for extended absences will be supported on a case by case basis.

What happens to learning and teaching if an entire classroom or school needs to close?

Faculty, staff and students would simply conduct the same in-person schedule at home. In other words, the schedule will remain the same.

Will students sent home due to COVID-19 exposure move to the distance learning program temporarily until it is safe for them to return, or permanently?

No. These students will not be enrolled into the distance learning program. They will continue with the work assigned from their in-person teacher via an Independent Study contract.

I would really like my student to return to a normal school day on campus; however, I am also worried he/she may contract COVID-19. What assurances do I have as a parent that every precaution will be taken to ensure my child's safety specific to this virus?

Ross School will follow the Marin County Office of Public Health guidelines and orders to the greatest extent possible to ensure safety for our students and staff.

Will the Ross School District filing a waiver with the California Department PD Public Health?

No; the waiver does not take into account adult safety and, as such, we will wait for approval from the state to re-enter school.

How can we best support the Ross School District?

Adhere to all safety guidelines and ensure that your children are not sick when they come to school each day. Avoid congregating on the Ross Common and utilize social bubbling. To learn more about social bubbling, please visit the following website.

Continue to support the Ross School Foundation so that we may ensure long-term sustainability of our staffing model in the 2021-2022 school year.

Can we hold “pods” in our home?

The Ross School District has no authority over the use of student pods at homes in the town of Ross. We ask that you follow all safety precautions of a school site at your home including screenings, social distancing, face coverings, hand washing, and small cohorts.

Please do not attempt to hire Ross School employees for this work during normal school hours. Any employee that does go to someone’s home after hours for tutoring or teaching will submit the names of students and the location of the instruction to the district for reference in case of potential contact tracing and closure of cohorts at school.

What do I do if I want to home school my child?

Please review the California Department of Education’s website on Private Schools and Home Schooling, linked here. All children between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age fall under a compulsory education requirement in California. Children attending a private full-time day school and children taught by a certified tutor are exempted. Switching from public school to homeschool requires filing a California homeschool affidavit, known as a Private School Affidavit, with the California Department of Education. The public school district listed in the Affidavit then “makes a determination of whether a home-schooled child has met statutory requirements and therefore is exempt from public school attendance.”