Reopening plan

Dear Summit Public Schools Community,

I respectfully submit to you, on behalf of the Board of Education and in partnership with the Summit school district, the Summit Public School District Handbook for the 2020-2021 school year.

In doing so, the Board and I echo Acting Superintendent Gardella’s appreciation to the many individuals who spent countless hours creating these plans, and to those who offered their input and ideas. We further thank the New Jersey Public Health officials who have been invaluable throughout the process, and Mr. Gardella and our Administrators who continue to demonstrate teamwork and resolute leadership under difficult circumstances.

Summit always aims high. Creating a plan for the coming year has been no exception. From the outset, bolstered by the excellence you expect, the district aspired to find the place where safety and academics intersect. This plan has been reviewed by both the health and educational entities that currently regulate school reopenings, therefore we are confident that this plan optimizes that intersection.

The coming days are uncertain. This plan does not change that. We are acutely aware that at any moment state or local circumstances may require the district to shift, pivot, rethink, rework. We are ready, should we be directed by state health or educational regulators, to alter this plan in all ways necessary to maintain the health of our students, teachers, and community. This web-hub will be updated to reflect changes in health, safety and instructional protocols. We are further aware that we may, upon our own assessment, tweak aspects of the plan that are not achieving our high standards. Should either of those situations occur, we will look upon them not as failures but as opportunities to once again aim high in pursuit of a safe and productive year for all.

As always, I end by reminding each of us that no matter what future days bring, it will always be A Great Day to Be a Hilltopper. Stay safe, stay well, stay Summit strong. We look forward to seeing you in September.

Sincerely,

Donna Miller

President, Summit Board of Education

COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Mask Wearing

Staff, students and visitors are required to wear masks and/or appropriate face covering (“mask”) when in school and the surrounding environs. Those seeking to not wear a mask because doing so would inhibit the individual’s health must request and be granted an accommodation. School environs include fields, adjacent playgrounds and the immediate surrounding.

• Images and/or words on masks are subject to the District’s existing Dress and Grooming Policy (P 5511)

• Masks are required to cover both the nose and mouth.

• Masks are further required to be worn during arrival and dismissal, including while exiting a vehicle.

• For comfort, familiarity and ease of use, students should provide their own face coverings and, if possible, have an extra with their belongings.

• The CDC recommends the use of a cloth face mask.

• One-way valve masks may not be worn. These masks permit exhaled air to pass unfiltered and do not sufficiently mitigate the risk of infection.

• Schools will have extra masks on hand in the event that a student or staff member does not have a covering or if the covering breaks or becomes unusable.

• Visitors must bring their own mask or face covering.

  • • 1. • Visitors may be denied access to the school building or environs (if students or staff are present) if they do not utilize a face covering or if they have an insufficient or prohibited face covering (e.g. one valve mask).

         • Visitors who have an underlying health condition should contact the building principal at least 24 hours prior to visiting the school in a non-emergency situation to discuss if an accommodation may be made.

• Parents/guardians/caretakers are expected to wear a mask during pick up and drop off if they do not remain in their vehicle.

• Young Children and Individuals with Disabilities:

  • • 1. • Enforcing the use of face coverings may be impractical for young children or individuals with disabilities. In such circumstances additional efforts will be made to maintain distance among students and to engage in a compendium of risk mitigation measures, such as more frequent handwashing/use of hand sanitizer.

• Mask breaks will be given to students. Teaching Staff will determine the timing, frequency and appropriateness of the breaks based on the needs of their students while ensuring the safety of the cohort.

Requests for Accommodations to Mask Wearing

• • • Parents/guardians of students seeking an exception to mask wearing should contact the Building Principal in writing to begin the request for accommodation process.

    • Staff members seeking an exception to mask wearing should contact Human Resources.

Additional PPE

• The District will provide staff members additional PPE (e.g. face shields and gloves) to the extent possible and/or required by the work being performed.

• Additional PPE will be provided for staff as the particulars of their role or special project may require.

• The District will make efforts to be responsive to requests for additional PPE. However, the District provided PPE or access to purchase specifically requested PPE may be limited. Staff are encouraged to apprise building leadership of concerns related to PPE to effectuate timely and meaningful discussions and solutions.

Frequent Hand Washing/Hand Sanitizing

In response to the COVID-19 crisis additional equipment and supplies have been purchased to facilitate access to hand washing and hand sanitizing. Staff and students will be encouraged to wash and/or sanitize hands frequently during the in-person school day.

• All hand washing and hand sanitizing supplies in classrooms, bathrooms and hallways will be routinely checked and replenished throughout the school day.

• Sinks in classrooms will be equipped with extra soap and paper towels.

• Hand Sanitizer will be made readily accessible throughout the school buildings.

  • • Sanitizers will be in the near vicinity outside of classrooms without sinks

    • Sanitizers will be available throughout the hallways approximately twenty (20) feet apart on alternating sides.

• Primary and Elementary students will have hand washing/sanitizing of hands included in the daily schedule to the extent possible.

  • • Hand washing/sanitizing of hands will take place routinely in connection with certain activities (i.e., when returning inside from an outdoor class, prior to the start of a new lesson, etc.).

• All students will be routinely reminded that hand washing is important and provided opportunities to wash their hand and/or use hand sanitizer:

  • • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

    • After using the restroom

    • Before eating or preparing food

    • Before and after touching your face

    • After being outside

    • Before putting on or removing gloves or any other PPE

    • After touching frequently touched areas (e.g., door knobs, handrails, shared computers)

Classrooms, Small Group Settings and Offices

• Desks will be set up to face the same direction with the maximum distance possible between desks.

• Student tables will be equipped with clear acrylic separators between students.

• Main offices will have plexiglass safeguards installed.

• Rooms and Offices which also routinely host students (e.g. physical/occupational/speech therapy, school counseling and evaluation services) will have acrylic separators available for additional safeguard measures.

• Windows will be open to the extent possible.

• Custodial and Maintenance staff will routinely wipe down surfaces and floors in open/empty classrooms throughout the day.

  • • Supplies will also be available for Staff to wipe down surfaces throughout the day.

Computer Labs

• Lab usage will be kept to a minimum since each student will have their own Chromebook in Kindergarten through grade 12.

• When labs are used, Teaching Staff will require students to wash hands before entering the lab and after leaving.

• Lab keyboards and mice will be cleaned by custodians (using alcohol-based cleaners) at the end of each day.

Equipment and Supplies

In response to COVID-19 crisis additional supplies have been purchased to reduce the need for students to share items.

• Whenever possible students will be provided with individual “kits” when working on a project.

• Certain classes, projects or assignments may require additional PPE (e.g. Materials and Processes, Foods and Nutrition and lab work).

  • • Building Administrators and Supervisors are in the process of identifying the PPE required.

    • Where additional PPE may not be accessible, or the sharing of equipment may be extensive, alternative assignments and experiences will be substituted.

• If equipment must be shared, proper CDC disinfectant will be used prior to the use of the equipment by another student or staff member.

For supplies that are traditionally provided from home, the following will occur:

Primary and Elementary Schools:

• No later than during the first week of school Teaching Staff will provide students with the items that will be needed in school.

  • • Students should only bring the identified items to reduce the predisposition to share novel items.

    • Parents should inform their Teachers/Principal if they are unable to procure any of the identified items and assistance will be provided to the extent possible.

Middle School and High School:

• No later than during the first week of school Teaching Staff will provide students with a list of supplies that will be needed for each specific class.

  • • Students should only bring the identified items to reduce the predisposition to share novel items.

    • Students should inform their Teachers/Guidance Counselor if they are unable to procure any of the identified items and assistance will be provided to the extent possible.

Cohorting

• Summit Public Schools recognizes that cohorting is a viable measure of risk mitigation. Where possible, cohorts will be kept together with minimal classroom changes. Building principals will communicate cohorting capabilities for individual schools.

Entrances and Exits, Hallways and Lockers

Based on data and information concerning the transmission of COVID-19, local health authorities have affirmed that the act of passing another person while wearing a mask poses extremely low risk for infection. In an effort to promote and facilitate conditions that support a low risk environment the District will enact the following steps to reduce flow of traffic, streamline movement throughout the buildings, limit the use of common areas and avoid unstructured student gatherings:

• • • Entrances and Exits

      • • Building Principals will determine student assignments to entrance and exit points and will provide advanced notification of same.

        • Where possible, students will be required to enter and exit the buildings at designated locations and at slightly staggered times to avoid large crowds.

        • Areas on the grounds and within the buildings will be marked for social distancing to prevent congregating.

• • • Hallways (*Plans for traversing the building safely with appropriate support and supervision are still in process as of the publication of this handbook and will be shared by Building Principals once finalized.)

      • • Where possible, class start and end times will be staggered to reduce the number of people in the hallways.

        • When classroom change is needed, students and staff are expected to walk single file maintaining as much distance as possible between one another while following directional arrows and signs.

        • Signage and demarcations will be placed throughout the school buildings to facilitate safe and organized flow of students.

        • Changes to any protocols and procedures for moving throughout the school building may be required to meet the “real world” needs of a particular building and/or age group that only present once school is in session. In such cases any changes will be communicated.

• • • Lockers (Middle School and High School)

      • • Lockers will not be assigned or in use during the 2020-2021 school year.

        • Students should plan to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers to school on days when they are scheduled to have Physical Education.

        • Unauthorized use of a locker on school premises will be deemed a violation of the Code of Conduct and will be addressed as such.

Cleaning & Sanitizing

• • • Custodial and Maintenance staff have received additional training to comply with all COVID-19 cleaning requirements and guidelines.

    • Custodial and Maintenance staff will clean and sanitize the school buildings on a regular basis.

    • Custodial and Maintenance staff have been provided with special equipment to clean and sanitize classroom floors during the school day when a classroom is not in use (cohort is elsewhere).

    • High touch surfaces, equipment and areas that require more frequent cleaning due to heavy use have been identified and signage is being prepared to indicate those areas.

      • • Custodial and Maintenance staff will clean and sanitize high touch surfaces and high use area multiple times during the school day.

        • Staff will also support the routine cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces and commonly touched areas within the classrooms and offices.

    • Cleaning supplies have been purchased and/or are on order to support frequent cleaning and sanitizing throughout the 2020-2021 school year.

Travel During the 2020-2021 School Year

Summit school district will adhere to all travel advisories issued by the State of New Jersey during the 2020-2021 school year to support the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Students and Staff members returning to New Jersey from a location that is the subject of a travel advisory will be asked to quarantine for 14-days after returning to New Jersey.

• Parents and Staff should organize their travel plans accordingly and keep in mind that 14 days before the start of the school year is August 18, should they travel to, and return from, a location that is the subject of a travel advisory.

• In accordance with guidance from local health officials, students and staff who have visited a location that is the subject of a travel advisory must self-quarantine for a full 14 days prior to starting school.

  • 1. • A negative virus test does not supersede the quarantine period.

• Once the school year has commenced, any student or staff member who visits a location that is the subject of a travel advisory must self-quarantine for a full 14 days prior to returning to school.

  • 1. • Parents of students attending school in-person are expected to maintain attendance and should avoid unnecessary travel to locations that are the subject of a travel advisory. Further details are provided in the Attendance section of this handbook.

       • Staff members are expected to restrict their travel so as not to impact their assigned duties and responsibilities.

• The list of locations that are the subject of travel advisories may be accessed at this link or at nj.gov.

COVID-19, Symptoms, Illness and the School Community

In response to the COVID-19 crisis the CDC and local health authorities support a daily screening for symptoms associated with COVID-19. Daily screening permits early intervention and supports prompt care for a person infected with the virus as well as effective contact tracing and reduction in the spread of infection. To support the students, staff and entire Summit school community, the district has established a compendium of measures for the safety and health of the community.

Daily Screenings

• • • Due to the large number of staff and students daily screening and symptom checks are impractical to perform on-site.

    • Prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year parents and staff members will complete an attestation affirming that they will conduct daily symptom and temperature checks prior to coming to school.

    • Regular reminders and educational tools will be sent to parents, students and staff about the importance of daily symptom checks.

    • Staff will conduct daily visual symptom checks as students enter the buildings and upon arrival in the classroom.

    • The District will follow NJ DOE recommendations and require that students and staff remain home if they have a temperature of 100.4 or greater.

    • Students and Staff members should not come to school if they are sick, even if they do not suspect that they have COVID-19.

      • • The symptoms of COVID-19 are many and varied and may present as another illness.

    • Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include:

      • • Fever 100.4 F

        • Chills

        • Cough

        • Nasal Congestion

        • Runny nose

        • Shortness of breath

        • Difficulty breathing

        • Diarrhea

        • Nausea/Vomiting

        • Fatigue

        • Headache

        • Muscle or body aches

        • New loss of taste or smell

    • Signs and Symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

      • • Rash

        • Red eyes

        • Cracked/swollen lips

        • Red/swollen tongue

        • Swelling hands/feet

        • Stomach pain

Students with Signs & Symptoms of COVID-19

• • • Any student is who experiencing or witnessed as experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 must be reported to the school nurse. A staff member must ensure that the student is immediately taken to the designated isolation area.

    • Once in the designated isolation area the school nurse will assess the student.

    • Anytime a student is sent to the designated isolation area the students’ parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified upon completion of the nurse’s assessment.

    • Students suspected or showing signs of having COVID-19 will be sent home and instructed to follow up with their health care provider.

    • Teaching Staff may contact the school nurse prior to sending the student to either the designate isolation room or nurse’s office during the school day if they need guidance about student care.

    • Valid visits to the nurse’s office and identifying and recognizing needs for standard nurse intervention will be included in staff education and training prior to the opening of schools.

Staff Members with Signs & Symptoms of COVID-19

• • • Staff experiencing any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 must immediately notify the school nurse or building principal.

      • • If the staff member is solely responsible for supervising students the staff member should remain socially distant from all students until coverage arrives.

        • Once coverage is secure the staff member should immediately go to the designated isolation area unless they have been instructed by their supervisor or building principal to go directly home.

        • Once in the designated isolation area the school nurse will assess the staff member to determine whether the staff member may have symptoms of COVID-19.

        • Any staff member suspected of having COVID-19 will be sent home and instructed to follow up with their health care provider.

Protocols for Contact Tracing Following a School-Related Confirmed or Suspected Case of COVID-19

Two of our district nurses have completed the six-hour Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 Contact Tracing Course to help initiate contact tracing within the school setting once notified of a confirmed or suspected positive case of a student or staff member.

In accordance with CDC guidelines:

• • • A Contact is someone who meets the following criteria:

      • • A person who was within six (6) feet of someone who had COVID-19 during the infectious period;

        • For a period of longer than fifteen (15) minutes; and

        • Regardless of who was wearing a mask (you or the person who tested positive), individuals who were in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 mins) are considered close Contacts and should self-quarantine and be included on the list provided to contact tracers.

    • Contacts will be provided with education, information, and support to understand the risk, what they should do to separate themselves from others who are not exposed, monitor themselves for illness, and the possibility that they could spread the infection to others even if they themselves do not feel ill.

    • Contacts will be encouraged to stay home and maintain social distancing from others (at least 6 ft) until 14 days after their last exposure, in case they become ill.

    • Contacts who develop symptoms should promptly isolate themselves and notify their healthcare provider, the school nurse and local public health authorities.

In the Schools:

• • • If there is a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 in a student or staff member the nurses will work conjunction with local public health officials to determine what additional steps may be required and, where indicated, will initiate contact tracing should a member of the school community be potentially impacted.

    • School nurses will follow CDC guidelines and consult with local health officials when determining if a member of the school community does in fact meets the criteria of a Contact.

    • If contact tracing is required for any member(s) of the school community, the Contact will only be informed that they may have been exposed to someone with the infection; they will not be told the identity of the person who may have exposed them.

    • If a student or staff member meets the criteria as a Contact they must:

      • • Self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days from the last exposure to COVID-19;

        • Contact their healthcare provider, and;

        • Self-check symptoms daily

    • In addition to following CDC guidelines, nurses will communicate contract tracing efforts with local health authorities so that local health authorities may be better able to offer support to any Contact through the quarantine period.

Return to school

• • • A student or staff member who has been identified only as a Contact may return to school following the end of the fourteen (14) quarantine period if they do not become infected with COVID-19.

    • A student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 they must isolate at home according to CDC and NJ Department of health guidelines.

    • Students and staff may return to school following the end of the isolation period if they meet the following criteria:

      • • It has been ten (10) days after symptoms first appeared, and

        • Fever free for twenty-four (24) hours without the use of fever reducing medication.

        • Any other symptoms have improved.

Students in Households of a Lab Confirmed Case of COVID-19

• • • Students who are household contacts of people who are lab confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases who are asymptomatic may not return to school until they have self-quarantined for 14 days after the isolation period ends for the individual who is the confirmed COVID-19 case.

    • Students who are household contacts of a lab confirmed case of COVID-19 persons who are experiencing symptoms must quarantine at home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines, AND other symptoms have improved, AND at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

COVID-19 Related Updates

School nurses will work in partnership with local and state health authorities to remain up to date and to ensure adherence to best practices as it relates to the Summit schools during the COVID-19 crisis. School nurses will maintain ongoing communication with parents, staff, and the Summit community about COVID-19.

Information will be disseminated to our school community in multiple ways including:

• Letters detailing new procedures and protocols including, but not limited to, social distancing, frequent hand washing, the use of face coverings, and the importance of staff and students to stay at home when sick;

• Video distribution through student and parent email, Honeywell, District website, Virtual Nurse’s Office, Facebook/Twitter, PTO communications (where approved by PTOs);

• Daily announcements in school to reinforce procedures;

• Classroom instruction; and

• On-going Education and training for staff on COVID-19 symptoms, new procedures and protocols, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the use of face coverings.

Student Absences from School Due to Any Illness

In response to the COVID-19 crisis student absences from school due to illness will require parents to provide more information than may have traditionally been required both during the illness and upon a return to school.

• Parents/students are still required to follow standard absence procedures for attendance purposes.

• Parents are additionally required to complete a confidential on-line self-reporting illness form no later than 8 a.m. each day the student is absent.

• The form will be available on the district website and may be accessed at Reporting Student Absences

• The forms will be reviewed each day by a designated person.

• The school nurse may contact the home if additional information is needed.

• A student may return to school prior to the ten (10) day COVID-19 isolation period if they are able to provide a medical note from an authorized practitioner of a specific, non-COVID-19 diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan (e.g. ear infection, strep throat, etc.).

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

The Summit Public School District recognizes the importance of addressing the social and emotional needs of our students and staff. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on so many members in our school community – from trauma to loss to anxiety to depression -and everyone is processing many challenging emotions and experiences. As a school district we are actively preparing to address these difficult experiences and concerns, whether in-person or remote, through relationship building, screening, mental health support, and social-emotional teaching practices. We understand that we do not know the full scope of what the COVID-19 crisis has brought to community members, or what is yet to come. What we do know is that we are committed to working together to reunite as a school community and be a strong source of support during this time.

School Culture and Climate

• Students and staff will be surveyed to assess the needs of the entire school community.

• Staff support services and resources will be implemented through a collaboration among district leadership and outside sources, led by the Department of Human Resources.

  • Staff will receive information and support and resource options throughout the year.

  • Professional development in August 2020 will include topics about the importance of self-care, practical strategies for self-care, as well as tools and strategies to support students.

  • Professional

• Students will receive education in topics related to self-care and wellness and, where indicated, additional support will be provided.

• Parents will be invited to share their understanding and perception of their child’s behavior, emotional wellness and challenges as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

Parent Support and Resources

• Parents will be provided with access to resources prior to the start of the school year to help with the return to school.

• Parents will have access to resources throughout the year to help support them as they support their child(ren).

• Throughout the school year the Department of Special Services, building leadership and school counselors will communicate with parents about specific opportunities for workshops, discussions and meetings concerning social-emotional support for children.

Overview of Curriculum

Primary/Elementary Schools

• Students will participate in morning meetings based in the THRIVE curriculum, which has been updated, and will also be based on lessons designed to be responsive to COVID-19 related traumas and concerns.

• Morning meetings will allow students opportunities to share experiences and emotions, while providing students with tools to:

  • Practice mindfulness

  • Learn self-calming strategies

  • Recognize emotions in self and others

  • Demonstrate empathy

  • Create positive social connections

  • Set goals for personal emotional growth and resilience.

Middle School

• Students will have a Study Hall/Advisory period included in their schedule.

• Students will participate in the Advisory curriculum, which has been updated, and will also be based largely on survey results to be responsive to COVID-19 related traumas and concerns.

• Advisory topics will include:

  • Mindfulness

  • Self-calming strategies

  • Using tools such as journals as a positive outlet.

  • Different ways to engage in self-care, health and well-being.

  • Introducing different hobbies and activities that promote relaxation and wellness.

  • Survey results will be developed into topics and introduced through Advisory throughout the school year.

• Study Hall will be used to allow students time to catch up on school work, ask questions, have a space to relax if necessary and regroup.

  • Study Hall supervisors will be ready to help students with some basic executive function tools and techniques to help students organize homework and project responsibilities.

  • The intention of this time is to help students decrease stress and worry and increase focus.

High School

• Students will have Advisory Groups included in their schedule.

• Students will participate in the Advisory curriculum, which has been updated, and will also be based largely on survey results to be responsive to COVID-19 related traumas and concerns.

• Advisory topics will include:

  • Mindfulness

  • Meditation techniques

  • Restorative circles

  • Using tools such as coloring, deep breathing, relaxation exercises and journals as positive outlets.

  • Different ways to engage in self-care, health and well-being.

  • Managing virtual learning.

  • Survey results will be developed into topics and introduced through Advisory throughout the school year.

ATTENDANCE

General Attendance Protocols

The current Summit Public School District’s Attendance Policy (P5200) will remain in effect and apply to all students regardless of the method for delivery of instruction (in-person, hybrid and remote).

All Schools

• Parents will be notified of excessive absences per the Attendance Policy.

• Parents may receive communications from the Building Principal, Assistant Principal(s), Guidance Counselor or member of the Teaching Staff in response to remote learning absences that, while not requiring formal notice per the Attendance Policy, may reflect concerns for student engagement and participation while in the remote setting.

Primary/Elementary

• Teaching Staff will take student attendance twice a day: once at the start of the morning session and again at the start of the afternoon session.

Middle School/High School

• Teaching Staff will take student attendance at each class period during both the morning and afternoon sessions.

Late Drop Off/Early Pick Up

In an effort to reduce the number of people in the school buildings there will be some modifications to the protocols for late drop off/early pick up during the COVID-19 Crisis.

• Late Drop Off:

  • Primary/Elementary Schools

    • Parents must email or call the main office with as much notice as possible, but no later than 8 a.m., to notify the school that the child(ren) will be arriving late and to provide the approximate arrival time, if known.

    • Upon arrival parents should walk their children to the main entrance of the school building and ring the buzzer.

      • A staff member will come outside to greet the family and welcome the student into the school building.

      • Building principals will notify parents of any additional protocols that may be required.

  • Middle/High School

    • Parents must email or call the main office with as much notice as possible, but no later than 7:30 a.m., to notify the school that the child(ren) will be arriving late and to provide the approximate arrival time, if known.

    • Upon arrival students should check in with the main office of the school building.

    • Building principals will notify parents of any additional protocols that may be required.

• Early Pick Up

  • All Schools:

    • Parents will need to arrange by written notification (email) to pick up a student early from in-person school. This notification should be sent to the main office secretary as far in advance of the need to pick up as possible, and should include the student’s name, time of pick up, whether the student will be returning, and time of anticipated return.

    • Parents must provide written notification (email) to pick up a student early from school.

      • Absent an emergency, notification should be sent to the main office as far in advance as possible, but no later than 2 p.m. on the date prior to pick up.

      • The written notice should include the following:

        • Student’s name;

        • Time of pick up;

        • Subject/class period/teacher (if known), and;

        • whether the student will be returning and, if so, the anticipated time of return.

TECHNOLOGY

In response to the COVID-19 Crisis technology is more important than ever before in education. The District is committed to each student having the resources and access needed to successful participate in learning and to ensuring that all students and staff feel comfortable and connected across the virtual platform.

• All district policies concerning the use of technology must be followed.

• The Technology Department will be conducting surveys during the start of the school year to identify what additional resources/training students and staff need to more successfully participate in the remote learning environment.

• Technology Coaches will be working throughout the district to support staff and students and ensure that lessons successful and consistent across classes and grade levels.

Student and Chromebooks During the 2020-2021 School Year

• All Students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 will be provided with a Chromebook.

  • There will be a new 1:1 initiative for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 and additional resources will be provided to parents/teachers of these students that will allow them to help their students login.

  • In connection with the new 1:1 initiative for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2, these students will also receive training and resources that include using video-conferencing, using Google Classroom, rules and expectations for being safe online.

• All Students will be expected to bring back and forth between home and to school every day:

  • Chromebooks

  • Chargers

• Email accounts will be extended to students in Grades 3 and 4, accompanied by age appropriate training and support.

• Students must use all communications tools and accounts approved by the district communicate with other students and staff for all school-related work or activities.

Parent/Student Troubleshooting & Support – Software & Systems

• Support with educational tools from parents/students must always start with the student’s classroom teacher.

  • If the classroom teacher is not able to assist the parent, the teacher should email the Technology Coach to explain the issue/need. The Technology Coach will then work with the teacher and/or the student in-school to resolve the issue.

  • Contact information for the Technology Coaches may be accessed at District Closure Resources section of the Technology Office Website

Equipment Return & Distribution of Devices

• Only certain grades will return devices that were distributed during the 2019-2020 school.

• Unless indicated below, the student should keep the device issued to them during the 2019-2020 school for use during the 2020-2021 school year.

• Devices distributed during the school year are categorized as follows:

• Standard Issue (Grades 5-12)

• Emergency Issue (Grades K-4)

Kindergarten and Grade 1

• • All emergency devices distributed during the 2019-2020 school year will be collected in school.

  • All students will receive a standard issued device.

Grade 2

• • All emergency devices distributed during the 2019-2020 school year will be collected in school.

  • All students will receive a standard issued device.

Grade 3

• • All students who received an emergency issued device during the 2019-2020 will keep and use that device as the standard issued device during the 2020-2021 school year.

  • All other students will devices receive a standard issue device.

Grade 4

• • All students who received an emergency issued device during the 2019-2020 will keep and use that device as the standard issued device during the 2020-2021 school year.

  • All other students will devices receive a standard issue device.

Grade 5 (Standard Annual Chromebook Replacement)

• • All standard and emergency devices distributed during the 2019-2020 school year will be collected in school.

  • All students will receive a standard issued device.

Grade 9 (Standard Annual Chromebook Replacement)

• • All standard and emergency devices distributed during the 2019-2020 school year will be collected in school.

  • All students will receive a standard issued device.

Repair of Chromebook Protocols for In-Person Students

• Elementary/Primary: Students and parents requesting assistance should report the issue to the homeroom teacher who will then submit a ticket to the Technology Support Team.

  • The Technology Support team will respond and try to address the problem while the student is still in school. This is our normal operating procedure.

  • In the event the district is closed and returns to remote learning please follow the Repair of Chromebook Protocols for Remote Students.

• Middle School: Students should take their device to the Fishbowl lab, complete an online help request form at the kiosk in the lab, and then leave the device with the lab aide.

  • The Technology Support team will respond and try to address the problem while the student is still in school. This is our normal operating procedure.

  • In the event the district is closed and returns to remote learning please follow the Repair of Chromebook Protocols for Remote Students.

• High School: Students should take their device to the Technology Office in room 105, complete an online help request form at the kiosk, and then leave the device with the technician.

  • The student should not wait for the repair. Instead, the technician will notify the student when the device is ready. The technician will try to address the problem while the student is still in school.

  • The student leaving the device is a slight variation of our normal operating procedure. it is intended to reduce the time of exposure for all parties while the device is being worked on.

  • In the event the district is closed and returns to remote learning please follow the Repair of Chromebook Protocols for Remote Students.

Repair of Chromebook Protocols for Remote Students

• Students and parents requesting technical assistance at any level should email the Technology Support Team at problem@summit.k12.nj.us

• A Technology Support Team member will claim the email and then reach out to the student/parent that submitted it to begin the troubleshooting process.

  • This procedure should also be used for resetting passwords.

• In the event that a replacement device is required, the Technology Support Team will provide directions for the student/parent to return the broken device and get a replacement device using the district's package management system.

  • The package management unit may be accessed through the main doors to the Middle School.

  • This system allows individuals to use an emailed bar code to open a locker from the package management unit.

    • This system ensures contactless replacement of broken devices.