On Campus Frequently asked questions
How will physical distancing be accomplished in the classroom?
Special attention has been given to the implementation of best practices. School buses with a 64-student capacity will transport a maximum of 24 students at a time. Adjustments have been made to school start times in an effort to allow buses in densely populated attendance zones to make double runs as needed.
Classes will operate under lower student-teacher ratios. This will allow us to exercise the recommended social distancing throughout the instructional day. Other measures such as the use of desk shields will further allow for student separation.
Will my child be expected to wear a school uniform?
All students participating in on campus instruction or participating in extracurricular activities must follow appropriate grade level dress code.
How will students move through the building during passing periods?
Each school has developed a plan to maximize physical distancing. The plans are tailored to the campus footprint.
Dismissal procedures have been structured to allow staggered release and avoid students congregating in common areas. High school campuses have designated single direction hallway traffic to maintain distancing during passing periods.
What time will students be allowed to enter the buildings?
Once on campus instruction begins, students can be dropped off thirty minutes before the instructional day begins.
Where will students eat lunch on campus?
Students will eat lunch in their classroom for the first two weeks. Each campus will then make a schedule giving students the opportunity to eat in the cafeteria one or two days per week while social distancing.
Will elementary school students have recess?
Recess will not be part of a student's daily activities. However, students will participate in a structured PE class. Teachers will be encouraged to embed more opportunities for brain breaks and physical activity during the instructional day.
Will students be able to gather in groups and socialize with peers?
Students will be practicing social distancing while on campus limiting their ability to gather in groups in close proximity.
Will parents be allowed to walk their children into school?
For the safety of all students, staff, and parents, visitors will not be allowed on campus. Students will be assisted and guided to classes by school staff.
How will I meet my child’s teacher?
A virtual “Meet the Teacher” will be scheduled in the days leading up to the first class day. Information on dates and times will be posted on each campus website and social media platforms.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Will students have to bring their own supplies?
Students can bring their own school supplies. Any supplies, manipulatives or equipment shared by students at school will be disinfected between uses by campus staff.
Will bathrooms be sanitized between uses?
Bathrooms will be sanitized frequently throughout the day. An additional daytime custodian will be brought on board at each campus to focus on bathroom, hallway, doorknob and other frequently trafficked locations.
Will students be taught how to clean their areas after use?
Yes. Depending on the age, every opportunity will be used to teach students about cleaning and disinfecting.
How will masks, gloves and face shields be kept clean while at school?
Any gloves used by a staff member or students will not be reused and will be disposed of daily. The cleaning of masks and face shields will be the responsibility of each staff member and family (for students). However, we will have additional disposable masks available should we notice that a student's mask becomes unusable.
Special Education
How will masks be handled for students with special needs?
Students may need extra support to understand what is going on around them. Providing them with social stories using pictures to explain social situations will help them learn appropriate behavior and responses. The use of stories, pictures, and other visuals may help the students understand the steps for washing hands, social distancing, new routines and wearing masks for protection.
Teachers will demonstrate to students the procedure to wear masks properly with clear expectations, reinforcing the behavior, and generalization.
Teachers will provide structured routines that are predictable and safe and may help students know what to expect. A set routine with clear expectations helps lower anxiety. Visual schedules and to-do lists could be used.
Will special education sensory rooms still be used?
Because of the extensive cleaning requirements, sensory rooms will not be used at this time. Alternative sensory tools will be used to meet the needs of the students with sensory needs. Students may be provided with individual sensory tools (ex: sensory balls or other small items to use) that will be for their use only if needed.