Return to Learn: Fall 2020 August 10,2020
Context • A very complex decision • Uncharted territory • Passion on all sides • People who care about children can have different perspectives • People who care about health and safety can have different perspectives
Key Decision Drivers • Health & safety of students, staff, families • Student SEL needs • Support engaging & challenging learning • Support the needs of our most vulnerable students-including full provision of IEPs • Move seamlessly to different models due to public health indicators • Lessons learned from last spring
Other Significant Priorities for Fall Planning • A system focus on anti-racism • Support students’ social & emotional needs • Technology accessibility for all students and dynamic training for staff
Key Elements of Academic Models • Daily student/teacher contact • SEL support • Similar levels of content & skills development • Grades/accountability/required attendance • More in-person days for certain students
Health and Safety Update • Consideration of key metrics – Positivity rate - city and state • Anticipated recommendation of public health thresholds for in-person learning • Specific protocols developed for individual health & for facility safety
Positivity Rate As of 8/9, MA positive test rate is 1.8% As of 8/10, Newton positive test rate is .85%.
Health Protocols • Masks required for grades PreK-12* • PPE purchased, provided to staff • DESE-issued standard protocols to address actual or possible case of COVID-19 – S cenarios address positive case, close contacts, quarantine, return to school – Link to DESE guidelines • Modified health spaces & isolation rooms * Exceptions to mask/face covering requirements must be made for those for whom it is not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors.
Specific Scenarios/Protocols Specific protocols include: Student or staff tests positive for COVID-19 ● Close contact of student or staff tests positive for COVID-19 ● ● Student is symptomatic on the bus Student is symptomatic at school ● Staff is symptomatic at home ● Staff is symptomatic at school ● Multiple protocols for potential school closure. Specific scenarios include: Presence of multiple cases in the school or district ● Presence of significant number of new cases in a ● municipality ● Statewide regression to a previous reopening phase
Space Use and Capacity • Classroom seating modified to meet 6 feet distancing • Use of large areas (cafeteria, gym, auditorium) evaluated based on academic model & distancing guidelines • Small group instruction has been moved to spaces large enough to accommodate 6’ of social distancing.
Cleaning Protocols • Additional training & resources provided to the custodians. • Staff shifts modified to meet revised goal of increased cleaning during school hours. • Focus on high touch areas. • Restrooms monitored & cleaned as demand dictates. • All cleaning protocols meet HHS guidance.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems HVAC Guiding Principles 1. Maximize Fresh Air and Exhaust 2. Minimize Air Recirculation 3. Increase & Sustain Air Filter Efficiency where possible To achieve our HVAC Guiding Principles we: • Serviced, adjusted all HVAC equipment as needed. • Confirmed maximum air filter merv rating allowed based on the mechanical limitations & specifications of each piece of equipment.
Hand Hygiene • Hand soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer readily available in schools • Regularly monitored & restocked by the custodians, as needed. • Hand sanitizer dispensers in each classroom • Freestanding dispenser stations located at strategic locations.
Arrival, Dismissal, and Facility Circulation • Working with our principals to adjust arrival & dismissal • Use of multiple entrances & exits to maintain adequate social distancing • Create tailored interior circulation plans to minimize student population density throughout the day.
Facility Modifications • Every school has a water bottle fill station. Students and staff encouraged to bring their own bottles. • 38 tents being installed at our schools to provide flexible, covered, outdoor space for the fall. • School facilities only used for school functions for the foreseeable future.
Transportation and Food Service TRANSPORTATION FOOD SERVICE ● Plans developed with City ● Grab and Go Meal options for departments, School staff and Newton families Safe Routes to School ● Staff training ● Protocols for both bus and vans ● Food Safety ● Limited to 25 students per bus ● Sanitation, hand hygiene, PPE ● Vans limited to 2 or 3 students ● Students will maintain Social ● Safety Protocols in place Distancing while masks are removed ● Masks on for eating ● Windows open ● Continue food operation for families ● Cleaning/disinfecting buses in need in any scenario ● Partner with Families to: ○ Walk, Bike or consider other modes ○ Drop and Walk locations ○ Follow bus and arrival and dismissal protocols
Academic Models Based on state guidelines, NPS developing 3 models of instruction: • Full Distance - All learning takes place remotely, with exceptions for in-person support and services if feasible • Hybrid - Half of students in each class attend school in-person at any given time • Modified In-Person - All students return to school together with additional safety protocols Based on current health guidance and facility considerations, a modified in-person fall reopening is not feasible. Planning efforts focused on distance and hybrid models.
Key Planning Considerations In creating detailed plans for each model, we utilized a range of key considerations: ● Decrease the number of close daily contacts ● Building schedules consistent across model ● Ensure access to the full breadth of curriculum for all students ● Ensure a challenging academic program ● Expand tiered supports to meet all students’ needs
Key Planning Considerations Continued In creating detailed plans for each model, we utilized a range of key considerations: ● Ensure adequate time for full IEP implementation ● Ensure opportunities for staff to plan & collaborate ● Create appropriate time & structure for classes ● Develop a schedule that allows for breadth & depth of experiences across the curriculum ● Communicate clearly that school is required
Curriculum & Instruction - Students • Will have access to a combination of whole group instruction, small group instruction, social-emotional learning opportunities, and independent activities, in alignment with districtwide grade-span schedule guidelines • Are expected to participate in remote learning experiences, just as they are expected to attend school in-person. • Attendance will be taken and student work will be graded as appropriate per grade span • Are expected to f ollow NPS Online Engagement Expectations* *under construction; (adapted CPS, Sch. Committee ppt., 08042020)
Curriculum & Instruction - Educators • Educator schedules will include delivery of instruction, student support, services, & opportunities for collaboration & planning • Follow curriculum progression , streamlined to provide in-person and online recommendations. • Curriculum coordinators and department heads identify essential content, lessons, discussion points & extensions. • Consistent grading practices (MS, HS)/progress reporting (E) by grade spans/departments; timely feedback provided on student work • Close monitoring of student progress and tiered support for students who struggle
Distance Learning Overview • Distance learning models created for each grade span • Complete revisions of the plans used in April-June, with clearer plans and more supports for all students. • Clear, significant blocks of learning times for all subjects & courses Flexibility to include direct instruction through Zoom, – student independent work on screen and off, group work, sharing and connection. • Consistent time for social and emotional support & community building • Designed to parallel overall structure of hybrid model Allows for shifts between models during the year due to – public health considerations.
Hybrid Options Considered • Considered a range of hybridizing strategies • Must include in-person instruction for ½ of each class • Must create consistent live support for all students throughout the week. • Hybrid possibilities considered include: 1. Teachers focus entirely on in-person students while students who are at home work independently. 2. Teachers attempt to use Zoom to capture lectures, activities and directions in the classroom and students at home watch live. Teachers attempt to teach entirely on-line lessons and 3. those in-person and at home participate through technology. 4. Teachers split each day between focusing on students in the classroom and those at home.
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