Listed are the resources used in an advisory role and for providing professional guidance in developing the outline:
PREPARING THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Physical Distancing
SBS will maintain the recommended physical distancing suggested by the local health department and visual cues (i.e. signage, floor markings) and other strategies to reinforce awareness of where to stand in common places will be used.
Disinfecting Procedures
The faculty and maintenance staff will be professionally educated and trained on the specifics of sanitizing schedules, protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in all areas of the building and checklists for before and after school. This will include but limited to: classrooms, common spaces, high-touch areas (stair handrails, door handles, counters, desks, tables, chairs, lavatories, computers, books, etc.).
Hand sanitizer will be provided in high traffic areas including entrances to the building and classrooms.
Students and adults will have the opportunity to wash their hands throughout the day.
Water fountains will only be used to fill personal water bottles and not used to directly drink from.
Entrance & Exit Procedures will include…
Dedicated entrance and exit points.
Temperatures of students and staff as they enter the building.
Standard routines for faculty, students, and visitors entering the building on a daily basis to minimize the exposure to any contagions, including controlling entrance through specified doors and exit through others.
“It is essential that students (and their caregivers), staff, and volunteers conduct daily health checks prior to going to school, which should include taking their temperature and assessing their symptoms.” - Department of Health
Routines for where students are to enter the school if arriving after the morning bell.
Dedicated isolation areas where students and staff who may have been exposed or who develop symptoms concerning for COVID-19 can be isolated while waiting for pickup to leave the building.
Traditional Classroom Space
Desks will be spaced out, according to the local health department guidelines, for grades K-8 to ensure a fixed learning place (about 6 feet apart). We will make every effort to limit the number of students in shared spaces. At this time, most teachers will travel with materials to each class.
Outdoor spaces will be encouraged for teaching/learning.
Cafeteria/Lunch
Students will eat in lunch in the classrooms. As we see social distancing guidelines lifted, we will revisit where the students may gather for lunch.
Hot lunch information will be forwarded as it is received from Central Kitchen.
Recess
When possible, students will play outside. We will explore ways to keep groups outside at the same time without mixing groups. Health guidelines will be followed (physical and social distancing) for recess periods. Recess is a potential break from wearing face coverings/masks.
Extracurricular and After-School Activities
After School Care
The After School Care program will continue. Plans must still meet state and local health department guidelines, including but not limited to, distancing and disinfection protocols. Staff working the program will be trained on safety and wellness expectations.
Access to the School/Campus
Visitors will be very limited at this time. We will revise the policy as we receive updates from the local board of health.
Temperature checks and a symptom check will be required for all parents/visitors. Families and staff must notify school if they have been exposed to COVID-19 and are quarantined, or if a family member has been diagnosed with or presumed to have COVID-19 and/or is being isolated.
SBS will follow the guidance from the CDC admittance to school after positive Coronavirus diagnosis. the CDC’s K-12 Schools Readiness and Planning Tool pdf icon[9 pages].
HEALTH & WELLNESS of STUDENTS and STAFF
Daily Health Assessments of Students and Staff
The new policies, procedures, and routines will be established with the assistance of the medical experts at PSI, Inc. and those partnered with PSI (ex. University Hospital and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital). PSI, Inc. is an established and trusted, third-party organization that we have employed our school nurse and school psychologist from for well over 20 years.
The faculty and staff annually receive professional development and training on the following: basic first aid, bloodborne pathogens, epi-pen procedures, and how to identify and address tree nut and peanut allergies as well as other pertinent health matters.
This year we will also receive guidance on addressing social/emotional wellness and strategies that will strengthen our efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our school.
Once the protocols have been established, they will be communicated with you, prior to the beginning of the school year.
The following are some of the items that we will establish/re-visit a standard routine for with the help of PSI:
checking the health status of all those who enter the school (recognizing signs & symptoms)
assessing the daily health status of arriving students (including temperature checks and health questionnaires)
“calling in sick” procedures and reporting student symptoms, length of illness, etc.
strengthening the return to school procedure
picking up missing work after a “routine” absence
Face Masks/Coverings & Shields
School faculty, staff, and volunteers will wear masks/coverings unless it is unsafe to do so or where doing so would significantly interfere with the learning process.
AT THIS TIME, students in grades 3-8 will be asked to wear a face mask/shield in common areas (ex. hallways, bathroom) unless they have a physician’s note explaining that they are unable to wear a mask. When students are socially distanced in the classroom, the teacher will be able to determine if they may take a break from wearing the mask. This will especially be considered due to the heat in the building.
Returning to School Following Quarantine
We will use the guidelines from the CDC’s K-12 Schools Readiness and Planning Tool pdf icon[9 pages]. The local board of health department will be used as a frequent resource for questions regarding quarantine and isolation. Due to the fact that this is a subjective self-report / parent report, it is being recommended that schools refrain from requiring physician notes or excuses for students to return to school for students who need to isolate due to potential exposure or symptoms.
Learning model of instruction provides a face-to-
EDUCATIONAL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
We have established a technology taskforce to assist in planning, vetting resources, professional development and maintaining devices.
Grades K-8 will be using the Google classroom platform for academics.
Simultaneous learning is structured to help with on-line/remote learning. We are prepared and have the technology to utilize this means of learning, in the event a student is isolated or quarantined at home, due to COVID19 related matters or in the event we are required to move to distanced learning for a time. In the event that we are ordered back to distanced learning, know that the expectations and rigor will increase.