norwalkps.org...board of education 3 9/4/2020 sarah lemieux chairperson [email protected]...
TRANSCRIPT
Plan for a Safe Return to School 2020-2021
a SAFE RETURN
FamilyGuidebook
9/4/2020 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOARD OF EDUCATION Page 3
INTRODUCTION Page 4Opening Models in Other Countries Page 5
TEACHING & LEARNING Page 6First Day of School/Calendar Page 7Fall Reopening Models Page XElementary Learning Page 10Middle School Learning Page 16High School Learning Page 24Full Time Virtual Learners Page 34Special Education Page 36English Learners Page 39
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS Page 39Adapting School Facilities Page 40Day to Day Operations Page 40Before and AfterSchool Page 41Student Meals Page 43Transportation Page 45
HEALTH & SAFETY Page 46Priorities Page 47Health & Safety Protocols Page 48Adapting School Facilities Page 50Exposure Tracing, Isolation & Dismissal Page 53
COMMUNICATIONS & FAMILY SUPPORT Page 55Urgent & Regular Communications Page 56Internet Access Page 57Parent University Page 57Online and In-Person Tech Support Page 60
RESOURCES & LINKS Page 62
9/4/20202
BOARD OF EDUCATION
9/4/20203
Sarah [email protected]
Michael [email protected]
Barbara [email protected]
Heidi KeyesVice [email protected]
Sherelle [email protected]
Diana [email protected]
Godfrey [email protected]
Erica [email protected]
Colin [email protected]
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year!
We look forward to having our students back to school on Tuesday, September 8, both in-person and remotely.
As you know, Norwalk Public Schools has put enhanced health and safety precautions in place in all schools throughout the district. We will reopen with an instructional plan that is built for consistency, but that allows for flexibility in case circumstances change.
To provide parents with additional information, we have prepared a Parent Guidebook that covers many of the questions that we know families have about this upcoming year. This Guidebook will be available on the “Return to School” section of our website, along with school plans, links to public forums and much more.
We are ready for a safe and successful school year!
Introduction
9/4/20204
Current as of June 17th
Source: Learning Policy Institute; country government websites
Denmark China Norway Taiwan South Africa Israel
Health procedures
Capacity & operational changes
Staggered arrival
Initially enforced limits on class sizes and staggering of classes. Limitations were lifted on May 17, 100% return
Maximum class size 15 for Grades 1-4, 20 for Grades 5-7.
60%50%Reduction in Classroom size
Opened April 27 for grades 1-4
Reopening schools in June with phased approach starting with 7th
and 12th graders
China has gradually reopened since March
Opened schools April 15 for children to age 12
Phased reopening after a new wave of cases, starting with grades 1-3 then 11 and 12.
HeadlineNever fully closed, with local and temporary closures as needed
Temperature checks either at home or at entry
Twice a day
Temp checks
Gloves provided to students and teachers
Handwashing guidance
Mask requirement
Not all schools
Physical dividers
Increased cleaning of buses
Increased cleaning of buses
Reduced school bus capacity
Increased cleaning of buses
100% student return in phase 1
RE-OPENING AROUND THE WORLD
SAFETY MODIFICATIONSWhere schools are re-opening for in-person learning, the school setting has been modified for safety
9/4/20205
TEACHING &LEARNING
9/4/20206
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL177 total school days required in 2020-21, instead of 180, per Connecticut State Department of Education
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/20207
FIRST DAY
Tuesday, September 8
EXTRA DAY1 extra day at the
beginning of the year dedicated to staff
training
FLEX DAYS2 flexible days during
the school year in case risk levels
change
This report has been developed following the preliminary guidance and considerations contained within the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Connecticut School ReOpening Plan – Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together.
FALL REOPENING MODELBased on the latest update from Governor Lamont on July 27, the Norwalk Public Schools Reopening Plan returns to school in Fall 2020 with an in-person and hybrid learning model that will ensure enhanced health and safety precautions across the district. The model is also supported with additional mitigation strategies, including monitoring, containment and class cancellation plans, if needed for a quick transition to full-time distance learning.
Under this model, all Pre-K-5 students attend school in-person five days per week. If current elementary buildings cannot accommodate all elementary students who elect to attend in-person, the district will repurpose additional space at Jefferson Elementary School in that was scheduled for construction to house overflow classes for some 4th and 5th grade cohorts. ELLs and SPED students would also receive an in-person learning program.
NPS plans for Grade 6-12 students to alternate days in a hybrid model, combining in-person learning with distance learning to achieve 50% density.
Families who choose not to return to in-person learning will have a virtual learning option available at all grade levels.
A Flexible Plan Built for Consistency
Norwalk Public Schools will reopen with instructional schedules and models that are flexible and based on current COVID-19 transmission levels. We understand that we may start the school under one model, and as new information becomes available about health and safety, we may need to transition to a different model. We have designed our reopening plan to ensure transitions between risk levels are seamless and predictable, with daily schedules, teacher and course assignments, curricular expectations, technology integration, and assessment and grading practices that will remain constant, even if a change to a different model becomes required.
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/20208
9/4/20209
SAFELY REOPENING SCHOOLS
Leading Indicator Secondary Indicator
Risk Level New COVID-19 Cases(7 day avg. per 100K pop)
Percent Test Positivity
New COVID-19 Hospital Admissions(7 day avg. per 100k pop.)
Percent COVID-like illness hospital ED visits
Minimal (Favors more in-person learning)
<10 Trending down to flatNo statistically significant changes
Moderate (Favors hybrid learning)
10-25 Trending flat to upwardAny statistically significant changes
High (Favors remote learning)
>25 Trending upwardConsistent statistically significant changes upward
High COVID spread
Full-Time Distance Learning Model for All
Minimal to Moderate COVID spread
Full In-person Learning for PreK – Grade 5
Hybrid In-person & Virtual Learning Combination for Middle & High School
Choice of Virtual School Option for All
TEACHING & LEARNING
ELEMENTARY – FULL-TIME IN-PERSON LEARNING OR VIRTUAL OPTION
All elementary students are enrolled in a school by grade level and assigned a teacher. The classroom becomes the primary cohort or student group. All services for students are provided in the classroom or offered remotely.
Students with Disabilities are grouped into class cohorts adhering to the 50/50 LRE guidance from CSDE and special education teachers are assigned to classes to ensure full hours of IEPs addressing goals are met via a push in model to support cohort groupings.
At the PreK-5 level, families have two options: A full-time, in-person model, or a full-time virtual option:
TEACHING & LEARNING
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person In-Person
Opt-inVirtual
Opt-inVirtual
Opt-inVirtual
Opt-inVirtual
Opt-inVirtual
9/4/202010
All students enrolled by grade level with an assigned teacher
Consistent schedules & same assigned teachers, even if risk levels change
Arts, music and physical education included
Specials scheduled on a two-week cycle by grade-level cohort
Routine scheduled mask breaks
Before & afterschool care provided for in-person students
Depending on space, some in-person grades may be held in a different location, but teachers & students will remain in groups based on their home schools
Families may opt into or out of the virtual program during the course of the school year. To ensure effective transitions for students, teachers and the school, changes from virtual learning to in-person should take place at the end of a marking period, with at least two weeks notice to the school.
In-School Elementary Groups
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202011
Scenario 1Class groups are split into two
rooms for meeting social distancing guidelines. Teacher will
rotate between rooms, with a paraeducator always with
students.
Scenario 2Classroom space allows for full group together in one
classroom.
TEACHER PARAEDUCATOR
TEACHERIn-person at all
timesRotates during
class time
VIRTUAL VIRTUAL
Elementary School In-Person Learning
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202012
Elementary School Virtual Learning
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202013
Elementary School Lunch And Recess
Lunch
Daily In classroom dining
Individually packaged “Grab & Go” meals or bring your own
Meals available for pick up at tent locations throughout the city for virtual students
Recess
Cohorts play outdoors in defined locations
Social distance friendly games
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202014
Elementary School at Jefferson Campus
Grade 4 & 5 students from Silvermine Dual Language Magnet School and two ELLI Pre-K classes will be located on the Jefferson Elementary campus.
A Curriculum & Instruction Site Director will be located onsite as a full time administrator, as well as a school nurse, custodian and secretary.
Students taught by teachers, paras, and special education staff from their home school.
Regular visits from home school principals.
Transportation provided.
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202015
All middle school students are enrolled in a school by grade level and house. They have an assigned middle school schedule for all subjects. During both virtual and in-person learning, each student will maintain the same schedule, courses and teachers.
Students with Disabilities (SWDs) are grouped into class cohorts adhering to the 50/50 least restrictive environment (LRE) guidance from CSDE, with special education teachers assigned to classes to ensure full hours of IEPs, assuring goals are met via a push in model to support cohort groupings.
At the Middle School level, families have two options: A hybrid model that alternates in-person and virtual learning, or a full-time virtual option:
TEACHING & LEARNING
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Group Alpha In-Person In-Person Virtual Virtual In-Person
Group Beta Virtual Virtual In-Person In-Person Virtual
Opt-In FullVirtual
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
Families may opt into or out of the virtual program during the course of the school year. To ensure effective transitions for students, teachers and the school, changes from virtual learning to in-person should take place at the end of a marking period, with at least two weeks notice to the school.
WEE
K 1
9/4/202016
Consistent schedules & same teachers for in-person and virtual, even if risk levels change.
Arts, music and physical education included.
SWDs and English Learners may be eligible for full-time in-person daily instruction.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Group Alpha In-Person Virtual Virtual In-Person In-Person
Group Beta Virtual In-Person In-Person Virtual Virtual
Opt-In Full Virtual
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
WEE
K 2
MIDDLE SCHOOL – HYBRID MODEL ALTERNATING IN-PERSON ANDVIRTUAL LEARNING, OR FULL TIME VIRTUAL OPTION
Hybrid Middle School Groups
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202017
Class ExampleVirtual class days will follow the same schedule, courses, and teachers as in-person
classes with synchronous learning through a live feed for all classes.
TEACHER
VIRTUAL STUDENTSIN-PERSON CLASS
Middle School In-Person
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202018
Middle School Virtual Learning
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202019
Middle School Student Life
Recess
Held in cohorts in designated areas.
Lunch
Lunch for all students will be in their classrooms.
Individually packaged “Grab & Go“ lunch available or bring your own
Meals available for pick up at tent locations throughout the city for virtual students
Transitions
Hallway passing times staggered to minimize student density.
Afterschool
Afterschool enrichment offered by NPS staff only, in cohorts on in-person days.
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202020
Middle School Schedule -- September
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202021
Middle School Schedule and Calendar
School principals communicate to students and families which days students are expected to report to the school site.
With 50% of students attending in person each day, 12-14 students will be present in each class.
Sept 2020 (15 days)M T W T F
1 2 3 4
7
Labor Day
8
A9
A10
B11
B14
A15
A16
B17
B18
Rosh HashanahNo School
21
A22
A23
B24
B25
A28
Yom Kippur No School
29
A30
B
A DAYS:Student in Group Alpha – IN PERSON learning Student in Group Beta – REMOTE learning
B DAYS:Student in Group Beta – IN PERSON learningStudent in Group Alpha – REMOTE learning
ROTATION:Week 1: A, A, B, B, AWeek 2: A, B, B, A, A
Middle School Calendar – October & November
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202022
Oct 2020 (21 days)M T W T F
1
B2
A5
A6
B7B
8
A9
A12
No SchoolPD for Staff
13
B14B
15
A16
A19
B20
B21
A22
A23
B26
B27
A28
A29
B30
B
Nov 2020 (18 days)M T W T F2
A3
Election Day No School, PD for Staff
4
A5
B6
B9
A10
A11
B
12
B13
A16
A17
B18
B19
A20
A23
B24
B25
Early Dismissal
A
26Thanksgiving
No School
27No School
30
A
Middle School Calendar -- December
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202023
1C
B2C
B3CN
Early Dismissal
A
4C
A7
B8C
B9C
A10CE
Early DismissalA
11C
B14
B15C
A16C
A17
B18
B21
A22
A23
Early Dismissal B
24No School
25No School
28No School
29No School
30No School
31No School
Dec 2020 (17 days)M T W T F
C = K-8 Conferences
All high school students are enrolled by grade level. Each student will maintain the same schedule, courses and teachers during virtual and in-person learning.
Students With Disabilities are grouped into class cohorts adhering to the 50/50 LRE guidance from CSDE and special education teachers are assigned to classes to ensure full hours of IEPs addressing goals are met via a push in model to support cohort groupings.
At the High School level, families have two options: A hybrid model that alternates in-person with virtual learning, or a full-time virtual option.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Group Alpha
In-Person(A Day)
In-Person(B Day)
Virtual (A Day)
Virtual (Day B)
In-Person (A Day )
Group Beta
Virtual(B Day)
Virtual(A Day)
In-Person(B Day)
In-Person(A Day)
Virtual(B Day)
Opt-In Virtual
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
WEE
K 1
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Group Alpha
In-Person(B Day)
Virtual (A Day)
Virtual (B Day)
In-Person (A Day)
In-Person(B Day)
Group Beta
Virtual(A Day)
In-Person(B Day)
In-Person(A Day)
Virtual(B Day)
Virtual(A Day
Opt-InVirtual
Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual Virtual
WEE
K 2
9/4/202024
Instruction that alternates in-person learning with virtual learning
Consistent schedules & same teachers for in-person and virtual, even if risk levels change
Arts, music and physical education included
SWDs and English Learners may be eligible for full-time in-person daily instruction
Families may opt into or out of the virtual program during the course of the school year. To ensure effective transitions for students, teachers and the school, changes from virtual learning to in-person should take place at the end of a marking period, with at least two weeks notice to the school.
HIGH SCHOOL -- HYBRID MODEL ALTERNATING IN-PERSON ANDVIRTUAL LEARNING, OR FULL TIME VIRTUAL OPTION
Hybrid High School Groups
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202025
Class ExampleVirtual class days will follow the same schedule, courses, and teachers as
In-Person classes, with synchronous learning through a live feed for all classes.
TEACHER
VIRTUAL STUDENTSIN-PERSON CLASS
High School Hybrid Learning – In-person Days
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202026
High School Hybrid Learning – Virtual Days
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202027
High School Student Life
School & Classroom Density
Schools will operate at 50% daily capacity
Desk configurations separated by 6 feet of space
Dining
Several café style setups spreadout throughout the school
4 menu options
Meals available for pick up at tent locations throughout the city for virtual students
Transitions
Hallway passing times staggered to minimize student density
Afterschool
Afterschool activities such as sports, arts and clubs will be offered for all students
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202028
High School Calendar -- September
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202029
High School Schedules and Calendars
School principals communicate to students and families which days students are expected to report to the school site.
With 50% of students attending in person each day, 12-14 students will be present in each class.
A DAYS:Student in Group Alpha – IN PERSON learning Student in Group Beta – REMOTE learning
B DAYS:Student in Group Beta – IN PERSON learningStudent in Group Alpha – REMOTE learning
ROTATION:Week 1: A, A, B, B, AWeek 2: A, B, B, A, A
Sept 2020 (15 days)M T W T F
1 2 3 4
7
Labor Day
8
A9
A10
B11
B14
A15
A16
B17
B18
Rosh HashanahNo School
21
A22
A23
B24
B25
A
28Yom Kippur No School
29
A30
B
SAT DAYGrade 12 in PersonGr 9, 10 11 Remote
High School Calendar – October & November
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202030
Oct 2020 (21 days)M T W T F
1
B2
A5
A6
B7
PSAT DAYGrade 9 in person
Gr 10, 11, 12 remote
B
8
A9
A12
No SchoolPD for Staff
13
B14
PSAT DAYGrade 9 in person
Gr 10, 11, 12 remote
B
15
A16
A
19
B20
B21
A22
A23
B26
B27
A28
A29
B30
BNov 2020 (18 days)
M T W T F2
A3
Election Day No School, PD for Staff
4
A5
B6
B9
A10
A11
B
12
B13
A16
A17
B18
B19
A20
A23
B24
B25
Early Dismissal
A
26Thanksgiving
No School
27No School
30
A
High School Calendar-- December
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202031
1C
B2C
B3CN
Early Dismissal
A
4C
A7
B8C
B9C
A10CE
Early DismissalA
11C
B14
B15C
A16C
A17
B18
B21
A22
A23
Early Dismissal B
24No School
25No School
28No School
29No School
30No School
31No School
Dec 2020 (17 days)M T W T F
C = K-8 Conferences
Sample High School Schedule
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202032
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Group Alpha: In-Person
Group Alpha:In-person
Group Beta: In-person
Group Beta: In-person
Group Alpha: In-Person
Group Beta: Virtual Learning
Group Beta: Virtual Learning
Group Alpha: Virtual Learning
Group Alpha: Virtual Learning
Group Beta: Virtual Learning
8:30-9:47 Block 1 Block 5 Block 1 Block 5 Block 1
9:47-9:57 Transition Transition Transition Transition Transition
9:57-11:07 Block 2 Block 6 Block 2 Block 6 Block 2
11:07-11:17 Transition Transition Transition Transition Transition
11:17-2:00Block 3 Block 7 Block 3 Block 7 Block 3*
Transition Transition Transition Transition Transition
2:00-3:15 Block 4 Block 8 Block 4 Block 8 Block 4
TEACHING & LEARNING
9/4/202033
Library & Community GroupsThe Norwalk Public Library will offer library-based groups for up to 12 students
each day who need alternative workspaces on virtual learning days.
A third group will be based at the Carver Center.
Paraeducator
Virtual Learning Space Virtual Learning Space
SOUTH NORWALK LIBRARY PODMAIN LIBRARY POD
Paraeducator
POD ALTERNATIVE: REMOTE LEARNING SUPPORT FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL HYBRID MODEL
Paraeducator
Virtual Learning Space
CARVER CENTER POD
A Paraeducator will be available at each location to monitor and assist with learning.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Norwalk Public Schools is committed to supporting students and families who have chosen to attend school virtually for the 2020-20201 school year.
Structure and Scheduling of ClassroomsStudents will follow the same class schedule, with the same teachers and classmates that they would in the in-person or hybrid option. This will allow for a seamless transition back to in-person instruction, and also allows for teachers to follow a similar model to their traditional classroom, in case there is another shutdown of schools and all students are virtual.
Requests for virtual learning students to return to in-person instruction will be granted with two-weeks notice from a parent. To ensure a smooth transition for students, staff and schools, we strongly recommend that changes from virtual to in-person take place at the end of a marking period.
Students with disabilities will be provided with service hours via an integrated co-teaching approach where appropriate. Additional hours for related services will be provided in addition to the live instruction within general education.
Technology IntegrationTeachers will use Google Classroom, Nearpod or Seesaw as the repository for content, lessons and assignments. Teacher will use either Google Meet or Microsoft Teams as their video platform and method of recording lessons. A list of approved applications will be available through our single user sign on tool (Classlink). Tutorials will be available for parents through NPS Parent University.
Scheduling for Special Areas, Arts and Physical EducationAll schools K-12 will continue to provide virtual students access to Visual and Performing Arts, instrumental music lessons and physical education.
Parent Engagement and SupportTeachers will communicate with students and parents via a chosen method daily (eg, email, Seesaw, etc). The method will depend on the student’s grade level. Parents will have a resource page populated with tutorials for digital literacy support in both English and Spanish.
9/4/202034
STUDENTS WHO CHOOSE FULL-TIME VIRTUAL LEARNING
TEACHING & LEARNING
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Students with Disabilities (SWDs) receive IEP services within general education cohorts to the greatest degree feasible.
SWDs receive IEP services within general education classrooms.
Staff assigned to 2-3 general ed classrooms via cluster groupings.
Students with severe disabilities form a cohort, with access to a gen ed cohort based upon IEP recommendations.
Norwalk and all districts will continue to emphasize a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Option of in-person instruction every day.
IEP service hours and goals provided, may be in-person, remote, or hybrid, using push in to the greatest degree appropriate.
Child Find, Evaluations and Assessments continue in-person. Staff provided full PPE.
Social and Emotional (SEL) supports are essential for all students.
SEL supports provided daily to all students, embedded into classroom instruction.
Tiered interventions via social workers, school counselors and psychologists.
Training for implementation of SEL and trauma-informed care.
Outreach and supports for families who do not speak English.
9/4/202035
TEACHING & LEARNING
Special Education: Special Considerations Regarding Face Masks
Parents, students and special education staff will be provided support and consultation to assist Students With Disabilities and other students, based upon the need to learn to use face coverings and follow safety protocols. This work will be led by the District’s eight BCBAs.
Social Stories have been developed in multiple languages and have been implemented during summer programs to assist SWDs to tolerate face coverings and follow safety protocols of distancing and hygiene.
Individual plans have been developed for students with more intense needs that allow for a slow schedule to assist students to tolerate the protocols.
Specific protocols will be followed for face mask exceptions, following health and safety guidelines. In consultation with parents and treating physicians, individual protocols will be developed to assist all students to tolerate face coverings and other safety protocols unless there is a clear medical prohibition from doing so such as a student with a trach or other physical or medical considerations. The district views this as a life skill learning opportunity. Individual amendments to IEPs may be considered to include this goal.
Full PPE protections, including shields for staff and plexiglass partitions in the classrooms, will be used when children cannot wear face coverings due to medical exceptions, and where distance requirements cannot be maintained or intensive behavior plans are required.
Outreach to families of students has been underway to assist families to obtain documentation regarding medication and treatment considerations.
In-person individualized evaluations will be completed with full PPE and plexiglass protections, while risk factors are considered to be mild or moderate. PPTs will continue to be implemented virtually to the greatest degree possible to reduce in-school meetings.
9/4/202036
TEACHING & LEARNING
Special Education: Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health
All students across all conditions will be provided with daily SEL instructional opportunities. In grades Pre-K to 3, 15 minutes daily SEL intervention will be provided. In grades 4-12+, 30 minutes will be provided daily and embedded into the instructional curriculum to the greatest extent appropriate. SEL interventions will be age appropriate. Specific focus on teaching tolerance and social justice will be embedded into this work.
Social workers and school counselors will continue to reach out to students and families who have not been fully engaged via personal outreach and follow up.
Bilingual paraprofessionals and the District’s bilingual ombudsperson for special education will provide outreach to engage families who require individualized assistance whose home language is not English.
A tiered approach to mental health support in schools will be provided by social workers, psychologists and school counselors using research-based interventions.
Coordination with our community partners, including Norwalk ACTS, will provide training to all staff in trauma informed care. Consultation will be provided to families and staff to identify self-care techniques, and a standardized risk assessment will identify students and families who may need wrap around care or a higher level of community-based mental healthtreatment.
Community-based organizations will provide virtual workshops for families to address their social and emotional needs.
9/4/202037
TEACHING & LEARNING
English Learners continue to have access to the general education curriculum as well as to supplemental language support services, provided by teachers certified in TESOL and Bilingual Education along with bilingual instructional aides.
At the elementary level, EL staff are assigned to as few grade-level cohorts as possible, and to as few classrooms within the grade level as possible.
In hybrid or virtual learning, EL staff provide the same services by co-teaching with general education staff and providing supplemental small group instruction using online tools.
Sound-proof partitions allow for flexible, small group instruction within the classroom reducing the need for pull outs across the school building.
At the middle school level, EL staff is assigned to the “houses” in which ELs are assigned, and continue to provide direct EL instruction as well as support in content-area classes, either in person or remotely using online tools.
At the high school level, we offer our wide array of EL and sheltered classes, either in person or remotely, using online tools.
Bilingual certified teachers and bilingual instructional aides to provide the required bilingual supports, either in person or remotely.
Students in our dual language program will continue to receive content instruction in both English and Spanish.
We serve dually-identified students (ELs with special needs) by providing both EL and special education services, either in person or remotely, as required by students’ IEPs. EL and special education staff collaborate to ensure that student needs are
met. We provide translated special education reports and interpreters at PPT and
other parent meetings, as needed.
We continue to serve the social/emotional needs of ELs by maintaining our relationship with the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance agency which has been providing clinical and referral services to our EL students and families in need. Besides conducting trauma counseling, they have been providing professional learning sessions to staff on trauma-informed care and will continue to do so in the upcoming school year.
9/4/202038
ENGLISH LEARNERS
FACILITIES &OPERATIONS
9/4/202039
ADAPTING SCHOOL FACILITIES FOR HEALTH & SAFETY Classroom layouts set to maintain a minimum of 6 feet where possible.
Gyms, auditoriums, cafeterias have been repurposed where a school requires additional space to maintain social distancing.
Protocols maintain that teachers will remain 6 feet from students, and when not possible, the teacher will wear the appropriate PPE.
All signs and messages are standardized per CDC guidelines, including handwashing,physical distancing, no sharing. Signs have been fastened to walls and floors, in Spanishand English.
Additional signage at the high schools has been put in place due to the larger cohorts.
Staff training has been conducted during Professional Development days prior to the opening of schools. This included webinars and live Zooms. Staff have multiple opportunities to practice these protocols on site prior to opening.
Our substitute management partner, Educational Staffing & Solutions (ESS), will provide training modules created by NPS to all substitute teachers and staff.
Schools will not be rented out or to be used by any outside organization.
DAILY OPERATIONS
Cohorts (Groups)Where possible, the district has established cohorts within schools to minimize interaction between groups of students.
Elementary students will remain in classroom groups. Arts and other instructors will rotate into classrooms for special classes and services.
Middle school cohorts will be by primarily by grade and house to minimize classroom changes.
Because of individual class schedules for high school students, smaller group cohorting is not possible at the high school level. To minimize exposure, the hybrid model limits the number of students who are in person. Other measures, such as staggered class dismissals to reduce hallway passing, are also in place.
Assistance will be provided by staff as students arrive to direct students to entrances based on cohort assignments.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
9/4/202040
BEFORE AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS AND ENRICHMENT
Elementary Schools Before and after childcare provided only for students who attend in-person.
Each school works exclusively with one sole provider with whom there is already an established partnership.
Each organization must adhere to the district’s approved health and safety protocol, with proposals reviewed and approved by the chief of school operations.
No outside enrichment providers will be allowed at the elementary school level.
Middle Schools Enrichment will be offered by teachers who apply to offer an afterschool activity.
Each school will work exclusively with one sole provider with whom there is already an established partnership. Each organization must adhere to the district’s approved health and safety protocol.
Health and safety proposals have been submitted to the Chief of School Operations for review and approval.
No additional outside enrichment providers will be allowed at the middle school level.
With the hybrid model, middle school afterschool activities will only be offered for students on the days they are in-school, cohorted by grade level with groups of 10-12.
All performances (theatre, music, instrumental etc.) will be done virtually.
No travel permitted at the elementary or middle school level (no field trips or leaving the school campus).
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
9/4/202041
High School
Sports, arts and clubs will be offered in-person for all students.
At a minimum, NPS will follow Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) established guidelines (for example, all sports are played within Connecticut, no traveling outside Connecticut).
Guidance may vary depending on the sport and if risk factors change.
Spectator attendance will follow CIAC and Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) guidelines.
Marching band rehearsal will not cap the number of student participants. However, students will be divided up into cohorts of 10-12 students spread out along outdoor rehearsal space (field/parking lot). Bands will follow US Bands guidelines.
All band performances will be virtual or remain in Connecticut (no traveling outside thestate).
All other clubs will be offered by high school teachers only.
Students are limited to groups of 10-12.
Teachers need to apply to offer an afterschool activity.
If high schools students are learning remotely, they are allowed to attend afterschool activities. For those families, transportation is responsibility of the individual family.
Virtual Afterschool Schools may offer virtual afterschool options, taught online and contracted
out to partners or organizations
High school students on full-time virtual learning can still participate in-person on team sports, music or clubs at their school.
Where possible, those high school students who join from virtual learning will be cohorted together in their activity.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
9/4/202042
STUDENT MEALS AND NUTRITION Meals will be available every day to all students in both virtual and in-person learning. All meals will
meet all meal guidelines provided by the state.
Grab & Go meals will be available for elementary and middle school students, who will eat in the classroom with their cohorts.
High school students will pick up meals from café locations spread out at different locations to maintain social distancing.
Norwalk Public Schools will continue to accept and process all applications for free or reduced lunch.
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
9/4/202043
•Grab & Go breakfast & lunch•Served in cohorts•Eaten in classrooms, outdoors, & open café configurations at HS
Food Delivery
•Free meal program extendedCashless &
Touchless Dining •Masks, PPE at all times •Staff assigned to cohorts•Meals labelled for allergens
Health Protocols
FREE MEALS EXTENDED
Great news! The USDA has extended the free meals program that through Decemeber 31, 2020. As a result, all Norwalk children ages 2-18 will continue to have access to free meals at school or at tent pick up locations.
STUDENT MEALS AND NUTRITION
Meals for Virtual Learners
Grab & Go meals will be available for students virtual learning, to be served from tent sites set up throughout the city.
Parents or guardians can pick up their student’s meal at tent locations
Tent Sites Open As Of September 8, 2020
BRIEN McMAHON HIGH SCHOOL 12pm – 2pm & 3:30pm - 5:30pm
PONUS RIDGE STEAM ACADEMY 12pm – 2pm
WEST ROCKS MIDDLE SCHOOL 12pm – 2pm & 3:30pm - 5:30pm
NATHAN HALE MIDDLE SCHOOL 12pm – 2pm & 3:30pm - 5:30pm
MARVIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 12pm – 2pm
WOLFPIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 12pm – 2pm
SILVERMINE DUAL LANGUAGE MAGNET 12pm – 2pm
COLUMBUS MAGNET SCHOOL 12pm – 2pm & 3:30pm - 5:30pm
COLONIAL VILLAGE 12pm – 2pm
BEN FRANKLIN 12pm – 2pm
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
9/4/202044
TRANSPORTATION
FACILITIES & OPERATIONS
9/4/202045
Masks or face coverings required at bus stop & during the ride
Loading procedure from back to front, reversed for unloading
Assigned seats in order of stops on the bus route, siblings seated together
Bus monitors to assist
Buses cleaned and sanitized every night
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202046
PRIORITIESReduce the possibility of spreading COVID-19 Physical distancing
Frequent handwashing
Use of a mask or face covering to completely cover nose and mouth
Enhanced disinfection of high touch points, bathrooms
Staying home when sick & attending by remote learning
No sharing of materials
Daily health screening
No visitors
Maintain healthy learning environments Require completion of health screening forms
Adjusted arrival & dismissal procedures
Reduce student density
Monitor attendance
Limit & organize student transitions
Clear communication to all stakeholder groups
Periodic training of staff, students, & families
Regular collaboration & communication with local Health Director & Medical Advisor
Quick response to possible exposure Training to recognize signs and symptoms
Single point of contact if a positive case arises
Plan for isolation and spacing
Exposure tracing
Notifying health officials, families, and staff
Closures to be determined in collaboration with State and local health leaders
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202047
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Arrival Daily health screening form completed prior
to arrival
Staggered entry
Various points of entry
Handwashing upon entering classroom
Classroom Density & Cohorts Students remain together in small
classroom cohorts with minimal mixing
Non-essential furniture removed
Student desks distanced by 6 feet apart
Plexiglass partition on collaborative tables
Mask breaks scheduled and supervised
Transitions Students transition less frequently and in smaller numbers
Transitions organized to prevent crowded hallways
Dismissal Staggered dismissal
Various points of exit
Board buses from back to front
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202048
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Arrival Staggered entry
Entrances will be assigned
Student health screener completed via appprior to entry and checked by staff
Sanitizing hands prior to starting day
Cohorting By House, except for related arts
Classroom Density Generally 12-14 students in each class,
6 feet apart
Student Transitions Staggered transitions to reduce number of students in the hallway
Dismissal Staggered dismissal
Various points of exit
Board buses from back to front
Parent pickup and bus departure locations separated
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202049
ADAPTING SCHOOL FACILITIES FOR HEALTH & SAFETY
Learning Environment All learning spaces set up for social distancing
All non-essential items removed to create space
Commercial-grade HEPA air filters with UV light installed in every NPS classroom
Upgraded MERV-10 filters will be installed in mid-September, before cold weather starts
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202050
Cleaning & Sanitizing
CDC-approved cleaning & sanitizing products, used by trained personnel
Bathrooms cleaned and sanitized during the school day at least twice daily; log completed during each visit
High touch points sanitized throughout the day
Classroom furniture disinfected regularly
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202051
CDC Approved Signage
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202052
EXPOSURE TRACING, ISOLATION, DISMISSAL
If staff or a student is ill with symptoms related to COVID-19, the School Nurse Protocolwill be activated.
Staff or students who present symptoms consistent with Covid-19 will be sent home.
A case report form will be completed for every student who has a laboratory confirmed positive COVID-19 test (form provided by Norwalk Health Department).
Upon completion, this form will be sent to Norwalk Health Department to begin contact tracing.
Any student or staff who appears to have symptoms that possibly could be COVID-19 will be instructed to contact their primary medical doctor for evaluation.
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202053
PROTOCOL FOR POSSIBLE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
HEALTH & SAFETY
9/4/202054
COMMUNICATIONS& FAMILY SUPPORT
9/4/202055
COMMUNICATIONS &FAMILY RESOURCES
SCHOOL DISTRICT LIAISON
Dr. Frank Costanzo, Chief of School Operations, has been designated as Norwalk’s COVID-19Health and Safety Compliance Liaison, responsible for engaging with students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators to answer questions or concerns about health and safety requirements.
DISTRICT COMMUNICATIONS
Norwalk Public Schools has a robust communication system in place for both regular and urgent communications. Districtwide communications are always translated into English and Spanish. With an increasing population of families who identify Haitian-Creole as a primary language, the district is also identifying translation resources, bilingual staff and volunteers, and community networks to ensure those families are informed and connected.
Urgent Communications Urgent messages about any changes, as well as up-to-date policies and protocols, will be communicated through multiple channels that families and staff rely on for information from the district, including
SchoolMessenger e-blast, robocalls and text messages District and school websites Official Facebook and Twitter feeds, with messages amplified by shares from schools,
PTO/As, and other parent organizations for both English and Spanish speakers Traditional and online media newspaper, TV, radio Online and digital media
9/4/202056
Parents and guardians should make sure that phone and email contact information is up-to-date at all times, so that the
district or school can reach you in an emergency. To make changes, please contact your child’s school directly.
COMMUNICATIONS &FAMILY SUPPORT
E-Newsletters Districtwide and staff newsletters are produced in alternating weeks during the
school year. As circumstances require, the district will transition to more frequent newsletters. The district’s distribution list includes city, state, community and faith-based leaders to enable them to assist with reaching all constituents.
Website and Webinars Reopening plans and news are available on the district website, as well as each school’s
website. A dedicated section of the district website specifically supports Distance Learning, as
special education families Facebook Live sessions devoted to a specific topic, especially SEL.
Videos and Podcasts
Phone and Email The district’s general phone lines and email accounts are staffed by bilingual
communications staffers who have materials and information available to respond to or redirect inquiries.
The ELL Welcome Center can respond to or redirect inquiries. School personnel can be reached by phone and email during regular school
hours
Newspapers, Radio and TV Announcements and press releases provided to traditional and online media.
Social Media Social media posts on official district accounts provide updates and direct people to
information Facebook and Twitter are monitored to identify misinformation and trends, and staff
can respond to individuals or group trends Facebook Live sessions devoted to a specific topic, especially social emotional
learning
9/4/202057
Regular Communications Emphasis is placed on providing families with clear and ongoing communications, in multiple languages about what to expect and any changes that may occur. Communications will be both proactive and responsive. in
COMMUNICATIONS &FAMILY SUPPORT
Community Networks Formal and informal community networks assist in reaching all segments of
the community Parent groups and volunteers extend outreach of social Community partners and organizations, including Norwalk ACTS, Norwalk NAACP, the
Unidad Latino Network, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Immigration Coalition, and faith-based organizations, will be provided with parent-related communications materials to enable their support in reaching all segments of the community.
English Learners Because most of our EL families speak Spanish, we have given many of our Spanish-
speaking staff district phone numbers so that they can communicate easily with families.
When we need to communicate directly with parents who do not speak our primary languages, we employ the use of Language Line and other interpretation and translation services.
Classroom Engagement and Support
Teachers will communicate with students and parents via a chosen method daily (eg,email, Seesaw, etc). The method will depend on the student’s grade level.
9/4/202058
COMMUNICATIONS & FAMILY SUPPORT
9/4/202059
INTERNET ACCESSTo make our learning environment equitable for all children, Norwalk Public Schools provides devices and internet access to all our families in need, thanks to a partnership between the City of Norwalk, Board of Education, Dalio Family Foundation and Altice
To apply to receive internet free of charge for 2020-21, please contact your school for an application.
PARENT UNIVERSITY Norwalk Public Schools is proud to launch NPS Parent University, a virtual learning experience for parents, guardians, and all Norwalk community members
Parent University is designed to help parents learn skills to work with their students and help them achieve. Our mission is to provide parents and families with experiences to create a lasting learning partnership that will transfer to positive outcomes for our students.
Families enrolled in Parent University attend collaborative learning sessions with their students
Sessions are designed to be either LIVE presentations with Q&A, or pre-recorded informational sessions about technologies and activities students are using at Norwalk Public Schools.
All sessions are designed to be family oriented and attended by all members of the family.
COMMUNICATION & FAMILY SUPPORT
9/4/202060
Regular and on-going support will be
available to parents from
8am -12 pm and 1pm – 4pm
1Parents can log into
Zoom or call in
2Support will include:
•Connectivity Questions including
password resets•Device questions
•Applications – how to access and use
3NPS will have a Tech Depot for
parents to schedule a time for device replacement if
needed
4
ONLINE & IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
COMMUNICATIONS & FAMILY SUPPORT
9/4/202061
ONLINE & IN-PERSON TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
K-2 Laptops 3-8 Chromebooks 9-12 Laptops
Students will receive their new laptops when they return to class the first day of school.
Students in a virtuallearning will be contacted by their principal with pickup times prior to the opening of school.
Students currently have their devices.
Students began receiving new laptops beginning the week of August 17th.
Principals have communicated with families about scheduled pick up times for new computer.
RESOURCES & LINKS
9/4/202062
Norwalk Public Schools Parent Resources
Norwalk Public Schools Parent University
Norwalk Public Schools Distance Learning Resources for Special Education
Connecticut State Department of Education Resources for Parents & Educators
Connecticut Travel Advisory
Centers for Disease Control Information for Schools and Childcare
9/4/2020 63
RESOURCES & LINKS