Phase 3, Level 3Proposed Implementation: March 8, 2021

Overview of Presentation

I. Overview of VDH, VDOE, and CDC guidance on reopening schools

II. Why is the recommendation being made?

Student Achievement

Social Emotional Well-being

Ability to Staff

III. Instructional, Operational, Safety, and Mitigation Plan for Phase 3, Level 3

Schedules

Instructional Model

Mitigation

Air Filtration Plan

IV. External Checks

Timeline

School

Board

Meeting

Principals Meeting

brainstorm

solutions to

potential obstacles

Thought Exchange

gather feedback

Elem. & Sec.

Principals Meetings

gather feedback

Health & Safety Advisory

Committee Meeting

gather feedback

February 10

March 8

Sec. & Elem. Advisory

Committee Meetings

gather feedback

MCPS

Leadership

Team Meeting

Potential

Start Phase

3 Level 3

School Board

Meeting

February 9 & 10

February 9

February 8

February 5

February 3

February 2

February 16

Recommendation for Phase 3, Level 3

All day attendance four days per week is proposed to begin on March 8, 2021

● All students will have the option to attend full-day in-person instruction

● Wednesdays will still be an at home learning day for students and planning day for

teachers.

● Remote and virtual instruction will continue to be offered.

● Attending half-day in-person/half-day remote will no longer be an option.

● We estimate 69% of students will be attending all day.

Students Anticipated to Attend In-Person

VDH and VDOE K-12 Guidance on Reopening Schools

VDH & VDOE Guidance for School Reopening

MCPS is currently in the green/low category

Updated CDC Indicators and Thresholds for Community Transmission of COVID-19

8.64%

353.17

Data retrieved from CDC website on 2/15/21 10:00 AM

New CDC guidelines utilize 7 day averages instead of 14 day averages.

Positivity Rate

● Community percent positivity rates are currently 7.9%.

● Outbreaks in K-12 School Communities:○ NONE in New River Health District

Ability to Maintain Adequate Staffing● Staff absences are down, Sub fill rates are up

● Staff vaccinations are underway and will be complete prior to March 8

Update from CDC Guidance Released Feb. 12, 2021

While we cannot ignore the guidance from the CDC which speaks to the utilization

of community transmission rate charts and 6 ft distancing whenever possible, MCPS

administration feels confident that the multi-layer mitigation plan that has been

developed in conjunction with the local health department utilizing feedback from

teachers, administrators, an expert in airborne transmission of virus, and multiple

advisory groups provides a safe and equitable in-person learning environment for

our students while simultaneously providing a remote learning option for families.

Update from CDC Guidance Released Feb. 12, 2021

“Schools that are open for in-person instruction (either fully open or hybrid) may decide to remain open

even at high (red) levels of community transmission. These decisions should be guided by information on

school-specific factors such as mitigation strategies implemented, local needs, stakeholder input, the

number of cases among students, teachers, and staff, and school experience. A decision to remain open

should involve considerations for further strengthening mitigation strategies and continuing to monitor

cases to reassess decisions. This should be driven by a “classroom-first” approach; in-person instruction

should be prioritized over extracurricular activities including sports and school events, a common source

of school transmission, to minimize risk of transmission in schools and protect in-person learning.”

CDC Source Reference- Transitioning from CDC’s Indicators for Dynamic School Decision-Making (released September 15,

2020) to CDC’s Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Mitigation (released February 12, 2021) to Reduce

COVID-19

“The many benefits of in-person schooling should be weighed against the risks of spreading

COVID-19 in the school and community. Working with States, Tribes, Localities, and Territories

(STLT), schools can weigh levels of community transmission and their capacity to implement

appropriate mitigation measures in schools to protect students, teachers, administrators, and

other staff.”

CDC Source Reference Operating schools during COVID-19: CDC's Considerations Operating Schools During COVID-19 Updated Feb. 11, 2021

“K-12 schools should be the last settings to close after all other mitigation measures in the community have been employed, and the first to reopen when they can do so safely.Given the likely association between levels of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure in schools, a first step in determining when and how to reopen safely involves assessing the level of community transmission. School administrators, working with local public health officials, should assess the level of risk in the community and the likelihood of a case in a school facility, the likelihood that a case would lead to an outbreak, and the consequences of in-school transmission.”

CDC Source Reference- Transitioning from CDC’s Indicators for Dynamic School Decision-Making (released September 15, 2020) to CDC’s

Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools through Phased Mitigation (released February 12, 2021) to Reduce COVID-19

Update from CDC Guidance Released Feb. 12, 2021Physical Distancing and Barriers“Evidence suggests that many K-12 schools that have strictly implemented mitigation strategies have been able to safely

open for in-person instruction and remain open.”

CDC Source Reference CDC K-12 Operational Strategy Guide

“The interventions presented in this section provide examples of ways to promote physical distancing and alternatives when

physical distancing is not always feasible.”

CDC Source Reference CDC K-12 Operational Strategy Guide

“Shields or other physical barriers are installed to separate office staff and visitors where distancing at least 6 feet apart is

difficult.”

CDC Source reference K-12 Mitigation Tool Kit

“Are physical barriers installed in areas where distancing at least 6 feet apart is not possible for staff and students such as

training, practices, and competitions? Install cleanable shields or other barriers to separate coaching staff, athletic trainers,

and students where distancing at least 6 feet apart is not an option (e.g., between pieces of equipment that cannot be

moved.)” CDC Source reference K-12 Mitigation Tool Kit

“ The following public health efforts provide additional layers of COVID-19 prevention in schools:

● Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection to limit transmission and outbreaks

● Vaccination for teachers and school staff, and in communities, as soon as supply allows “

“Teachers and school staff hold jobs critical to the continued functioning of society and are at

potential occupational risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. STLT officials should consider giving high

priority to teachers in phase 1b. “

MCPS Staff were included in phase 1b vaccinations for our Health District.

“Vaccinating teachers and school staff can be considered one layer of mitigation and protection for

staff and students. Strategies that minimize barriers to access vaccination for teachers and other

frontline essential workers, such as vaccine clinics at or close to the place of work, are optimal.”

CDC Source Reference CDC K-12 Operational Strategy Guide

CDC Health Equity Considerations

“The absence of in-person educational options may disadvantage children from

low-resourced communities, which may include large representation of racial and ethnic

minority groups, English learners and students with disabilities. Plans for safe delivery of

in-person instruction in K-12 schools must consider efforts to promote fair access to

healthy educational environments for students and staff.”

CDC Source Reference CDC K-12 Operational Strategy Guide

Why Should Students Return This Year?Students are falling behind and are being impacted socially, emotionally, and

academically. Returning to in-person learning with approved mitigation would

immediately begin to decrease the negative impact on students.

● Elementary in-person instructional hours would increase from:○ 3 hours to 6 hours a day

○ 12 hours to 24 hours a week

○ 108 hours to 216 hours a quarter

○ Times do not include lunch

● Secondary in-person instructional hours would increase from:○ 2 hours to 5 hours a day

○ 8 hours to 20 hours a week

○ 72 hours to 180 hours a quarter

○ Times do not include lunch or transitions

Impact on Daily In-person Instructional Time

Secondary Impact on In-person Instructional Time

Elementary ImpactD and U Comparison - Elementary Quarter 2

304%80%

Secondary ImpactD and F Comparison - Secondary Quarter 2

169%

38%

MAP Student Growth: Math

MAP Student Growth:

Fall 2019 - Winter 2020

MAP Student Growth:

Fall 2020 - Winter 2021

MAP Student Growth: Reading

MAP Student Growth:

Fall 2019 - Winter 2020

MAP Student Growth:

Fall 2020 - Winter 2021

MAP Student Growth: Language/Writing

MAP Student Growth:

Fall 2019 - Winter 2020

MAP Student Growth:

Fall 2020 - Winter 2021

PALS: Percent of Students Identified Below Benchmark

Elementary Retentions● 1,112 Summer

School Letters

were sent to

elementary

parents with

report cards

● Principals project

that a minimum

of 45 children will

be retained

● 350% increase

Impact on Students Social and Emotional Wellbeing

It is difficult to measure the impact on students mental health for a variety of reasons, but

it is important to note:

● MCPS has seen a decrease in threat assessments. MCPS total was almost 6 times

higher at this point last year. This is particularly concerning because many of the

assessments are based upon threats of self-harm.

● Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ER visits

among all pediatric ER visits increased and remained elevated through October.

Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children

aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6945a3.htm

Update from Local Department of Social Services

● Reports of child abuse in Montgomery County have decreased by 20-25 reports per month. School employees are the number one reporters of child abuse and neglect.

● An increase in serious mental health and domestic violence occurrences.● DSS recognizes and is concerned that there are children whose abuse or neglect is

not being addressed because they are not being seen as often by the school community.

Mental Health America’s Report

Responses by Youth Based upon 1,560,288 total

online mental health

screeners, completed January

- September 2020.

Use of this screening tool was

up 93% from the previous

year.

Note that 11-17 year olds are

the largest group of

respondents now completing

online mental health

screeners.

Full-Day In-Person for All Students - Approved and/or Implemented

BristolBuchananCarrollChesterfieldFloyd*Galax

Full-Day In-Person for Select Grade Levels (Local Only)

Giles* GraysonHanoverHighlandLeeNorton

PatrickPrince GeorgePulaski*Radford City*TazewellWise

Craig - PK - 5Pittsylvania - PK-3Franklin - PK-8

Covington - PK-2Danville - PK-3

Salem - PK-2Roanoke Co - PK-4

* indicates school division in New River Health District

Instructional, Operational, Safety, and Mitigation Plan for Phase 3, Level 3

Elementary School Schedule & InstructionSchedules

● Full Day Schedule for all students, both in-person and remote (M, T, T, F; 9:15 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.)● When possible teachers will be given the choice of delivering remote, in person, or hybrid instruction. Students will

be kept with the current teacher whenever possible.○ Due to co-teaching and class size limitations some teachers may be assigned to remote, in-person, or hybrid○ Some children may have to change teachers based on choices made by schools/grade-levels, the choice of

instructional model or need to move teachers● Specialties will be 45 minutes (planning for classroom teachers)● Children will have recess twice with recess aides (planning for classroom teachers) with recess aides

cleaning equipment in between recess groups. ● Continue to follow Wednesday check in procedure● Dismissal procedures will vary by schools, ie, staggered dismissals to reduce traffic flow, etc

Instruction● In-class and remote instruction includes access to whole and small group instruction with opportunities for

differentiation.● In-class and remote instruction will include opportunities for independent work; remote students may leave

Google Meet to complete independent work.● Full day instruction removes the need for current extended learning activities (except Wednesdays).

Sample Elementary Schedule: 6.5 hoursTime Subject

9:15 - 11:15 Language Arts11:15 - 11:35 Recess

11:35 - 12:00 Lunch12:00 - 1:00 Math

1:00 - 1:20 Recess

1:20 - 2:30Science/Social

Studies

2:30 - 3:00 IE Time

3:00 - 3:45 Specialty3:45 Dismissal

Approximate Disconnect Time for Remote Students

40 Minutes of Independent Work

30 Minutes of Independent Work

20 Minutes

25 Minutes of Independent Work

20 Minutes

25 Minutes

20 Minutes

3 hours of Disconnect Time Possible

Middle & High School Schedules & InstructionSchedules

● Full Day Schedule for all students, both in-person & remote, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays (8:05-2:50)

● Wednesday Check-in Procedure will still be followed (asynchronous learning days for all students and planning days for teachers)

● The established protocol for students switching between remote & in-person will be followed● Remote students will disconnect during lunch break and during I/E Time (unless remediation is

needed)● Regular planning periods for teachers will be scheduled into the day (70-80 minutes)● Staggered Lunch/IE times and staggered dismissal times (School-Based Decisions)

Instruction● All teachers will continue to do Hybrid Teaching each period in which there are in-person & remote

students in the same class● Remote students will attend each class on schedule to receive synchronous instruction - These

students may leave Google Meet to do independent work, as directed by the teacher● No change to schedules for Virtual School Program students

Sample Middle School Schedules

1 - 8:05-8:45 (40)2 - 8:50-9:30 (40)3 - 9:35-10:15 (40)4 - 10:20-11:00 (40)

Lunch & I/E 11:00-12:20 (80)

5 - 12:25-1:10 (40)6 - 1:15-2:00 (40)7 - 2:05-2:50 (45)

Screen Time:

Remote students may disconnect to do independent work (as directed by the teacher), during lunch break, and during I/E Time (unless remediation needed)

Monday/Thursday1 - 8:05-9:25 (80)2 - 9:30-10:45 (75)3 - 10:50-12:05 (75) Lunch & I/E 12:05-1:25 (80)4 - 1:30--2:50 (80)

Tuesday/Friday5 - 8:05-9:25 (80)6 - 9:30-10:45 (75)7 - 10:50-12:05 (75) Lunch & I/E 12:05-1:25 (80)8 - 1:30--2:50 (80)

OR

Sample High School Schedule

High Schools1 - 8:05-9:25 (80)2 - 9:30-10:45 (75)3 - 10:50-12:05 (75)

Lunch & I/E 12:05-1:25 (80)

4 - 1:30--2:50 (80)

Screen Time:

Remote students may disconnect to do independent work (as directed by the teacher), during lunch break, and during I/E Time (unless remediation needed)

Special Education

● School based IEP teams will meet with parents and guardians to amend student IEPs to reflect the division’s instructional phase and its impact on academic and related service needs

● MCPS Transportation Department will notify parents of students who receive special transportation as designated in their IEP of updated pick up and drop off times

● School based administration will ensure that student schedules are aligned with their IEPs

● All students with disabilities who require 1:1 targeted support will be covered by an assigned Special Education Instructional Assistant

● Students with disabilities who have chosen to participate in remote instruction will continue to be supported by Special Education Teachers and Instructional Assistants, as required by their IEP

Special Education

• Utilize progress monitoring tools to determine progress on IEP goals

• Provide targeted instruction on individual areas of need

• Continue progress monitoring and adjust instructional programming, as needed

• Continue to utilize best practices (co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing)

• Additional technical support provided from Special Education Administration Team

• Collaborate with Curriculum & Instruction and Student Services to ensure all areas of student needs are addressed

Mitigation

Classrooms● Will maintain physical distancing as much as possible,

with a goal of 3-6 feet, as recommended by VDOE, American Pediatric Association, and World Health Organization.

● Face masks will be required at all times. ● Plexi dividers OR face shields will be required

whenever 3 feet of distancing cannot be maintained.○ Based on teacher feedback, white-bordered desk

dividers obstructed the student’s view and are now limited to kidney tables and during meals.

● Teachers may determine that the use of desk dividers or face shields are required within their classroom, even when distancing can occur.

● Students can request to use a face shield or desk divider, in addition to their mask. All students will be issued a face shield.

● Disinfecting wipes will be placed at every secondary desk for students to disinfect their desk, chromebook, backpack, or other supplies.

Classrooms

● Each classroom will be provided an individual air filtration unit.

● Continue to run schoolwide HVAC units to allow for maximum outside air circulation.

● Larger spaces will be provided to larger classes (example: band assigned in the cafeteria).

● Custodians will continue to clean high touch areas throughout the day, the entire building each evening, and deep clean on Wednesdays.

● Specialty plans will all be reviewed and revised as necessary.

● Principals will continue to contact facilities to troubleshoot any concerns and/or request supplies.

Meals

Per American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations:● Maximize physical distancing during lunch because of the need to remove face coverings

● Consider having students cohort, potentially within classrooms

● Create separate lunch periods to minimize the number of students in the cafeteria at one time

● Use underused or underutilized spaces for lunches/break times

● Use outdoor spaces when possible

● Encourage students and adults to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after

eating

MCPS Meal Plan

○ All available school spaces are available for meal services. Students will maintain a minimum of 6 feet distance when masks are off to eat.

○ Desk dividers will be used during inside meals to provide direct transmission suppression.

○ Eating time will be limited to 15 minutes. ○ Students will immediately put their masks back

on after finishing meals.○ Students will not face each other while eating. ○ Students will wear masks while talking.○ All school faculty and staff will help provide

supervision during meal times.○ Lunch aides return to home elementary schools.

MCPS Meal Plan○ No ala carte items - no self-serve items.

○ Parents may opt into to outside eating area for

their child.

○ Teachers will be able to take classes outside for

meals.

○ Schedule will be created to permit meal

distribution without overcrowding spaces.

○ Principals will develop plans for breakfast, lunch,

and snack time to ensure spacing and supervision

that best suit the safety needs of the building.

○ Air purifiers will be placed in any area where lunch

is eaten.

All schools will be provided with 20 ft x 40 ft tents as outdoor eating areas. Number of tents will be based on school size.

Hallway Traffic

● Students and staff will wear BOTH a mask and face shield while in the hallways during class changes.

● Students will move directly to and from locations.● Lockers will not be issued - backpacks can be carried.● Bus release will be staggered at end of the day.

Elementary Recess

● Students will have morning and afternoon recess breaks.● Recess aides will be at home schools.● Masks will be worn.● Students will use hand sanitizer before and after recess.● Equipment will be cleaned after each use.● Principals will create a schedule that avoids overcrowding of play spaces.

Buses

● Parents will continue to be encouraged to drive students if they are able to do so.● Masks are still required for the driver and all riders.● Currently it is estimated that 15 out of 180 routes may have more than one student

per seat (10 Elementary, 5 Secondary)○ A mask and face shield will be required for any students who share a seat○ Current bus aides will be reassigned to the highest need routes ○ Will coordinate shared seating with parents in advance

● Seats will be assigned for consistency.● Selected windows open to allow free air circulation.● Hand sanitizer will continue to be available on buses.● Buses will continue to be sprayed between each run.

Air Filtration Plan● Consulted with an expert in airborne transmission of viruses● All individual classroom air filtration systems are HEPA H13 (better than MERV 13)

○ Reduce indoor concentrations of virus relevant aerosol sizes○ Removes aerosols that may contain virus○ Allergens and pollutants are also decreased○ HEPA H13 Filter - removes 99.9% of particles down to 0.1 microns, as well as PM2.5 particles○ Changing filter twice as often as recommended (every 3 months)

● Schoolwide units ○ Set to allow maximum outside air, within unit specifications○ Running units later in the evening to provide maximum air sanitation○ Running units two hours earlier in the morning to ensure cycling prior to building occupancy○ Filters changed at a minimum of manufacturer's recommended level

● Monitoring CO2 in the classrooms using infrared CO2 analyzers to ensure ventilation quality in the classroom

○ Recommendation is 700 ppm, current monitoring is below this level when portable air filtration unit is installed.

External Checks

● All mitigation approved by New River Health District.● All mitigation in line with guidance from American Academy of Pediatrics.● All mitigation in line with guidance from the Virginia Department of Education regarding

School Reopening.● Referenced the Center for Disease Control guidance.● American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).● Montgomery County Department of Social Services.● Consulted with an expert in airborne transmission of viruses.

Next Steps

● Distribute a questionnaire to the MCPS community regarding their level of support

to this proposal.

● Results will be provided at the next School Board meeting.