rio rancho public schools reentry plan · the nal plan for school reentry in the fall. we know that...

REENTRY PLANRio Rancho Public Schools

Fall 2020

In order to complete this important work, the school district created a task force comprised of ve teams that worked to develop plans for what the 2020-2021 school year will look like. Those teams included: Curriculum and Instruction, Student and Staff Services, Information Technology, Health and Safety and Communication and Community. Each team included parents and representatives from the community.

In response to the uid COVID-19 pandemic, Rio Rancho Public Schools has been focused on opening schools for the 2020-2021 school year. The safety and well-being of our students and staff has required us to think differently about how to teach students safely in classrooms, teach them effectively at home when needed, and support students and families during the ongoing pandemic.

The task force worked hard to prepare and draft plans utilizing team feedback and guidance from the New Mexico Public Education Department Reentry Guidance. The teams presented the draft plans to the Board of Education for input and feedback. This document summarizes the nal plan for school reentry in the fall.

We know that schools will look different in the fall, and it will take all of us working together to ensure a successful school year in a new world where COVID-19 lives among us. Together, we can continue to provide a quality education while protecting the health and well-being of our students, staff and community.

Please note, this plan is subject to change based on New Mexico Health Orders or COVID-19 cases.

Do you have questions on the plan? Please email us at [email protected].

Sample Schedules......................................6

Transportation..........................................11

Athletics...................................................13

Devices...................................................14

Food Service............................................11SAFE.......................................................12

CONTENTS

Contributors......................................................3Teaching and Learning.......................................4

Virtual Option............................................5Hybrid Option...........................................4

Special Services.........................................9

Social Emotional Learning........................11Student and Staff Services.................................11

Personnel.................................................13

Information Technology....................................14

Student Support.......................................14

Health and Safety.............................................15Connectivity.............................................14

Communications and Community.....................18

Contributors

Angel Brown, Elementary CounselorElesha Fetrow, Middle School Counselor

Daniel Burge, Parent and Faith Based Representative

Terri Meier, Director of Educational Technology, Executive Director of RADAHappy Miller

, Executive Director of Federal, Bilingual & Native American ProgramsSuzanne Nguyen-Wisneski, Rio Rancho ES PrincipalSarah Poutsch, Director of TransportationKaren Ramirez

, Executive Director of Special ServicesJerry Reeder, Director of Elementary Special ServicesTamara Wheeler

, Executive Director of Fine ArtsKurt Schmidt, ParentAnnam Manthiram

Student and Staff Support Team, Chair, Executive Director of Student ServicesTonna Burgos, Colinas del Norte ES PrincipalDaniel Bonsell

, Executive Director of Transportation Lynn Carl, Independence HS PrincipalSue Carley

, Executive Director of Athletics Larry Chavez, Ernest Stapleton ES PrincipalCheryl Clark

, Director of Secondary Special ServicesTheresa Golden, Director of Human ResourcesPeggy Johnston

, Executive Director of FinanceArlene Manzanares, Eagle Ridge MS PrincipalCatherine Rodriquez

, Data AdministratorBeata Thorstensen, Director of SodexoMark Willis

Elizabeth Jacome, Executive Director of Elementary C&I

Rio Rancho Public Schools Board of Education, PresidentAmanda Galbraith

, Vice PresidentJeffrey Morgan, SecretaryNoreen Scott

, MemberWynne Coleman, MemberCatherine Cullen

Rio Rancho Public Schools Cabinet, SuperintendentDr. V. Sue Cleveland

, Chief Academic OfcerCarl Leppelman, Chief Operations OfcerMichael Baker

, Chief Communications, Strategy and Engagement OfcerBeth Pendergrass, General CounselLoren Hatch

, Elementary School Improvement OfcerJanna Chenault, Secondary School Improvement OfcerRenee Saucedo

Teaching and Learning Team, Chair, Executive Director of Secondary C&ILaJuana Coleman

RRHS CounselorMiriah Affentranger, Enchanted Hills ES Principal Jennifer Bartley,

, President of the RRSEU and Teacher at Ernest Stapleton ESBillie Helean, Mountain View MS PrincipalBJ Hartford

Guadalupe Gallegos, High School Counselor

Theresa Greeno, Emergency Manager, City of Rio Rancho

Information Technology Team, Chair, Executive Director of Information TechnologyPaul Romero

, Rio Rancho Cyber Academy Principal Julie ArnoldJen Daddio, Lincoln MS PrincipalJacqueline Denton, Director of Special Services

, Sandia Vista ES PrincipalMiranda Jeantete, Rio Rancho High School PrincipalRyan Kettler

, Rio Rancho Cyber Academy Assistant PrincipalHeidi Kenworthy, Director of RADAErin Morin, Puesta del Sol ES PrincipalDana Petro

, General Manager, SparklightJane ShanleyJasy Shiparski, Parent

Health and Safety Team, Chair, Executive Director of Safety and SecuritySal Maniaci

, Cleveland High School Vice PrincipalVicky McCarty, Cielo Azul ES PrincipalAlicia Banes, Executive Director of HR Mike Chavez

, Director of FacilitiesTodd Doss, Rio Rancho MS PrincipalLynda Kitts

, Director of FinanceMichael Madrid, Senior Investigator, HRRich Misbach

, Director of Safety and SecurityMike Padilla, Vista Grande ES PrincipalChristine Prescott

, Nurse CoordinatorJo Sanchez, Captain, RRPDKen Willey

James DeFillippo, Deputy Chief, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue

Communications and Community Concerns Team, Chair, Chief Communications, Strategy & Engagement OfcerBeth Pendergrass

, Executive Director of FacilitiesMelanie Archibeque, Executive Director of AthleticsLarry Chavez

, Director of FinanceHeather Gabaldon, Director of Student ServicesShelley Havill

, Martin Luther King, Jr. ES PrincipalJess Kettler, Digital Media DeveloperJohn Longwell, Cleveland High School Vice PrincipalVicky McCarty, Communications ManagerMelissa Perez

, RRSEU Executive VPGino Santriana, Maggie Cordova ES PrincipalStephanie Nieto

, Executive Director of Fine ArtsKurt Schmidt President of the Rio Rancho Chamber of CommerceJerry Schalow,

, ParentSeth Muller

Review Team, ChairDavid Latham

, Independence HS PrincipalSue Carley, General CounselLoren Hatch, Joe Harris ES PrincipalTrent Heffner

, Special Projects & District AnalystKim Vesely

Teaching and Learning

Rio Rancho Public Schools 4

In the event the state requires RRPS to be fully virtual, we will be able to seamlessly move the blended model to a fully virtual platform using Google Classroom.

While having all students return to school at full capacity is the ultimate goal, we will have plans for reopening schools that meet health and safety guidelines as well as the logistical realities of our systems.

RRPS will provide two options for returning to school based on the health and safety of all staff, students, and community, student needs and logistical concerns. Option implementation may differ from elementary, middle, and high school levels, but consistency by level is required. However, given the uid nature of the public health context, contingency plans for alternate modes of instruction for short periods of time was built into the planning process. The New Mexico Public Education Department Reentry Guidance has been addressed in developing the RRPS plans.

Option 1: RRPS will provide a blended/hybrid schedule (students coming to school for face to face time AND participating in distance learning) based on the health and safety of all staff, students, and community, student needs and logistical (space and available staff) concerns.

Option 2: RRPS will provide a 100% virtual option (K-12 students not coming to school at all), based on the request of families and/or state requirements. Google Classroom and approved instructional materials and programs will be used for K-5 and Edgenuity will be the curriculum platform for students grades 6-12. This option requires students to remain virtual for at least the rst semester. (RRPS has utilized Edgenuity at the RR Cyber Academy for years, and students have produced successful results comparable to those of our other schools)

RRPS is committed to the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning for all students. What are the key resources needed to provide it? What are the greatest hindrances that keep us from meeting the academic needs of students in this new educational environment? The Teaching and Learning Team and the Information Technology Team worked with each other and will continue to work with each other as there is some overlap regarding distance-based learning.

OPTION 1: Blended/Hybrid

— Group B (divided equally based on number of students-alphabetically) will attend school on Thursday/Friday and stay home on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday.

1. What platform will be used for the blended option?

School buildings will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

3. When will I know my child’s schedule?

Schools will be closed on Wednesdays for deep cleaning, professional learning communities, professional development, planning, and supporting online components. All staff and students will work from home on Wednesdays.

— Group A (divided equally based on number of students-alphabetically) will attend school on Monday/Tuesday and stay home Wednesday/Thursday/Friday.

Students in grades 4-12 will attend school based on alphabetical* division two days a week and continue with learning at home three days a week. All K-3 students will attend school Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday:

*Families with multiple last names will be assigned the same group regardless of last names. Please contact home schools to provide this information.

— The days students are not at school they will still be participating in online learning.

Google Classroom for grades K-12 with approved district curriculum and applicable digital supports.

2. Will schools be open every day in the blended model?

— K-3 will attend school Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday and stay home on Wednesday.

4. What does a blended schedule look like?

When families have informed the district of which model they prefer for their child(ren), student schedules and bell schedules will be developed. (Families who have children with different last names can work with their school sites to ensure the same schedule.)

Teachers will prioritize face to face time for teaching difcult or

— Establish a common language and expectations for each type of learning, and how each will be structured.

Guiding Principles

— Use high-impact research-based pedagogical strategies for hybrid and virtual learning.

— Provide staff with clear guidance and district curriculum as well as professional learning to guide their planning for remote learning.

— Identify and support the digital tools that will form the foundation of the remote learning platform and support resources to aid staff, students, and parents in using the tools effectively.

Simplicity Equity Driven Individual Needs Consistency



essential components/standards, reteaching, or administering assessments. Remote learning will be used for watching video instruction, practicing new material, completing projects, and collaborating with other students.

2, Will students come to school?

3. When will I know my child’s course schedule?

OPTION 2: 100% Virtual

Google Classroom with approved virtual programs and adopted curriculum for grades K-5. Edgenuity for grades 6-12. Edgenuity is a complete system to include lessons, lectures, assessments, grading, and attendance collection. Additional information will be provided with registration materials.

Students in grade K-12 will not physically attend school but will engage with teachers on a virtual platform full time from home. Students must commit to a full semester.

Students will remain at home the entire time. If state assessments are administered they may have to come to school.

When families have informed the district of which model they prefer for their child(ren), students will work with counselors to identify appropriate secondary Edgenuity courses. Note that not every course offered at the schools will have an equivalent Edgenuity course.

1. What platforms will be used for the virtual option?

— Students and parents will have a ‘week at a glance’ with assignments and due dates provided in advance.

Expectations:— This is school - it may look different, but the same expectations for

attendance, participation, assessment, and engagement remain the same.

— Attendance will be taken on in-person days with participation in virtual settings based on completion of assignments.

4. Will teachers engage with students in the virtual platform? For grades K-5, teachers will engage regularly with students via Google Meet and other virtual applications. For Grades 6-12, the Edgenuity platform will have the opportunity for some virtual meetings.



Week at a Glance: Sample K-3 Hybrid Schedule



Week at a Glance: Sample Grades 4-5 Hybrid Schedule



SampleGrades6-12

HybridELA

Schedule

Week at a Glance

SampleGrades6-12

HybridScience

Schedule

Teaching and Learning: Special Services


Under the IDEA, the schools are responsible for providing a student with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). During this period of extended school closure and re-opening, the FAPE obligation includes:

1. Reviewing the appropriateness of the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) in effect when a change in service delivery model occurs or when student progress monitoring indicates a lack of progress; and

2. Addressing the need for compensatory education and/or recovery services if there is a loss of FAPE. Depending on the process adopted by the schools to reopen school buildings, these responsibilities may need to be revisited multiple times.

What is the obligation of the schools under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in transitioning students back to school buildings?

If a necessary IEP or 504 services cannot be implemented in the adjusted educational environment, the student’s team will need to determine whether the service can be provided through alternate means, or if there is no feasible alternative, the team will consider whether compensatory/recovery services are necessary.

Plan:

— All K-12 students with disabilities may select the 100% Virtual option if preferred

— All will attend school M/T/Th/F and will be K-5 students with disabilitiesprovided the maximum # of face-to-face instructional days unless otherwise determined by IEP.

— All receiving IEP services in the small group 6-8 students with disabilities special education settings listed below (not academic small group) will attend school M/T/Th/F and will be provided the maximum # of face-to-face instructional days unless otherwise determined by IEP.– Social Communication– Social Skills Cluster

— All in public schools and in community programs will Preschool programsoperate on their regular in-school schedule for the 2020–2021 school year unless changes in the public health order necessitate a more restrictive policy. 100% Virtual will be available.

– Cross-categorical

– Site-based Behavior programs

– Site-based Behavior programs

– Community Based Instruction

— All other 6-12 students with disabilities receiving minimum to maximum services (A, B, C, D Level, Inclusion & Small Group Academic) will attend school in person 2 days a week maximum to ensure appropriate social distancing and safety unless otherwise determined by IEP. The other days, students will participate virtually. A rubric in conjunction with an addendum or full IEP will be used to determine the educational services provided on the face-to-face days and virtual days.

– Social Communication

Ÿ If there is potential that a teacher or staff member may be splashed or sprayed by bodily uids during their work, standard precautions will be used. Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a face mask, eye protection, disposable gloves, and a gown. All will be available to both

– Medically Fragile

– Medically Fragile

– Other District Programs

– Social Skills Cluster

– Other District Programs

— At this time, all will attend school in person 9-12 students with disabilities2 days a week maximum to ensure appropriate social distancing and safety. The other days, students will participate virtually. A rubric in conjunction with an addendum or full IEP will be used to determine the educational services provided on the face-to-face days and virtual days. Based on the enrollment size of our high schools, it was determined that this would be the safest way to proceed for our students at the start of the school year. It is our goal to increase face-to-face days for our students receiving IEP services in small groups listed below.

Ÿ Students with Disabilities will move to remote learning and utilize a rubric in conjunction with an addendum or full IEP to meet individual student needs.

– Cross-categorical

How will teachers protect themselves and the students they work with?

– Community Based Instruction

What happens if the school district is mandated to move to remote learning based on a State Health Order?

Teaching and Learning: Special Services


— Teams will determine the educational needs for students receiving Gifted services via the developed rubric in conjunction with an addendum or full IEP. Families can select either the Hybrid or 100% Virtual option.

– To protect themselves, staff who care for students requiring hands-on assistance such as feeding, washing, dressing, physical prompting, helping students sit at a desk, manipulating academic materials, and prompting students to use a communication device, etc., will wear appropriate protective equipment based on the activity and risk level during all activities requiring direct contact with a child.

staff and students.

– Programs will ensure that there are adequate staff who are prepared and properly trained to accommodate students’ health and safety needs in addition to their education.

– Staff will be prepared to provide hands-on assistance to students with disabilities for any circumstance that would require them to be within six feet from any student.

— Section 504 continues to have a responsibility to ensure that FAPE is provided to each eligible 504 student no matter what the environment (blended/hybrid, virtual, etc.). All 504 requirements will be followed.

What if the 6 feet social distancing guideline cannot be met?

How will Special Education EAs be utilized?— EAs are an extension of the teacher and will be assigned based on the

needs of the students including supporting Ancillary, progress monitoring and assisting with accommodations and modications.

— In circumstances in which maintenance of recommended social distancing (6 feet minimum) is not possible, the following recommendations will be implemented for screening and monitoring protocols:

How will RRPS Special Services meet Section 504 requirements?

How will Gifted services be provided?

SAT (Student Assistance Team)The SAT team has developed a Rubric for Hybrid and Virtual for school teams to use for referrals. It has Tier 2 Interventions for Blended & Virtual School Models for Elementary, Middle, and High Schools.

Ÿ Schools will continue with child nd activities for children ages three through 21 with known or suspected disabilities. This means that evaluation teams will consider the most appropriate way to conduct evaluations in a manner that is consistent with the current NMPED guidance regarding school services.

RRPS Special Services Department has developed a systematic and detailed process for tracking student evaluation needs by school site. This process allows the department to equitably address evaluation needs throughout the district.

How should we plan to conduct initial evaluations and reevaluations? Student Evaluations:

At least until August 3, 2020 schools have been advised that face-to-face, in-person interactions with students are not permitted. When schools are open in a remote (virtual and/or online) model, teams are encouraged to continue to conduct evaluations remotely using tools and strategies that minimize face-to-face, in-person interactions. When schools are open in a hybrid model, students and staff must maintain 6-foot social distancing. When schools are fully reopened, students and staff must maintain social distancing as much as possible and should generally be no closer than three feet apart if both people are wearing masks.

This distancing requirement poses challenges to some types of formal assessments, so schools are encouraged to continue to use virtual assessments when possible and appropriate.

Student and Staff Services


The Staff and Student Support Team will specify the supports needed so that students and staff can function effectively in this new environment. What are the highest priorities and needs for support services and what are the best practices for delivering them?

– Specic curriculum for SEL support and will be used daily by staff and students.

— Clubs and activities will continue virtually.

Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health— Use an online Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program called Ripple

Effects (IT is aware of the licensing needs for this specic program). Since we currently have a license with Ripple Effects it would be a rather smooth process to purchase the PreK-12 program and it would cost $146,000 for all students to have access to the online SEL support for the 2020-2021 school year.

— Staff (Teachers, Counselors, Social Workers, etc.) will connect with students via Google Classroom and Google Meet to make connections and provide support to students throughout the year.

— At the secondary, advisory/homeroom will be used to support daily student to adult contact for emotional needs, engagement, and attendance.

– If in person, social distance will be maintained and temperatures will be taken prior to ofce visit

Social Distancing On Buses and Disinfecting— RRPS general education buses will be reduced from 71 passengers to 47

passengers per bus. This will allow 2 students per seat. (2,021 students per tier)

— If numbers reach 47 on a bus before a route is completed, parents will be notied and students will need to wait until another bus can be dispatched

– If numbers are still high, other adjustments will need to be considered

— Grade level counselors will continue to support students and families in person or virtually as needed.

Transportation

— This will reduce our bus transportation ability by 24 students per bus

— A poll will be sent to parents to determine who plans to have their child ride the bus

such as increasing walk zones and reconguring routes

— All drivers and students will be required to wear masks on the bus and students will sanitize hands when boarding the bus

– Numbers may be manageable due to less students going to school each day. However, the division used to determine who attends school each day may not be proportional to those who ride the bus

— Each bus will be disinfected between tiers and deep cleaned on Wednesdays

— Windows and roof hatches will be opened to maintain proper ventilation

— Drivers will observes students’ wellness as they board.

— Bus Attendants on each bus will wear a face mask and face shield

— The student will see the school nurse upon arrival and the nurse will take the student’s temperature and determine if the student should be placed in the CARE room.

— Meal choices will be limited to 2 choices in the elementary and 6 choices for secondary and will be served on foam trays

Students with Disabilities

— If the student has a temperature of 100 degrees or more:

— Bus drivers temperatures will be taken at the bus depot

— Remain at home or with care provider.

Temperatures

— The school will be notied

General Education Students

— If student appears to be ill in any case:— The front row on the bus will be reserved for students appearing to be ill

— Bus Attendants will take the temperature of students as they board the bus

— The school will be notied

Food Service and Cafeteria— Students will go to the cafeteria for meals (pending U. S. Dept. of

Agriculture-USDA). The number of students will be limited. Floor and or seat stickers/markers will be added in areas for improved social distancing. Students may eat in the classroom given special circumstances.

— Offering bars, condiments stations and water stations would be



RRPS Parent Participant

“This process has been interesting and enlightening. I

appreciate the hard work everyone is putting in to make sure our students, families, and

staff are supported.”

— Fruit & Vegetable components will be pre-portioned & sealed to meet USDA guidelines

— Food service workers will have daily temperature checks

— By having a common place like the cafeteria, food service can have more control over food safety (temperatures), personal hygiene practices and cleanliness.

— Curbside pick-up will be available for students on days when they are not in school

— Security personnel may be needed to assist with trafc and to help provide services as money is being collected

eliminated.

— Cashiers & servers will have barriers, face mask and gloves.

— Pre-payments online will be encouraged or mandated to reduce contact.

— The cafeteria will be disinfected between classes and trash will be collected

Curbside Pick-up— Students will no longer have universal free meals, funds will need to be

collected at or prior to meal service as any other school year

— Wednesday pick-up sites will be limited based on need— To improve meal safety and service, only cold meals will be offered

curbside— Chromebooks & strong wireless connections will be needed to ensure

correct student accounts and meal status are properly accessed (we are testing locations prior to opening day)

— To improve social distancing measures, current pick-up procedures may be modied. Parents or students may need to get out of the car to receive the meals (training videos will be available)

— Supper meals will continue to be provided at the 4 approved sites

S.A.F.E.Ÿ Student Services will work with campus administration to establish an

RRPS staff family care program space (fees will be established based on enrollment and need) at each site. Possible space for this would be a computer lab to allow for computer access, spacing between students and limited transitions within the building.

Ÿ Student Services will provide RRPS staff family care at each elementary school site to provide care for RRPS staff children at their enrolled school. Should the need exceed the space available, we will work with

other campuses (MS/HS) to provide additional care if needed.Ÿ Student Services will work with campus administration to utilize

established SAFE classrooms for before and after-school programs to be provided on days of attendance for students. For example, if a student is on an "A" or "B" schedule, they can attend SAFE before and after-school on their scheduled days of attendance. Sites that do not have established space for the SAFE program would need to support this with a contained space.

Ÿ Student Services will review PED’s recommendation to expand daycare services for staff to ensure they can work at the school sites. Student Services will look at a "daycamp" or "daycare" format program for a



— We will continue to monitor information and adjust as the NMAA regulates

— The NMAA has decided all physicals from last year will sufce unless there is a recent injury, COVID-19 sickness, etc.

— Coaches and student athletes must wear a mask at all times. Student athletes must wear a mask from their car to the workout area and back to the car after the workout.

— Locker rooms and water fountains are off limits. Student athletes must arrive dressed for the work out and supply their own water and water bottle.

— No overnight travel, regular season tournaments or district basketball tournaments will occur

— Some sharing of equipment may occur but on a very limited basis.

Athletics— While RRPS Athletics tentatively resumed practices in June within the

current NMAA phase 1 guidelines, all summer workouts were put on hold as of July 16, 2020 for the remainder of the summer.

— Current option being considered for fall sports: Some fall sports (low risk) cross-country, volleyball, golf, swim could be played. (High risk) Soccer and football moved to February and March with condensed seasons in the spring. January sports of Basketball and Swim will continue and conclude in early March. Wrestling has been moved to Spring along with Baseball, Softball, Golf, Track and Tennis. These sports will begin in April and conclude the last week of June. As of now, Spirit will have their state competition in late March.

— Middle school sports seasons will follow the high school sports seasons

with Transportation Department needs for part of the duty day. Transportation will need to add Bus Attendants to each bus route to accommodate student monitoring, temperature taking, etc. This could partially be lled with Educational Assistants who may not be as needed in classrooms with limited student attendance.

Ÿ If campuses are closed for sanitizing on an attendance rotation, SAFE programs would also be closed on these days. (Example, if there are no children on campus for instruction on any given day of attendance, there would be no SAFE program provided).

Ÿ Again, all tuition fees will be established based on enrollment and need.

— The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) will be benecial in providing support to staff members during this challenging time. HR will work with Communications to ensure staff members know that it is available and how to access the program.

Personnel

Ÿ All programs will be on a 2-day enrollment format.

– Recommend increasing funds for the program— RRPS will continue to use SPARK to provide Professional Learning to staff

members. We will include SEL training and supports for staff via the program

— HR will recruit and train Substitute Teachers to guest teach in the classroom or virtually. IT will provide technology support. All Substitute teachers will complete the same COVID-19 safety training as teachers.

— RRPS will consider hiring a group of full-time substitute teachers who will report every day and will be involved in all professional training.

— HR will work with employees on an individual basis to address health care concerns with a possible return to in-classroom learning. Concerns may be directly related to the employee's health, or that of an immune compromised loved one at home. Employees are encouraged to contact their site's HR Benets Specialist, or email the Department at [email protected].

small number of children (example, 12-15 per site) utilizing the library space, gym space, cafeteria space or another vacant space available depending on campus specials and auxiliary rooms available for proper distancing.

– An email was sent to all staff letting them know to contact their benets specialist with concerns. The Benets Specialist will help them through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) process if the employee qualies.

— HR will explore the possibility of utilizing Educational Assistants to assist

Ÿ Additional day programs may be available to 4th and 5th grade students who are currently enrolled in SAFE on a site by site basis as space allows

Ÿ CommonSense.org for ParentsŸ Virtual Conference Policy

Ÿ SPARK trainingŸ Common Sense Media Curriculum

Connectivity: Continue with Sparklight and T-Mobile for the coming academic year. Expand both contracts to cover any new families that will need internet connectivity. Ÿ Develop an application process for internet supportŸ Work with City/Library and Faith-Based Organizations to help support

needs

Policies/Procedures and Privacy and Security:

Ÿ Work with businesses to adopt families in need

Ÿ Parent Resource website created

Ÿ Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Compliance

Ÿ Parent Youtube channel created

Ÿ Updated Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

Ÿ Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), email security, ransomware, phishing attempts, etc.

Ÿ Permission from Parents for video conferencing

Ÿ Lightspeed classroom and cleverŸ Ongoing Google Meet training hosted throughout the summer

Ÿ Continue developing Rio Rancho Essentials training for SPARK

Supports for Learning with Technology at Home:

The successful deployment of instructional technology is necessary to provide on-going and high-quality instruction for students. We must ensure that every student has access to technology and possesses the knowledge and skills to use it effectively. All administrative functions are dependent on IT to complete their work. IT requirements and responsibilities are steadily increasing and constantly changing.

Reentry Strategy

Devices:

Ÿ Check out a Chromebook to every student attending RRPS using Follett Destiny Manager during the rst week of school

Chromebooks will be provided for all Students at RRPS

Ÿ K-5 students- check out 1:1 to ALL students; Devices will remain at school unless they need to go home based on the instructional model selected or need (If all students are online, etc.)

Ÿ Clever SSOŸ Student Commitments for Chromebooks

Ÿ Common sense curriculum for online safety

Ÿ Student communication options- Google Classroom, Remind, and Hangouts

Student Support:

Supports for Learning with Technology for Staff:

Ÿ K-12 students- Check out will be scheduled by schools prior to the start of school

Ÿ Clever (software) will be the Single Sign On (SSO) for studentsŸ Teacher use of Lightspeed classroom- monitor activity, share links, etc. by

classroom teacher

Ÿ Logging into Chromebook

Ÿ Communication options and ofce hours for students

Ÿ Teachers will provide the following training:

Ÿ Continue to provide opportunities for teachers to learn at their own pace.

Ÿ PreK and K students will use QR codes (printed by Teachers) to login to Chromebooks

Ÿ All students will log in as themselves; no generic accounts

Ÿ Google Classroom

Information Technology


Health and Safety


– Administration Member

— RRTs will respond to the location of a student or staff member needing assistance. This includes escorting students to the care room.

– The New Mexico Department of Health will be contacted to activate their contact tracing efforts

— Each school shall create RRTs as needed.

Coordination with other government agencies for maximizing limited resources:— Create a Communication Team consisting of:

– Safety & Security Exec. Director– Chief Communication Ofcer

– Facilities Director– School Improvement Ofcers

More than anything else, parents are asking about how the district plans to keep students and staff safe. The Health and Safety Team will need to work collaboratively with the Student and Staff Support Team as there is overlap in their work. The Health and Safety Team is tasked with studying and recommending a course of action in the areas of health and safety.

— Rapid response teams (RRT) will consist of the following personnel:

– Nursing/Medical Member– Safety & Security Member

— The RRT leader shall notify the District Response Team.— If a student or staff member has been found to be infected with COVID-

19, a representative from the Safety & Security Department will review video surveillance footage to assist in contact tracing.

– Team Leader

Rapid Response Teams for referral, tracing, and isolation of staff or students with symptoms/diagnosis of COVID-19

— Care rooms will be established in every school, and will be equipped with all necessary PPE, technology and any other items that will assist students while staying in the care room.

— Participate in monthly meetings with government partners to discuss best practices in mitigating COVID-19 and sharing other pertinent information.

— Students that arrive at school with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will be given PPE and escorted to a designated care room.

Strategies that encourage the District to be exible so that we can quickly shift to alternate Covid -19 plans when warranted or required by the State:

— Parents, Volunteers and contractors who will be in schools while students are present will be required to complete an online training prior to entering a RRPS facility.

Building-entry protocols for screening of virus symptoms (e.g. temperature scans and automatic rejection if fever is present)

— Staff are required to complete a Safe Schools training related to Covid-19.

– Participate in monthly meetings with government partners to discuss best practices in mitigating COVID-19 and share other pertinent information.

— Posters that detail processes to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 shall be placed in predetermined locations throughout all RRPS facilities.

– A parent or guardian is immediately notied and directed to pick up their student as soon as possible.

Safety training for staff, students and families on ways to combat or reduce Covid-19 outbreaks

— Maintain operational exibility to adapt to the dynamic environment of COVID-19

— The District has procured 71 GoSafe Tablets that will instantly read the temperature of individuals as they attempt to enter RRPS schools and facilities.

— The Health and Safety Team will be ready to change and implement any plans as necessary.

— Staff members who arrive at any RRPS facility that present with a fever of 100 degrees or higher will be immediately sent home and follow established guidelines.

— Elementary schools will reduce recess time to 15 minutes with

— When construction needs to be performed while students are present, contractors shall wear required PPE and follow RRPS COVID-19 guidelines

Sanitizing schedules for school buildings and large areas

– Conducting emergency drills more frequently and in smaller groups

– If practical they shall be subject to screening prior to entry

— Install standardized signs that are age-appropriate throughout RRPS facilities showing locations of hand sanitizing stations, proper hand washing and Covid-19 transmission mitigation.

— Disinfecting of schools will occur every day on a continuous basis to include classrooms, cafeterias and restrooms

– Evaluate evacuation areas that are best suited for the COVID-19 environment

Playground equipment safety and what to do about recesses

— Whenever possible contractors performing work on RRPS facilities should be done when students are not present

— Social distancing will be required, the Safety & Security Department will work with school administration and rst responders to comply with all requirements by:

— An Emergency Response Team has been created that can respond to any RRPS facility to sanitize and disinfect if an exposure should occur

— The Facilities Department has realigned the custodial schedule to accommodate each school with sufcient personnel to protect students and staff

— The school emergency drill requirements from the NM Public Education Department will remain the same for the 2020-2021 school year

Restriction of access to school facilities for everyone except staff and students

Procedural changes and expectations for re and active shooter drills

Procedures for sanitizing hands before entering and identifying the sanitary protocols required during the day

— Suspension of all Facility Use Agreements— First Responders and CYFD personnel shall be granted access to RRPS

facilities

Health and Safety


Health and Safety


approximately 20 minutes in between sessions. Most elementary schools will have approximately 5 different areas for recess and will divide students within these areas to maintain social distancing

— Cloth washable face coverings for staff

— Face Shields will be available to students and/or staff that have special circumstances that necessitate their use

Assurance of circulation ow within the buildings across the district

— Sanitizing hand stations will be placed throughout all RRPS facilities

— PPE has been purchased and additional supplies have been ordered by the Facilities Department

— Disposable non-latex gloves will be available for any student, staff member or visitor

— The GoSafe temperature measuring tablets with stands have already been purchased

— 3-ply single use face coverings for emergency use

— Students will use hand sanitizer before and after recess to mitigate any chance of contact infection.

— Face Shields for primary education teachers and for students or staff that have special circumstances that necessitate them

Purchase and maintain an inventory of adequate supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needed to open the door or for daily operations

— School administration shall create specic trafc patterns using tape arrows. This will allow for limited areas of exposure and assist with maintaining social distancing.

— Maps of the trafc ow patterns will be placed in conspicuous locations to assist staff and students.

— The Facilities Department has procured the PPE necessary for staff and students

— Specic entry and exit locations shall also be determined by school administration that correspond to the trafc ow patterns.

Determine what PPE is needed for staff and students

Identify budget implications for your proposals and assess the potential for any cost savings

Communications and Community


Ÿ Parent University will continue but will allow for virtual participation/streaming. In addition, all sessions will be lmed and posted for viewing on the RRPS YouTube Channel.

Ÿ A set of behavior and participation expectations for online committee meetings will be developed and shared at the start of each meeting. This will include respectful behavior, how comments can be made, etc. This will help ensure efcient use of meeting time and respectful behavior.

Vision for CPAT, Equity Council, PTAs, Booster Clubs, Superintendent’s Advisory Council, Faith-based Network, and RRPS Parent University and other parent/community committeesŸ Parent/Community/Staff Committees will

continue to function following social distancing guidelines. Committee Chairs will provide for virtual participation for all meetings utilizing Google Meet.

New ideas for keeping parents, staff, and students informed and connected to the districtŸ The Communications Department will utilize texting as a primary method

of communication. Texts will be streamlined and rather than parents getting a text message for each grade or school level, there will be a single text message that will include a hyperlink to a centralized web page where all important communication will be maintained. This website will be organized and user friendly for parents, staff and students.

Ÿ Fall topics for Parent University will focus on areas relating to the reopening of schools. Possible topics include Online Learning Tips for Parents, Google Classroom, COVID-19 Safety Practices for Schools, etc.

Ÿ As we focus more on text messages, the Communications Department will continue to promote and encourage parents to sign up to receive text

Maintaining relationships and providing up-to-date information has never been more important. We currently have a robust communication plan. However, are there any other communications methods or needs we should consider given the current crisis?

Ÿ As schools reopen, the Communications Department will put together a weekly message around important updates or information parents need to

know in regards to COVID-19 and its impact on schools. This will be available on the centralized web page with the link sent out weekly to families via text message and email. That same link will also be shared weekly on social media.

Ÿ The RRPS community newsletter, Pathways and Partnerships, will become an e-version, allowing anyone in the community to subscribe or opt-in. We will utilize Constant Contact (Constant Contact is the email marketing software) for this community newsletter. The newsletter will also be posted to the centralized information web page.

Communication plan for a Return to School campaign

Ÿ Parent University Classes to go over reentry plans beginning week of July 13

messages via its website and existing social media platforms.Ÿ The Communications Department will continue to use social media to

share important information and good news. In particular, YouTube will become more prevalent as more training videos are streamed and more videos are developed to share good news.

Ÿ In addition to what is listed above, the Communications Department will continue to utilize the current communication platforms to inform families, staff, students and the community.

Ÿ Create a “Communication Guide” for parents that helps them understand where and how they can receive information. Post it in a prominent

area on the website.

Ÿ Weekly communication to staff and families beginning the week of July 13

Ÿ Continuous updates on social media, website, phone, text, email, newsletter, etc.

Ÿ All communication methods and avenues will be considered to ensure information is distributed, in addition to our existing robust communication platforms within the district.

Parent involvement is important in engaging our community, as parents are usually the most vocal in support of or

against the district. With a strong network of parents, word of mouth

becomes the district’s most meaningful community engagement strategy, as

they are often willing to speak about the district’s value within their networks.



Ÿ RRPS will provide engagement activities throughout the summer via social media (boredom busters, Intel STEM Challenge, etc)

Ÿ RRPS will collect and share testimonials from parents via social media.

What additional support could be provided to the school sites, especially concerning information about new procedures or requirements (e.g., entry protocols or restrictions on parent access)?

Ÿ Signage will be designed that is branded and consistent for building sites in regards to entry protocols, etc. Information will also be placed in a consistent place on each school web page.

Ÿ The Communications Department will reinstate the RRPS Communications Team. This team is made up of a representative from each school who is responsible to help collect good news to share. They will meet virtually to share good news and will utilize email as good news becomes available to share, so that it may be scheduled for communication to parents/guardians/community.

Ÿ Signage will be created to help remind students about health and hygiene--don’t touch face, wash hands, etc.

Ÿ The Communications Department will work with the Federal Programs Department to develop a list of families in need. Personal calls or mailers will be used as needed to reach these families.

Promotion of “good news stories” with the local media; “Sell” our district to the community

Ÿ Signage to be posted in highly visible areas.

Alternative communication strategies for families without broadband access, especially those with at-risk children.

Ÿ Consistency is highly important particularly as we reopen schools. A Google Folder will be created and maintained with common FAQs for principals and administrators to ensure consistency as they are asked questions by parents and community members. This same information will also be shared with the district ofce main reception desk so they too may answer in the same manner as the schools for consistency.

Ÿ The Communications Department will work with the Federal Programs Department to develop a list of families in need. Personal calls or mailers will be used as needed to reach these families.

Communication services for non-English speakers for district communications, but especially for COVID-19 related concernsŸ Each message sent to parents will be sent in Spanish as well as English.

Each message in English will include a short message in Spanish referring parents to the centralized website. This will help capture families who do not have Spanish listed as their primary language.

Ÿ The website is set up for Google Translate. Instructions on the use of Google Translate to convert the website into a different language will be communicated on the website in Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages as necessary. (We will create a boilerplate for all messages)

Ÿ Ensure posters and signs are available in Spanish.

Note: The district provides translation and interpretation services at no charge to the school or parent. Each school should have a “Notice to All Parents” poster in ve different languages posted in a highly visible area in the front ofce and other areas where parents may require assistance. As a suggestion to meet OCR compliance, schools are asked to place the notice below on school notications and in handbooks, letting parents know that there is free translation and interpretation provided by the district:

NOTICE OF INTERPRETER AND TRANSLATION SERVICES - Free translation and interpretation services are available. Please ask someone in the front ofce for assistance, and help them in identifying the language you speak. School staff will use site-based resources to fulll the request or the District’s Ofce of Federal Programs will be contacted to provide additional interpretation or translation resources as requested. If you require additional assistance, please contact the RRPS District Translator- Telephone Number: (505) 962-1158. This message is also posted in Spanish and Vietnamese.

Interpreters should be requested as needed, following the district process for requests. The Ofce of Civil Rights frowns upon using in-house interpreters if they have not been trained, and using family members is seen as a conict of interest.



Process for dealing with parent concerns regarding new programs or service options

Ÿ The Communications Department will partner with Rio Rancho Police Department, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Ofce, our Faith Based communities, etc. to use their built in social media audiences to help share information that is relevant to their audiences as well.

Ÿ The Communications Department will continue to partner with outside agencies for Parent University. For example, Sandoval County Emergency Services could assist with a session on COVID-19 Safety Measures or how to best prepare for another stay at home order in the Fall.

Ÿ Recommendation: Pull together the Chamber, City, County and other business leaders and ofcials to discuss the reopening of schools. We cannot do this alone. As businesses reopen, can they consider including work rooms or areas where employees’ children could do school work so parents can still go to work? Can the Boys and Girls Club or faith based organizations have spaces available for students on days they are not in school?

Increase the support and recognition of our staff members who are making a difference, especially in new program or service areas

Ÿ A form will be developed for questions and will be routed to the appropriate department based on topic.

Ÿ The Communications Department will work with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a program to recognize RRPS staff.

Ÿ The Communications Department will utilize the RRPS Communications Team to collect stories and recognize staff members on social media and in our staff newsletter, The District Pulse.

Partnerships with other agencies to promote prevention behaviors that will better protect the community

Ÿ An updated FAQ web page will be maintained on the centralized web page where all information is being placed. Find and develop the potential in

Vision:

every student

Mission:Rio Rancho Public Schools is

dedicated to graduating students who are responsible, ethical, and

productive citizens, equipped with a solid foundation for individual

success.

Do you have questions on the plan? Please email us at [email protected].

rio rancho public schools reentry plan · the nal plan for school reentry in the fall. we know that...

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