Reopening Plan Update: 8/14/20

Reopening Plan Update: 8/14/20
Posted on 08/14/2020

In compliance with Governor Cuomo’s request on August 7th, 2020, the district has pulled out our health screening, testing and contact tracing, and virtual learning plans from our larger reopening plan.

Health Screenings

To ensure that sick or ill students, staff, and faculty are not allowed on campus, the school district will be adopting a strict screening policy, which includes temperature checks for students, faculty, and staff, daily screening questionnaires for faculty and staff, and periodic screening questionnaires for students.  The school district will also require screenings for contractors, vendors, and visitors who will be entering the school building.  We will encourage all screenings to occur before individuals reach the school building or enter any school facility. Should an individual fail the screening or feel ill, then they should remain home.  Furthermore, we ask that parents and guardians remain vigilant in observing their children for signs of illness and to keep home when they are ill.  To facilitate this, the school district will be providing health check booklets for home screening. If an individual wants to enter a school building or facility but has not been screened before entry, they will be required to complete an in-person screening with school district personnel who will be completing screenings, which will be provided with all required PPE. At a minimum, this will include a face covering and gloves but may be expanded to gown and face shield at the staff member’s request, to ensure their safety and well-being

Our district’s screening process will meet all of the requirements as set forth by the state, where temperature is at or above 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or failure of the screening will result in that individual not gaining entry into the school.  If the individual who fails a screening is a staff member, faculty member, or outside visitor, then they will be instructed to leave the school facility and see their health care provider.  If the individual who fails a screening is a student, then they shall be taken to that building’s isolation room to be assessed by the school nurse and await a parent, guardian, or emergency contact who can bring them to a health care provider for further evaluation.  The isolation room shall require appropriate social distancing to be maintained, an increased cleaning and disinfection schedule from the school district’s buildings and grounds staff, and constant visual supervision.  We will provide all required PPE to the individual(s) who will be supervising the isolation room to ensure their safety.  When an individual’s parent, guardian, or emergency contact arrives at the school district to pick up their student, we will once again remind them that their student is required to be seen by a health care provider in regards to the failed screening.  The school district will also instruct staff and faculty members to observe for signs of illness in others and require that potentially symptomatic persons be checked by the school nurse.

The school district has worked with and remained in communication with the Washington County health department to determine the specific return requirements of individuals who fail a screening, test positive for COVID-19 through a diagnostic test, or have come in close contact with or have been exposed to somebody who tests positive for the COVID-19 virus.  After a failed screening, the school district will require, at a minimum, documentation from a health care provider of a negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result and symptom resolution.  If, after a failed screening, that individual tests positive for COVID-19 from a diagnostic test, then the school district will work with the Washington County Department of Health to determine their minimum standards for return to the school district.  Also, the school district shall work with the Washington County Department of Health to determine the process for the provision or referral of diagnostic testing for students, faculty, and staff, should that become necessary.  The school district has also worked with the Washington County Department of Health to determine what metrics will serve as early warning signs that COVID-19 cases may be increasing beyond an acceptable level, both within our schools or within the larger local community. 

Local Health Departments anticipate using data from the regional "control rooms" for this purpose as well as regular communications with the district. Should a district experience any type of increase in absentee rates or individuals who have tested positive, the district's liaison should contact their COVID-19 liaison to review the data. Should it be warranted, the County Health Department and the Superintendent of Schools will make a determination if the physical school building should be closed and for how long; should this occur, the district’s instructional plan will switch to 100% remote instruction for the duration of this/these closure(s).

Should multiple cases be discovered in an area or school within the district, the district's COVID-19 liaison will contact the County liaison and should action be warranted, the County Health Department and the Superintendent of Schools will make a determination if a portion of the school, or a particular school shall be closed.  Should this occur, the district’s instructional plan for the student population directly affected will switch to remote instruction for the duration of this/these closure(s).

The County Health Departments will monitor this information in the regional control room. Should the County Health Department determine that there is a shortage of hospital capacity due to COVID-19, the County Health Department may contact the Superintendent of schools to determine how many students and staff should be allowed on site and to determine if the school district’s reopening plan should be altered; should this occur, the district’s instructional plan would switch to either a hybrid or remote instructional model for the duration of this/these closure(s).

The school district has identified Lori Keith, School Nurse, as the individual who will serve as the central point of contact and who is responsible for receiving and attesting to having reviewed all screening activities on a daily basis.  This individual shall also be identified as the contact for individuals to notify if they later experience COVID-19 related symptoms during the day or have COVID-19 exposure, as noted on their questionnaire.  

The District's COVID-19 liaison will notify the County COVID-19 liaison (or counties should the individual live in a different county than the location of the school) should they become aware of a positive test for COVID-19 and/or any other disease reportable under public health law.

Upon request, districts will be asked to provide information on the past locations of students and staff who are involved in the contract tracing program, including, but not limited to room locations, who was in the room and information on transportation. Districts will need to maintain adequate records to answer questions. Should this information be needed, the County Liaison will contact the District's Liaison to obtain the needed information in a timely manner.

Should multiple cases be discovered in an area or school within the district, the district's COVID-19 liaison will contact the County liaison and should action be warranted, the County Health Department and the Superintendent of Schools will make a determination if a portion of the school or a particular school shall be closed.

COVID-19 Testing 

Given the numerous possible scenarios, each instance will be addressed on an individual basis, in conjunction with the Washington County Department of Public Health, NYS Department of Health, and the district’s medical provider. Below is a general outline of medical protocols that will be followed. They are in no way all-inclusive. It will be essential that impacted families and staff remain in close communication with the district regarding exposure, diagnosis and treatment protocols.  

Protocols for Student or Staff with 100.1 or higher fever without COVID Symptoms-

  • If not in buildings, should stay home.
  • Seek the advice of a family medical provider. 
  • If in the building, will be sent to the building’s isolation room and sent home. 
  • Students or staff may return to school after a full 24 hours of fever-free without fever-reducing medication. 

Protocol for Student or Staff with 100.1 or higher fever with COVID Symptoms-

  • If not in buildings, should stay home.
  • Seek the advice of a family medical provider.
  • If in the building, will be sent to the building’s isolation room and sent home. 
  • School Nurse or COVID Liaison will contact NYS Public Health.
  • If a positive diagnosis for COVID, individuals may not return to school or work until they have been 10 days symptom-free and three days fever-free without fever-reducing medication.

Protocol for Student or Staff with direct exposure to a documented case of COVID-19

  • Inform building nurse or direct supervisor
  • Contact Washington County Department of Health is they have not been in contact with you
  • Contact a family medical provider 
  • Begin 14-day quarantine, following the advice of public health and family medical providers 

Protocol for Staff or Students Testing Positive for COVID-19

  • Students and/or staff members who test positive for COVID-19 must remain home until cleared by the Washington County Department of Health to be able to return to school or work.
  • The student or staff member may return to school/work upon completing at least 10 days of isolation from the onset of symptoms, or 10 days of isolation after the first positive test if they remain asymptomatic.
  • Washington County Department of Health will release the person from isolation.

Where will testing be conducted?

  • Primary care providers are the first line COVID-19-testing contact.
  • A number of primary care providers have testing capabilities at their offices.
    • Saratoga Hospital has capacity for testing.
    • Hudson Headwaters Health Network will test their own patients and will test non-patients after an office visit.
  • Warren County drive through clinic at the Warren County Municipal Center is available to residents of Washington County.  Testing is by appointment and requires a referral by a healthcare provider.  If no insurance or provider, Washington county DOH can refer someone to the clinic.
  • New York State Testing Site at University of Albany
  • New York State COVID helpline at 1-888-364-3065 is another resource to arrange a test.
  • Argyle CSD will contact Washington County Public Health should there be questions surrounding a positive or suspected case of COVID-19.

Contact Tracing 

The district will work in conjunction with the Washington County Department of Health to coordinate contact tracing in the event of positive cases in the school. The county and DOH are responsible for the tracing and notification of impacted individuals. The district will comply fully with the departments in this process. 

Argyle CSD  will assign a team(s) of individuals to participate in the Johns Hopkins University contract tracing initiative. Although the Argyle CSD team will not be responsible to lead a contract tracing program, it will provide information on how the process works and the type of information that will be needed when contract tracing is needed. The online training program and assessment covers the following key concepts for contact tracing: 

1. COVID -19/SARS-CoV-2 Overview 

2. Basics of Contact Tracing for COVID-19 

3. Steps to Investigate Cases and Trace Their Contacts 

4. Ethics and Technology for Contact Tracing 

5. Skills for Effective Communication and Embracing Complexity

 

Public Meetings

 

Public meetings will take place as follows:

August 12, 2020 @ 1:00 p.m.

August 18, 2020 @ 6:00 p.m.

August 19, 2020 @ 10:00 a.m. (Faculty and Staff)

August 20, 2020 @ 10:00 a.m.

 

Learning Plans

K through Grade 12 will attend for daily, onsite, in-person instruction with the following accommodations/modifications:

  • Due to social distancing requirements, class size will be reduced to allow for 6’ between desks. Students will be assigned to classrooms and specific overflow areas that are properly supervised. To the extent possible, students in K-8 will be assigned to cohort groups with instructors who will come to the students to provide content; the same model will be utilized for grades 9-12.
  • The traditional instructional program will be modified with students learning directly from certified classroom teachers and at other times being instructed by certified classroom teachers while being supervised by school personnel during times of independent or remote/livestream instruction from within the school building.
  • Google classroom or Google meet sessions will be available for students unable to attend in-person instruction, students will be required to login and follow the in-person schedule provided by the school.
  • Students will have meals in the cafeteria or  delivered to the designated eating location.
  • Breaks will be provided to go outside for fresh air and exercise as needed. Students will remain with their class group during these breaks.
  • A modified schedule is currently under consideration to account for increased time required for arrival/dismissal, health screenings, disinfecting and hand hygiene as well as to allow for increased traffic at schools due to increased number of parents transporting students to and from school.

Hybrid Plan

Should the district determine that full K-12 instruction is not able to occur, the district will shift to a hybrid model of remote instruction for grades 9-12.  Should this occur, students in grades 9-12 will follow a modified hybrid schedule and will attend school on an A/B day rotation with one day a week potentially being dedicated to full remote instruction at grades 9-12. 

In-person instruction for K-8 will follow the same plan as outlined above for in-person instruction.  Students in grades 9-12, during a hybrid model of instruction, will attend on a rotating basis; scheduling modifications will be made that allows for students with disabilities, ELL students, students without access to internet, and others as determined by district administration to attend in-person everyday while other students in grades 9-12 rotate instruction between in-person and remote instruction. Students attending in-person instruction will have the following accommodations/modifications:

  • Due to social distancing requirements, class size will be reduced to allow for 6’ between desks. Students will be assigned to classrooms and specific overflow areas that are properly supervised. To the extent possible, students in K-8 will be assigned to cohort groups with instructors who will come to the students to provide content; the same model will be utilized for grades 9-12.
  • The traditional instructional program will be modified with students learning directly from certified classroom teachers and at other times being instructed by certified classroom teachers while being supervised by school personnel during times of independent or remote/livestream instruction from within the school building.
  • Google classroom or Google meet sessions will be available for students unable to attend in-person instruction, students will be required to login and follow the in-person schedule provided by the school.
  • Students will have meals in the cafeteria or  delivered to the designated eating location.
  • Breaks will be provided to go outside for fresh air and exercise as needed. Students will remain with their class group during these breaks.
  • A modified schedule is currently under consideration to account for increased time required for arrival/dismissal, health screenings, disinfecting and hand hygiene as well as to allow for increased traffic at schools due to increased number of parents transporting students to and from school.

Full Virtual/Remote Model

In the event that the district is required to close the physical building, the school will immediately switch to a remote or virtual instructional model.  While the district’s remote instruction continuity of learning plan is subject to change, the district plans to adhere to the following principles:

  • Primary instruction will be provided through the Google platform, including Google Classroom and Google meets; packet-based learning will be minimized and only used when a student has no access to high-speed internet and as a last option. 
  • Students in K-6 will follow a modified schedule provided by the building principal while on remote instruction.
  • Students in Grades 7-12 will follow a modified block schedule provided by the building principal while on remote instruction.  Students will be required to participate in classroom work remotely and/or complete assignments. Student expectations on virtual days will be determined by the teacher and based on what will work best for the specific class and what is being learned. As an example, students in an English class may be assigned independent reading or writing, while students in a Math class may watch the day’s lesson live and from home.
  • Teachers will broadcast primary instruction to students using Google Classroom and/or Google Meets with other supporting district approved on-line programming being used  as supplementing instructional supports.
  • Time spent on instruction will vary by grade level; however, students will engage with learning daily (M-F). Students will be required to log on during scheduled times.
  • All Teachers will provide remote instruction from the school (until they are no longer permitted to do so by the district, DOH, or NYS) or from home (should they be required to work from home). 
  • Period by period student and staff attendance will be recorded for attendance purposes.

New York State Standards

The New York State Education Department is responsible for setting student learning standards for what all students should know and be able to do as a result of skilled instruction. Our district intends to provide curricula that are based on these established standards in all areas.  Argyle CSD’s initial plans call for the delivery of such a curriculum to be in-person for all students with contingency plans accounting for the potential need for hybrid with some delivery of instruction to be in person, some to be live remote, and some to be accessed online by families supporting learners at home and plans for the possibility of remote instruction for all students.

Academic Progress and Communication

The Argyle Central School District is committed to ensuring that the parent-to-school and school-to-parent lines of communication are active and that our parents are engaged stakeholders in their child’s education. This communication is completed through a variety of methods which may include options such as telephone calls, the use of electronic apps (i.e. class dojo), parent-teacher conferences, emails, and newsletters.  Additionally, parents can sign up to access the Eschool parent portal through our student management system which will allow them to monitor student grades in all courses. Parents can also opt to be added to Google Classrooms for each course their secondary student is enrolled in. This allows parents to receive periodic updates about work that is due.

English Language Learners

At present, our district does not have students enrolled who are considered ELL or MLL. However, should this change, our district will coordinate with the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages to make certain we are providing appropriate support to students whose home languages are other than English. We will continue to use the Home Language Questionnaire as part of our enrollment process for all students. This survey, as well as an informal interview by our District Registrar, helps to identify families where languages other than English may be used in the home. All parent communications would then be provided to families in their preferred language and/or mode of communication. Interpreters would be used for parent conferences, where needed.

The Argyle Central School District intends to follow SED guidance; each qualifying school and/or district reopening plan which reopens using in-person or hybrid instruction must complete the ELL identification process within 30 school days of the start of the school year for all students who enrolled during COVID-19 school closures in 2019-2020, as well as all students who enroll during summer of 2020 and during the first 20 school days of the 2020-2021 school year. After this 20 day flexibility period, identification of ELLs must resume for all students within the required ten school days of initial enrollment (as required by Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154).

The school district will provide the required instructional Units of Study to all ELL’s based on their most recently measured English-language proficiency level during in-person or hybrid instruction. These services will be provided through a mix of face to face and online live support.

Special Education Students

The Argyle Central School District CSE office will work in conjunction with all building principals and out of district special education programs to ensure that students with disabilities are still provided all provisions under FAPE. All in-district full-day, special education programs will be offered on-site with arrangements made for social distancing, etc.

Parents will be notified in writing and also have access to the CSE Chairperson for specific details as to how the provision of services will meet the requirements of IDEA. Attendance will be monitored daily and case managers will reach out to students and parents to ensure active participation.

In our in-person instructional model, all students with special needs will receive all programs and related services, accommodations, modification, and supplementary aides on site.  Should the district be required to transition to a hybrid model, students in K-8 will continue to receive all programs and related services on site, with students in grades 9-12 receiving a mix of onsite services and remote, live virtual (teletherapy-like) related services. In a full remote setting, students K-12 will receive all programs and related services, accommodations, modifications, and supplementary aides in a remote or virtual setting. 

Parents of students with IEPs and Section 504 plans will receive written communication from case managers at the start of the school year about how all services, accommodations, and modifications will be provided.

If the student will be receiving related services through teletherapy, the family should be aware that  they will be sent a consent form and that to receive the teletherapy related services, that consent form may be completed and returned electronically. Contact logs for all students will be maintained. All students will be provided with the necessary technology needed for teletherapy and remote learning.

CSE and CPSE Meetings will continue to use Google Meet or the Webex video conferencing platform if socially distancing measures do not allow for in-person meetings.

Each student with an IEP or Section 504 plan is assigned a case manager. This case manager facilitates collaboration between the CSE/CPSE teams, the student’s family, and the student’s teachers. Student performance is monitored on an ongoing basis and requested review meetings are held anytime there is a concern about an IEP, or its implementation.

Student progress is communicated to parents at least quarterly, and with each student’s report card. All goals require progress monitoring data collection, and this data is reviewed periodically by the PPS Director. The information is also shared with parents at annual reviews to show progress and growth for the year and to be used to write goals for IEPs. Communication with parents is provided in the parents’ preferred language or mode of communication.

Our students with disabilities will have the same access to activities as their non-disabled peers while they participate in their learning while practicing social distancing.