As we begin the transition to in-person learning for our kindergarten, first grade and self-contained special education students, I want to make sure that parents are informed about what that will look like. Based on each grade level's number of students that selected digital vs. in-person learning, different models of instruction will be followed.
Kindergarten, third, fourth and fifth grades will provide a departmentalized model of instruction where two or three teachers will work together to provide lessons in each content area. Each teacher will specialize in a subject, so your child will be able to experience multiple teachers. Teachers will work together to provide both digital and in-person instruction. This will allow for teachers to either teach digitally or in-person without changing the student's homeroom teacher.
First and second grade teachers will provide a hybrid model where each teacher teaches live to both her digital students and in-person students at the same time. Students will remain in their current classroom.
In the newest documents provided by the county, it states that social distancing of 6 feet will be provided when feasible. It is important that parents realize that during some parts of the day, students will be unable to social distance. In some classrooms, class sizes will be at 20 - 28. Students will be sitting at desks that are separate, but it is not feasible to have each desk 6 feet apart. In addition, students that ride the school bus will not be able to social distance.
The school is working to minimize exposure to additional students. During the school day, students will remain in one classroom. Students will not switch classes or share desks or materials. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray are provided in every classroom. Each classroom will have a schedule for hand washing. The custodial staff will clean and disinfect high traffic areas. Students and staff are required to wear a mask throughout the day.
Breakfast will be brought to the classrooms for kindergarten and first grade. Second and fifth grades will get their breakfast from a cart on their way to the classroom. Third and fourth grade students will go to the cafeteria to pick up their breakfast. Lunch will be brought to each classroom in first through fifth grades with kindergarten students eating in the lunchroom.
Students will have recess daily, but will need to maintain social distancing on the playground. Students will not be allowed to play on the playground equipment, as we do not have the staff to clean the equipment after each use. The lower field, soccer field, basketball court and upper field will be utilized to keep classrooms separated during recess.
We encourage students to bring their own device, if they have one. Any computers that were loaned to students that are returning in-person should be brought back to school.
Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles, as the drinking fountains have been turned off to avoid cross contamination.
In the past, it has been a tradition that parents could walk their child down to the classroom on the first day of school. Unfortunately, due to Covid guidelines, we will not be able to allow any visitors into the building. We will have many staff members throughout the building assisting students in getting to their classrooms.
Bus numbers and stops for your child can be found in the parent portal. Please make sure you visit MyPaymentsPlus to sign the return to school handbook and the alternate bus form if your child will not be riding the bus. Car rider tags will be given out in the afternoon of the first day of school.
We look forward to having our students return to school in the next few weeks. We will work hard to make sure that our digital students are included in all class and school activities.
