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Arlington Central School District
2020/2021 Reentry Plan
September 22, 2020
Our mission is to empower all students to be self-directed, lifelong learners, who
willingly contribute to their community and lead passionate, purposeful lives
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Arlington Central School District Board of Education
Peter Bodnar
President
Mark Tornatore
Vice President
Board of Education
Kelly Cahill Chenski
Linda Gaines, Ed.D.
David Goddard
Mary Anne Meaden
Charles E. McLeod, Jr.
Edward L. McCormick
Marion Quinn
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District Leadership
Lorenzo Licopoli, Ph.D.
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Jonathan Alfred Brown
Deputy Superintendent
Dr. Tina DeSa
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Paul Finch
Interim Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Kevin Sheldon
Assistant Superintendent for Business
John Orcutt Executive Principal, Arlington High School
Eric Schetter Principal, LaGrange Middle School
Scott Wood Principal, Union Vale Middle School
Sheri Primeaux Principal, Arthur S. May School
Matthew Latvis Principal, Beekman Elementary School
Heather Ogborn Principal, Joseph D’Aquanni West Road Intermediate School
Dr. Kelly Murray Principal, Noxon Road Elementary School
Jessica Wheeler Principal, Overlook Primary School
Richard Sutton Principal, Titusville Intermediate School
Cara Conrad Principal, Traver Road Primary School
Claudine Khare Principal, Vail Farm Elementary School
Dana Brown Director of English Language Arts,
Social Studies, and Libraries
Robert Carroll Director of Data Services
Dawn Galente Director of Math, Science and Engineering
Dr. Ellen Johnston McDonnell
Director of Innovative Technology
Vanessa Weeks Director of Special Education
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Table of Contents
Overview 5
Guiding Principles 6
Communication/Family and Community Engagement 8
COVID 19 Safety Coordinators 11
Health and Safety 12
Space Design and Capacities 22
Facilities 25
Child Nutrition 26
Transportation 27
Social Emotional Well-Being 29
School Schedules 29
Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism 32
Technology and Connectivity 32
Teaching and Learning 34
Athletics & Extracurricular Activities 36
Special Education 37
Bilingual Education and World Languages 42
Teacher and Principal Evaluation System 42
Pertinent Links 42
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OVERVIEW
This Arlington Central School District Reentry Plan (The Plan) describes our plans and protocols for the reopening of our eleven schools and aligns with the guidance and regulations from the New York State Department of Health NYSDOH), the NYS Education Department (NYSED) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to the changing nature of what is known about the COVID-19 health crisis, our plans are designed to be “fluid” in order for the District to adapt as needed. We continue to be guided by our commitment to doing what is educationally, developmentally, and emotionally best for children. We understand that the COVID-19 health crisis has created a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety for our students and their families. It is imperative that we address their social and emotional needs along with their academic needs. At the same time, we strive to provide the safest and healthiest environment possible for our students and our staff. This Plan is framed as a fluid blueprint. It is not static and it will be amended as needed. There are several mitigating factors that may result in revisions to the Plan. For example, we plan to survey our families during the week of August 10 to determine how many families will elect for their children to engage in full remote (virtual) instruction. The actual number of in-person instruction days we can offer in a hybrid model will depend on the number of families who choose remote only instruction. Other mitigating factors include how many students will be driven to school by their parents/guardians and the number of staff who may need to work virtually. We also recognize the changing nature of the COVID-19 crisis. The District may need to alternate between in-person and remote learning throughout the year due to guidance from our partnering agencies, as well as stay-at-home orders from the Governor. The level of infection, the spread of the virus, and response to the disease in our community will be at the forefront of decision making as we move to open our schools. To be clear, the health and safety of our students, our staff, and their families is our top priority. We want students and employees to feel comfortable and safe returning to school campuses. Our reopening plan incorporates recommendations and guidance from the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Education Department, and the Plan will be assessed regularly by an Advisory Team of school level stakeholders to the Interim Superintendent. We are in the midst of developing this advisory team. This plan includes procedures and guidance that will be followed in each of our eleven schools: Arlington High School John Orcutt, Executive Principal, [email protected]
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LaGrange Middle School Eric Schetter, Principal, [email protected] Union Vale Middle School Scott Wood, Principal, [email protected] Arthur S. May School Sheri Primeaux, Principal, [email protected] Beekman Elementary School Matthew Latvis, Principal, [email protected] Joseph D’Aquanni West Road Intermediate School Heather Ogborn, Principal, [email protected] Noxon Road Elementary School Dr. Kelly Murray, Principal, [email protected] Overlook Primary School Jessica Wheeler, Principal, [email protected] Titusville Intermediate School Richard Sutton, Principal, [email protected] Traver Road Primary School Cara Conrad, Principal, [email protected] Vail Farm Elementary School Claudine Khare, Principal, [email protected]
GUIDING PRINCIPLES The development of this plan was guided by and grounded in the following guiding principles:
Safeguarding the health and safety of students and staff.
Providing an opportunity for all students to access education in the fall.
Monitoring the health of student and staff, and when necessary, modifying schedules to appropriately contain COVID-19 spread.
Emphasizing equity, access, and support to the students and communities that are emerging from this historic disruption.
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Fostering strong two-way communication between the District, schools, and families.
Factoring into decision making the challenges to the physical safety, social emotional well-being, and the mental health needs of our students caused by school closure.
Considering and supporting diversity in our schools and school district as we provide education is essential.
Considerations for Three Models of Instruction The health and safety measures necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 call for new procedures and protocols for all school districts to follow. The NYSDOH guidance to schools’ states: “To ensure equity in education, (school authorities) should prioritize efforts to return all students to in-person instruction at this time” (p.2). In coordination with that directive, the State Education Department is requiring all school districts to contemplate three models of instruction: 1. A plan for 100 % in-person instruction five days a week to maximize the number of students
who return to the school buildings, with strict physical distancing and cleaning/disinfecting protocols in place. In order to adhere to the NYSDOH and NYSED mandates for physical distancing, the ACSD is not able to provide for 100% in-person instruction five days a week due to these prevailing factors:
o Transportation guidelines reduce the number of students that can be transported, and we would need to increase our fleet by 300% to meet this standard.
o In each of our schools we either do not have enough building space and/or professional and support staff personnel to meet mandated physical distancing space requirements as per the NYSDOH.
2. A Hybrid Plan combines part-time face-to-face instruction with part-time online learning, thereby reducing the number of students physically in classrooms on any given day. The ACSD Plan includes elements of virtual and in-person plans on an alternating basis.
o See Hybrid Plan on page 26 o The ACSD Hybrid Plan is fluid and remains a work in progress as we gather
information on the number of students and staff who will choose a virtual only plan, as well as how many parents will transport their children.
o Additional Considerations to the plan include: i. Initial start time based on the anticipated state of readiness to implement
the myriad of mandates and guidelines in order to inform, educate, and
prepare students, families and teachers on temperature screening,
physical distancing, masks, respiratory hygiene, hand washing, and other
health and safety measures.
ii. Orientation for grades K, 3 (Intermediate schools only), 6, & 9.
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3. A Remote Only Plan, (The Arlington Online School), will be available in the event that the
Governor does not allow schools to reopen with in-person instruction, if schools are closed due to increasing COVID-19 infection rates in our area, and, for families who elect this option because they are not comfortable sending their kids back to school.
o The District K-12 full Virtual Plan (Arlington Online School) is presently being developed and will include teacher professional development.
COMMUNICATION / FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The District engaged with school stakeholders and community members in a variety of ways when developing reentry plans. In developing various aspects of the Plan, the ACSD sought feedback and input from stakeholders, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians of students, local health department officials and health care providers, employee unions and community groups. The District formed a District Re-Entry Team (DRT) that was tasked with researching and recommending plans in response to the required Assurances. The work of the DRT and associated task forces were then merged with input from building and central office leaders that help create this plan. The district remains committed to communicating all elements of this reopening plan to students, parents and guardians, staff and visitors. The plan is available to all stakeholders via the COVID-19 Hub on the district website, and will be updated throughout the school year, as necessary, to respond to changing circumstances. District Reentry Team (DRT) DRT members formed ten task forces to examine the following areas: instructional, health and safety, social emotional learning/mental health, financial planning, human resources, facilities, transportation, food services, technology, and interscholastic athletics. Each of these task forces included members of various stakeholder groups. All task forces included faculty/staff and administrators and worked with community organizations with the expertise pertaining to the task force’s objectives.
Final plan recommendations were discussed in collaboration with the administrators, supervisors, nurses and Arlington labor unions. The health and safety portions were reviewed by our district physician and in consultation with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health.
Parents/guardians and high school students participated in the instructional, transportation, technology, social emotional learning/mental health, and interscholastic athletics task forces.
Surveys: The District has engaged family and staff input thus far by conducting four surveys to further inform reentry plans. These include a Family Reentry Survey, a Faculty/Staff Social Emotional Learning/Mental Health Survey, a Staff Safe Return to
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Work Survey, and a Family Social Emotional Learning/Mental Health Survey. The District will conduct additional surveys as planning continues.
Members of the District Reentry Team Members of the District Reentry Team: Dr. Brendan Lyons/Dr. Larry Licopoli, Dr. Jonathan Brown, Dr. Tina DeSa, Ms. Margaret Muenkel/Mr. Paul Finch, Ms. Jo Ann Kraus/Dr. Ellen Johnston McDonnell, Mr. John Wilson, Mr. Dan McNamara, Mr. Mark Hicks, Mr. Michael Cring, Ms. Rosaria DiNardo, Ms. Melissa Erlebacher
Task Force Task Force Leader
Instructional Dr. Jonathan Brown, Deputy Superintendent Task Force Members
Health and Safety Dr. Tina DeSa, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Health and Safety Guidance and Consultation
Social Emotional/Mental Health
Dr. Tina DeSa, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Task Force Members
Support Systems and Finance Mr. Kevin Sheldon, Assistant Superintendent for Business Task Force Members: Dan McNamara, Director of Transportation; John Wilson, Director of Operations and Maintenance; Mark Hicks, Director of Food Services
Human Resources Mr. Paul Finch, Interim Assistant Superintendent for HR Task Force Members: Margaret Muenkel, Paul Finch, Hilary Roberto
Facilities Mr. John Wilson, Director of Facilities Task Force Members
Transportation Mr. Dan McNamara, Director of Transportation Task Force Members
Food Services Mr. Mark Hicks, Director of Food Services Task Force Members
Technology Ms. Jo Ann Kraus, Director of Technology Task Force Members
Interscholastic Athletics Mr. Mike Cring, Director of Athletics Task Force Members
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Communication Plan and Goals
The District uses the School Messenger notification system to send phone calls, emails, and text messages to parents/guardians and employees and we use our website, as well as Facebook and Twitter to provide information to all stakeholders, including the broader community.
When school buildings closed in March 2020, the District created the COVID-19 Hub to post updates, community resources, links to local, state, and national health organizations, and district information about meal distribution, childcare, and instruction. The District will continue to utilize this hub to post reentry plans, updates, and all relevant information related to the 2020-2021 school year. Our overall communication goals include the following:
To encourage all students, faculty, staff, and visitors through verbal and written communication (e.g., signage and announcements) to adhere to NYSED, CDC, and NYSDOH guidance regarding the use of acceptable face coverings when a physical distancing cannot be maintained
To provide regular updates about health and safety, scheduling, and all other information faculty, staff and families need to know
To provide information to families through a variety of platforms including mail, email, telephone calls, text messaging, social media and website postings.
To provide information on how families can access technology and receive technical support
To provide communication to families in their preferred language and mode of communication to assure all have equitable access to information.
Clear messaging will be prepared and consistently communicated prior to re-entry, on the first day, during the first week, throughout the first month, and continuously throughout the year.
Communication in Families’ Home Language & Accessibility
Translation
School Messenger has a built-in translation feature. The system currently translates email messages into twenty-four languages. The district also utilizes Blackboard Web Community Manager and Blackboard Ally translation features so that families can translate the content on our website, including the COVID-19 Hub.
Families that are Limited English Proficient have requested the District communicates with them in their identified language. Translators are used as needed.
Accessibility
District correspondence and updates are posted on our website. The District utilizes Blackboard Ally for their accessibility features, which includes tagged PDFs, the ability to create audio versions of the content and documents posted on the website, as well as electronic braille. Videos posted on the website include closed captions for individuals with hearing impairments.
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COVID-19 SAFETY COORDINATORS The COVID-19 safety coordinators are responsible for continuous compliance with Arlington Central School District Reentry Plan, as well as any activities necessary to allow for operational issues to be resolved. Our District COVID-19 safety coordinator is Dr. Tina DeSa, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services. In addition to our District COVID-19 safety coordinator, each school building has a COVID-19 safety coordinator. These include:
Building COVID-19 Safety Coordinator
Arlington High School John Orcutt, Executive Principal, [email protected]
LaGrange Middle School Eric Schetter, Principal, [email protected]
Union Vale Middle School Scott Wood, Principal, [email protected]
Arthur S. May School Sheri Primeaux, Principal, [email protected]
Beekman Elementary School Matthew Latvis, Principal, [email protected]
Joseph D’Aquanni West Road Intermediate School
Heather Ogborn, Principal, [email protected]
Noxon Road Elementary School Dr. Kelly Murray, Principal, [email protected]
Overlook Primary School Jessica Wheeler, Principal, [email protected]
Titusville Intermediate School Richard Sutton, Principal, [email protected]
Traver Road Primary School Cara Conrad, Principal, [email protected]
Vail Farm Elementary School Claudine Khare, Principal, [email protected]
The following directors also serve as COVID-19 safety coordinators for their respective departments.
Department COVID-19 Safety Coordinator
Facilities and Operations John Wilson, Director, [email protected]
Food Services Mark Hicks, Director, [email protected]
Transportation Daniel McNamara, Director, [email protected]
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
The health and safety of our students, staff and their families is our top priority. We want students and employees to feel comfortable and safe returning to school campuses. Our District will continue to work with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health for local guidance. The ACSD reopening plan incorporates recommendations and guidance from the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Education Department, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The following sections will be used for students, faculty, staff, and other individuals to ensure appropriate protocols, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are used to protect against the transmission of the COVID-19 virus when on school grounds and in school facilities. Mandatory Health Screenings
Daily temperature checks of all students and staff are required. Daily questionnaires for all staff are required. Periodic questionnaires for students is required. Anyone unable to complete the health screening prior to coming to an Arlington
building will be screened by an Arlington employee. Employees and students failing the health screening will either not be permitted to
enter or will be sent directly to the building isolation room. Visitors, contractors and vendors will not be permitted to enter Arlington buildings
without passing the screening. A passing health screening includes having a temperature of 100 degrees or less and
responding “no” to a list of COVID-19 related symptoms/questions. Physical Distancing
All individuals (except for those from the same household) in our buildings must comply with physical distancing mandates.
Proper physical distancing is defined as a six (6) foot separation between individuals. Any use of plastic separators as barriers will comply with the 2020 BCNYS Section 2606.
The use of clear plastic polycarbonate glazing is being installed in designated areas. The polycarbonate material is an approved product by the Office of Facilities Planning and complies with the 2020 Building and Fire Codes of NYS.
A distance of twelve feet in all directions will be maintained between individuals while participating in activities requiring projecting the voice (e.g., singing), playing a wind instrument, or aerobic activity resulting in heavy breathing (e.g. participating in gym classes).
Safety drills will be modified to support physical distancing. Individuals should not congregate in work rooms, break/lunch rooms, hallways,
elevators, copier rooms or other areas where people tend to cluster. Arrival and dismissal procedures may be adjusted to support physical distancing.
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Educators and staff members will support students with understanding physical distancing requirements.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Face Coverings
Face coverings are most effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Students, staff and visitors to our schools are expected to wear face coverings inside and outside of our schools, on the school bus, and entering school from any vehicle.
Acceptable face coverings include, but are not limited to, cloth face coverings (homemade sewn, quick cut, bandana), and surgical masks that cover both the mouth and nose.
Staff and students are expected to wear personal face coverings. Face coverings will be made available to staff and students by the District if needed.
Students will be allowed to remove face coverings as authorized during meals and based on authorized specific instructional requirements while maintaining physical distancing.
Mask breaks will be planned and factor children’s age and other needs by the staff member.
Students who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering, including students where such covering would impair their physical health or mental health, are not subject to the required use of a face covering. In such instances, it is important for parents/guardians to work with their child’s healthcare providers and district staff so that an informed decision can be made on how to best meet the child’s needs at school while protecting their health and safety along with our staff and other students. Parents/guardians must provide a note from a medical provider if a child is unable to meet the required health and safety protocols. The process is outlined in the “Medically Vulnerable / High Risk Groups” section of the Plan.
Face shields worn without other face coverings are not considered adequate protection or source control against COVID-19 and should not be used unless instruction or interventions require visualization of the movement of the lips and/or mouths (e.g. speech therapy). These alternate coverings may also be used for certain students (e.g. hearing impaired) who benefit from being able to see more of the face of the faculty or staff member.
School nurses will be provided N95 masks and eye protection as they are responsible for physical assessments.
All students, faculty, and staff will be trained on how to adequately put on, take off, clean (as applicable), and discard PPE, including but not limited to, appropriate face coverings.
Contractors and vendors are responsible for their own PPE. Arlington will obtain and maintain adequate supplies of face coverings for staff and
students who forget their masks, and PPE used in the Health Offices. The Arlington Central School District only permits latex-free balloons, gloves and rubber
bands in our buildings and on all of our properties. Specific buildings have further latex restrictions which may include elastic portions of face coverings being latex-free.
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Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection
All students, faculty, and staff will be trained on proper hand and respiratory hygiene. Age-appropriate signage on proper hand hygiene will be posted in all areas where
students and adults wash their hands. Age-appropriate signage on proper respiratory hygiene will be posted in each building to
remind students and adults about proper respiratory hygiene. Cleaning and disinfecting supplies will not be provided to students, particularly younger
students, nor should students be present when disinfectants are in use. Guidance set forth by the DOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), including “Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19,” will be followed.
Hand Hygiene Students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands as follows:
Upon entering the building and classrooms After sharing objects or surfaces Before and after snacks and meals After using the bathroom After helping a student with toileting After sneezing, wiping, or blowing nose or coughing into hands Anytime hands are visibly soiled
At times when hand washing is not available, students and staff may use a hand sanitizer. In order for the sanitizer to be effective it must contain a minimum of 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Hand sanitizing dispensers will be located at the entrance of large group gathering areas such as cafeterias and gymnasiums as well as throughout the buildings. Visitors to the Schools
Our Visitors to the Schools policy only allows visits by scheduled appointments. This will be strictly adhered to.
Nonessential visitors will not be allowed into Arlington buildings. All visitors must agree to a screening and pass in order to enter an Arlington building. If a parent/guardian is picking up a child while school is in session, whenever possible
the child will be escorted to the front door to avoid parents entering the building. For parents who are picking their children up from school early, please notify the main
office of the time your child will be picked up. Your child will be at the front door at the designated time and staff will confirm who you are picking up and check your ID. Your child will be signed out by staff. If someone other than a parent or guardian is picking up your child, the person will need to be listed on the emergency card and have ID in order for your child to be released to them.
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If a child forgot an essential (non-medical) item, a guardian should show ID at the door, clearly label the item, and place it in an identified drop-off area located at the front of the school. Individuals dropping off non-medical items will not enter the school building. If you need to drop off medical items, please inform the main lobby greeter.
Visitors will not be permitted to drop off any food items for the class to share. Vendors
All vendors are expected to wear face coverings inside and outside of our schools, and upon entering one of our buildings from any vehicle.
No vendor will enter a building unless necessary for completion of their job. All meetings with vendors should be held outside or via virtual teleconference when possible.
All vendors must sign in and out at the main entrance of each building stating their destination at that building for purposes of contact tracing. All vendors should be accompanied by a staff member.
Should a vendor become ill while on campus, they must alert the staff member they’re visiting to report the issue and then immediately seek medical attention.
Before/After Care Programs The District will make every effort to maintain before and after care programs in school buildings when they are open. Medically Vulnerable / High-Risk Groups
Arlington will provide reasonable accommodations to all students and staff who are at high risk or live with a person at high risk.
Employees will work with the Human Resources Department and healthcare providers to make an informed decision on reasonable accommodation(s).
Students will have the option to choose an all remote program or seek reasonable accommodations for in-person instruction.
Students with special needs or students who are medically fragile may, in certain instances, not be able to maintain physical distancing, fully comply with hand or respiratory hygiene protocols, or continuously wear a face covering or mask. In such instances, it is important for parents/guardians to work with their child’s healthcare providers so that an informed decision can be made on how best to meet the child’s needs at school while protecting their health and safety along with that of the other students and our staff. The following process will be used in determining whether students with special needs or students who are medically fragile will be exempted from certain established safety protocols and, if so, what alternate safety measures should be taken:
o Parents/guardians must provide a letter from a medical provider if a child is unable to meet the required health and safety protocols. There is also a
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requirement for an authorization for disclosure for the District to be able to communicate with the medical provider that wrote the letter.
o If the student does not have an existing Section 504 plan or IEP, the District will consider whether the information provided by the medical provider and/or the parent warrants referral of the student to either the Section 504 Team or to the CSE for their consideration of possible eligibility for classification. If not, the possible need for the requested accommodation will be determined through a collaborative process.
o If the student has an existing IEP, the District will consider the requested accommodation through the IEP amendment processes (CSE process or an Amendment No Meeting).
o If the student has an existing Section 504 plan, the District will consider whether the information provided by the medical provider and/or the parent warrants referral of the student to the CSE for their consideration of possible eligibility for classification under IDEA. If not, the District will convene the Section 504 team to consider the need for the requested accommodation.
Containment of Potential Transmission of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) This section describes how the Arlington Central School District will respond to positive or presumed-positive cases, as well as preventative practices. School Health Offices and Isolation
Identified symptoms of COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:
o Fever (higher than 100 degrees) or chills o Cough o Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing o Fatigue o Muscle or body aches o Headache o New loss of taste or smell o Sore throat o Congestion or runny nose o Nausea or vomiting o Diarrhea
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
If a child has any of the above symptoms of COVID-19, is sick, or does not feel well for any reason, the child should not be sent to school. This includes stomach aches.
All staff must observe students for COVID-19 symptoms. If a student experiences COVID-19 symptoms while at school they should report directly
to the Health Office.
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If an employee experiences COVID-19 symptoms while at work, including a temperature above 100 degrees, (1) the employee must advise the administrator who will ensure student supervision, (2) leave work if well enough to do so, and (3) consult a physician.
Each building will have one identified isolation area/space where any and all students and staff with COVID-19 symptoms or otherwise sick will wait until picked up. The school nurse will determine, depending on symptoms, age and developmental level, if a student requires 1:1 supervision by an appropriate staff member during isolation. Staff members supervising symptomatic or otherwise sick students will be provided appropriate PPE.
PPE requirements for staff caring for sick individuals will include a surgical mask, eye protection, gloves, and potentially a gown.
We will try to maintain a 6 foot distance among all individuals in the isolation area. We will clean and sanitize isolation areas as soon as practicable. Asthma and Respiratory Health Needs:
o Nebulizer treatments and suctioning are identified by the CDC as aerosol generating procedures. o Parents must consult with students’ healthcare practitioners to provide treatment modalities that comply with CDC recommendations.
Student Pick-Up
All students that are symptomatic or otherwise sick are required to be picked up by a parent or emergency contact within 20 minutes.
Parents or emergency contacts picking up symptomatic or otherwise sick students must call the health office when they arrive at the school. Parents and emergency contacts will not be permitted to enter the school building.
Symptomatic or otherwise sick students will be brought to the parent or emergency contact’s car by a staff member.
Identification of the parent or emergency contact will be checked for grades K-8.
Infected and Exposed Individuals The District will follow the New York State Department of Health’s Interim Guidance for
Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure.
The school nurse will notify the building administration, Facilities Department, the Assistant Superintendent for PPS, and the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (if it is an employee) of all individuals with a positive COVID-19 result and/or are believed to be positive.
Additionally, the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health will be contacted for any individual with a positive COVID-19 result. Please see the Contact Tracing section which outlines the process that will be followed.
The District will seek and utilize additional guidance from the Dutchess County Department of Community and Behavioral Health should positive cases occur in one of our buildings. The length of closure will be determined after consultation with the Dutchess County Department of Community and Behavioral Health and/or the New York State Department of Health.
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All District employees will be notified via email if there is a positive case in one of our buildings. The notification will indicate there was a confirmed case and name the building(s).
All families will be notified via School Messenger if there is a positive case in one of our buildings. The notification will indicate there was a confirmed case and name the building(s).
Return to School After Illness: The ACSD has established protocols and procedures, in consultation with the Dutchess County Department of Community and Behavioral Health, about the requirements for determining when students that have experienced COVID-19 symptoms can return to the in-person learning environment at school. This protocol includes: 1. Documentation from a health care provider following an evaluation. The documentation from a health care provider must include a diagnosis with a condition or illness other than COVID-19 that is causing the symptoms, the expected duration of the symptoms, and it must indicate the student is clear to return to school. OR 2. Negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result. A negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result must be provided in writing to the school nurse. OR 3. Symptom resolution. Symptom resolution is defined as at least 10 days from onset of symptoms and the student has no symptoms remaining without using medication for the last 3 days. If a student has a positive COVID-19 test result, the individual must be released from isolation to return to the in-person learning environment. The District requires that individuals who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus complete quarantine and be symptom free before returning to in-person learning. Quarantine requirements for close contacts are typically 14 days from the date of last exposure while self-monitoring for symptoms. It is also recommended that close contacts are tested 5 days or more after exposure. Contact Tracing The District and the school nurses will support all efforts by NY State and Dutchess County to trace persons with positive COVID-19 diagnoses and their contacts. We will follow the process for contact tracing outlined for our county. Students and staff are required to cooperate with contact tracing efforts while maintaining confidentiality required by state and federal law and regulations. The process for contract tracing in Dutchess County schools is described by the steps listed below.
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1. Report the confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 to the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health (DBCH). Nurse or designee from school to contact DBCH with the following case information prepared:
Demographic information required to begin investigation including full name, date of birth, and physical address;
Guardian/caregiver information including full name, phone number, and email address; Date of symptom(s) onset; Positive test date and healthcare provider, if available; Name and date of birth for each household member, if known and/or obtainable; Recent travel history within past 14 days and location(s); Last day student was in school; Names of potential contacts during 48 hours prior to symptom onset including classes,
extracurricular activities; and Mode of transportation to and from school during the past 48 hours prior to symptom
onset. 2. The index case (or proxy) will be interviewed by DBCH staff. This is to ascertain the incubation period (14 days before the onset of symptoms or positive test) and exposure period (48 hours before symptom onset and or positive test) to elicit contacts. 3. DBCH staff will interview contacts of the index case as needed. DBCH staff may require line lists with relevant contact information of potentially exposed individuals as well as clarify information based on the interview of the index. An exposure is defined by CDC guidelines. Each instance of exposure will require review and investigation by DBCH staff. 4. DBCH will issue quarantine orders as needed. Based on investigative activities those that are considered exposed will be notified to quarantine for 14 days. They will be entered into the NYS COVID-19 program and notified by NYS Contact Tracers and receive letters of quarantine. Schools may have already sent the individual home to begin the quarantine prior to the formal notice of quarantine. 5. Schools will communicate with parents and students. All District employees will be notified via email if there is a positive case in one of our buildings. The notification will indicate there was a confirmed case and name the building(s). All families will be notified via School Messenger if there is a positive case in one of our buildings. The notification will indicate there was a confirmed case and name the building(s). Additional information about contact tracing includes: Our District is required to inform the DBCH of all positive cases we become aware of. The DBCH will not inform the District of positive cases for our students or staff, nor will we be informed about students or staff required to quarantine. Both of these communications violate patient privacy rights unless the District is supporting the DBCH with contact tracing or otherwise supporting DBCH working in the best interest of public health.
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Cleaning and Disinfection If someone is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, the CDC guidelines on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility will be followed. The District will do the following:
Close off areas used by the person who is sick. Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area. Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as
long as possible. Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as offices,
bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and copier machines.
Vacuum the space if needed. Use a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if available.
Consider temporarily turning off room fans and the central HVAC system that services the room or space, so that particles that escape from vacuuming will not circulate throughout the facility.
Employees without close contact with the person who is sick can return to work immediately after disinfection.
Communication Arlington buildings will have signage to remind individuals to:
o Stay home if they feel sick. o Cover their nose and mouth with an acceptable face covering when unable to maintain social distance from others or in accordance with any stricter policy implemented by the school. o Properly store and, when necessary, discard PPE. o Adhere to physical distancing instructions. o Report symptoms of, or exposure to, COVID-19, and how they should do so. o Follow hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection guidelines. o Follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.
Staff training will be provided in correct hand and respiratory hygiene and these topics will be taught and reinforced in an age appropriate manner.
The school nurse and/or Assistant Superintendent for PPS, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources or supervisor will maintain direct communication with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community health and our District Physician.
Parents will be required to provide the District with up-to-date contact information and emergency contacts and their contact information who will be readily available to pick up a student should pick-up be necessary.
All students that are symptomatic are required to be picked up by a parent or emergency contact within 20 minutes.
Students may not return to school unless appropriate documentation has been provided, the parent has spoken with the school nurse, and the nurse has cleared the student to return.
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Testing This section describes how the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health is supporting the county and District with COVID-19 testing. There are two different types of COVID-19 tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests.
A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. Currently there are two types of diagnostic tests which detect the virus – molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests, that detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigen tests that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus.
An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by your immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Antibodies can help fight infections. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery. Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active coronavirus infection. At this time, researchers do not know if the presence of antibodies means that you are immune to the coronavirus in the future.
How to be Tested for COVID-19
1. Contact your primary care physician to receive a prescription to visit a testing site; or 2. Contact a testing site to schedule an appointment.
Testing sites in Dutchess County Several sites have opened in Dutchess County offering diagnostic and/or antibody testing including:
CareMount Medical Group Emergency One Urgent Care MidHudson Regional Hospital Nuvance Health Pulse-MD Urgent Care Rite Aid Pharmacy
Testing may also be available through your physician’s office. Be sure to review and understand the full list of requirements for each site BEFORE visiting. The most up to date list of providers offering testing and the specific criteria for testing at each site is and will be maintained on Dutchess County’s website at dutchessny.gov/coronavirustesting. Closure of School Facilities This section describes how the Arlington Central School District will decrease the scale or scope of in-person education, and/or closing the schools.
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Closure Triggers Decisions about reducing in-person education or closing the schools will be made in
consultation with the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community Health and/or the New York State Department of Health.
The District will use both the percent of positive tests in a 7-day average and the daily incidence rate per 100,000 7-day average to determine the risk level.
Operational Activity There are many factors involved in the decision-making process. Some of these include
community infection rates, building infection rates, and timing (to allow for cleaning and disinfecting).
Communication The District will notify Dutchess County Department of Behavioral and Community
Health and/or the New York State Department of Health immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result by an individual in school facilities or on school grounds, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Any decision about reducing in-person education or closing the schools will be communicated using School Messenger. We will also use our District Facebook account, District Twitter account, and our website to communicate with our staff and families.
Space Design and Capacities
When determining the capacity for in-person instruction, the following factors are considered: Physical distancing capacity of each building Ability of the District to fulfill PPE requirements Transportation vehicle capacity Local hospital capacity
General Office Area
All offices should be limited to 50% of the rated occupancy for the space.
Where applicable, all offices and other small spaces should be limited to one individual at a time.
In a multiple occupant office, occupancy should be reduced to 50% normal load in addition to maintaining at least 6 feet of separation between individuals.
Additional protective barriers such as polycarbonate screens or strip curtains will be utilized to create a physical separation without hindrance to egress or airflow.
Workstations have been reconfigured so that employees do not face each other, or establish partitions if facing each other cannot be avoided.
Face covering is required in multiple-use office settings.
Additional breaks may be allotted to allow individuals time to leave the space to remove their face covering. Specific determination of these conditions will be made at the school building level.
Shift start and end times may be staggered to a greater extent than normal when possible (while still ensuring safe operations), to eliminate employees from
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congregating during the shift change-over and from overcrowding at entrances and exits.
Tasks requiring large numbers of people to be in one area will be reduced or eliminated.
Employee use of virtual meeting tools, including phone and virtual teleconference, in lieu of in-person meetings, whenever possible will be encouraged.
If in-person meetings are essential, consideration will be given to limiting meetings to 10 people or fewer depending on local, state, and federal guidelines.
Conference Rooms
In-person meetings will be limited, if virtual meetings are not feasible.
If meetings are to occur in person, physical distancing protocols will be required based on current guidance and face coverings are expected to be worn.
Break Rooms and Lunch Rooms
Breakroom use is discouraged if a minimum of six (6) feet separation cannot be maintained when consuming food or drink.
Staff are advised to take their lunch and breaks in their private offices, classrooms, designated alternative lunch/break room locations, or outside at the picnic tables located throughout the campus.
Staggered break schedules will be utilized to alleviate separation concerns.
If staff wish to take breaks together, they must do so in a large space or outside, where a minimum six (6) feet of separation can occur.
Copier Rooms/Areas
Congregating in copier rooms/areas is discouraged.
Cleaning supplies will be provided at copier stations.
Staff are encouraged to wipe down touch surfaces post and prior to use. Elevators
One person in an elevator at a time, unless assisting a student, in which case face coverings should be worn.
Elevators will be frequently disinfected. Restrooms
Proper hand washing signs will be posted in each bathroom
In special circumstances where a student must be assisted in the use of the lavatory, the adult present is required to be wearing all applicable personal protective equipment including a face covering and when medically applicable, the student will also be wearing a proper face covering.
If appropriate, doors may be propped open to reduce the need to touch surfaces. Student Changing Rooms
Students must wear face covering in changing rooms.
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Hallways/Stairwells
Where feasible, hallway traffic may be limited to single flow direction.
Student face covering will be expected
All individuals must also allow for adequate space between persons when traveling in the same direction.
Classrooms
Occupancy in each classroom will be specific and determined based on the overall square footage of the space.
Each student, teacher and support staff will receive not less than six (6) feet of separation from others, as specified in the guidance.
Additional considerations will be taken to account for space utilized for classrooms and teaching material.
Overall class sizes will be reduced to accommodate all safety parameters.
Students, teachers and support staff will be required to wear proper face covering.
Items in the classroom will be restricted to that of necessary use.
Remove any unnecessary furniture.
Remove any soft surfaces that are difficult to disinfect. Security Vestibule/Reception areas Security Stations will remain at all entrances of each building.
If a multi- entrance design is used, additional security posts will be instituted.
Security posts will serve as the primary location for processing all individuals entering and exiting the building.
Polycarbonate barriers have been installed to protect all individuals.
Floor signage has been installed to indicate where visitors shall stand to maintain social distance.
Reception areas have had seating removed or adequately spaced to provide a minimum of 6 feet of separation.
Frequently touched materials such as magazines have been removed. Computer Labs
The use of shared space and equipment use will be eliminated or limited, as practicable.
Blocks of computers will be sectioned off to ensure physical distancing is maintained.
Tables of computers will be reconfigured so as to not face each other or a polycarbonate barrier will be installed to create a physical barrier.
Cleaning and disinfection of computer labs and keyboard will be frequent o Keyboards will be wiped and disinfected before and after each use. o Keyboard covers may be utilized to aid in the cleaning and disinfection process.
Students will be instructed to wash hands prior to and after touching the keyboards along with other frequently touched surfaces.
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Library Spaces
All soft covered surfaces that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected have been removed.
Reconfigure space to ensure physical distancing. o Tables will be limited to one individual at a time where applicable.
• Polycarbonate barriers may be installed to create a physical barrier. o Desks will be arranged so as to not face each other. o Small reading nook use will be discontinued unless:
• limited to one person at a time. • Cleaned and disinfected routinely
Borrowing of materials such as books may need to be discontinued if adequate disinfection cannot be assured.
Create directional traffic flow patterns between bookcases to ensure physical distancing
Facilities
The section below describes how Arlington will meet all the compliance requirements outlined by the State Education Department related to facilities. Surveys and Inspections
In 2015, Arlington met all compliance requirements for submission on our Building Condition Survey. The next Building Condition Survey for our District is scheduled for 2024.
For the 2020-2021 school year the Visual Inspections of all our buildings have been completed by our Code Compliance Officer.
Water
Lead-In-Water Testing as required by NYS DOH regulation 67-4 will be followed. We continue to flush our water systems to ensure the water is moving throughout the buildings.
Plumbing fixtures such as toilets and sinks that are taken out of service to help promote physical distancing within group bathrooms will be monitored to ensure proper code compliance.
Each building provides one drinking fountain per one hundred occupants or an alternate source of drinking water is provided.
Ventilation
Adequate, code required ventilation (natural or mechanical) is maintained for each building, as designed.
Total airflow supply within the schools will be increased by utilizing our HVAC Building Management System and changing schedules to reflect occupied spaces as opposed to unoccupied spaces. The percentage of outdoor air will increase wherever possible. Natural ventilation can be accomplished by opening windows to increase outdoor air dilution of indoor air when environmental conditions allow and it is safe to do so.
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To this end, the ACSD will ensure sufficient ventilation and fresh air to all spaces of occupancy by means of:
o Modifications to the Building Management Systems to allow fresh air dampers to introduce more outside air.
o Where applicable, air handling systems have been inspected for function with higher MERV rated filters.
o Where applicable filters will be exchanged for MERV rating ranging from 11-13. o Spaces where fresh air is limited due to original building systems, fresh air will be
introduced through open windows and doors. o Options for replacement and modification to existing systems will be explored. o More frequent maintenance and inspection of the systems will occur to mitigate
extra strain on systems. o Filter replacement schedules will be more frequent.
Floor Plan Alterations
At this time the District does not have plans to do any alterations to the physical footprint. If the District makes any changes to the physical footprint, the detailed floor plans will be submitted to the Office of Facilities Planning for review to ensure code compliance.
Any new building projects will need to go through the SED and the Office of Facilities Planning like any other capital project. The District does not have any building construction projects related to COVID-19. If the District decides to file any projects to the Office of Facilities Planning related to COVID-19, then those plans will be clearly marked and identified as such to ensure an expedited review.
The District does not have any plans to lease any buildings for additional space. Should this change, we will consult the OFP for an evaluation.
The District does not have any plans to rent or buy tents that will require a full review by the Office of Facilities Planning and meet all local and state building codes. These “tents” are defined as a closed structure with (4) walls and a roof. Open temporary tents that provide protection or cover from the sun and rain can be used.
In the event that we install dividers in spaces, we will ensure the submission of detailed floor plans to OFP for review.
Child Nutrition Access to Meals Students in attendance in school buildings will have access to breakfast and lunch during the school day. Bagged breakfasts and lunches will be made available for pick up at each school for students attending remotely. Health and Safety Guidelines
Arlington’s Food Service Department will comply with all issued physical distancing and other health guidelines for students and staff.
Cafeterias and/or other spaces have been set up to allow for seating of students every 6 feet.
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Self-serve areas/high contact areas (pin pads etc.) will not be used. Infectious protocols will be in place with enhancements such as physical barriers and
face shields for food service workers. Students may not remove face coverings until seated at their seat in the cafeteria. Every effort will be made to provide students with the opportunity to wash their hands
before and after meals. Hand sanitizer will be accessible as students enter the lunch line and enter/exit the cafeteria.
Self-serve areas (i.e. salad bars, beverage stations) will not be in service. High touch areas (i.e. serving line) and surfaces where students eat will be cleaned and
disinfected between each meal period. Food Allergies
Allergen students are already known and documented. Designated allergen tables for students eating in the cafeteria are in place.
Food Sharing
There will be no sharing tables and the sharing of food and beverages is to be prohibited. Adults responsible for supervising cafeterias will reinforce these expectations.
Regulations and Compliance
Our Food Service Department meets compliance with Child Nutrition Program requirements.
Transportation
Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection
Bus disinfecting will be done once per day. Bus high contact spots including, but not limited to, step well hand rails and seat backs,
will be cleaned by the driver between each run. Buses will not be equipped with hand sanitizer due to its combustible composition and
potential liability to the carrier or district. Drivers, monitors and attendants must not carry personal bottles of hand sanitizer with
them on school buses. Hand sanitizer will be provided for transportation staff in their respective locations.
PPE and Face Coverings
Drivers, monitors, attendants and mechanics must wear a face covering along with an optional face shield. Drivers may remove masks when driving for safety/emergency reasons
Personal Protective Equipment such as masks and gloves for drivers, monitors and attendants on buses will be provided.
Drivers, monitors and attendants who must have direct physical contact with a child will wear gloves.
Students must wear face coverings on the bus.
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Students who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering, including students where such covering would impair their physical health or mental health, are not subject to the required use of a face covering. In such instances, it is important for parents/guardians to work with their child’s healthcare providers and district staff so that an informed decision can be made on how best to meet the child’s needs on the bus while protecting their health and safety along with our staff and other students. Parents/guardians must provide a note from a medical provider if an accommodation is requested because a child is unable to meet the required health and safety protocols.
Students that do not have a face covering will not be denied transportation. The driver will provide the student with a face covering.
Screening
All transportation employees will perform a self-health assessment for symptoms of COVID-19 before arriving to work.
Transportation for Arlington Residents Not Attending Arlington schools
The District will provide transportation to nonpublic, parochial, private, or students whose Individualized Education Program have placed them out of district whose schools are conducting in-person education when/if the district is not.
Training Drivers and monitors will train students and provide periodic reminders on the
following: o Proper way to wear a face covering o Proper physical distancing o The signs and symptoms of COVID-19
School bus drivers, monitors and mechanics will be trained by transportation department administrators and supervisors at our annual start up meeting prior to the start of any in-person leaning on the following:
o Bus cleaning between runs o Bus disinfecting once daily o Hand sanitizer not being installed on a school bus o Employees not being permitted to carry personal hand sanitizer on to the bus o Face covering requirements o Proper physical distancing in office settings, as well as school bus settings o PPE needed for cleaning and disinfecting o Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 o Location and method of PPE supplied needed by staff o Location of hand sanitizer within offices, break rooms and garage locations o Employee must wear gloves when in direct contact with a student o How to complete a daily self-health assessment for COVID-19 before reporting
for work. o Students must wear a face covering on the school bus if physically able to o Location of, distribution and resupplying of extra face coverings stored on the
bus for any student who shows up to ride the bus but does not have one. Each
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bus must have a supply of face coverings for each scheduled passenger plus extras.
o Students not able to wear a face covering are permitted to ride the bus. Periodic refreshers on the above training topics will be provided.
Social Emotional Well-Being The social emotional well-being of our students and staff and social emotional learning (SEL) will remain a top priority for our District. The Arlington Central School District has written a K-12 Comprehensive Student Support Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. Our plan was developed by the District’s school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, elementary teachers, and building and district administrators. In addition to the K-12 Comprehensive Student Support Plan, in the Spring of 2020, in concert with our County Stabilization Center, our PPS staff created “What To Do When Staff Are Concerned With Student Welfare During Online Learning.” This document is embedded in our K-12 Comprehensive Student Support Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. It will be resent via email to all employees in September 2020 and is available online.
Resources and referrals to address mental health, behavioral, and emotional support services and programs are available on our website
Faculty and staff will participate in professional development opportunities regarding how to talk with and support students during and after the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. The professional development will provide supports for developing coping and resilience skills for students, faculty and staff.
School Schedules
The reopening school schedule will be dependent upon the most current guidance from the NYS Governor’s office and Education Department. A detailed student schedule will be provided to each family. Assuming schools are approved to open in-person with physical distancing requirements in place in September 2020, ACSD will implement a hybrid (in-person and remote instruction) model. The decision making framework for the startup schedule is as follows:
Enable the district and its staff to properly prepare for starting a new school year with many entirely new procedures and guidelines and adequately inform families and provide time for Professional and Staff Development,
Provide important orientation time for children in transition grades, K, 3 (intermediate schools) 6, and 9 who will be entering new schools for the first time.
If in-person is not allowed, the district will implement its fully remote mode.
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Hybrid Plan Re-Opening Plan, Fall 2020 In order to provide time for students who are transitioning to new schools (grades K, 6, 9) time for orientation, we will be follow the following schedule for the first two weeks of school.
● All Remote Learning: September 10 - September 11 ○ Remote Instruction for all students K-12
● Partial Hybrid/Orientation: September 14 - September 18 ○ Elementary:
■ Hybrid Schedule: Kindergarten, and grade 3 (intermediate schools only) ■ Some special class and ELL details to be developed ■ Full Remote grades 1,2,3,4,5
○ Middle Schools: ■ Hybrid grade 6 only, some special class and ELL to be developed ■ Full Remote 7 & 8
○ High School ■ Full Remote 9-12 ■ Afternoon Orientation for grade 9 only. Details to follow.
● Full Hybrid: September 21 ○ All K-12 is Hybrid
**A shorten day will be considered in order to ensure the delivery of the online learning component of the Hybrid plan. ** Elementary Hybrid Schedule
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Cohort A At School At School Online Online Online
Cohort B Online Online Online At School At School
Cleaning Schedule
Nightly Cleaning
Nightly Cleaning
Whole School Deep Cleaning
Nightly Cleaning
Nightly Cleaning
All students in special classes will attend school each “At School” day on the calendar.
Select ELL students will attend school each “At School” day on the calendar.
Students will be placed in cohorts by their respective school principals. Special consideration will be
taken in regards to sibling groupings.
Students in Cohort A will attend school Monday and Tuesday of each week. During a week where there
is no Monday due to a holiday, students in Cohort A will attend school on Wednesday of that same
week.
Students on Cohort B will attend school Thursday and Friday of each week. While in school, students
will follow a schedule similar to that of any school year.
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Plans for synchronous and asynchronous remote learning are being developed and will reinforce student
in class learning. Included in this plan will be an intensive immersion professional development program
including supplementary material for families to use at home.
Secondary Hybrid Schedule
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
A Day Week Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Online Cohort 3 Cohort 1
B Day Week Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Online Cohort 3 Cohort 2
C Day Week Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Online Cohort 3 Cohort 3
D Day Week Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Online Cohort 3 Cohort 1
Cleaning Nightly Cleaning
Nightly Cleaning
Whole School Deep Cleaning
Nightly Cleaning
Nightly Cleaning
Due to physical distancing requirements, building space constraints, and additional personnel needs we
are only able to provide in class instruction one day per week combined with synchronous and
asynchronous instruction. A Plan for supplementary remote instruction is being developed. Depending
on results of 2nd family survey, the number of students who are fully remote, may allow for additional in
class time.
Full Virtual Model: Arlington Online School If parents/guardians choose not to send their child(ren) back to school, even if our schools are
open utilizing a hybrid model, remote instruction will be provided. Moreover, if circumstances
related to COVID-19 worsen, and based on directives/guidance from the Governor of New York
and the NYS Education Department, the District is prepared to transition all students into a
virtual learning model to ensure the health and well-being of students, staff, and families. The
specific schedule and Plan for Remote Online Instruction is being developed along with the
necessary professional development.
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Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism
All schools in the ACSD will collect and report daily teacher/student engagement or attendance regardless of the instructional setting. This will occur whether school opens in September in-person, hybrid, or remote. Attendance policies and procedures will be communicated with families and students prior to the start of the school year or if the instructional model changes during the year. Communication may take the form of building level parent letters/newsletter, phone calls, emails, text messaging, and social media. Teachers will record daily attendance in our student management system based on the required daily scheduled student contact and engagement. Reports will be generated to identify students who are absent and/or chronically absent. Contact with the families will be made to determine reasons for absence and needs or barriers the student may have to participate in daily lessons. ACSD will keep attendance of any school-age student of compulsory age, who resides in the district or is placed by a parent/guardian in another public school district, or is placed by a district administrator or the CSE of the school district in educational programs outside the district (such as, another school district, BOCES, approved private in-State or out-of-State school, and State supported school) must be reported in SIRS. Parents will be contacted by the district if their child has chronic absenteeism or disengagement to develop a plan to re-engage their child.
Technology and Connectivity
The District distributed Chromebook devices to over one thousand teachers and students in the spring of 2020. In addition, devices were provided to summer school students in July 2020. The District sent communication (electronically and via postal mail) to families in July 2020 to alert families that devices are to stay with students throughout the summer and will be used for learning in the fall. Information regarding proper care and guidelines for use were included in the communication. The District conducted surveys on Digital Equity in June 2020 to determine the level of access to devices and high speed internet in the home for all teachers and students. According to the survey, a high percentage of high school students were using their own devices. There were a small number of students and teachers with insufficient internet access. These are the results of the Digital Equity Survey Results for Teachers and Students. Over the course of the 2020-2021 school year, the District will transition from a shared device model to a 1:1 model. The process outlining the transition and distribution of devices and internet hotspots is described in the Digital Equity and Device Distribution Planning document. Due to delivery and access to supplies, devices on order may not be available for distribution in September.
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The issuance of devices and internet hotspots will be as follows:
Since the Digital Equity survey was anonymous, a phone campaign will be conducted by building principals and staff in the summer of 2020 to determine current access to devices and internet access.
Distribution will begin in August 2020 for priority one and two students. School personnel will label all student technology in advance, then stage them
alphabetically at the high school. Information on cleaning and disinfection of equipment will be provided with all
equipment, including the use of electronic equipment. The use of aerosol cleaning sprays or wipes that contain bleach should not be utilized. Manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for all cleaning and disinfection of products.
Students and parents will be emailed to complete a property issuance form online. Staggered parent drop off times will be scheduled to limit the number of parents
arriving at the school at any one time for pickup of their child's technology. Parents arrive and provide their last name to School Member 1, who is stationed at the
parking lot entrance, using Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) and equipped with a portable radio. Parents/guardians will write the student names on a large piece of paper and hold up for the School Member to see.
Parents remain in their vehicles while the runner retrieves and places the student's belongings in the passenger seat without having contact with the runner.
Remote Learning Tools
Google Classroom and Google Meet are the established digital platforms for teaching and learning for hybrid and distance learning models. The rationale for using these tools is to provide continuity for both teachers and students. Teachers and students have experience with these tools and express positive outcomes in using both Classroom and Meet.
Google Meet, part of G Suite Enterprise, will include polling, interactive whiteboards and breakout rooms. The district will upgrade to the G Suite Enterprise version in the fall to utilize these anticipated features for teaching and learning.
In order to improve communication between students and teachers, student email accounts will be implemented and provided to students in the fall.
ScreenCastify edit/record will be purchased for teachers to use to provide students with access to video materials that are integrated with Google Classroom. Professional development on this tool will be implemented in August.
A full list of approved apps and tools will be shared on the district website in accordance with the data privacy Ed Law 2D part 121 regulations. The Arlington Online Learning Guide provides information for parents, teachers and staff on multiple ways for students to participate in learning and demonstrate mastery of standards.
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The district will increase internal bandwidth for possible synchronous video conferencing from Arlington classrooms to students. See the proposed plan entitled Internet Connectivity and Bandwidth Planning for In School, Hybrid and Distance Learning models.
Technology Professional Development Opportunities
Arlington Tech Facilitators and local BOCES are providing professional development to staff throughout the summer and for the 2020-21 school year. These activities include the supported tools for teaching and learning for all learning model scenarios.
Teaching and Learning
Instruction In an effort to assure high-quality teaching and learning, a continuity of learning plan has been developed for the 2020-21 school year. This plan considers and plans for teaching and learning in-person, remotely, and through hybrid models of instruction. Our plan assures that instruction is aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and assures equity as well as quality for all learners. Equity is at the heart of all school instructional decisions. All instruction in our district will be designed so that whether it is delivered in-person, remotely, or through a hybrid model due to a local or state school closure, there are clear, comprehensive, and accessible learning opportunities for all students. Such opportunities will be aligned with state standards. Our teaching and instructional plan outlines routine, scheduled times for students to interact and seek feedback and support from their teachers. Our plan is centered on instruction and academic programming that includes regular and substantive interaction with an appropriately certified teacher regardless of the delivery method (e.g., in person, remote or hybrid). Our teaching and learning plan includes a clear communication plan for how students and their families/caregivers can contact the school and teachers with questions about their instruction and/or technology. This information will be accessible to all, available in multiple languages, widely disseminated, and include clear and multiple ways for students and families to contact schools and teachers (e.g., email, online platform, and/or by phone) in an effort to assure learning for all.
The school calendar typically includes one or more staff-only days before students arrive at school. Acknowledging the challenges that our teachers and staff have faced this spring delivering remote instruction under stressful circumstances, the district will focus these in-service days on providing support to staff in the areas of social-emotional health and technology integration.
As we enter the new school year, teachers will be encouraged to spend time building relationships, supporting students with the transition back to school, and teaching physical distancing etiquette at developmentally appropriate levels.
When a remote or hybrid learning model is necessary, certain groups of students will be prioritized for in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. This includes, but is not limited
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to, special education students, English language learners, and students with technology or connectivity needs.
Assessing student learning gaps or areas of need will be critical. Formative assessment before a unit of instruction to assess student understanding of pre-requisite skills will be common practice.
Acknowledging that the typical content in a given grade level or course may need to be adjusted, content will be prioritized to ensure that students receive instruction for the prioritized learning standards, key understandings, and skills necessary for students’ success in future study.
Grading practices will follow a standards-based framework designed to provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) For information relating to teaching and learning in BOCES special education and Career and Technical Education programs, please see the BOCES website. While planning for CTE instruction, whether in-person, remote or hybrid models, ACSD collaborated with Dutchess BOCES to ensure high school instructional plans are aligned. DCBOCES has developed models that ensure NYS learning Standards, applicable industry certification requirements, clinical and work based learning hours have been met. In addition, their plans follow all NYS/DOH health and safety guidelines and physical distancing. Arts Art and music education foster creativity, help students to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, as well as teach self-discipline and the value of perseverance. The District will continue to provide our students with opportunities to explore and discover talents and passion. Arts instruction in each discipline area and grade level will be provided while adhering to physical distancing and safety protocols. Music Every effort will be made to run ensemble groups with the following criteria:
Physical distancing with clearly marked spaces, separate entrances and exits
Cleaning of stands and instruments will take place throughout the day.
Wind instruments will not be shared by students. o School-owned instruments must be assigned to individual students and not
shared between students in different bands. o In order to minimize the use of shared drumsticks and mallets, students should
have their own stick bags.
For shared instruments (cellos and basses), the following protocols apply: o Students should wash their hands before and after using a school owned/shared
instrument. o Shared instruments must be wiped down with a disinfectant cloth after each use.
Chorus Protocols: To be developed
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Athletics & Extracurricular Activities
Interscholastic Athletics As a result of the COVID19 pandemic, districts have delayed the Fall sports start date until Monday, September 21. With NYS approval for the opening of schools in September and with appropriate physical distancing, PPE usage, and cleaning and disinfection of equipment, the following will be implemented:
● Cancel NYS Fall Regional and State Championship events ● Waive seven-day practice rule to enable greater opportunities for local participation ● Maintain current practice requirements ● Encourage geographic scheduling for games & contests ● Schools would have the option, if permitted by state officials, to offer off-season
conditioning workouts.
If the Fall sports season is interrupted or impacted by COVID-19 crisis (i.e. state official guidance, school closings, cancelation of high-risk sports) then a condensed seasons plan will be implemented. This plan takes into consideration the competitive and interactive aspects of each sport and would include the following, with the stipulated dates being tentative.
● Season I (Winter Sports) ○ Dates: Jan. 4-Mar. 13 (Week 27-36) 10 Weeks ○ *Note: tentative dates Sports: basketball (girls & boys), bowling (girls & boys),
gymnastics, ice hockey (girls & boys), indoor track & field (girls & boys), skiing (girls & boys), swimming (boys), *wrestling, *competitive cheer. * Because of the high risk nature of wrestling and competitive cheer, sports may have to be moved to Season II or season III.
● Season II (Fall Sports) ○ Dates: Mar. 1-May 8 (Week 35-44) 10 Weeks ○ *Note: tentative dates Sports: football, cross country (girls & boys), field hockey,
soccer (girls & boys), swimming (girls), volleyball (girls & boys), Unified bowling. Note: Weather will have an impact upon outdoor sports in some parts of the state in March and potentially early April. Girls Tennis moved to Season III.
● Season III (Spring Sports) ○ Dates: Apr. 5-Jun. 12 (Week 40-49) 10 Weeks ○ *Note: tentative dates Sports: baseball, softball, golf (girls & boys), lacrosse (girls
& boys), tennis (girls & boys), outdoor track & field (girls & boys), crew (girls & boys).
Extracurricular Activities The ACSD will limit use of school/district facilities to district or school sponsored extracurricular activities and groups. If any external community organizations are permitted to use school/district facilities, we will ensure such organizations follow State and locally developed
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guidance on health and safety protocols. We will maximize the use of technology and online resources to facilitate some extracurricular activities.
For the 2020-2021 school year, the ACSD will not hold large group in-person experiences, e.g., Community Nights, Winter/Spring Concerts, School Plays, STEAM Fairs, Spaghetti Dinner, Parent Literacy Night. For the 2020-2021 school year, the ACSD will not have any in-person field trips and will utilize virtual learning opportunities for students as much as practicable.
Special Education
Provision of Services To the greatest extent possible, each student with a disability will be provided the special education and related services identified in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) consistent with the need to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Until schools return to normal operating conditions, the same flexibility with respect to IEP implementation for delivery of services during school closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to apply to the special education programs and services whether delivered in-person and/or remotely (e.g., flexibility with respect to the mode and/or manner; group or individual sessions; specific group size for related services, frequency, duration and location of related services, and special class size ratio etc.).
During the 2020-2021 school year, due to the health and safety requirements that must be in place when students are in school buildings, schools may not be able to provide all services in the same mode and/or manner as written on an IEP. The District will determine what methods will be utilized to deliver special education programs and services to meet the needs of students with disabilities as they plan for various types of instructional models including in-person and remote learning.
Based on the manner of delivery of special education programs and services, access to the necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, and technology (including assistive technology) will be provided to meet the individual needs of students as recommended on their IEP.
In-District Special Education Programs and Services for the All In-Person Model
When Arlington schools are able to be in-person for all students, IEP recommended programs and services will be offered as described in each students’ IEP.
In-District Special Education Programs and Services for the Hybrid Model
Elementary Students
Elementary students placed by the Committee on Special Education (CSE) in an 8:1+1 or 12:1+1 special class for all core academic classes will attend school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday’s instruction will be online. Students will
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receive recommended related services in person and/or remotely. Any in-person mainstreaming opportunities that enable students with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled students to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with the least restrictive environment (e.g., lunch or specials) will be considered and implemented in accordance with NYSED and DOH Guidance.
The implementation of programs and services for elementary students placed in a part-time special class and part-time integrated co-taught classroom will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Elementary students placed by the CSE in an integrated co-taught classroom will attend school according to the group they are assigned to by the building principal.
Elementary students placed by the CSE in an integrated co-taught classroom and students with related services only will receive recommended related services based on the service provider’s schedule. The schedule may include in-person services and/or virtual services.
Middle School Students
Middle school students placed by the CSE in a 12:1+1 special class for all core academic classes will attend school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday’s instruction will be online. Students will receive recommended related services in person and/or remotely. Any in-person mainstreaming opportunities that enable students with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled students to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with the least restrictive environment (e.g., lunch or specials) will be considered and implemented in accordance with NYSED and DOH Guidance.
The implementation of programs for middle school students placed in a part-time special class and part-time integrated co-taught classroom will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Middle school students placed by the CSE in integrated co-taught classes and/or 15:1 special classes will attend school according to the group they are assigned to by the building principal.
Middle school students placed by the CSE in integrated co-taught classes and/or 15:1 special classes or related services only will receive recommended related services based on the service provider’s schedule. The schedule may include in-person services and/or virtual services.
Middle school students placed by the CSE in a resource room will attend school according to the group they are assigned to by the building principal.
High School Students
High school students placed by the CSE in a 12:1+1 special class for all core academic classes will attend school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday’s instruction will be online. Students will receive recommended related services in person and/or remotely. Any in-person mainstreaming opportunities that enable students with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled students to the maximum extent appropriate in accordance with the least restrictive environment (e.g., lunch or specials) will be considered and implemented in accordance with NYSED and DOH Guidance.
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The implementation of programs and services for high school students placed in a part-time special class and part-time integrated co-taught classroom will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
High school students placed by the CSE in integrated co-taught classes and/or 15:1 special classes will attend school according to the group they are assigned to by the building principal.
High school students placed by the CSE in integrated co-taught classes and/or 15:1 special classes or related services only will receive recommended related services based on the service provider’s schedule. The schedule may include in-person services and/or virtual services.
High school students placed by the CSE in a resource room will attend school according to the group they are assigned to by the building principal.
In-District Special Education Programs for the Online Model
If the District is completely online, special educators will follow any guidelines expected for general education teachers. The special educator will consider:
How will the work be made accessible and accommodated? How will the work be tailored for the individual student? How will the student work towards IEP goals? How will progress on IEP goals be measured?
Related Service Providers Related service providers include Speech-Language Pathologists, School Social Workers, School Psychologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. Related service providers develop a schedule based on the needs of each individual student on their mandated student caseload. Related service providers who are providing IEP or 504 mandated services will continue to support all students in progressing towards their individual goals. It is beneficial when related service providers and students/families engage in ongoing communication. Parents and guardians should not hesitate to reach out to their child’s case manager and/or related service provider with any questions and/or concerns. Students receiving BOCES itinerant services will be contacted by their BOCES service provider for the schedule of services. Parents and guardians that receive Parent Counseling and Training will be contacted by their provider. Special education teachers, related service providers and families are reminded to maintain the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding students who receive special education services. Any information that providers need to share with specific students/families will be done so in the most confidential manner under the circumstances.
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Special Education Reading Teachers Special education reading teachers will provide reading support in person and/or remotely based on the instructional model chosen by the parent/guardian and the schedule for the respective instructional model.
Resource Room Teachers Resource Room teachers will collaborate with students’ teachers, provide supplemental instruction and implement program modifications and accommodations. Program Teaching Assistants, Shared Teaching Assistants, and One-to-One Teaching Assistants Program teaching assistants, shared teaching assistants and one-to-one teaching assistants will be working under the direction of the classroom teacher to support students with learning. In order to provide optimal learning for students, the teaching assistants will be invited to share the teacher’s Google Classroom and will collaborate with the classroom teacher in meeting the individual needs of students.
Arlington Students Enrolled in BOCES and State-Approved Schools Arlington students enrolled in special education programs that are not in Arlington schools will continue to receive educational support from their CSE/CPSE recommended programs and should contact their Arlington special education supervisor with any questions.
Parentally Placed Students Attending Private Schools Located in the Arlington District Parentally placed students attending private schools located in the Arlington District will continue to receive educational support from their private schools. In addition, Arlington will provide supplemental supports in accordance with the students’ IESPs. Parents should contact their Arlington special education supervisor with any questions.
Parentally Placed Students Attending Private Schools Located in Another District Parentally placed students attending private schools located in another district will continue to be supported by their private schools and their public school district of location.
Communication
To the extent possible, meaningful parent engagement will be delivered in the parent’s preferred language or mode of communication regarding the provision of services to their child to meet the requirements of the IDEA. Such services and communications will be documented in Frontline.
Parents have received IEPs with the recommendations the CSE made at the annual review via the Collaboration Portal through Frontline. Based on the mode for delivery of instruction, students will receive their program according to the provisions of the District’s Special Education Plan.
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Special Education teachers and related service providers will collaborate with parents/guardians regardless of the mode for delivery of instruction. It is beneficial when teachers and related service providers and students/families engage in ongoing communication. Parents and guardians should not hesitate to reach out to their child’s case manager and/or related service provider with any questions and/or concerns.
There will be collaboration between the committees on preschool special education (CPSE) and committees on special education (CSE) and program providers representing the variety of settings where students are served to ensure there is an understanding of the provision of services consistent with the recommendations on individualized education programs (IEPs), plans for monitoring and communicating student progress, and commitment to sharing resources.
Progress Monitoring
Teachers and service providers will continue to collect data, whether in-person and/or remotely, and use such data to monitor each student’s progress toward the annual goals and to evaluate the effectiveness of the student’s special education services.
Reports of progress to parents may be made via electronic means if progress reporting procedures specified in the student’s IEP cannot be met with reasonable efforts. Initial Referrals
The CSE will take into consideration all factors that may have influenced the student’s progress during school closures due to COVID-19. If the district suspects a student of having a disability, the special education office will obtain parental consent for the necessary evaluations. A referral may not be warranted if the reason for underperformance is due to school closures and a change in the provision of education. All parent referrals and requests for referrals by school staff should be considered as usual per the procedures in Commissioner’s Regulations section 200.4(a). Evaluations will be conducted in-person as long as the district is permitted to perform in-person programming. In the event that school buildings are closed, staff will determine which evaluations may be performed remotely.
Reevaluations
Evaluations will be conducted in-person as long as the district is permitted to perform in-person programming. In the event that school buildings are closed, staff will determine which evaluations may be performed remotely.
CSE Meetings
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CSE meetings will continue to be held virtually. The need for virtual meetings will be reassessed periodically. Parents will receive the necessary documentation including Prior Written Notices and IEPs via the Collaboration Portal through Frontline. Parents who wish to receive their documentation by another means should contact the Special Education Office to discuss their needs.
Bilingual Education and World Languages
If the start of the 2020-2021 school year occurs in an in-person or hybrid format, the ACSD School District will complete the English Language Learner (ELL) identification process within 30 school days of the start of the school year for those students who enrolled during the COVID-19 school closure in 2019-2020. Screening will also take place within that timeframe for students who enrolled during summer 2020 and the first 20 school days of the 2020-2021 school year. Following the 20-day flexibility period, the ELL identification process will take place within 10 school days of initial enrollment, as required by Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154. All ELLs will be provided the required instructional units of study in their ENL program based on their most recently measured English language proficiency level during an in-person or hybrid instructional format. The District will continue to maintain regular communication with the parents/ guardians and/or other family members of ELLs and provide written communication for parents/guardians in their preferred language and mode of communication.
Teacher and Principal Evaluation System
We will ensure that all teachers and principals are evaluated pursuant to the District’s currently approved APPR plan. Should a variance be required, we will ensure the application is approved by the NY State Education Department.
Certification, Incidental Teaching, and Substitute Teaching
All teachers will hold valid and appropriate certificates for their teaching assignments except where otherwise allowable under the Commissioner’s regulations (e.g., incidental teaching) or Education Law.
Pertinent Links
● State Education Department Issues Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools (July 16, 2020)
● State Education Department Presents Framework of Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools (July 13, 2020)
● Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, NYS Department of Health (July 13, 2020)
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Additional References ● Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation During the COVID-19 Public Health
Emergency
● (June 26, 2020) ● Interim Guidance for Food Services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. ● (June 26, 2020) ● Interim Guidance for Office-Based Work during the COVID-19 Public Health
Emergency. ● (June 26, 2020) ● Interim Guidance for Public Transportation Activities during the COVID-19 Public
Health Emergency. (June 26, 2020) ● New York State Department of Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) ● New York State Education Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) ● Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) ● Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 Website
