2020-2021 Back to School

Family Guide

Dedicated to Continuous Improvement

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Dear Sampson County Schools Families,

As the start of the 2020-2021 school year approaches, there is much uncertainty about school opening under the pressures created by the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in our community. Sampson County Schools (SCS) Back to School 2020-2021 Family Guide is a living document and one of many resources that Sampson County Schools is creating to answer your questions about school opening. It will be updated frequently to reflect the most current state guidelines and district policies, procedures, and resources that are available to you and your family. For the most up-to-date information check online at www.sampson.k12.nc.us

You can view state guidance on school reopening on following websites:

NC Department of Public Instruction https://www.dpi.nc.gov/news/covid-19-response-resources/lighting-our-way-forward

NC Department of Health and Human Services https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/guidance/Strong-Schools-NC-Public-Health-Toolkit.pdf The information included in this guide is subject to change Please note that this information is accurate as of the publication date. Sampson County Schools is continuing to monitor guidance provided by federal, state, and local public health agencies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will provide updates as needed. Updated information will be communicated through multiple media sources including: Blackboard Connect, REMIND messages, email, phone call notifications, and through Sampson County Schools Facebook and Twitter channels @SampsonSchools. Additionally, Sampson County Schools Board meetings can be viewed through Facebook live each month at the regular board meeting. Please follow Sampson County Schools on social media and make sure your school has your most current email and phone number. After School Care After School Care services at Elementary Schools will resume services under Plan B. Athletics Sampson County Schools is following the guidance listed at www.nchsaa.org. All athletic activities are voluntary for student athletes. Sampson County Schools will continue to follow NCHSAA and the Sampson County Health Department guidance regarding athletics and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

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Co-Curricular and After School Activities At this time, all co-curricular and after school activities are on hold until further information is available and until further planning can occur.

COVID-19 Case Reporting Procedures Report any suspected, presumptive, or positive cases to Sampson County Public Health officials for contact tracing. All affected facilities will be additionally sanitized. Families and staff will be notified of positive cases and provided with information on contacts and how to access screening resources. Facility closures will be determined in consultation with Public Health. If contacted by the school to pick up a child due to symptoms a parent/guardian must pick up their child. Schools will make three contact attempts to parent/guardians first then move to emergency contacts. If the student is not picked up the next step is to call Department Social Services. Electronic Devices & Connectivity Students may use their own device and should not request a school issued device if they have availability at home. Students can bring their own device to school when operating in Plan A or B and connect through the “guest” network (no cellular/hotspot/VPNs). Devices must have the following installed:

v an anti-virus program installed before entering the Sampson County Schools network v Install one of the free Microsoft licenses available to all students through their Microsoft

Account v Install Google Chrome as a browser

Sampson County Schools will not be responsible for repair, damage or theft of personal devices.

Individual hotspots/Kajeets have been ordered to serve students on a first come/first served basis and/or grade level priority with a maximum of 1 per household. Elementary Schools Grades K-2nd will have iPads, while Grades 3rd-5th will have laptops available for check out for remote learning. Elementary has a limited number of devices to distribute. Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade will be given first priority for device distribution. Middle Schools Grades 6th-8th will have laptops available for check out for remote learning. High Schools Grades 9th-12th will have laptops available for check out for remote learning. High Schools will begin distribution with Seniors first, then Junior, Sophomore students and Freshman.

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Sampson County has the following areas available for downloading/uploading material in the parking lot. Union Area: Union High School – Students Only* Rowan PFWB Church, Ivanhoe – Open Access Garland Library – Open Access Harrell’s Christian Academy – Open Access Judy Memorial Center-Ivanhoe – Open Access Clinton City Area: Sampson Community College – Open Access Star Retail Sore (Lowe’s) – Open Access Clinton Library – Open Access Star Office (U.S. 421) – Open Access Hobbton Area: Hobbton High School – Students Only* Newton Grove Library – Open Access Lakewood Area: Lakewood High School – Students Only* Mintz Christian Academy – Open Access Roseboro Library – Open Access Midway Area: Midway High School – Students Only* *Students only Field Trips and Extracurricular Activities At this time, all district and school-based field trips are on hold until further notice. Healthy School Buildings Face Coverings

All adults and students in Pre-K-12 settings are required to wear face coverings when they are or may be within 6 feet of another person other than family members. Staff and students must wear cloth face coverings on buses and school transportation vehicles, inside school buildings, and on school grounds.

All Pre-K-12 students riding a bus must wear a face covering unless there is an exception due to developmental, medical, or behavioral health needs. If a student cannot wear a face covering, they will be required to complete a form to notify Transportation Services. Hand Washing and Hand Sanitizing Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone wash his or her hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Teachers will be teaching proper hand washing procedures in the classroom, incorporating hand washing breaks into the

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school day, and reinforcing hand washing during key times throughout the school day such as before and after eating, using the restroom, and touching shared objects. Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, individuals are encouraged to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol). Schools will provide hand-sanitizing stations at every school entrance and exit throughout the building and in every class. If your child has sensitivities to hand sanitizer, please communicate this with your child’s teachers so they can provide your child other opportunities to clean their hands. To prepare for a return to campus, please review hand sanitizer best practices by Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/hand-sanitizer-use.html Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures

Buildings will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected throughout the day and every evening. Multiple times a day, custodians will perform the following duties, among others:

v Sweeping, dust mopping, and spot mopping hallways, steps, and stair landings, as well as the cafeteria;

v Cleaning and disinfecting hall water fountains; v Cleaning and disinfecting bathroom floors, sinks, toilets, urinals, and stall handles; monitoring

hand sanitizer, soap, and paper products; v Wiping and disinfecting high-traffic areas and touch points in halls, common areas, and

classrooms, if accessible. Horizontal and high-touch surfaces and shared equipment will be wiped down between classes. Disinfectants used are EPA-approved for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Current cleaning and disinfecting protocols will continue to be reviewed and enhanced in terms of frequency and intensity. Health and Safety Symptom Screening At Home

v Students should have their temperature taken daily before leaving for school v Students should not attend school if they have a fever (100.4 degrees F) v Information can be found in the Student Handbook related to symptom checks as well as on

the Sampson County Schools website to learn about COVID-19 signs and symptoms. https://www.sampson.k12.nc.us/domain/84

At School After arriving at school, all staff and students will be asked the symptom screening checklist questions and have their temperature taken at school. For students with limited communication or more extensive needs, screening will include dialogue with parent or adult caregiver. Our school nurses are public health staff and will continue to be considered the medical expert at each school site. As supervised by Sampson County Public Health, school nurses will maintain consistent communication and advisement for the care and well-being of the school family.

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Staff will be trained on signs/symptoms to refer students for screening. Students exhibiting signs/symptoms will be discreetly provided an isolated space to wait for a parent or caregiver to take them home.

v Staff will be assigned as screeners as students arrive at school v Staff will be trained on the proper and consistent use of personal protective equipment v Face masks will be provided for students and staff without them in case of an emergency.

Learning Environments Families have sent a clear message: they want options for their children. Many are excited to return to their school campuses; many are not yet ready.

For those who want to return to a school campus, state officials have requested that school districts develop three plans (A, B, and C) for different learning environments to operate in the 2020-2021 school year. The plan in which we operate will be based on state and local officials, NCDPI guidance, and NCDHHS guidance regarding the safe reopening of schools. To accommodate a variety of needs, all students will have the option of attending a remote learning opportunity if they are not ready or able to return to a school campus. Leaving and Returning to Campus Students or staff who leave campus and return during the school day will be re-screened upon arrival. Visitors are discouraged at this time. Schools will be limited to a few designated areas of entrance and exits which will be monitored at all times. Arrival -Staff will make sure that proper sanitizing takes place prior to the entrance; face masks will be required; no unauthorized persons may enter. Dismissal -Staff will make sure that no congregation will take place; social distancing will be monitored. Meal Service Our child nutrition employees will continue to prepare food in our school kitchens following very strict food safety and sanitation procedures required by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), and NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). All students will eat in their classroom for breakfast and lunch. All meals will be individually packaged for direct service to students. Sampson County Schools participates in the community eligibility program (CEP) and all students may participate in free breakfast and lunch services.

Our menus will continue to feature student favorites, our signature in-house speed-scratch specialties, fresh Got To Be NC Farm-to-School fruits and vegetables, and will provide the protein, grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables that are important ingredients in a nutritious meal. When operating in Plan B shelf stable foods will be sent home with students upon request to help with food security until the student is able to be back on campus for face-to-face instruction.

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During Plan C the following cafeteria will be open for Drive-Thru Pick Up services. Clement Elementary, Midway Elementary, Hargrove Elementary, Hobbton High School, Salemburg Elementary, Roseboro-Salemburg Middle, Union Middle School Additionally, Yellow Bus delivery will continue as long as funding is available in the State of Emergency guidance to the following locations: Autryville Farmer’s Market, Central Baptist Church, Garland Senior Center, Harrell’s ballpark, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Andrew’s Chapel Church, Snow Hill Baptist Church, and Turkey Town Hall. Plan A - Minimal Social Distancing Under Plan A, school facilities are open and all students are present at the same time in school buildings. Enhanced health protocols are required, with other protocols recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services. Teaching and learning is traditional with preparation in place for blended learning. This environment is the most familiar to students and parents. Students receive daily, in-person instruction and support from school employees.

Plan B - Moderate Social Distancing Under Plan B in Sampson County Schools:

v All Pre-K-12 students will attend face-to-face instruction two days a week either Monday/Tuesday for Group 1 or Thursday/Friday for Group 2.

v Siblings will be in the same group. v All students will participate in remote learning the three days they are not physically attending

in the school building. v The district recognizes there some students with learning difficulties, have not demonstrated

the capacity to gain meaning from remote learning models. For these students, expanded in-person services may be offered.

v A full Pre-K-12 remote learning option will be provided for families at their request. Both face-to-face and remote learning environments will have high expectations and will result in work that contributes to the student’s overall grade. Teachers will strategically place learning opportunities in each environment to create an overall experience that aligns to rigorous state standards for the grade level or course. Experiences during online instruction will be a combination of recorded and live instructional sessions.

Plan C - Remote Learning Only Under Plan C, no students are present in school facilities unless the school opportunities for enrichment and intervention, staff will work at school sites unless the Governor issues a stay at home order. All learning opportunities will happen remotely and will include recorded, live instructional sessions and access to printed assignments. Social Distancing Social distancing of 6 feet or more is required by all adults and students in school buildings under Plan B. Floor markings in waiting and reception areas will indicate distancing requirements. Desks and seating will be arranged to provide appropriate social distancing and one-way entries, exits, and traffic patterns will be established to prevent crowding.

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Social-Emotional Learning We recognize that the pandemic has caused stress and emotional health concerns for families, students and staff. We have taken these needs into consideration and will be working with staff to provide support for your student. Below are some signs students may exhibit if experiencing concerns. Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

v Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones v Changes in sleep or eating patterns v Difficulty sleeping or concentrating v Worsening of chronic health problems v Worsening of mental health conditions v Potential use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

We encourage parents to contact your school counselor if you feel your child is experiencing emotional or mental health symptoms. You can reach them by phone or email by visiting www.sampson.k12.nc.us. For additional mental health information and resources, you can access the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov under Coronavirus Disease 2019/Coping With Stress or call the HOPE4NC Helpline 1-855-587-3463 or make an anonymous tip using SAY SOMETHING at https://www.saysomething.net/ or call 1-844-5SAYNOW. Special Education

v Expanded in-person services may be offered for some students with learning difficulties, who have not demonstrated the capacity to gain meaning from remote learning models.

v Services for students with medical conditions that place them at increased risk will be determined by the student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) team and may include a different ratio of in-person/remote learning options than their same-aged peers.

v Students with communication needs, such as deaf and hard of hearing, speech/language, articulation, or other identified needs, will be provided with clear masks to minimize any impact face coverings may have on language development or communication.

v Increased sanitation and cleaning will be performed on equipment and surfaces. Families of students with special needs may participate in their child’s health screening upon arrival at the school. The parent attestation form may be utilized as the safest possible option for a child with specific medical, physical, or intellectual needs if an adult is not available to provide information at drop off. State Testing

At this time, state testing will be conducted when students begin to return to the building from Plan C (remote learning). This includes BOG, Pre-ACT, Workkeys, etc. All such testing must be conducted in the building under secure conditions. If we return to school under Plan B, students who chose to have remote learning all semester or all year will be given the option to come into the building in an isolated setting and be given certain state assessments. Student Support Services To address the concerns and stress you may be experiencing, the following tips can support your family during this time:

v Stay connected with caring friends and family v Stay connected with plans for the opening of the new school year through

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www.sampson.k12.nc.us and through district and school social media accounts v Access resources made available to you and your family for any needs you may have. If you

have unmet needs, please contact 211 for assistance v Prepare your children in following the 3 W’s: WEAR your face covering properly, WAIT 6 feet

apart from others, and WASH hands well. When out in public, practice using the distance markers on floors to maintain appropriate distancing

v Prepare your children for changes they will find when arriving at school such as: new traffic patterns in the hallways, staff/students wearing face coverings, smaller class sizes, keeping materials (pencils, markers, etc.) to yourself, and not touching each other or each other’s belongings.

We know that school is a necessary part of our community. We are doing everything we can to be able to learn and work all together in the safest way possible. We expect to continue to:

v Cultivate a sense of belonging and community v Provide structures for physical and emotional safety v Provide multiple levels of support for meeting the needs of all students v Provide access to overall health services for optimal developmental and learning outcomes.

Teaching and Learning We are committed to challenging and engaging students in relevant, rigorous, and meaningful learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many uncertainties, including how we will return to school in August and how that learning environment could change over the course of the school year. All instruction under Plans A, B, and C will be relevant, rigorous, and meaningful. It’s our core belief that all students deserve to be challenged and engaged in relevant, rigorous, and meaningful learning each day. This school year, regardless of which learning environment your child attends, they will be taught rigorous content every day that aligns with North Carolina’s grade-level standards. Here’s what will be the same across all learning environments and across all schools:

v Students will be counted as present if they complete their daily assignments, either online or offline or the student has checked-in with their appropriate teacher(s) attendance counts everyday

v All classes will use similar, district-supported learning materials, texts, and instructional tools v All students will get appropriate support and services through the general education program,

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special education, Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, Academically & Intellectually Gifted (AIG), English as a Second Language (ESL), and intervention

v All students will get support from their counselors, social workers, and student support personnel, as needed

v All schools will focus on establishing effective relationships and community. Transportation The Parent Attestation form can be found in the student handbook. This form must be signed before a student can participate in transportation services for 2020-2021. The parent/guardian should notify the school and update the form if anything changes in regards to COVID-19 symptoms. To promote social distancing, no more than one student will be seated on a school bus seat at a time with the exceptions for students in the same household. Students must use the same AM/PM bus stop this year to facilitate the reduced capacity on school buses, increasing the number of routes per school will be necessary. All Pre-K-12 students riding a bus must wear a face covering which may be a mask and/or face shield unless there is an exception due to developmental, medical, or behavioral health needs. Touch points, including doors and windows, grab handles, arm rests, hard seats, door handles, and seat belt buckles, will be cleaned and disinfected between each bus run with an EPA-approved disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Every bus will be cleaned between morning and afternoon runs and at the end of each day. A responsible adult or older sibling is required to wait with elementary-age children at the bus stop until screening is complete to help the child return home should health considerations indicate that they are not able to board the bus. Visitors and Volunteers Sampson County Schools and administrative facilities will continue to be closed to visitors except by appointment or at the discretion of the school principal. Visitors will be required to follow the same screening procedures as staff and students and be expected to wear a mask. Water Fountain Use In response to COVID-19, students will be prohibited from drinking directly from water fountains. All students are encouraged to bring their own bottled water or reusable water bottles. All water bottles should be clearly labeled with the user’s name. It is the students’ responsibility to keep track of their water bottles and take them home for regular cleaning. If students need water and do not have a water bottle, they may ask an employee for a disposable cup to get water from the water fountain.

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Re-Entry Plan C (Remote Learning)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question/Concern Response

If I selected Remote Learning for my child in the survey, do they have to stay in that option all year?

Yes, regardless of if you selected ONE SEMESTER or WHOLE YEAR, students must remain in that option for at least one semester. Students may return to face-to-face instruction after a grading term. Make sure you communicate your intentions to school administration when you make the decision to return to on-campus instruction.

Is lunch still available while remote learning at home? How will they get it?

Yes, students participating in remote instruction will be able to pick up meals at designated times and locations throughout the district. To view all locations, visit https://www.sampson.k12.nc.us/domain/66.

Are students required to do remote learning? How will they turn in their work and receive grades?

Yes, ALL days count for attendance and grading whether the student is completing a virtual format through a universal learning management system such as Google, Microsoft Teams, Canvas or completing a paper instructional packet. SCS will also continue to use PowerSchool where parents and students have access to live grading and scheduling information. School is back in session on August 17, and we want everyone to take learning seriously. We will be assessing student work and providing feedback and grades on student work.

If I select a remote learning option for my child, will my child be provided a device to use or will I have to provide the device?

Students enrolled in remote learning are encouraged to use their own computer device if you have one available. Sampson County Schools will have a loaned assigned device from the district on a first come first serve basis.

What school scheduling and learning options will be provided for my child?

The school day is flexible and students will receive direct instruction from teachers at scheduled times as well as videotaped lessons.

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Will schools have their normal school hours? Will remote learning have set hours?

Yes, instruction is expected to take place during the normal school hours with a set timeline for in-person teacher sessions and remote learning. Sample schedules will be shared with families in early August. Speak with your child’s teachers and school administrators for more specifics.

What if my child has an IEP or a 504 Plan? What options do I have?

Exceptional Children’s Services will provide options at each level. The restrictions of virtual will require individual meetings with parents whose students are on the separate/resource continuum. Remote learning and face-to-face options, when appropriate, will follow the IEP closely and most services will be available. Related services (such as PT) may have some limitations in a remote environment and require the child to come to campus for services.

What social and emotional supports are available to help students and staff adjust to re-entry?

SEL daily activities will be embedded into lessons. Students are encouraged to reach out to guidance counselors and teachers if they need additional support. For additional mental health information and resources, you can access the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov under Coronavirus Disease 2019/Coping With Stress or call the HOPE4NC Helpline 1-855-587-3463 or make an anonymous tip using SAY SOMETHING at https://www.saysomething.net/ or call 1-844-5SAYNOW. Students in grades 6-12 will receive training on the Say Something app during this first 30 days of the school year.

Will hotlines be available to address needs such as student support services, academic assistance, general questions, etc. like in the spring?

Teachers will post Office Hours where they will be available to answer questions. Sampson County Schools utilizes a communication tool known as REMIND. This tool allows for two-way communication through text with your child’s teachers and school.

How long will Plan C last? Will schools eventually move into Plan B?

All schools will operate under Plan C for at least four weeks, through at least September 14, 2020. All schools will begin operating under Plan B (Blended-Remote and Face-to-Face Learning), at the time Superintendent Dr. Stewart Hobbs and the Sampson County School Board deem it safe for students to return to the school building supported by the Sampson County Health Department confirmation that COVID-19 conditions have improved sufficiently in Sampson County such that Plan B can be safely implemented. District officials will continue to work with the local health officials regarding COVID-19 trends updates will

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be shared through the SCS website as they become available.

When will remote instruction begin for the 2020-2021 SY?

Remote instruction will begin on August 17, 2020. Sampson Early College will begin August 10 based on the calendars listed on the SCS website that were previously approved by the Board: https://www.sampson.k12.nc.us/Page/5009

Will there be an orientation or “open house” for Plan C?

The district is exploring ways to provide multiple student orientation options for device and material pick-up opportunities to prepare students to engage in robust, standards-aligned remote learning experiences at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. Parent and student orientation sessions will be held. It is very important that participation is high due to annual paperwork that must be completed. More information will be shared in August through your child’s school.

I do not have a device for remote instruction; will the district provide a device for my child? Internet?

This fall, the district will provide a loaned device for students in grades K-12.Other measures are underway to narrow the gap with connectivity.

Will the school rotate in and out of Plan A, B and C throughout the year 2020-2021?

Given the uncertain state of the science regarding COVID-19 and young children and adolescents and the current upward trend of COVID-19 cases in Sampson County, it is necessary to adopt Plan C for the opening of the 2020-2021 school year in order to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. The Sampson County School Board and Superintendent Hobbs will react to cases and trends following guidance from the Sampson County Department of Health. Our top priority is for students to get back to school in a safe environment that is conducive to learning.

I have more questions? Please contact your child’s school for more information https://www.sampson.k12.nc.us/domain/60

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER: All Sampson County Schools district-level and school-based communications or guidance, e.g.handbooks, websites, social media communications, etc., are subject to change at any time due to changing COVID-19 conditions and related health or safety guidance.

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