PHASED RETURN TO IN-PERSON SCHOOL PLAN FAQ
REVISED 10/9/2020
What will happen if CDH moves Ada County to Category 2 and then determines Ada County is back to Category 3 after a period of time?
We will consult with CDH and medical professionals to determine if all students need to return to virtual learning only or if other measures can be put in place to continue in-person learning (see information above regarding new guidance from CDH for school operations in Category 3). In addition, some classes, grade levels and/or schools may have to move to virtual learning depending on positive cases and exposures. Following our safety protocols will be paramount to keeping incidents of exposure to a minimum.
How will movement between phases be determined?
Careful deliberation and consideration will take place before moving to the next phase. Progression through phases will be dependent upon:
- Guidance from Central District Health (CDH),
- Guidance from medical professionals,
- Ability for schools to adhere to safety protocols, and
- Impact on school operations due to positive COVID-19 cases and staff and students in quarantine.
How does this plan affect athletics?
At this time practices and competitions will continue. Coaches and players are following safety protocols which has allowed us to continue with practices and competitions. If there is a positive case in our athletic program, we work with CDH and follow their guidelines.
Why not bring junior high and high school students back earlier?
The success of the overall plan depends on the ability to slowly integrate students while we ensure our safety protocols are being followed. Given that secondary students participate in classes with multiple grade levels, grades 7-9 and 10-12 will need to be brought back in the same phase.
Why does a phased reopening only involve half the students in each class attending each day?
By bringing in half of the students and teaching health and safety protocols, routines and procedures will be much more effective. The smaller class numbers will allow for adequate physical distancing spacing in the classroom and overall lower numbers of students building-wide. In addition, the smaller class sizes will allow for targeted instruction.
Why implement virtual Mondays?
CDH provides updates to district leadership on Mondays, which will guide decision making about moving forward each week. Having three full days to identify, contact trace and quarantine students and staff after being together in the building for four days will be beneficial in stopping the spread. Custodial staff will also have more time to prepare for student return. Furthermore, teachers will be with their entire class (virtually) on Mondays and will have the ability to set expectations for the week, reinforce protocols prior to students coming to the building, and prepare all students for the week's instruction. Students will also have their 1:1 device with them in case there is a need for an extended closure beyond Monday.
What should families expect on the day their students are not in school?
Teachers will continue to use Google Classroom (grade 3 - secondary) and SeeSaw (grades K-2) as the platforms for instruction whether the learning is occurring in-person or virtually. For elementary students the days between in-person learning will be more independent practice, some guided lessons, and work from the teacher. Secondary students will continue with synchronous lessons through Google Classroom with their teachers during Virtual Mondays and their non in-person days.
How will it be determined what days students will attend?
Families will be contacted by their schools about their student’s schedule. It is the intent of the District to split the students by alphabet (for example A-L and M-Z). However, this may need to be adjusted to account for class size, combo classrooms, or to keep families together. Special consideration will be given for families with different last names.
