Milton Public SchoolsReturn to Schooling PresentationMPS School Committee August 5, 2020

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Agenda

● Background and Context

● Decision Making Framework

● The Hybrid Model

● The Full Remote Model

● Questions

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Background and Context

On June 25, 2020, DESE released initial guidance for school reopening that prioritizes getting students and staff safely back to school in person, following a comprehensive set of health and safety requirements. Through this guidance, we required schools to create a plan that includes three models: 1) in-person learning with new safety requirements; 2) a hybrid of in-person and remote learning; and 3) remote learning.

July 15, 2020 On the Desktop- MA DESE Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley

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By Monday, August 10, districts must finalize their comprehensive plan documents, submit them to DESE, and release them publicly to their communities.

MA DESE Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance June 25, 2020

MA DESE Continuum of Fall Reopening Models

Deadline extended for

MPS to August 11,

2020

Key Points from MA DESE Guidancehttp://www.doe.mass.edu/covid19/return-to-school/

Goal: To get as many students safely back into schools as possible.

● Plan classroom arrangements with the goal of 6 feet apart, but no less than 3 feet apart. Desks and chairs should all face in the same direction.

● Create cohorts of students to limit interactions to the extent feasible.● Require masks for all staff and for students grades 2-12; masks for students in grade

PreK-1 are highly encouraged by DESE.● Maintain physical distancing throughout the building with thoughtful planning of

procedures.● Emphasize and support hand hygiene.● Designate an isolated space for students or staff who are waiting to be picked up due to

displaying COVID-19 symptoms and have clear protocols for responding to scenarios.● Train all staff in all topics related to returning to school. 4

Framework for Our Decision Making

● MPS Guiding Principles for a Return to School (see July 29, 2020 School Committee presentation)are the drivers for all decision making.

● MA DESE Guidance, crafted in partnership with the MA Department of Public Health, must be considered in consultation with experts such as those in public health from the MPS Reentry Task Force, the Milton Board of Health, and Town of Milton Facilities personnel.

● Conclusions regarding the degree to which MPS can implement multiple mitigation strategies to significantly minimize risk of transmission must be drawn and formulate the foundation of a safe return.

● The needs of students, staff, and parents/guardians must be considered. 5

Two Models: Hybrid and Full Remote

Hybrid Model

At Home Learning In School Learningpart of the time part of the time

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Full Remote Model

At Home Learning 100% of the time

The Hybrid Model

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● Safety and Facilities● The Model

Milton Public Schools

Safety & Facilities

Center for Disease Control’s Guiding Principles for Opening Schools:

● Promoting Behaviors that Reduce Spread● Maintaining Healthy Environments● Maintaining Healthy Operations● Preparing for When Someone Gets Sick

The Milton Public Schools’ plans for reopening will be described in detail in a comprehensive plan to be distributed to staff and families after August 11, 2020. The following slides capture some of the key points of the plan.

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As we continually review the medical and science literature, various reports and articles, and information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and other countries and states, it is clear that it is not a single action, but the combination of actions that minimize risk, mitigate the virus’s transmission, and help create safe environments.

MA DESE Fall Reopening Facilities and Operations Guidance July 22, 2020

Promoting Behaviors that Reduce the Spread

● If you are sick, stay home. If you are not sure, stay home.○ Staff and families will be educated about symptoms associated with COVID-19 and will sign a pledge that they will

check their own symptoms each day and stay home accordingly.○ Protocols have been developed to respond to students and staff who become symptomatic during the day.○ Isolation rooms have been identified in each school. They will be staffed by qualified personnel.

● Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be taught and reinforced.● Surgical/medical masks will be required for all students and staff (except those who medically

cannot wear one); specialized PPE for school nurses, some special education staff, etc. will be worn; district will provide PPE to students and staff as needed

● Hand sanitizer, soap refills, paper towels, disinfecting wipes, and masks are well stocked. ● Signs and messages that promote protective measures and describe how to stop the spread

will be prominently displayed throughout all buildings; regular daily announcements will be made to students 9

Maintaining Healthy Environments

● Cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day and at night○ Protocols developed- see MPS Custodial Reference Guide to COVID-19○ Training to take place on all protocols

● Shared objects minimized○ Materials list being prepared for families; includes storage box

● Ventilation○ MERV 11 filter in HVAC plus at least two windows open every night; fresh flow of air during day○ HEPA Filters being purchased for selected locations

● Additional bottle fillers being added in the district; bubblers turned off● Physical barriers added in offices; physical guides to be added● Large space use will be limited to recaptured space for classrooms● Special protocols being developed for food service; grab and go 10

Maintaining Healthy Operations

● Designing options for staff and students who might be at higher risk● No field trips; no visitors (unless required by law); virtual

parent/guardian meetings (unless required by law)● Training and professional development for staff● Working with the Milton Educators Association on leave options● Revisiting attendance policies to encourage staying home if any

symptoms are present● Designing back up staffing plans

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Preparing for When Someone is Sick

● MA DESE has issued guidance on how to respond when someone shows symptoms during the day

● Isolation rooms have been identified in each school; to be staffed by qualified personnel

● Cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been established (see MPS Custodial Reference Guide to COVID-19) and appropriate training will be given to all staff

● Decisions about multiple cases in a classroom, school, or the district will be made based on guidance from the Milton Board of Health

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The Hybrid Model: Elementary● Students will be divided into two groups- Group 1 and Group 2.

○ Group 1 is at School Learning (3 hours): Monday, Thursday, and every other Wednesday

○ Group 2 is at School Learning (3 hours): Tuesday, Friday, and every other Wednesday

○ At Home Learning includes: ■ Live sessions with Classroom Teacher(s) and Service Providers■ Live sessions with Specialists■ Live sessions for Spanish (English Innovation Pathways)■ Well planned extensions, enrichment, application in the core academic areas

● With approximately 50% of students in the building, chairs can be 6 feet apart

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Sample Elementary Hybrid Schedule (Week 1)

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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8:20 AM- 11:20 AMGroup 1

Learning at School (Core Academics)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at School (Core Academics)

Learning at School (Core Academics)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

8:20 AM- 11:20 AMGroup 2

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at School (Core Academics)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at School (Core Academics)

11:20 AM - 12:50 PM

Teachers- Lunch/Common PlanningStudents At School-Travel Home/LunchStudents At Home-Lunch/Movement

Teachers- Lunch/Common PlanningStudents-Travel Home/LunchStudents At Home-Lunch/Movement

Teachers- Lunch/Common PlanningStudents-Travel Home/LunchStudents At Home-Lunch/Movement

Teachers- Lunch/Common PlanningStudents-Travel Home/LunchStudents At Home-Lunch/Movement Break

Teachers- Lunch/Common PlanningStudents-Travel Home/LunchStudents At Home-Lunch/Movement Break

12:50 PM - 2:50 PMGroup 1

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at Home (Core Academics live with teacher remotely)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at Home (Core Academics live with teacher remotely)

12:50 PM - 2:50 PMGroup 2

Learning at Home (Core Academics live with teacher remotely)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

Learning at Home (Core Academics live with teacher remotely)

Learning at Home(Core Academics live with teacher remotely)

Learning at Home (Specialists, Spanish, indep./collabor. work)

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● Structure allows for students to interact live with their classroom teacher (in person or live remotely) everyday.

● Lessons will be planned so that students still move through the learning standards called for in the MA DESE Curriculum Frameworks.

● Learning at home includes live teaching sessions with Specialists, Spanish (if applicable), and additional interventions or services. In addition, at home learning will consist of practice, extensions, and application working from well-coordinated extended assignments and student-directed activities in the core academic areas. Student work will be a mix of independent and collaborative (e.g. project-based).

● Students with high needs in special education programs (Integrated Preschool, Sub-Separate Preschool, Collaborative, NECC/Partners, STEP, and Co-Taught) may opt to attend every day.

● Other high needs groups will be phased in for additional in person support once the school year is underway.

Notes on the Elementary Hybrid Model

The Hybrid Model: Pierce MS● Students will be divided into two groups- Group 1 and Group 2.● With 50% of students in the building chairs can be 6 feet apart

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Sample Student Schedule: Pierce Middle School

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Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

7:50—8:48 AGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

AGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

EGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

EGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

8:54—9:52 BGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

BGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

FGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

FGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

9:58—10:56 CGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

CGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

GGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

GGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

11:02—12:00 DGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

DGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

Connection Time/Office Hours

Group 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

Connection Time/Office HoursGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

12:00—1:10 Student Dismissal, Grab & Go Lunch, Travel Home, Teacher Collaboration, Meetings, Prep & Lunch

1:10—1:55 EGroups 1 and 2 Remote

GGroups 1 and 2 Remote

AGroups 1 and 2 Remote

CGroups 1 and 2 Remote

2:00—2:45 FGroups 1 and 2 Remote

Office HoursGroups 1 and 2 Remote

BGroups 1 and 2 Remote

DGroups 1 and 2 Remote

The Hybrid Model: Milton HS● Students will be divided into two groups- Group 1 and Group 2.● With 50% of students in the building chairs can be 6 feet apart

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Sample Student Schedule: Milton High School

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Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

7:50—8:48 AGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

AGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

EGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

EGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

8:54—9:52 BGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

BGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

FGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

FGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

9:58—10:56 CGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

CGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

GGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

GGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

11:02—12:00 DGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

DGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

Office HoursGroup 1 Learning In SchoolGroup 2 Learning At Home

Office HoursGroup 1 Learning At HomeGroup 2 Learning In School

12:00—1:10 Student Dismissal, Grab & Go Lunch, Travel Home, Teacher Collaboration, Meetings, Prep & Lunch

1:10—1:55 EGroups 1 and 2 Remote

GGroups 1 and 2 Remote

AGroups 1 and 2 Remote

CGroups 1 and 2 Remote

2:00—2:45 FGroups 1 and 2 Remote

Advisory & Office HoursGroups 1 and 2 Remote

BGroups 1 and 2 Remote

DGroups 1 and 2 Remote

Notes on the Pierce Middle School and Milton High School Hybrid Models

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● Lessons will be planned so that students still move through the learning standards called for in the MA DESE Curriculum Frameworks.

● Learning at home will consist of practice, extensions, and application working from well-coordinated extended assignments and student-directed activities assigned by teachers. Work will be a mix of independent and collaborative.

● Afternoon sessions are live and include the full class roster.● Students in special education programs (REACH, NECC, and

ACHIEVE) may opt to attend every day. ● Other high needs groups will be phased in for additional in person

support once the school year is underway.

The Full Remote Model

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Some Full Remote Model NotesElementary

● Attendance will be taken at each class session. ● K-2: (Daily) At least 4 sessions live instruction with

classroom teacher inclusive of morning meeting and close of day check in as well as live specialist, intervention, and Spanish classes (as applicable). Live sessions with the classroom teacher will at times be small groups.

● 3-5: (Daily) At least 6 sessions of live instruction with classroom teacher inclusive of morning meeting and close of day check in as well as live specialist, intervention, and Spanish sessions (as applicable). Live sessions with the classroom teacher will at times be small groups. 23

Middle & High School

● Attendance will be taken daily at each class. Schedule will mirror in person.

● All classes will begin live. Duration of live interaction will vary depending on lesson goals/activity.

● Live teaching portion of the period will most often be at least ½ the class period (exceptions include the day of a test, for example)

Full Remote Model: Sample Schedule Elementary Grades 3, 4, or 5

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8:30-8:45Morning Meeting, Attendance, Review Objectives for Day, Community Builder

8:45-9:00 Independent Practice or Community Builder Follow Up

8:45-9:15 Language Arts Mini Lesson

9:15-9:55Language Arts -Small Group Check-ins,Intervention, Independent Practice

9:55-10:20 Snack/Break

10:20-10:45 Math Mini Lesson

10:45-11:30Math-Small Group Check-ins,Intervention, Independent Practice

11:30-12:20Lunch BreakMovement Break

12:20-1:00Small Group Check-Ins, Intervention, Independent/Collaborative Work

1:00-1:45Science/Social StudiesMini Lesson

1:45-2:30 Specialist

2:20-2:30 Closing Circle/HW

● Gold yellow/orange boxes indicate live teaching sessions.

● Green boxes indicate possible additional live teaching.

● Spanish would be scheduled for those students in English Innovation Pathways

● Specialists will be scheduled as applicable.

Full Remote Model: Pierce Middle School

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Students and teachers will follow their typical schedule of classes.

Remote Learning Daily Schedule

A Period 8:00 - 8:40

B Period 8:45 - 9:25

C Period 9:30 - 10:10

D Period 10:15 - 10:55

Office Hours & Independent Learning Time 11:00 - 11:30

Lunch 11:30 - 12:00

E Period 12:05 - 12:45

F Period 12:50 - 1:30

G Period 1:35 - 2:15

Full Remote Model: Milton High School

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Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

7:50—8:40 A G E C

8:50—9:40 B Office Hours F D

9:50—10:40 C A G E

10:50—11:40 D B Advisory & Office Hours

F

11:40-1:00 Student Break & LunchTeacher Collaboration, Meetings, Prep & Lunch

1:00—1:50 E C A G

1:55—2:45 F D B Office Hours

Special Education:Hybrid and Remote Models

Hybrid Model

All services in IEP provided. No Remote Learning Plans● Students who attend special education programs

(see previous slides) will attend every day to receive those services.

● Other students who receive special education services will receive them Remotely when home and in person when in school

● All families offered and encouraged to attend Remote Meetings

● Students tested under regular conditions in person

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Full Remote Learning Model

All services in IEP provided. No Remote Learning Plans

● All students Remote for Special Ed Svs● All families offered and encouraged to

attend Remote Meetings● Students tested as we can bring them

safely in on careful schedule (TBD)

Comparing Hybrid and Full Remote: Benefits

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Hybrid Model:

● Allows students to attend school in the building at least part of the time.

● Improved social connections and student engagement.

● Selected populations can attend full time.● Teachers can take advantage of what

works in person.● Inconsistent connectivity could be more

easily resolved.

Full Remote Model:

● No safety and facilities requirements.● Easier to manage when all students are

remote.● Resources could be dedicated elsewhere

(instead of safety precautions).● Professional development could be more

targeted.

Comparing Hybrid and Full Remote: Concerns

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Hybrid Model:

● Significant cost to ensure safety and facilities requirements are met.

● Increased immediate requirements in terms of training for staff.

● Significant education/training for students and staff on safety precautions.

Full Remote Model:

● The harms attributed to closed schools on the social, emotional, and behavioral health, economic well-being, and academic achievement of children, in both the short- and long-term, are well-known and significant. (cdc.gov)

● Students are far more likely to disengage in a full remote learning environment.

● Increased responsibility for parent/guardian to “teach” students.

● The delivery of special education services is far more challenging in a remote learning environment.

Some Notes On the “Opt Out Full Remote”● The plan is to allow families to opt into a full remote model, regardless of MPS School

Committee vote.● The Milton Public Schools has today received information on Edgenuity and Florida Virtual

School Global.● We will choose the program best suited to the district’s needs.● Students in grades 1-5 will receive world language instruction (French or Spanish, as

applicable) in addition to the chosen platform.● There will be a transition period for a student who has begun in the district selected platform

and wishes to transition back to the current model in the district.● The district is planning ways in which students who opt into this platform can still maintain a

connection to their classmates.30

Questions?

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