Slocomb Elementary

School 2020-2021

Parent-Student Handbook

Henry Dawkins, Principal Chancy Smith, Assistant

Principal 108 South Hemby Street

Slocomb, AL 36375 Phone: (334) 886-2132 Fax: (334) 886-9842

Twitter: @ SESREDTOPS

Geneva County School Website:http://genevacountyschools.com

Slocomb Elementary Website: https://al49000004.schoolwires.net/

Domain/15

Our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/slocombelementaryschool/

Anonymous Alerts:

See School Website or go to this web address:

https://www.anonymousalerts.com/genevacountyschools/default.aspx

Please Sign, tear out this page & return this page to your child’s teacher

Student / Parent Handbook Acknowledgement

I, _______________________________________ as the parent or

(print name of parent / guardian)

guardian of_________________________________________________ (print name of student)

hereby acknowledge by my signature that I have received and read, or had read to me, and understand the Slocomb Elementary School Handbook. My child and I agree to abide by the rules and policies contained in this Handbook.

__________________________________________

Signature of Parent / Guardian

__________________________________________

Signature of Student

________________________

Date Signed

SIGN ON THE LINE BELOW ONLY IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD’S NAME OR PICTURE TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE MEDIA.

I do not want my child (_______________________________)name/picture to be given to the media or placed on the school web site for such things as Honor Roll, awards, or participation of events.

_____________________________________________ ________________________

Signature of Parent / Guardian Date

NOTIFICATION OF NAME LISTINGS & PICTURES OF STUDENTS & MEDIA

Unless the parent or legal guardian request otherwise, the school or news media may list students’ names, take pictures and/or make audio-visual recordings of students during sporting events, awards ceremonies, and general interest events. Students’ names, pictures and/or audio-visual presentations of students may appear on the school system or individual school web sites. This includes the listing of students’ names and placement of students’ pictures in the school newsletter for Honor Roll, AR Rewards, Student Council, etc. Pictures and/or audio-visual recording that identify students as receiving special education instruction will not be allowed without prior approval. If you do not wish for your child’s name/picture to be given to the media or placed on the school website, please sign the form at the bottom of the next page.

Slocomb Elementary School

Henry Dawkins, Principal

108 South Hemby Street Slocomb, AL 36375

Phone: (334) 886-2132 Fax: (334) 886-9842

Dear Parents and Students, Welcome to another great year at Slocomb Elementary School! This parent-student handbook has an abundance of information related to making this a successful school year. It is a guide to the way we operate as a school. Please read it carefully. There will also be a copy available on the school website for your convenience. It is very important for home and school to form a team with one another. Communication and collaboration with one another will ensure that the students at Slocomb Elementary School have the best possible educational experience this year. We look forward to being a partner in your child’s education! Sincerely,

Mr. Henry Dawkins Principal

Our VisionAchieving Excellence Together

Our MissionThe mission of the Geneva County School System, in partnership with families and the

community, is to educate all students for success in a diverse world.

Our BeliefsSlocomb Elementary Faculty and Staff believes:

Every student deserves equal opportunities. Every student deserves the opportunity to obtain a

strong educational foundation based on reading,writing, and mathematical skills.

Every student deserves the opportunity to experiencesuccess. Every student accelerates learning by beingprepared at all times.

Every child deserves an environment that fosters self-worth and enhances his/her potential.

Every student has good qualities and is special in his orher own way.

Every student is worthy of consideration and respect. Parent involvement is an invaluable part of the

educational process and is essential to every studentreaching his/her potential.

6. The following items are prohibited at school and onthe bus:A. Guns and/or knives (Real or Toy)B. Trading cardsC. Electronic gamesD. Bats and hard ballsE. PetsF. Weapons or weapon replicas of any kind(including lighters)

G. Large amounts of money (over $20)

Students who violate these rules, as well as the rules out-lined in the Geneva County Student/Parent Handbook, will be punished according to the rules in the Geneva County Code of Conduct.

TOYS AND OTHER PERSONAL BELONGINGSToys or personal belongings such as ipods, tablets, MP3 players, fidget spinners, hand-held video games, trading cards, and cameras should not be brought to school. If these items are brought to school, they will be taken up and will not be returned until a later date. Students are not allowed to trade or give away toys, money, or any other personal items that they bring from home. Cell phones must be placed inside teachers’ boxes during schools hours. Students will get their phones back at the end of the day. Phones must be left in students backpacks even during car and bus line.

STUDENT CONDUCT

All students at Slocomb Elementary School are expected to conduct themselves in the manner of a good citizen and exhibit positive self-discipline. Good behavior is expected in all areas of the campus so that it does not interfere with the educational opportunities of other students. The classroom teacher is responsible for discipline in the classroom. Negative behavior on school grounds is expected to be corrected by all employees, which includes paraprofessional, custodian, cafeteria worker, secretary, and principal. Rules that must be followed are:

1. Students will not disrupt a learning situation in theclassroom by rude or negative behavior. This behaviorincludes hitting, kicking, stealing, tripping, pushing,cursing, and verbal abuse.

2. Students must show respect toward their teacher, otheradults, and their classmates.

3. Students will be expected to treat school buildings aswell as the grounds with respect and will help take careof it.

4. Students will be expected to do their best work and tocomplete all assignments.

5. Students are to walk, speak softly, and always becourteous of others in the halls, lunchroom, andclassrooms.

SLOCOMB ELEMENTARY FACULTY

Pre-K: 4th Grade:

Jones, E. Adams, S.

Morrow, M. Boyd, G.

Kindergarten: Gilland, B.Hales, S. Jones, S. Mitchell, A. West, K.

1st Grade: Davitz, S. Hill, A. Merritt, A. Phillips, S. Purvis, K.

2nd Grade: Baxley, G. Harrison, A. Kelley, W. Smith, H. Tisdale, J.

3rd Grade: Estes, L. Mitchell, J.Peak, T. Riley, K.

Owens, S.Wilson, K.

5th Grade:Price, A.Seay, J.Stephens, A. Woodham, K.

Physical Education: Allen, J.Whitaker, J.

Special Services: Andrews, K. Bennett, W. Eldridge, T. Womack, N.

Instructional Coach: Hatton, H.

Counselor:Bryant, A.

Intervention:Lee, Crystal

Nurse:Hobbs, K.

COUNTY WIDE FACULTYTeresa Farkas, Psychometrist Kristy Drake, Gifted

SUPPORT PERSONNEL SUPPORT STAFFSarah Adams Letty Andrews Angie Boatright Teresa Collins Sherry Davis Derry Grace Marilyn Perkins Ray Stinson Charlotte Walden Sirena Williams Brittany Hammonds Brittany Sellers

Instructional Aide Migrant Liaison Instructional Tutor Parental Involvement Aide Instructional Tutor Custodian Instructional Aide Custodian Special Services Aide Special Services Aide Secretary/Bookkeeper Pre-K Aide

Bethany Abernathy Pre-K Aide

LUNCHROOM Rylla Shields -Lunchroom Manager

BUS NUMBERS & BUS DRIVERS 14-5 Couture21-06 White09-1 Fondren21-07 Jenkins13-3 Collins14-6 Eubanks14-4 Brown21-08 Wilson11-03 Segrest13-4 Whitaker17-2 Lunsford11-1 Smith

HONOR ROLLA Honor Roll- A student must make an A in all subject areas during a reporting period to be on A Honor Roll. For a student to be recognized at Honor’s Day for A Honor roll, he/she must have been on the A Honor Roll for the entire school year (4 nine weeks). A-B Honor Roll- A student must make a combination ofA’s and B’s (at least one A) to be on the A-B Honor rollduring a reporting period. For a student to be recognized atHonor’s Day for A-B Honor Roll, he/she must have been onthe A or A-B Honor Roll for the entire school year (4 nineweeks).

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI) Response to Intervention is a model of school supports that uses research-based academic and/or behavioral interven-tions. The RTI process begins with high-quality instruction of all children in the general education class. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning. Students who receive Tier II intervention receive extra help daily from their regular classroom teacher. Students who receive Tier III intervention will receive extra support from their regular classroom teacher in addition to help from a certified tutorial teacher. If you have any questions about Response to Intervention (RTI), please contact the school Counselor.

HOMEWORKTeachers provide instruction to each student so that mastery of the subject matter can occur. However, homework is a vital part of this learning process since instruction often needs to be reinforced with additional practice outside the classroom. The learning process is a joint effort. Teachers, students and their parents/guardians should share in the responsibility for the students' mastery of the subject matter. Homework and/or individual study units will be discussed fully in the classroom so that parents are not required to give instruction. The teacher will provide the instruction.

GOOD CITIZEN AWARD PROGRAMAll students at Slocomb Elementary School are eligible to receive the distinguished monthly Good Citizenship Award. The students must meet the following criteria: 1. Follow all school and classroom rules2. Take responsibility for his or her actions3. Share with others4. Show care and concern for others5. Help others in need

One student per homeroom class will be chosen each nine weeks to receive the Good Citizenship Award. At the end of the year, one student from each homeroom will be chosen by the teacher to be the Good Citizen for the Year. This student will receive a special recognition on Honor’s Day.

2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR

August 28 First Student Day

September 7 Labor Day Holiday

October 12 Fall Break

November 11 Veteran's Day

November 23-27 Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec 23- Jan 1 Christmas Break

January 5 Students Return from Christmas Break

January 18 MLK Holiday

February 15 Presidents' Day

Mar 29- Apr 2 Spring Break/Good Friday

April 23 Student Holiday

May 27 Last Student Day

SPECIAL EVENTS •Open house activities will be announced on our school.Facebook page and web page. Masks will be required forattendance, and temperatures will be taken.•PTO meetings will be announced on our school Facebookpage and web page. Masks will be required for attendance,social distancing practices will take place and temperatures willbe taken.• Field trips will NOT be taken until further notice.• School assemblies will be limited.• Special event requests made by community organizations willbe limited and reviewed on a case by case basis; fees forcleaning, sanitizing, and social distancing will be considered.• Hand sanitizer will be readily available at all events, assupplies last.

IMPORTANT DATES EARLY CHECK OUT PROCEDURESAll pick-up changes should be requested by the parent/guardian by sending a note or a signed fax to the school BEFORE 1:00 p.m. PHONE CALLS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CHECK-OUTS and/or TRANSPORTATION CHANGES DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS. A parent requesting an early dismissal for a student must send a note to the school in the morning of the requested dismissal. The note should state the reason and time of the requested dismissal as well as the person picking up the student. Following this procedure should be a time saver for parents.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURESDURING SCHOOL HOURS

1. If a student leaves during the school day, onlyone person should enter the school and reportdirectly to the office; the visitor MUST wear a maskand should respect social distancing. The studentwill then be called to the office via the intercom.

2. The parent or guardian must have some form ofidentification.

3. No one is allowed beyond the brown counter atthis time without permission from administration.

If a student is only to be released in the custody of a certain parent or guardian, a court order document must be on file with the school office.

SCHOOL HOURSCar riders should be dropped off between 7:20 and 7:40 each morning. Students should not be dropped off at school before 7:20. Before this time, no one is on duty to supervise them. Students will report to their class upon arrival to school. Breakfast will be delivered to and eaten in the classroom, as always. The school day begins at 7:40, and students are tardy after 7:45. Students arriving at school after 7:45 should report to Mrs. Collins at the brown counter for a tardy slip. The school day ends at 3:05. Car line will begin at 3:00. Buses will begin loading at 3:10.

Grading Periods1st Nine Weeks 2nd Nine Weeks 3rd Nine Weeks 4th Nine Weeks

Progress Reports1st Nine Weeks 2nd Nine Weeks 3rd Nine Weeks 4th Nine Weeks

Report Cards1st Nine Weeks 2nd Nine Weeks 3rd Nine Weeks 4th Nine Weeks

Aug. 28- Oct. 23, 2020 Oct. 26- Dec. 22, 2020 Jan. 5- Mar. 12, 2021 Mar. 15- May 27, 2021

September 29, 2020 November 19, 2020 February 9, 2021 April 20, 2021

October 27, 2020 January 5, 2021 March 16, 2021May 27, 2021

COUNSELORMrs. Bryant works with individual students, small groups, and classes. A student may be referred to the counselor by a teacher, parent, or by self-referral. If a parent would like their child to talk to the counselor, they should call the school or send a note to the teacher, the counselor, or the principal. Parental permission is not required in order for a child to see the counselor or to participate in classroom guidance activities. Please call the counselor for more information regarding school counseling services.

CUSTODY If custody changes after enrollment, documents should be provided to the school as soon as possible after the change. Students cannot be withdrawn without this information. Court orders that specifically authorized the release of custody by the school system will be followed. The school system will not interject itself in a custody or visitation dispute between two parents. The school system will give to non-custodial parents, upon request, all information required under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act unless there is a valid court order directing the school system not to divulge such information. If such an order exists, a copy must be submitted to the school counselor.

TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL MATERIALSTextbooks and school materials are very expensive and students are expected to take care of any items issued from the school. If they are abused or destroyed, parents will be expected to replace them at the cost they were purchased.

DAILY SCHEDULERecess/Break will be outside; classes will be grouped/separated or beginning and ending times will be staggered to eliminate cross exposure; on inclement weather days, recess/break will be held in the classroom. Students/employees will be allowed to bring and have bottled water for use during the school day; water fountains will not be in service or available.School lunches will be pre-made plates or sack lunches and may be consumed inside the classroom or outside (weather permitting); proper sanitation practices will be practiced in the serving areas and in the classrooms. Parents are encouraged to pay for meals using our online payment system My School Bucks, which can be located on the Geneva County Schools’ webpage. Physical Education will social distance as much as possible without disrupting the integrity of the lesson/activity.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Immunization: All students must have a current record on file to attend school.Age: Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before September 1st. A copy of the child's proof of age must be supplied at the time of enrollment. Custody: If any person other than a natural parent has custody of a child, proof of legal custody or guardianship must be provided before the child may be enrolled at Slocomb Elementary School. Proof of Residence: Proof of residence must be furnished at the time of registration. Examples of proof of residence are home mortgage or warranty deed documents, vehicle tag transfer receipts, utility bills, bank statements, charge account statements, moving company receipts, health insurance documents, federal/state tax returns, documents from a governmental agency, driver’s license, and voter registration information. A notarized statement from another adult living at this residence is not ordinarily sufficient evidence.

SECURITY NOTIFICATION Visits to campus during the school day will be limited; essential visits only. Parents will not be allowed to walk students to class on the first day of school. Visitors to campus during the school day will be asked to wear facial coverings and will be subject to temperature checks. Parents/guardians will not be allowed to come on campus during the school day unless it is to pick up a sick child. Every person not employed or enrolled must sign in and give the reason and phone number for contact in case the information is requested by the ADPH. Parent conferences are encouraged, but should be held virtually or by phone. Vendors making deliveries will have limited access. No solicitation from outside vendors during the first semester. Additional fees for cleaning, sanitation, and social distancing may be applied to any facility use agreement with pre-payment required. The receptionist or office staff will call for your child. The teaching staff are instructed to not release a student to anyone other than office personnel.

TRANSPORTATIONAll pick-up changes should be requested by the parent/guardian by sending a note or a signed fax to the school BEFORE 1:00 p.m. PHONE CALLS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CHECK-OUTS and/or TRANSPORTATION CHANGES DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.

ADDRESS CHANGES

CHILD ABUSEAlabama law requires that school employees report to the Department of Human Resources (DHR) any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in prosecution of the school employee. Once a report has been made, official representatives of DHR have the right to and may come to the school to interview the child. Parental permission need not be obtained by the department.

CORPORAL PUNISHMENT The administration, faculty, and staff of Slocomb Elementary School strive to create an environment conducive to learning. It is very important that all students understand and follow school and classroom rules. When rules are not followed and the learning environment is disrupted, students will be disciplined according to the Geneva County Board of Education Code of Conduct. Corporal punishment (paddling) is used at times at our school. If a parent does not wish for his/her child to receive corporal punishment, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to send a note to school each school year to inform the administration. If the child does not receive corporal punishment, alternative punishments will be used such as after school detention, alternative school, or suspension. In or out of school suspension as decided by the administration.

In the interest of students, it is critical that the school is able to contact parents at all times the child is at school. Therefore, it is essential that the school have on file parents' current address and home and business telephone numbers. Emergency contacts with telephone numbers are needed in case a parent cannot be reached. If parents or guardians move, change jobs or phone numbers, they should contact the school immediately to update this important information.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (con't)Parents may register their children prior to the first day of school by appointment. Call the school counselor’s office to make an appointment. Parents who have not enrolled their children prior to the first day of school will need to call and make an appointment to do so. Parents will not be permitted to enter the building to enroll students during the first week of school.

ATTENDANCEWith the current health situation due to COVID-19, Geneva County Schools will continue to record/take attendance and enforce compulsory attendancelaws. Slocomb Elementary School supports the philosophy that the instructional program is a vital part of a formal education. We further believe that it is necessary to require students to attend school a maximum number of days for instructional purposes during each school year. Parents are strongly discouraged from taking students out of school for any reason other than emergencies. Students are required by state law to maintain a level of attendance, which enables them to meet their responsibilities as learners, and allow teachers to fulfill their obligations to the students. Students and parents hold the primary responsibility for school attendance and for following the attendance policy. Regular attendance shall be defined as attending school for the full day on each day during which school is in session. Absences beyond 4 days per semester must be substantiated with a physician’s statement unless excused by the Principal. Every absence after these will be considered unexcused unless special permission is granted by the Geneva County superintendent. Special absence codes associated with COVID–19 have been created and will be considered excusedabsences for students diagnosed or in quarantine, with proper documentation. Unexcused absences: SLES will follow the

guidelines set forth in the Geneva CountyStudent/Parent Information Guide regardingunexcused absences.

*NEW perfect attendance rule: Perfect Attendance - Perfect attendance is defined

as a student being present at school every day of theschool year. It is also defined as a student having NOtardies or check-outs for the entire school year. If achild is present every day but has check outs, we arevery proud of them. However, their attendance is not“perfect” unless they are in school for the entire day.

TRANSPORTATION (con't)CAR LINE RULES AND REGULATIONS

At the beginning of the school year, each child will receive 2 custom Car Rider tags. You may pick up your car tags at Open House. Please hang these tags on the rear view mirror of the vehicle(s) used to pick up your child. You can purchase another car tag from the brown counter between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Friday if needed. You may not park and come inside to get your child to avoid carline procedures. It is important that you have your car tag visible when picking up your child so that the car line will move quickly. If you do not have a car tag then you will be asked to park. You must enter the building to show your identification to pickup your child and then wait until the car line is complete. The teachers on car line duty are given these instructions. Please be RESPECTFUL if asked to park and go inside the building. STUDENTS MAY NOT BE CHECKED OUT AFTER 2:00 P.M. WITH OUT THE PRINCIPAL/DESIGNEE’SAPPROVAL. All walkers will be released at 3:00.

SCHOOL BUS REGULATIONSSocial distancing on a school bus is not practical. Slocomb Elementary School will implement best practices to try and prevent the spread of COVID – 19. Best practices like assigned seats, loading back to front, unloading front to back, and safe bus behaviors will be implemented to promote health and safety. Drivers – school buses will be sanitized before each trip; drivers are encouraged, but not required, to wear a facial covering. Students – students are encouraged, but not required, to wear a facial covering while on the school bus; students will be required to sit with family members; students who develop or exhibit symptoms will be asked to sit in an isolation seat; bus drivers will report students displaying symptoms to the appropriate school personnel upon arrival at school; hand sanitizer will be available on each bus as long as supplies are available; students are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer; assigned seating will be required.

The afternoon bus lines and car lines will require more time as we accomplish this task socially distancing as possible/practical; please use patience and please remember to stay in your vehicle – no early check outs unless it is for health reasons or healthcare appointments.

SLOCOMB ELEMENTARY SCREENING CONTINUUM

WELLNESS HOME is the first point on the screening continuum. Students and employees that exhibit the symptoms of COVID – 19 should stay at home. Families are encouraged to self-monitor symptoms of illness, which could include fever, dry cough, stomach ache in children, sore throat, etc. TRANSPORTATION is the second point on the screening continuum. Buses will have visible signage or other notice to communicate the symptoms students should not have if traveling on a school bus. Hand sanitizer will be available for students on the school buses. Bus drivers will place symptomatic students in an isolation seat and notify a school official upon arrival to school. SCHOOL is the final point on the screening continuum. School staff will visually check for symptoms during the school day (which may include temperature checks) and/or confirm with families that students are COVID – 19 symptom free.

HEALTHY HABITS FACIAL COVERINGS have been described as one method to reduce the spread of coronavirus by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Under Governor Ivey's current health order, effective July 16, 2020 at 5:00 P.M., each person shall wear a mask or other facial covering that covers his or her nostrils and mouth at all times when within six feet of a person from another household in any of the following places: an indoor space open to the general public, a vehicle operated by a transportation service, or an outdoor public space where ten or more people are gathered.

HEALTHY HABITS (con’t)

FACIAL COVERINGS (con't)But this facial-covering requirement is subject to the following exceptions. The facial-covering requirement does not apply to: any child six years of age or younger or any child who has not yet entered the second grade; any person with a medical condition or disability that prevents him or her from wearing a facial covering; any person while consuming food or drink, or seated at a restaurant to eat or drink; any person who is actively engaged in exercise in a gym or other athletic facility if he or she maintains six feet of separation from persons of another household; and any person who is directly participating in athletic activities. A reusable mask will be provided for every student and school employee.

MAINTAINING PHYSICAL DISTANCE between persons is another method that may reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus according to both CDC and ADPH. Maintaining physical distance will not always be practical/possible inside school settings (including buses) and there should be no expectation to do so. However, Slocomb Elementary will implement best practices when possible and practical. For instance, space may not allow placing six feet between student desks, but it might be practical to place a little more space between desks and to face them all in one direction. Assigned seating charts will be required for all classrooms.

HEALTHY HABITS (con’t) PROPER CLEANING AND SANITATION are important tools to kill viruses and, thus, reduce the spread of infection. Slocomb Elementary will implement best practices in proper sanitization. Care will be taken to make sure the appropriate sanitizers are purchased and that custodial staff understand the proper application as well as safety precautions. Proper hand washing and/or the use of hand sanitizers is also a tool to kill viruses and remove them from the environment, thus reducing the spread of infection. Teachers will instruct children to wash hands and to apply hand sanitizers in a safe and responsible manner as we have done for decades. Geneva County Schools will have a heightened awareness of the importance of these practices.

● The school building including bathrooms,hallways, lunchroom, and classrooms will besanitized every afternoon.

● The playgrounds, lunchroom, and other commonareas will be sanitized after each use; eachclassroom will be sanitized after each transition;administrators will create a schedule fordisinfecting all school properties during the day.

● Teachers and staff will wipe down/spray desks,door handles, materials before school, duringbreaks, and after school.

● Any materials that are used by any person will bewiped down and/or sprayed.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY is expected of all students and stakeholders. We all must take personal responsibility. This simply means to be responsible in

HEALTHY HABITS (con’t) your decisions- stay at home if you are sick, wash your hands often, don’t touch your face, keep a distance from non-household members, wear facial coverings if you are at risk, sneeze and cough in a tissue or your elbow, check your temperature often, monitor members of your family/household for symptoms of COVID-19. If you have a known exposure to COVID-19 you are encouraged to self-isolate and contact your healthcare provider and the school nurse.

TEMPERATURE SCREENINGS for students and staff will take place on mornings when Geneva County is high or very high (orange or red) risk for COVID transmission, as indicated by the ADPH map. Any student with a 100.4 confirmed temperature or above will be sent to the nurse to have their temperature re-checked. Any student with a 100.4 confirmed temperature or above will be sent home. Students must be symptom and fever free for 24 hours before returning to school after an illness. This new procedure will supersede any prior guidance.

SYMPTOMATIC STUDENTS/EMPLOYEES ● Temperature screening will take place each

morning when our county is a red or orangecounty. A student with a 100.4 temperature orabove will be sent to the nurse to have his/hertemperature rechecked. A student with a 100.4confirmed temperature or above will be senthome. Students must be symptom and fever freefor 24 hours before returning to school after an

SYMPTOMATIC STUDENTS/EMPLOYEES (con’t) illness. This new procedure will supersede any prior guidance.

● Students/employees will be sent to the nurse ifthey exhibit signs of illness; the nurse will triagethe individual and if the individual has symptomsof COVID-19, they will be taken to an isolationroom (students will remain under adultsupervision). Employees will be sent homeimmediately, and students will stage in theisolation area until they are picked up by a parent,guardian, or emergency contact person; it is vitalthat contact information is current and on filewith the local school.

● Employees/students with a positive test oremployees/students living with an individual thatreceives a positive test MUST quarantine for 10days and be symptom free for 24 hours beforereturning.

● When an employee/student is symptomatic, thespace occupied by that person will be vacated byothers and deep cleaned before others areallowed to reenter.

● When a positive case occurs, the school will notnecessarily close; deep cleaning will take placeand the schedule will continue; every effort will bemade to clean affected areas and every effort willbe made to keep schools open. A letter will besent home to students in that class indicating apositive case has been confirmed.

SYMPTOMATIC STUDENTS/EMPLOYEES (con’t) ● Students who may experience complications due

to COVID-19 may be placed on Short-termVirtual.

● Employees who test positive or experiencecomplications due to COVID-19 will fall under theFamilies First Coronavirus Response Act (duringthe effective time period of the Act).

● Employees/students should always follow theinstructions, guidance, and directions of theAlabama Department of Public Health and theirindividual health care provider.

● If an employee or student is tested for COVID-19,it MUST be reported to the school nurse. As soonas the test results are received, a copy of theresults MUST be provided to the school nurse.

CURRICULUM OPTIONS Geneva County Schools is excited to be returning back to our schools for traditional learning starting on August 14th. We will also offer a virtual option, but please understand that this method of learning may not offer the same level of outstanding direct instruction as given on site by our highly qualified and certified teachers. For families choosing to return to a traditional learning environment, their students will learn valuable social skills that prepare them to live in an ever changing society, but also, and more importantly, their students will have direct, instant access to their teacher in the

CURRICULUM OPTIONS (con’t) classroom. Geneva County Schools is committed to offering an alternative method of instruction for those students who are medically fragile or whose parents choose to keep them at home for reasons associated with COVID-19. Each family must evaluate their options for learning and decide which education type is best for their student during this school year. The options are as follows:

● Traditional- In school learning.● Virtual- Students must have their own device and

internet; students are required to do allassignments; all assignments are online; teachersmay not be available to answer questionsthroughout the day; students are required to taketests at school by appointment/on a schedule;students must remain in Virtual School until thechange in the grading period (end of each nineweeks).

● Short-term Virtual- For students who are attendingtraditional school but are required to stay home foran extended period of time. Devices and hot spotswill be available for those students who do nothave one.

Students not making adequate progress, as determined by school officials, in Virtual School or Short-term Virtual School will be required to transition to traditional school.

Students not making adequate progress, as determined by school officials, in Virtual School or Short-term Virtual, will be considered truant and court petitions could be filed.