smyrna school district town hall question and …...2020/08/13 · smyrna school district town hall...

Smyrna School District Town Hall

Question and Answer

Welcome Mrs. Deb Judy, Assistant Superintendent

Committee Reports

Operation and Services Mr. Roger Holt, Director of Operations

Health and Wellness Dr. Rachael Rudinoff, Director of Special Services

Academics and Equity Mrs. Kelly Holt, Director of Curriculum

Curriculum and Instruction Updates

Closing Mrs. Deb Judy, Assistant Superintendent

Operations and

Services

RETURNING TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE

Transportation

In a hybrid scenario, our instructional model will result in students being

divided into two groups

No more than 50% of students will be contained in either group

Students in the same household will be in the same group

Busing routes will be modified to accommodate this approach

We realize that our K-3 students will require additional support until bus

related expectations are established. Drivers will have support on their bus to

provide assistance

Transportation

Bus Layout- alternating seats, one student per seat

22 Students per bus

Transportation

The District will be collaborating with our transportation contractors

to establish cleaning Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for

buses and vans

Arrival / Departure

Students and staff will wear masks and observe social distancing (6 feet)

Schools will make procedures available to parents and students on their

websites

Students will be supported by staff upon arrival/departure and visual

cues will be provided to support them as they transition into and out of

school each day

Sanitation

The District will use an EPA approved germicidal agent that is proven

to be effective against COVID-19

Enhanced cleaning procedures have been adopted

Extra hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the

buildings

Each classroom and office will have hand sanitizer available

Cleaning of high-touch areas (doors, hand rails, restrooms,

technology devices…) will occur every 15 minutes to 2 hours as

indicated in the “Returning to School” Guidance

Sanitation

Students and staff will have opportunities and be encouraged to

sanitize or wash their hands frequently

To mitigate the risk of transmission:

Water fountains will not be used

Students will have opportunities to choose extra beverages with meals

Parents may send water with their children to support hydration needs

Staff break rooms will be available, however:

The use of all communal items (refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, plates, silverware, and other small wares) will be prohibited until further notice

Staff will not be permitted to use personal electrical items (refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots)

Sanitation

Cafeteria and kitchen areas will be cleaned and maintained in a

manner that is consistent with the State of De Food Code and will

use a germicidal agent that is effective for use against COVID-19

and is safe for use in that environment

The Custodial staff will engage in a deep cleaning of the buildings

each Wednesday while students and instructional staff are not

present

Classrooms will not have unused desks and chairs removed

Wayfinding/Signage

Schools will use visual cues and staff support to guide students on

buses and school grounds

Hallways, entrances/exits, stairwells…will be set up for one-way traffic

unless the physical space allows for socially distanced 2-way traffic

Signage and practice will be age appropriate and promote:

Mask wearing

Social distancing

Reminders for hygiene

Student Meals

Students will have the opportunity to have breakfast and lunch

each day

Meals will be available to students while at school and meals will be

available each day for pick-up from schools when students are

receiving instruction from home (please visit the Child Nutrition

website for more specific information)

School cafeterias will be available for use during meal times and will

have fewer students daily due to the instructional model utilized

The district Child Nutrition Program is awaiting guidance from the

USDA regarding meal program structure

HVAC/Ventilation

The district Maintenance team:

Has assessed our systems to ensure that they are properly functioning as

directed by the State’s “Returning to School” guidance document

Are currently completing HVAC preventative maintenance which

includes inspection and cleaning of all equipment (including ductwork)

Monitoring ASHRAE guidance and collaborating with neighboring

districts and the Department of Education for support

Our HVAC system has been adjusted to now bring in at least 25%

more “fresh air” from the outside into the buildings

HVAC/Ventilation

We are evaluating and servicing windows to ensure that they are

functioning properly in order to safely use them to allow “fresh air”

into buildings once permitted by weather

Classrooms without windows are a component of the HVAC system,

the air in these rooms is conditioned and supplied by outside air by

design.

Doors for offices and classrooms will remain open when students

and staff are present

The Maintenance team will closely monitor the condition of HVAC

filters. This will be done to determine if more frequent changes are

necessary. Additional equipment is not warranted.

Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE)

Staff and students will be expected to have and wear masks

In the event that a staff member or student’s mask becomes unusable,

one will be provided to them by the school

Each classroom will be provided with a PPE kit. This kit will contain

Gloves, sanitizer, masks (adult and pediatric as needed), germicidal

cleaner, and paper towels

Some classrooms and offices may require additional PPE

Gowns, face shields, and hair bonnets

Buses will be provided PPE kits to support their needs

Technology

The District Technology team

Will collaborate with school Administrative teams in order to provide

staff with the technology they need in their classrooms to support our

instructional model

Will collaborate with schools to make technology hardware

(Chromebooks and Laptops) available for students with an identified

need

Is working to create Wifi hotspots in the school parking lots for families

and students to connect to the internet

Low cost community connectivity options are available. Our district is in

the process of creating a resource webpage to connect families with

vital resources.

Health and

Wellness


Health and Wellness Committee

Comprised of three sub-committees

Athletics

Chair Michael Judy

Members included P.E. Teachers, Athletic Trainer, and Administration

Medical

Co-Chairs Susan Coley and Amy Burnett

Members included Nurses, Wellness Center, Teachers, School Board member, Administrative Assistant and Administration

Social/Emotional Learning and Mental Health Preparedness

Chair Courtney Casperson

Members included School Counselors, School Psychologists, External Mental Health Organization member, Teachers, Para-Professionals, and Administration

Athletics

Outside activities – P.E. and recess are encouraged to be outside.

Physical Education departments throughout the district will create

virtual and in-school activities to be completed outside, six feet

apart. Masks can be down or off during this time.

Playground equipment will not be allowed while in yellow phase

Hand washing must occur when entering the building from recess or

outside activities

SHS and SMS Athletics will follow DIAA guidelines as well as DOE and

SSD’s guidelines

Medical

Social Distancing – Six feet at all times

Class sizes will be at 50% capacity or less during yellow phase

Masks – Staff and students prek -12 will wear masks at all times unless socially

distanced in activities, such as being outside or eating.

Screening – At home with DPH School family screener

PPE – All classrooms will be provided emergency PPE (gown, gloves, mask) to use

in cases when social-distancing cannot occur.

No field trips, assemblies, or class parties in yellow phase

Visitors will be handled at exterior doors or vestibule unless emergency dictates

otherwise

Nurses will have triage and quarantine area available and will follow DPH

guidance on handling possible or positive Covid-19 cases

Social/Emotional Learning (SEL)

and Mental Health Preparedness

SEL will be addressed for at least 20% of the scheduled instruction

Training and resources will be available regarding Adult/Staff Self

Care, Crisis Response, De-escalation, Restorative Circles, SEL Infusion

in Lessons

Crisis Response guidelines will be structured and consistent across

the district

Buildings will have communication structures in place for ongoing

assessments of student and staff social, emotional, and mental

health

Specialized Instruction

Students with disabilities will receive specialized instruction, accommodations, and/or related services to meet their individual needs within a virtual learning environment.

Specialized instruction will be delivered within a small group or individually.

Additional training will be provided to support the use of specialized programs in a virtual environment.

All teachers will be required to participate in a training for the delivery of accommodations to support students with IEPs and Section 504 plans, and to reduce barriers.

Individualized Virtual Learning Plan

Each student with an IEP will have an Individualized Virtual Learning

Plan (IVLP) to support their unique educational needs

This plan will include:

Areas of educational need as indicated in their IEP

Accommodations necessary for virtual and hybrid learning

Specialized services and instruction adapted to the virtual and hybrid

learning model to allow for student achievement of their goals

Goals outlined in accordance with their current IEP

Academics and

Equity


Create consistency for students,

staff and families

Implement a district wide LMS

Use common technology resources so that training can be

consistent

Provide a common schedule to be used in the virtual/hybrid model

Provide a weekly/daily template so that expectations are easily

accessible

Keep as many facets consistent between hybrid and virtual for

easier student understanding

Allow for flexibility, understanding virtual limitations

Provide resources to students, staff

and families

Use our website to access training tools

Provide students a school email account

Prioritize information to family, Essential vs. Helpful

Have a technology help desk

Student Attendance

Student participation will count towards attendance

Student participation can be

Participation in online instruction and/or completion of assignments that demonstrate understanding from these sessions

Completion of assignments

Students will be notified when online opportunity is essential

Staff will work with students who are not attending to develop a plan

Consult with administration

Administration can work with our Visiting Teacher in Special Services

In a hybrid situation, physical attendance will be taken in the classroom

setting for all students who are not signed up for virtual instruction

Online Learning Opportunities

Use consistent programs across grade levels for ease of use

Notify families with the purpose of online opportunities

For example- Instruction, Connection, Coaching/Support

Consider the number of online sessions/demands of programs

especially for Special Needs population.

Grading

Be clear about what is graded

Understand that formative assignments require feedback but not always a grade.

Look at weights in Gradebook. Recommend 50% assignments and 50% assessments for Grades 4-12.

Provide students multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery.

Have Office of Curriculum give guidance on number of assignments and assessments

Consider developing proctoring guidelines for assessments

At the secondary level, students are expected to participate and will be graded in all eight classes.

Student Access to Materials

Have buildings set up a process to pick up necessary materials

Have the Office of Curriculum check accessibility of all online

subscription resources

Provide opportunities for resources to be online and physical copies

of books

Plans for students not engaged

Continue with weekly check-ins. This process worked well and

allows students to connect with an assigned resource person.

Have an established communication procedure to counselors and

administration so that additional measures can be taken to support

students.

Give all students school email accounts to ensured guaranteed

contact point.

Consider using meal pick-up as an opportunity to reach students

with limited contact.

Teacher Support/Training

Providing Educator Support and Engage in Professional Learning

Use common platform and resources so that teachers can receive training

Continue with current practices of Social Emotional Learning to support students

Meet with staff frequently to ensure immediate needs are supported

Educator Feedback

Follow State Guidelines

Teaching/Learning Vision

See Curriculum Document – Virtual Learning Plan

Current Calendar

9/8 Schools Open Virtual Pre K -12

10/5 K-3 Hybrid Pre K / 4-12 Virtual

10/26 Pre K – 6 Hybrid Gr 7 -12 Virtual

11/16 Pre K – 8 Hybrid 9-12 Virtual

12/7 Pre K – 12 Hybrid

Hybrid Schedule

When our schedule moves to hybrid, 50% of the students will attend on

Monday/Tuesday and 50% will attend on Thursday/Friday.

Building administration will split the groups considering families to

attend on the same day.

Students not in the building will have at-home assignments to work on.

Sample Elementary Day K-6

Time Description

7:00 - 8:00 Morning Routine

Get Dressed & Ready, Eat Breakfast, Check-in/Talk to Family

8:00 - 11:00 Instructional Block 1

Review Daily Lessons, Attend Scheduled "Live" Classes, Work on Assignments,

Upload Completed Work, Contact Teacher with Questions

11:00 - 11:45 Student Free Time

11:45 - 12:15 Lunch

12:15 - 1:00 Related Arts

1:00 - 3:30 Instructional Block 2

Attend Scheduled "Live" Classes, Work on Assignments

Upload Completed Work, Contact Teacher with Questions

Sample Secondary Day Gr 7 -12Time Description

7:00 - 8:00 Routine, Get Dressed & Ready, Eat Breakfast, Check-in/Talk to Family

8:00 - 9:30 Instructional Block 1 (Monday/Thursday Odd Day Per 1, Tuesday/Friday Even Day Per 2)

Review Daily Lessons, Attend Scheduled "Live" Classes

Work on Assignments, Upload Completed Work, Contact Teacher with Questions




11:00 - 12:00 Student Free Time

12:00 - 12:30 Lunch







Our Path from Last Year until Now

Curriculum and Instruction In May we started meeting with Teachers and Administration to reflect on our practices in

the following areas.

Student Learning

Technology

Communication

Teacher Preparation

Student Preparation

Virtual Instruction

Fostering Connections

Accessibility and Privacy

Student Learning

We reviewed what standards were covered and to what extent.

We created a “Unfinished Learning” document to provide teachers at each grade

level so that they have an understanding of what areas need review and focus in the

upcoming school year.

Curriculum specialists have been working on prioritizing standards with in our

curriculum to provide guidance to teachers.

Technology

Taking recommendations from students, staff and parents we will be using one

LMS to improve accessibility.

All students will have a Clever Login, it will be easier to access on the district site

All classes will be taught in Google Classroom

Staff will be using the following learning tools to enhance student experiences

Google Suite for Education, Flipgrid, Jamboard, Screencastify, Nearpod

These tools allow students more digital opportunities to complete their assignments

All students will have access to their district email

There will be a Technology Help Desk available on the website

Chromebooks can be checked out for student usage

The district has been given some low-cost internet to share with families

Internet hot spots are available in specified school parking lots for students

Communication It is a well-documented truth that the success of an educational institution--or lack thereof--is directly

correlated to how well all stakeholders (administrators, staff, students, families, etc.) communicate with one another. While this is certainly true in typical, in-person schooling, communication becomes even more critical and essential when schools implement virtual learning.

Internal, district-level administrative communication shall be prioritized and should be clear, concise, and offer opportunities for questions, concerns, and clarity as needed. District administrative communication to the community as a whole will focus primarily on district-wide news, updates, and developments. Building-level communication will occur more frequently to ensure continuity and cohesion within the school, as well as between the school and families. Additionally, collaborative teacher planning is as important as ever, and is paramount with respect to continuity, creativity, and teacher self-care. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate with both intra- and inter-building colleagues.

In a virtual learning environment, reciprocal communication between home and school is vital. Not only is the Smyrna School District committed to an increased level of communication to our community stakeholders, but dedicated to creating and encouraging open lines of two-way communication. Avenues for parental/guardian input, troubleshooting, requests for additional support, and airing grievances will be established and maintained.

Teacher Preparation Essential Skills for Online Teaching

Effective online teaching requires a thorough understanding of an LMS and

related platforms. Recognizing that teachers have had minimal experience

conducting virtual teaching in their pre-service programs nor through prior

professional development offered at the district level, the Offices of Technology,

Curriculum and Instruction, and Special Services will work collaboratively to

provide learning opportunities in the following areas:

Google Education

Additional Virtual Teaching Tools and Extensions – Screencastify, Nearpod,

Jamboard, and Flipgrid.

Curricular Platforms / Special Programs

Beginning-of-Year Assessments

Appropriate Use of Accommodations / IEP Progress Monitoring

Professional Online Behavior

Teacher Self-Care

Identifying signs of distress in online learning environments

Smyrna School District’s Virtual

Learning Pedagogy Be Reliable - Make yourself available at certain times; show up

Be Yourself - Online learning is still personal, let students and families get to know you.

Be Empathetic - Put yourself in their shoes; understand that there are countless stories

Be Organized - Content should be arranged intuitively, make it easy to follow

Be Creative - Add visual appeal to the content, make the learning fun

Be Clear - Explain your expectations, prioritize means of communication

Be Deliberate - Know your learning target, and scaffold learning activities

Be Specific - Provide examples an exemplars; give rubric prior to student work

Be Human - Make class an inviting place to be, give yourself and your students grace

Be Better - Commit to continual improvement, mistakes are a chance to grow

Student Preparation

In a virtual learning environment, time must be dedicated to provide meaningful training to

our students on utilizing online platforms and digital tools. Additionally, students need

exposure to training on organization, time management, and other soft skills that are crucial

to be successful in the independent environment of virtual learning. The Smyrna School District

also believes that it is important, especially in our younger grades, that parents/guardians of

our students have access to these valuable trainings.

One of the major obstacles of virtual learning is that our students will not have the benefit of

working directly with their teachers or collaborating with peers to navigate unfamiliar virtual

learning tools. In developing student-centered training modules for virtual learning, the district

will offer the information in multiple modalities (handouts, videos, guided instruction) and

teachers will work patiently with students to create opportunities for individual sessions to

personalize learning or small-group training sessions to encourage collaboration among

classmates.

Virtual Instruction

The goal of virtual learning is not to replicate the experience of a traditional classroom, but to utilize the digital tools and virtual platform to create an immersive and engaging educational experience.

Focus Areas

Instructional Model

Time on Task Guidance

Schedule

Attendance

Expectations for Collaboration

Grading Guidance

Small Group Instruction/Specialized Instruction

Fostering Connections

Social Emotional Check-Ins

Addressing At-Risk Populations

Access to Mental Health and Counseling Resources

Developing Student-Teacher and School-Family Relationships

Cultivating Student-Student Communication

Accessibility and Privacy

The Smyrna School District recognizes that a shift to a virtual learning

environment presents barriers for many students in accessing their

education. The intent of this plan is to limit the barriers that students

may encounter, to the greatest extent possible in light of the

circumstances. All students in the Smyrna School District will have

access to a virtual learning environment that emphasizes

accessibility, privacy, and equity.

smyrna school district town hall question and …...2020/08/13 · smyrna school district town hall...

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