WPS Fall 2020 Reopening Planning Glenn B Brand Superintendent of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

WPS Fall 2020 Reopening Planning Glenn B Brand

Superintendent of Schools

July 22, 2020

THE DIRECTION FORWARD

 Initial fall guidance by the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) is the safe return of as many students as possible to in-person school settings  DESE guidance is based on an extensive review of current medical literature & advice and relies upon a combination of strategies taken together that will reduce the risk of transmission as well as allow for the reopening of schools  Each school district is faced with the challenge of working with this guidance to develop a reopening plan that can be established within their own local context – there is no one uniform approach or plan that DESE has put forth for schools and districts to use  Working on behalf of Wilmington over the last four weeks is a extensive advisory group that includes community members, teachers (inclusive of representatives of the WTA) and administrators who have been focused on developing recommendations to help guide our safe reopening and operations in WPS

UPDATE ON DESE GUIDANCE

DESE GUIDANCE

The following informational documents have been released to districts by DESE for the 2020-21 school year thus far:

 Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance – released June 25  Comprehensive Special Education Guidance – released July 9  Additional Guidance on Fall Reopening Plans – released July 10  Two-Step Process and Online Form/Template for Fall Reopening – released July 15  Protocols for Responding to COVID-19 Scenarios – released July 17

The following guidance is still expected:

 Transportation  Athletics/Extra-curricular  Final Fall School Reopening Guidance

5

An Overview of DESE Guidance

Upcoming DESE Guidance Upcoming DESE Guidance Reopening Plans Health & Safety Requirements

Key policies, including academic Key policies, including academic calendar c considerations Facilities and operations Facilities and operations Process for handling a COVID Process for handling a COVID-19 19 positive case i in t the s scho hool commu mmunity Prerequisites for in Prerequisites for in-person reopening Remote learning resources Remote learning resources Special programs and populations Special programs and populations Athletics, extracurriculars, and Athletics, extracurriculars, and el elec ectives Transportation Transportation

Comprehensive guidance Comprehensive guidance com

• min

ing in in July

THE REQUIRED PATH BY DESE TOWARDS REOPENING

 June 25 - DESE released initial guidance for school reopening which prioritized getting students and staff back safely to school in person  Schools/districts are required to create a plan that includes three learning models:

• In-person learning with new safety requirements
• Hybrid of in-person and remote learning
• Remote learning

 July 15 - DESE released additional documentation that provides an overview of the two-step process for district reopening plan submissions  Step 1: By July 31 – districts must complete and submit a preliminary reopening plan summary to DESE  Step 2: By August 10 – districts must finalize their comprehensive plan documents and submit to DESE and release them publicly to their communities.

SUPPORTING HAVING STUDENTS RETURN

 DESE guidance is built upon extensive collaborations with advisors in the medical community  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also issued planning considerations to support education, public health, local leadership and pediatricians collaborating with schools around reopening plans  The AAP strongly advocates that “…all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school.”  The Massachusetts Chapter of the AAP has endorsed the DESE guidelines and “…shares the goal of bringing most students in the Commonwealth back to in-person learning this fall while minimizing the risk to them, the school staff, and their families. “

In-Person Learning Model

 Students receiving in-person instruction full time in school environments that have been appropriately modified to address health and safety requirements issued by DESE  In this model district may still have a subset of students whose families have decided to continue in remote learning while the rest

• f the school return in-person

Hybrid Learning Model

 Students will alternate between in-person learning with safety requirements and remote learning  In this model some High Needs students may still participate in full-time in-person instruction and some families may still decide to keep their children learning remotely full time

Remote Learning Model

 Remote learning is the default mode of instruction for students  DESE has indicated that Structured Learning Time requirements apply to remote learning

Comparison of Learning Models

REQUIREMENTS -STEP 1 PLAN SUBMISSIONS TO DESE BY JULY 31

 Part I – Key findings from the district’s feasibility study on in-person learning as well as the district’s preliminary thinking about which of the three reopening models it may use to open school in the fall  Part II – A brief description of each of the three reopening models and include support for High Needs students (defined as students with disabilities, current or former English learners and/or economically disadvantaged students)

STEP 2: EXPECTATIONS FOR FINAL DISTRICT REOPENING PLANS DUE BY AUGUST 10

Executive summary Letter from the Superintendent to the Wilmington community, which includes the district’s selection for the reopening model it will use to begin the school year Detailed Description of Approach for Learning Models

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS FOR DESE OF LEARNING MODELS

 In-Person Learning – districts should include in their plan submission information about how student

learning, scheduling, protocols and/or facilities use may look different than traditional in-person learning with no restrictions

 Hybrid Learning – plan submissions should define how student learning will change across the two learning

environments (in-person and remote) and provide sample schedules showing how students will rotate per grade level and student group

 Remote Learning – the plan submission must include the following requirements per DESE regulations:

 Procedures for all students to participate  System for tracking student attendance and participation  Alignment of remote academic work to state standards  Policy for issuing grades for students’ remote academic work  Method for teachers and administrators to regularly communicate with students’ parents and guardians  Information about the technology platforms, staffing model and instructional materials they will employ

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – MASKS/FACE COVERINGS

 DESE provided guidance that requires students in Grade 2-12 and all staff to wear masks/face coverings that cover their nose and mouth at all times except for designated breaks through the day  Local discussions with our school physician, Board of Health and WPS Coordinator of Health Services supports extending the requirement of masks/face covering also in Grade 1  DESE guidance for students in Pre-K and K is strongly recommended  In Pre-K and K classrooms desks will be arranged at six (6) feet distance given that masks will not be required of students

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – MASKS/FACE COVERINGS

 While final DESE guidance has not been issued as of yet for student bus transportation, it is understood that all riders, regardless of age, will be required to wear a mask/face-covering while on the bus  Masks breaks must be scheduled frequently throughout the day

UPDATE ON PPE PURCHASES

Recommendations from DESE in June urged districts to acquire approximately three (3) months supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Pediatric Masks 18,ooo Adult Masks 50,000 Clear Masks 900 N95/KN95 Masks 100 Nitrile Gloves 3,500 Barrier Gowns 400 Safety Googles 80 Face Shields 560 Wipes 1,000 Sanitization Station 600 Hand Sanitizer Pumps 500

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – PHYSICAL DISTANCE

 Current guidance from DESE encouraged districts to arrange classrooms with six (6) feet distance measured from the “edge of seat” to “edge of seat” but with no less than three (3) feet  The distinction between 3 feet and 6 feet is significant given that in most of our ‘traditional’ sized classrooms it makes the difference of fitting essentially all desks in a classroom to accommodate the full class of students (i.e. at 3 feet) vs. only half the number of students scheduled for a class (i.e. at 6 feet)  Based upon conversations with local health officials we plan to support the DESE guidance and will strive for six (6) feet distance where possible but no less than three (3) feet distance

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – PHYSICAL DISTANCE CON’T

 To establish classrooms at the elementary level with 3 feet distance requires the removal of most other materials, furnishings etc. including such things as carpets for class meetings, tables for group work, flexible seating for students to spread out etc.  It also requires straight rows with students all needing to face one direction  In many situations we will also have to purchase additional furnishings as we have a number of tables at the elementary level that can’t be used in allowing for 6 feet distance

BUILDING & FACILITY CONSTRAINTS

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – EXAMPLES OF CLASSROOM SET-UP – 3’ DISTANCE

Woburn Street High School Boutwell

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – EXAMPLES OF CLASSROOM SET-UP – 6’ DISTANCE

Woburn Street High School Boutwell

CLASSROOM SPACE ASSESSMENT

 The following is an overview of spatial assessment of our schools utilizing 3’ spacing guidelines:

School Desks Possible

Boutwell 16 Wildwood 20 Shawsheen 21 Woburn 18 West 23 North 23 Middle 23 High 19

Additional Things to Note:

Boutwell –

• The physical configurations does not allow enough desks for the

students enrolled & current tables for students can’t be used

• Would require additional classroom spaces (2) teachers (2),

assistants(2) and 75 desks/chairs for an estimated $170,000 Wildwood –

• Requires an additional $10,000 to purchase new desks as the

current tables can’t be used

CLASSROOM SPACE ASSESSMENT

 The following is an overview of spatial assessment of our schools utilizing 6’ spacing guidelines:

School Desks Possible

Boutwell 10 Wildwood 20 Shawsheen 11 Woburn 9 West 11 North 10 Middle 16 High 12

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – LUNCH CONSIDERATIONS

 DESE requires six (6) feet distance for students to eat lunch given that masks/face coverings will be removed  Arranging a classroom with 3’ distance eliminates the ability to have students eat lunch in the classroom (because masks would be removed)  Consuming lunch in classrooms is not ideal for a number of reasons including managing food allergies, trash removal, delivery etc.  Eating lunch in the cafeteria is preferred

ESSENTIAL SAFETY PLANNING – LUNCH CONSIDERATIONS – CON’T

Shawsheen School As An Example

 Cafeteria is approximately 40’ x 60’  Currently 14 tables that are 12’ long  With 6’ spacing a maximum of 3 students can fit at a table for a total of 42 students per lunch  With 340 students with all students in-person the school would need 8 lunches to run in comparison to the 3 they use currently

JULY 2020 FAMILY SURVEY RESULTS

Q3: Please enter the grade level of your student(s) listed above that they will be entering in the fall:

 Answered: 1,600 Skipped: 4 PreK K

• Gr. 1
• Gr. 2
• Gr. 3
• Gr. 4
• Gr. 5
• Gr. 6
• Gr. 7
• Gr. 8
• Gr. 9
• Gr. 10
• Gr. 11
• Gr. 12

(Life Skills)

• Gr. 13

Total

Student 1

32 91 122 113 132 110 126 105 135 150 107 101 129 144 1 1598

Student 2

25 83 73 87 83 72 85 58 87 60 53 36 17 15 834

Student 3

8 15 18 14 24 19 12 11 19 6 5 7 5 4 167

Student 4

2 2 3 1 1 3 2 1 1 2 18

Student 5

1 1 1 1 1 5

Student 6 Student 7

1 1 Answered 1600 Skipped 4

JULY 2020 STAFF SURVEY RESULTS

Q2: School/District Assignment:

) Q6: Do you have any children in your home in the following age brackets? (please select all age groups that are applicable)

PRELIMINARY VIEW OF OUR REOPENING

PRELIMINARY VIEW OF WPS REOPENING

Based upon the current DESE guidance, and a closer examination of the various constraints, the following can be concluded:

• Having all students in-person is simply not an option given the current restrictions we are obligated to
• perate under nor is it practical or manageable for the health, safety & well-being of our students and

staff.

• Based upon the guidance and recommendations of local and state officials (including DESE), operating

with a complete remote learning model is unnecessary at this time.

As a result, while final DESE/state/local guidance may require us to pursue a different direction, the preliminary plan for WPS will be to open school in the fall under a hybrid learning model.

PRELIMINARY WPS REOPENING

Educational Programming Rationale for Hybrid Learning Model:

Almost all of our classrooms (with possibly some exceptions at the high school ) cannot be set-up with 6 feet distance Setting up classrooms with all students and three (3) feet distance significantly changes the learning space and results in classrooms with unrealistic expectations to ask of our young people and staff. The only thing left in our elementary classrooms would be student desks and no space for any kind of movement. Most importantly, a hybrid model allows for the reduction of the student body by half which enhances our staff’s ability to more appropriately guide and work with our students in this new environment.

INITIAL WPS REOPENING

Health & Safety Rationale for Hybrid Learning Model

6 feet is the requirement for ‘mask breaks’ for students 6 feet is the requirement for eating lunch for students (and not facing each other) and there should be a minimum ‘mixing of student cohorts’ in the cafeteria leading to varied schedules Wearing a mask for an entire school day everyday of the week is simply going to be far too difficult for our younger students and splitting the time with half in school and half out will provide a far more humane situation Operating a school, at least initially, with approximately half-capacity for students at one time should enhance the ability to effectively manage the overall welfare of students and staff

INITIAL WPS REOPENING

Early Childhood Centers (Boutwell & Wildwood)

 It is anticipated that the Pre-K and K programs will operate initially using half-day programs starting in the fall (AM & PM Program)  The decision to pursue at this juncture half-day programs is based upon the following considerations:

 Meets the state requirements for Kindergarten ( a minimum of 425 hours)  Half-day model allows our special populations, including students with disabilities and English learners, the necessary services and accommodations they require  Smaller class size to allow for compliance with health and safety guidelines  Allows for daily in-person instruction  Allows us to provide age appropriate curriculum while adhering to state guidance/restrictions  Provides a more predictable/consistent schedule for families  Consistent daily routine to help with first school experience and ease transition from home to school

LINGERING QUESTIONS

District leaders will be carefully reviewing recommendations from the WPS Reopening Advisory Group while trying to resolve a host of lingering questions such as:  Is it appropriate for certain teachers to teach outside their license?  How will teachers manage a hybrid scenario?  Which programmatic changes will need to occur?  Based upon DESE guidance, we need to determine which higher needs students will be prioritized to receive as many in-person services as possible.  How will remote assessment and reporting happen for those students for whom their families have opted for remote learning?  Do we require a staggered arrival/dismissal schedule regardless of if we are in a hybrid learning model or in an in- person model?  How do we determine cohorts for any hybrid model and seek to align this with siblings?

BENCHMARK DATES IN OUR PLANNING

 Wednesday, July 22 – Update to the School Committee & Community  Wednesday, July 29 – Final Focus Group Recommendations to the Superintendent  Friday, July 31 – Preliminary Reopening Plan Submission to DESE  Monday, August 10 – Final Reopening Plan Submission to DESE  Sometime Between August 3 and 12 - Presentation of final plan to the School Committee & Community

NEXT STEPS

 Review Feedback: Review both staff and family feedback from the recently administered July surveys about the return to school.  Submit Recommendations: Advisory Group to finalize recommendations by July 29 while awaiting additional /final guidance from DESE including specialized guidance around facilities, transportation, remote learning and athletics.  Finalize Plans: Based upon the recommendations from the Advisory Group finalize plans at the District Level, present to the School Committee for approval and submit final plans by August 10 to DESE.  Develop: Create protocols around cleaning, health, safety etc. district-wide and identify specific approaches necessary at the building level.  Collaborate: Begin conversations and formal negotiations with the WTA to establish appropriate MOA.  Training & Professional Development: Structure training and professional development to staff including safety, wellness, teaching and learning.  Communicate: Update the School Committee in August (tentatively August 12 and 26); send out final plan in a user- friendly format to parents/guardians and staff once plan is finalized.  Execute: Develop building-based plans.

QUESTIONS