Kings Park Central School District



-525780-541020KINGS PARK CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICTSeptember 2020 Re-Opening PlanQ & AThis document was last updated on: Sunday, August 30, 2020 at approximately 2:30pm.Thank you for submitting your question(s). This document should help clarify our re-opening plan for parents, students, and employees. Please note that this document is organized by plan section. As of the date above, this document contains over 500 questions (and answers) provided by community members over a two week period.Click on the section link below to quickly move to that section of the Q&MUNICATION/FAMILY & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTHEALTHY & SAFETYFACILITIESCHILD NUTRITIONTRANSPORTATIONSOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING SCHOOL SCHEDULESATTENDANCE & CHRONIC ABSENTEEISMTECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITYTEACHING & LEARNINGCAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION ATHLETICS/EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIESSPECIAL EDUCATIONBILINGUAL & WORLD LANGUAGES STAFFING/PERSONNEL GENERAL QUESTIONSCOMMUNICATION/FAMILY & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTQ1: I am an incoming kindergarten parent, and I have not been receiving district emails. Why is this?A1: The data in our ConnectEd communication system is pulled directly out of eSchool, our student management system. In preparation for the 2020-2021 school year, we recently advanced students to the next grade. Kindergarten parents should now be receiving all district eblasts. We could not grade advance until we held graduation, which was held late July this year. You can always access all important documents and information on the district website () and your school’s website. You can also update your contact information, including your email, within the eSchool Parent Portal. You should receive information on setting up your Parent Portal account before the first day of school.Q2: Communication with the schools was a challenge this past spring. What specific changes will improve communication between KP Schools and families?A2: We need to remember that this past spring, the Governor closed all schools throughout NYS. With the exception of essential services, which were mostly conducted at KPHS and San Remo, our buildings were largely empty from March 16 through Memorial Day. This was not our choice, but rather a direct order from the Governor. Yes, we absolutely had communication issues this past spring, which should be expected in a pandemic. We were largely limited to email, which was overwhelming. This summer and fall will be much different, as we have clerical in our schools/offices that can take phone calls and messages, and teachers and administrators will be in the school each day. Should we have a “second wave” at some point this year, we will certainly do our very best to keep communication flowing. Email, social media (KPSchools), and our website are always full of important details and updates. Parents and guardians should check our website regularly for updates. They are typically posted under “News & Announcements.” Q3: Can students receive their own email account from the district? This might assist with communication, since all emails this past spring needed to go through parents.A3: Yes. We are looking to deploy KPCSD email accounts in September to students in grades 5-12.Q4: According to the plan, “the School district will provide communications in the language(s) spoken at home among families and throughout the school community”. Does this include “robo” (ConnectEd) calls and online surveys?Q4: Yes. We are going to endeavor to do this to the greatest extent possible. For example, we the student device and Wi-Fi access survey, was distributed in both an English and Spanish.Q5: How will a parent be notified if a child tests positive in the school?A5: The district will coordinate all COVID-19 cases with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. The district will use all the typical communication methods to notify parents of cases of COVID, or suspected cases. This will include phone calls for smaller groups, and our ConnectEd phone/eblast system for larger groups.Q6: When will elementary teacher assignments be communicated with parents?A6: The district will communicate this information with parents as soon as possible – most likely Monday, August 31. Challenges like endeavoring to meet parent requests for 100% remote instruction and rethinking the RJO grade 4/5 model delayed the process this summer. We are working to ensure that parents receive this information at least a week prior to the onset of the school year. Thank you for your patience as we finalize our schedules to best meet the needs of our students. Parents can best prepare by ensuring that they have access to the eSchool Parent Portal. This is when student schedules will be posted later in August.HEALTHY & SAFETYQ1: For students and staff exposed to the virus while on school grounds, what is the protocol? Would they be quarantined for 14 days?A1: More than likely, Yes. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services finally released guidance on or about the third week of August. You will find this document posted to the KPCSD website HERE. Essentially, all close contacts with the infected individual would need to quarantine for 14 days. A “close contact” is defined as being within six feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time (ten minutes or more) for 48 hours before case’s symptom onset to case’s isolation. One would also be considered a close contact if someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 coughed or sneezed on you, or shared food.Q2: Will children be required to wear masks all day?A2: Yes, with certain exceptions, like eating lunch and permitted “mask breaks”. The New York State American Academy of Pediatrics - Chapter 2, representing 1,500 pediatricians from Suffolk, Nassau, Brooklyn and Queens, recommends the following: “All children and adults in the school should be required to wear masks at all times except when masking would endanger breathing or mental health. Consistent with American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, only children with rare, severe respiratory illness should be excluded from masking. This would not include most children with common respiratory conditions such as asthma. Threats to mental health would apply to children with sensory issues or developmental delays for whom wearing a mask could cause extreme anxiety. Types of masks may vary. We understand some parents, teachers and staff have expressed concerns with respect to wearing a mask throughout the day. Mask wearing takes some effort to get used to, but with time and patience it can be accomplished. …To build tolerance for wearing a mask, we recommend children practice wearing masks during the weeks leading up to the start of school. Further guidance to help increase mask endurance and reduce mask anxiety should be discussed with your local health care provider.” You will also an FAQ regarding masks on the KPCSD website HERE. Again, this is the advice of 1,500 local pediatricians.Q3: Why are we not having temperature stations where children enter in the morning?A3: For a variety of reasons, this is not the recommendation of the NYSED or NYDOH. They recommend health screenings be conducted each morning in the home before coming to school. This area was carefully considered by our Health and Safety subcommittee (which included nurses), and we will be deploying an electronic app for this purpose prior to the onset of the school year. Logistically, taking ever child’s temperature at arrival at the school is nearly impossible to perform, as arrival would take significantly longer in the morning, which would impact our buses and school start times. We need to remember that, while fever or chills (100°F or greater) is ONE of the top symptoms (along with cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue), current research on COVID-19 has shown that less than 50% of school-age students present with a temperature. Temperature scanning technology is also not particularly accurate. If we have a hot morning, we may have several students present with a temperature over 100.00 F simply because the bus was hot. Additionally, the thought of students walking through a device, and being anxious that a red light might go off or alarm sound, just does not seem appropriate. Q4: What supply chain challenges exist for procuring PPE?A4: We have not experienced any recent issues or challenges with ordering PPE. These orders were placed well in advance of the school year. We were even able to procure N-95 masks, which are typically reserved for hospitals. Q5: Are the kids allowed to wear face shields in place of actual cloth face mask? And while the kids are at school, they will not be sharing their supplies with other students correct? A5: The CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings for individuals. They are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms. Face coverings should be worn by staff and students as feasible, and are?most?essential in times when physical distancing is difficult. Cloth face coverings should?not?be placed on:Children younger than 2 years oldAnyone who has trouble breathing or is unconsciousAnyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistanceIf a child falls under one of these categories, a face shield may be deemed appropriate to wear. Schools will post supply lists to their respective school website over the summer. Correct, students will not be sharing supplies. Q6: Many districts are going to have plastic shields around every desk. Will each child have plastic desk shields around their desk? What other modifications have been made in the K-3 classrooms?A6: Local area superintendents have been collaborating on re-opening plans since June. I do not believe that the statement “Many districts are going to have plastic shields around every desk” is accurate. Some are considering these as a precaution in certain circumstances. Most are considering clear barriers where social distancing is not possible. Cleaning barriers regularly is a concern. In order to be able to bring K-5 students in school 5-days per week, clear barriers will be necessary. We are working on setting up a model classroom, and photos will be posted and distributed. Students in K-5 will have a clear barrier affixed to the front of their desk. The barriers will be made from Lexan, which is similar to plexiglass, but also meets local fire code. They will be socially distanced to their left and right, so no Lexan is needed on the sides of the desks. The barrier is necessary front to back, but not necessary left and right where 6-feet can be maintained. We also set this up by design so that our students don’t feel like they are working in a U-shaped plastic bubble all day long. Q7: What is the deadline for a parent to request 100% remote learning, due to medical vulnerability?A7: An medically vulnerable request letter was eblasted to all parents and guardians on August 3rd, which stated a 3pm August 7th deadline. We extended this deadline to August 14.Q8: How will teachers enforce mask wearing if a child takes off their mask or refuses to wear one?A8: All employees will enforce the Code of Conduct. Any student removing his/her mask without permission or refusing to wear one will be considered insubordinate. The Code of Conduct will be applied accordingly.Q9: The plan states that if a student or employee travels to a virus hot spot, that person will need to self quarantine - but what if a student‘s or employee’s parent/spouse/other family member travels to a hot spot? Shouldn’t that student or employee also quarantine, due to the possible exposure by the family member who has travelled?A9: The verbiage in the plan was taken directly from the state website. The Executive Order specifically mentions individuals that have traveled to hot spots. Should a specific situation/case arise, we would most likely call the SCDHS for their guidance. Q10: If you wait 24 hours to disinfect a sick room, shouldn't there be two sick rooms made available so there is always a disinfected sick room available for non-covid related illnesses?A10: Schools are required to have a separate isolation area solely for COVID-19 related issues. The nurses’ office is still going to function as it normally would. If a child is thought to have COVID symptoms, they will be sent to this separate room.Q11: Can water bottles be brought into classrooms to limit water fountain visits?A11: Yes, absolutely. We strongly encourage this. By code, we can’t shut down water fountains, but we can strongly encourage students to bring a refillable water bottle so that they do not need to sip from the water fountain.Q12: What will be done to ensure children who have been tested for the virus do not return to school until they receive test results?A12: As stated in the plan (per NYSDOH guidance), if a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test or their symptoms or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they should not be at school and should stay at home until: ? It has been at least ten (10) days since the individual first had symptoms; ? It has been at least three (3) days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); and ? It has been at least three (3) days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.Q13: Will all of the staff be required to have a COVID test prior to entry into school as well as monthly while school is in session? What about the testing for the students?A13: No. Schools and districts are required to perform health checks and screenings, per NYDOH guidance, and required to train all students and staff to recognize the signs and symptoms of illness. The health screening instruments are included in the Appendix of the plan. NYSED Guidance (page 41), specifically states, “It is strongly recommended that schools comply with CDC guidance and not conduct COVID-19 testing or require testing or antibody testing of students or staff members. The decision of whether a test needs to be conducted should be determined by a healthcare provider or the local department of health.” Student testing and vaccinations are a function of state law. To date, the state has not amended this law to address COVID-19 testing or vaccinations. Q14: Will the kids be able to wear break away mask lanyards?A14: Yes.Q15: If a child has an exemption from wearing a mask due to medical issues, will they be separated from those who are able wear their mask all day?A15: No. Please read the statement issued by The New York State American Academy of Pediatrics, which is posted here: Q16: Are there going to be any repercussions on parents who don’t follow the guidelines, such as sending a sick child to school or not following the quarantine guidelines?A16: Families will be reported to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and may be subject to fine or exclusion from school.Q17: What kind of masks are the children required to wear? The N95 or can they wear the Gaiter-type masks where you can pull them up and down?A17: N95’s are nearly impossible for the average person to order right now, as these are mostly dedicated to healthcare facilities and hospitals. Students are not required to wear N95 masks. KN95 masks are more readily available to individuals who are not in the medical profession. N95 and KN95 masks are very similar, and both are rated to capture 95% of 0.3 micron particles. The DOH mentions “cloth face masks” in their guidelines. Disposable general use face masks are acceptable. Gaiter-type face coverings should also be acceptable. Bandanas are not acceptable because they do not meet CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for face coverings. Q18: What are the parameters or goals to reach to end social distancing rules and return to k-12 full time? A18: This would be a decision made at the state level, probably from the NYSDOH. Right now we are operating under Yellow, Orange, or Red conditions. Green (return to normalcy) may involve either a vaccine, time, or both.Q19: If a vaccine becomes available, will it be mandatory for all students to receive?A19: Vaccine requirements for school attendance are a function of state law. The state legislature would need to approve the change, and the Governor would need to sign the bill into law for this to occur. Q20: Will the teachers and staff be provided with PPE and supplies to clean and disinfect their work areas? If so, which supplies will be available (hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves, paper towels, etc.)?A20: Yes. Each teacher will receive a bag of supplies. This information will be reviewed at a staff-specific information session during the month of August. Q21: What is the chemical that is used in the fogging disinfecting machines?A21: The chemical is Spray-9. This is an approved chemical to be used in schools. This is a common disinfectant that is currently used in our schools to disinfect. It can also be commonly purchased in places like Home Depot, Lowes, and the local hardware store.Q22: My child suffers from seasonal allergies. When they act up she could appear to be sick, but she is not. How will that be handled??A22: In some cases it will be difficult to differentiate between allergies, a common cold, and COVID-19. Communication between parents and the school nurse will be important. Daily health screenings will also be important. Students with allergies and a common cold do not typically also have a temperature over 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit.Q23: If a child experiences extreme anxiety from mask wearing can they change over to remote learning?A23: It is important that children begin wearing a mask and developing a comfort level today. Unfortunately, this required for school attendance and for appearance in most places in public, especially where social distancing is not possible. The district would need to research any such requests on a case-by-case basis.Q24: How will mask breaks work? How often will they be given?A24: All children will get a mask break daily during lunch. Additional breaks may be possible during the school day, depending on classroom spacing. Breaks require a child to have 6-feet of spacing in all directions. Children should only remove their mask under the direction of an administrator, classroom teacher, or the school nurse. Q25: Will students be permitted to bring their own cleaning wipes?A25: Yes – Lysol or Clorox please. Some parents may feel more comfortable if students are able to wipe down their desks during the school day, particularly at the secondary level. This will be permitted.Q26: If a child is moved into the “isolation room,” will a staff member be inside with them for supervision?A26: Yes, most likely the nurse’s assistant.Q27: How will we know if a child needs to be quarantined?A27: The school will notify you. This may be a small group of students, a whole class, or a larger group of students. It would depend on “close contacts” and the specific situation.Q28: The guidelines released by the state say that Lexan barriers are only needed when social distancing can’t be maintained. Why do we need a hybrid if we can use Lexan?A28: The state guidance speaks to the use of barriers. Lexan is a specific type of clear material (similar to plexiglass) that meets fire code. If students are not spaced 6-feet in all directions, this does create a higher risk environment. Lexan and other barriers work to reduce that level of risk. The guidance also states that students should be able to remove their masks during meals and instruction. If students are spaced less than 6-feet apart in a classroom, and no barrier is in place, they can’t remove their mask. To retrofit every desk in the district prior to the onset of the school year is not possible. Lexan is in very high demand right now around the globe for this exact reason. We have focused on the younger students first, and we will continue to work on barriers for older grades as we enter the fall.Q29: Will students be required to wear masks during physical education?A29: Yes. CDC guidelines speak to 12-feet of distancing during aerobic activity, so mask wearing is still important during PE. Many of our typical PE activities will be modified for the fall.Q30: If there is a COVID-19 case in my child’s classroom, how will you facilitate learning remotely for the 14-day quarantine?A30: If there is a confirmed case in a classroom, most likely, the entire class would flip to the RED (remote) model. This is why ensuring a robust remote model is so important.Q31: Will A/C units be used in September?A31: Yes, although only when needed. Some students and adults have documented medical conditions and air conditioning is required. The filters in these units were changed out and upgraded this past summer.Q32: Will classroom windows be opened to allow for additional ventilation in the fall as weather permits?A32: Yes. Additional air flow will be the goal, with in the classroom and on the school bus.Q33: How often will the classrooms be disinfected?A34: This is an area that our Health & Safety subcommittee spent significant time discussing. Classrooms will be disinfected nightly. Custodial staff uses the disinfecting chemical, Spray-9. This chemical is approved to be used in schools, and is readily available in most stores that sell cleaning products. On Wednesday and Thursday afternoons (after school has let out), the custodial staff will be also “fogging” the classrooms with Spray-9. The fogging machines create a disinfecting mist that fully disinfects all surfaces in the room. Please note the change in schedule to Wednesdays and Thursdays. This is an update from previously shared information. Q35: I would like to know what is expected from parents if my child has a common cold with or without a fever?A35: If your child is not feeling well, you should take your child to your pediatrician to be evaluated. Your pediatrician will evaluate your child, and may recommend COVID-19 testing. Please review the health screening tool that the district provided in the re-entry plan that is posted to the website. This tool will be completed daily using an APP that the district will provide. Children with a temperature above 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit should not be sent to school.Q36: The state has made recommendations for the amount of PPE each district should have on hand. Does the district currently have anything close to what the state has recommended for re-opening?A36: Yes. However, we took into account that 92% of our parents (July survey results) intend to send their child to school with a mask. We have ordered thousands of masks for both student and employee use this fall.Q37: Will plexiglass barriers be placed on desks to offer additional protection for students?A37: Plexiglass does not meet fire code, and therefore cannot be used for this purpose in schools. Lexan must be used for this purpose. It is very similar to plexiglass, but does meet fire code, and unfortunately is more expensive. It is also in huge demand across the globe for this reason. Lexan will be secured to student desks where 6-feet cannot be maintained. In K-5, we are installing Lexan on the front of each student desk out of an abundance of caution. Q38: Why did the district choose to not perform temperature checks while students are entering the school building in the morning? Why can’t parents just sign a waiver daily acknowledging that their child is in good health?A38: As detained in the district’s plan, parents will need to submit a daily health screening each morning via an electronic App. Health screenings are a requirement included in the state’s guidelines. The App is downloadable for iPhone and Android. The details of the screening tool is included the Appendix of the District’s Plan. It is widely accepted in the medical field that less than 50% of school age children infected with COVID-19 present with a temperature. This is one of many symptoms. The district sat through numerous planning webinars and other state and local planning sessions this summer, and the general consensus is that mass temperature screening is not logistically possible (arrival would take significantly more time), and not particularly reliable and/or result in a safer school. One of the local vendors selling the temperature scanning devices recommended not purchasing their equipment for school use. Q39: Has the district incorporated guidance from the Suffolk Department of Health Services (SCDHS) regarding specific protocols for actions to be taken if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in one of the school buildings?A39: Yes. The Suffolk and Nassau Departments of Health released an FAQ reference document around the third week in August. It can be found HERE. Q40: Has the district considered installing HEPA units in classrooms?A40: The topic of HEPA filters did not come up in the discussions amongst health and safety subcommittee members. The subcommittee focused on the guidance from the NYS Department of Health, which includes increased ventilation and air flow, and replacing and upgrading existing filters. Weather permitting, classroom windows and doors will be cracked open to increase air flow. As previously indicated in this Q&A, all filters were replaced and upgraded over the course of the summer. FACILITIESQ1: Will bathrooms be cleaned following each use?A1: With over 1,500 students and staff using the facilities daily, this is simply not possible. Bathrooms will be thoroughly cleaned each day. High traffic areas will be wiped down often. Lunch tables will be wiped down after each use. Students should get into the habit NOW of washing hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom, for 20 seconds with soap and water. Twenty seconds is a very long time. It is equivalent to singing “Happy Birthday” twice through. The next time your child washes his/her hands, please time him/her and teach them the “Happy Birthday” method. Q2: Have trailers been considered to get 4th and 5th graders back in full time since they are still elementary age? If you are receiving assistance with funding during COVID, why can’t these suggestions be done?A2: Funding assistance is very limited and can only be used to cover certain PPE and cleaning related purchases. Federal funding cannot be used for classroom barriers and capital improvements/construction. The number of trailers that would be needed to enact this solution is cost prohibitive. Additionally, permits would need to be obtained through the Facilities Planning Department at NYSED. This is analogous to submitting for permits through the town, only slower. This process typically takes months.Q3: Have the school ventilation systems and filters been upgraded to the standards recommended by NYSDOH?A3: The district has been in contact with our architects and engineers. You may recall that our multi-year bond/facilities plan included significant upgrades to our HVAC and classroom ventilation systems. All of this work was previously completed. Summer work typically includes replacing the filters in these units, as well as the filters in our air conditioning units. All of these filters have been replaced and upgraded. As the weather permits, building windows will be cracked to ensure added ventilation.Q4: Has it been considered to use any available space in other district buildings to get 4-6th graders, who are elementary students in daily?A4: Yes. The problem is that all surrounding districts are faced with the same constraints that we are, and everyone needs every square inch of space that they have.Q5: Will the museum be closed to all outside visitors for the foreseeable future? Why is the museum not being considered for additional space?A5: Yes. The rooms that the museum occupies are mostly smaller rooms that would not be of any use. We need larger spaces/classrooms, which is the issue. Two larger museum room exist. One of these larger rooms (General Store) that the museum uses would not be appropriate for a classroom. This room resembles a mechanics garage setting, and would require major construction to convert it into instructional space. There is one room that has promise for a classroom. We are looking to empty this room and install a Wi-Fi WAP and computer drops. We should be able to get this done before the first day of school. Q6: Will A-Group and B-Group students share desks? If so, will they be sanitized at the end of each day for the child using the desk the next day?A6: On the elementary level, where students store their supplies in their desks, No. Elementary students will not share desks. On the secondary level, desks will be wiped down and disinfected each night. Wipes will also be available in each classroom, and students are also permitted to bring Lysol or Clorox wipes if they wish.Q7: What about using Holy Family facility? They won’t be using that space, right? We transport students to St. Anthony’s – why not Holy Family?A7: Busing students out of Kings Park and into Commack is not a viable solution. The district did reach out to legal counsel for an opinion, and district operated schools/classrooms must be located within district boundaries. Holy Family is located with the Commack School District. St. Anthony’s is a private school that district residents attend by choice. This is not a district-operated location. District operated schools and campuses need to be within KP boundaries.Q8: Since grades 6-8 are hybrid, why can’t we just send the RJO students to WTRMS and visa versa?A8: The district worked diligently on a revised plan for grades 4 and 5 to bring them into school 5-days per week. While possible, switching schools creates several issues that may not be so obvious. Desk size is just one of the many items to consider, as well as all the supplies that would need to flip back and forth in the coming days prior to the opening of school. We are trying to keep students in the school they would have attended this September. Q9: Have you considered asking parents to purchase the Lexan barriers for grades 4 and 5?A9: They are expensive, and Lexan is not readily available to the average person. While a good thought, this would probably not be successful.Q10: What about space at St. Joseph’s Church?A10: The district has reached out to St. Joseph’s about potential space. There are a few issues and costs that make using this space challenging. For example, while the church has WiFi, technology access, access to the KPCSD network, and ensuring the legally required web filtering would certainly all be issues. Q11: Has the district considered the use of tents, like restaurants?Q12: Yes, but tents are not permanent structures, and they are seasonal. Tents used for instructional space also need to conform to fire code and potentially SED approval. What would we do past October, when the temperature no longer supports outside activity? As we recently saw with the tropical storm that we experience, tents are subject to weather-related conditions.CHILD NUTRITIONQ1: Will students who are entitled to free and reduced lunch receive meals on the days of remote learning?A1: Yes, the district will be providing a mechanism for meal pick and/or drop off of meals for students that are learning at home. Q2: Will my child still be able to purchase lunch?A2: Yes. The method of purchasing lunch may be different (i.e. placing their order digitally), but yes, meals will still be available for students. Q3: What safety measures are being implemented for children with food allergies? Will there be restrictions on what students can bring for lunch if they eat outside of the cafeteria? A3: We will still have the typical safety measures in place for children with food allergies. Children will also be spaced 6-feet in all directions while eating. This will be communicated at the school and classroom level.Q4: Is it possible for students to choose at the beginning of the year who they will be sitting with (2 students per 6 foot table) at lunch and can that be a constant arrangement per each semester? A4: The specific seating assignments will occur at the school and classroom level. Right now we are focused on ensuring that we can get all children fed safely while in school. Choice may be possible at toms point, but probably not initially.TRANSPORTATION & ARRIVAL/DISMISSALQ1: Will Saint Anthony’s students receive busing from their bus stop daily, even if the high school does not have in person school in session that day? A1: Yes. As per the guidelines, districts will continue to provide transportation to homeless students, students in foster care, those who attend religious, independent or charter schools – and those with disabilities – just as they always have.Q2: Will my children be allowed to sit with each other on the bus since they live together and should not have to social distance?A2: Yes. This is stated in the KPCSD plan. As per state guidelines, siblings or children who reside in the same household should be encouraged to sit together. Q3: If siblings sit together on the bus, won’t this impact the 6-feet between children in that row on the bus.A3: Yes, but all children will be wearing a mask on the bus. Mask wearing is always required when 6-feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.Q4: Will there be an aide on every bus to ensure social distancing?A4: The district is working to hire additional driver assistants for this purpose. We have posted these jobs. Q5: What will the staggered arrival look like? A5: Buses will release students on a rolling basis as they arrive to the school. We will also most likely use multiple entrances, rather than one common entrance.Q6: What will dismissal look like at the end of the school day?A6: We will stagger dismissal to the greatest extent possible. Students will be wearing masks and be asked to keep their distance. Please look for a special procedure, which will be distributed by each building principal. Q7: What will parent drop-off and pick-up look like at the schools?A7: Please reach out to your school’s principal for these specifics. Each principal is working on preparing instructions for parents that are specific to his/her school. We will probably need to be flexible with drop-off and pick-up times to avoid car and foot traffic that may build up. We will also utilize multiple entrances and exists for students, while also balancing security. Q8: Q32: Will school bus windows be opened to allow for additional ventilation in the fall as weather permits?A8: Yes. This was written into the plan.Q9: Can a child go home on another child’s bus?A9: For a single “play date,” No. However, if this was a regular schedule due to childcare considerations, or perhaps a temporary “fix” to get through the first two hybrid weeks of school in K-5, we could probably approve these requests on a case-by-case basis.Q10: I read in the district’s plan that hand sanitizer is not allowed on school buses because it is combustible and violates fire code. How can I get sanitizer to school for my child to keep in her desk?A10: You could drive your child to school, perhaps during the first week, so that the hand sanitizer can be safely and legally transported, without the use of a school bus.Q11: What is the earliest time students can be dropped off at the school in the morning?A11: Each school is different. Please call your child’s school for the answer to this question.SOCIAL EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING Q1: Have psychologists been consulted in creating this plan?A1: Yes, our committee included more than 40 educators, including several members of our mental health team. We had a subcommittee dedicated solely to mental health.Q2: What scientific findings are being used to support the districts decisions (i.e. masks with very little movement)?A2: The district is obligated to follow the recommendations, mandates, and requirements set forth by the CDC, NYSED, and NYDOH. In addition, the district recently consulted with the New York State American Academy of Pediatrics - Chapter 2, representing 1,500 pediatricians from Suffolk, Nassau, Brooklyn and Queens. This group strongly supports the return of students to school and in-person education, while following specific safety/health precautions. You will find a statement issued by the group of pediatricians HERE. Q3: Does the district plan on holding staff development (for all staff members) on how to address the emotional needs of the students during these times?A3: Yes. We have an entire re-opening subcommittee dedicated to mental health/SEL. We will be providing professional development for staff on September 2 and 3 (Superintendent Conference Days), prior to the start of the school year.Q4: Is there going to be increased support from the counseling department to deal with parents and teachers being hospitalized/passing away?A4: Yes, mental health is a specific subcommittee of our Safe PRIDE work this summer. If there are specific needs and circumstances that need to be addressed, please let your school know so that our mental health team can assist. Q5: I saw that the secondary students have “mental health” activities on their schedules, but this is not the case for students in grades K-5. Will K-5 students have mental health activities in their schools?A5: Of course. Mental health continues to be a district focus. We had a whole committee subgroup devoted to this important area.SCHOOL SCHEDULESQ1: Why can’t we use San Remo for additional instructional space? We did this after Hurricane Sandy when Park View students were displaced.A1: Unfortunately, San Remo looked very different in 2006. At that point in time, many of the classrooms on the first floor of the building were unoccupied, and the second floor was configured differently and could be temporarily modified to support classes of children. Today, New Beginnings of Kings Park rents the entire first floor of the building, and they are expected to be enrolled near 100% capacity for September. They may be a viable childcare option for some families. Since 2006, we moved all central office operations to the second floor of San Remo, and offices (and walls) have been configured/erected. Additionally, in 2006 we knew that the relocation was for a finite/known period of time while Park View was being repaired. Unfortunately, creating additional instructional space at San Remo is just not an option at the present time.Q2: I would really like the district to consider providing grades 4 & 5 with in-person instruction 5-days per week. Why is this not in the current plan?A2: The district would like nothing more than to be able to provide a 5-day per week model for all students. Because RJO was built in 1928, and the classrooms are the smallest when compared to all other classrooms around the district, this building presented some unique challenges. A typical classroom in Kings Park is 900 ft2 (roughly 30x30). Most of the classrooms at RJO vary from about 600 ft2 to 800 ft2. After devoting significant time and resources, we were able to revise out plan to include 5-day per week instruction for grades 4 & 5, beginning Monday, September 21.Q3: What about the Museum at RJO. Can’t we use these rooms?A3: With one or two exceptions, the museum occupies the smallest rooms at RJO. Many of these spaces housed the old central office before central services moved to San Remo. One of these spaces is basically an old garage and would not pass inspection to be used as instructional space by students. These rooms have no computer drops, Wi-Fi, or large screen projection/instructional devices. Thus, these rooms in general hold no promise for additional instructional space, with one or two exceptions. We are evaluating to see if we need these spaces, and whether it is possible to convert them in the time we have before school starts. As of the week of August 24, it looks like we will use one museum room as a classroom.Q4: Will ENL & IEP (some) students be in their classrooms with their classroom teachers Monday – Friday?A4: Certain ENL and special class IEP students will be in following a 100% in-school model. The state has asked school districts to give extra consideration to those students with the greatest unique academic needs. Since the program for each one of these studies varies, it is hard to respond in a way that applies universally. These children will receive ENL or IEP services both in and out of the typical classroom, but they will be in-person five days per week.Q5: Will a child in a mainstream class with an IEP also have the opportunity to attend both A & B cohorts?A5: We are researching if this may be possible, at least for some students. All decisions are analyzed in terms of how the solution affects all other school operations and CDC/state mandates and recommendations. We want to be able to offer students as much in-school service as possible, but space and social distancing requirements are very limiting. The hybrid model reduces the student population by half, which in many cases is what is needed in order to comply with CDC/state guidance.Q6: Will families be reimbursed for childcare costs that are needed under the hybrid model?A6: Unfortunately, no. The district does understand that each one of the three models affects each family differently. There is no perfect solution. The district did endeavor to inform our parents as early as possible that a hybrid model was likely. We are currently researching local childcare options for parents. Responsible college students working remotely during the coming semester may be a viable option for some families. We have also heard of families creating “pods” and pooling resources and supervision.Q7: Will all students be following a hybrid A/B model for the first two weeks?A7: Yes, with the exception of some ENL, special class, and KPHS CTE students. We are endeavoring to bring K-5 children in 5-days per week, starting on September 21. However, we want two weeks of hybrid instruction first, so that we can establish routines and new norms. This was a recommendation from the committee. It will be much easier for both teachers and students to navigate a school day with classes half full. Many students have not been in group settings since March, and this time will allow all to ease back into school. We also want to do some work with devices (Chromebooks) these first two weeks so that all of our students are ready in the event we need to flip to a full remote model at some point. Q8: Why isn’t a remote option being given to all students? There should be at least one teacher per grade level that can teach remotely for those who prefer this option.A8: Not necessarily. The feedback that we received this past spring, and the survey data that we received from over 950 parents earlier this summer do not support this statement. We will be offering a full remote option (as per state guidance) to medically vulnerable students and students who live in the same home as a medically vulnerable family member. After we carefully analyzed the medically vulnerable requests, were able to offer a full remote option to additional students. The number of requests received on or before August 14, 2020 was between 4% and 5% (about 130 district-wide). In grades K-5, we were able to form three full-remote classes (grades K/1, 2/3, and 4/5). This remote class concept largely breaks down at the middle school and high school level for a smaller district like Kings Park. Many of our upper level courses have only one or two sections, and offering both an in-person and remote model simultaneously is not possible. On the secondary level, we are looking to live stream instruction for these students.Q9: Why does the hybrid plan have three remote days and 2 in-school days per week?A9: This was a decision that our committee spent considerable time discussing. Local area superintendents have also been collaborating on a variety of models, and you will see many similarities in most districts in western Suffolk County. Most districts are using Wednesday, with a few choosing either Monday or Friday. A few important factors went into this decision point. This day allows the entire class, both A-group and B-group to come together for a period of time synchronously. While the schedule varies by school and level, students should experience a significant amount of synchronous learning time with their teacher(s) in the morning. The middle school will focus on core subjects and LOTE on Wednesdays, and the high school will operate a modified day with shortened periods. This day will likely evolve over time, and if we are operating under a hybrid model for an extended period of time, more synchronous instruction may be provided on this day. Q10: Why are the remote days comprised of asynchronous learning? Why can’t remote days be conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams?A10: Teachers will be expected to be in school each day. While in school, they will be teaching the cohort that is present on this day, and planning/posting materials for students to perform at home on the alternate day. Google Classroom is our instructional platform. Microsoft Teams is more of a private sector tool, but it is very similar to Google Meet. We use Zoom on an administrative level for meetings and to deliver professional development for our staff. Q11: Why not just put a camera on the teacher for those learning remotely at home?A11: The instructional committee specifically considered this option. We are in the process of testing a few different models for “proof of concept.” We want to start small and make sure that this is effective. Bandwidth is also a concern. This may become possible at some point, but the committee felt most comfortable focusing on the students learning 100% remote at home first. We will learn from these classes and see how this concept evolves.Q12: Why have plans not been developed for students to attend everyday with 14 students in each room and a classroom teacher split between two classrooms?A12: For supervisory and liability reasons, this is just not possible. If children are in a room, adult supervision is required. There are no exceptions. We also don’t have twice the number of classrooms in our schools, or a school that we closed but can re-open for this purpose. All districts have different challenges and resources when it comes to space and supervision resources.Q13: Although the plans have been submitted to the state, is the committee still reviewing other options in order for the students to go back five days a week? Is the district reviewing the plans of Commack, Half Hollow Hills and Garden City that were able to make it work?A13: We will continue to monitor and consider options. As indicated in the plan, updates/revisions may be needed to conform to Executive Orders and additional guidance issued by the CDC and state. It is important to note that all districts must abide by the same guidance. However, districts may have resources or structures that support more in-person school. For example, some districts may have a school that they can re-open, thus creating additional instructional space. Some districts may have larger classrooms that support more children safely. This is the main issue for us at RJO – classroom size. Q14: Is this proposed hybrid model planned for the whole year or is it temporary?A14: Right now the hybrid model is in place because we cannot safely bring back all students while adhering to various CDC, NYDOH, and NYSED mandates, including 6 feet of social distancing, in various spaces in the building(s) (i.e. classrooms, cafeteria, etc.). Should things return to “normal” (pre-pandemic), we will move to GREEN, where we can successfully bring all students back and resume school normally. It is important to note that most districts in the Lower Hudson Valley and upstate are opening fully remote, with a transition to hydrid instruction in October. Long Island as a region has been much more progressive and focused on in-person instruction. However, this is not typical in other parts of NYS.Q15: What happens with working parents. Who will home school them?A15: Education law permits parents to educate their children at home. If a parent/guardian chooses to homeschool their child(ren), they assume responsibility as the primary educator. It is their responsibility to make sure that they are able to provide a substantially equivalent education to the one their child would have received in school. Information about homeschooling can be found on the district website at: Q16: On the secondary level many districts are following the every other day hybrid model without having the Wednesday off for deep cleaning. Why is deep cleaning not being done every night? A16: The majority of districts in Western Suffolk BOCES (18 districts) are following a similar model to Kings Park. Some may be using Friday or Monday, but the model is very similar. We will be thoroughly cleaning each and every night. We will perform some additional deep disinfecting on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Adults should continue to reinforce the 3 W’s with children:Wear a maskWash your hands often and thoroughly (20 seconds with soap and water)Watch your distance (maintain 6 feet when possible)Q17: What will the plan be for the first day of school for kindergarten? Originally 9/8 was the day to ride the bus and meet the teacher and not a full day of school. Is this still the case? Or will kindergartners go a full day of school on 9/8 or 9/9 (depending on the group they fall into)?A17: Our K-3 principals recently collaborated on a revised kindergarten orientation plan that involves both September 8 and 9. Please look for this correspondence in your email. For safety reasons, we did need to deviate from our traditional orientation experience.Q18: I understand the need for the alphabetical separation of students in to groups to help families as a whole, however will exceptions be made for families whose children have different last names at opposite ends of the alphabet?A18: Possibly. Please contact your child’s principal(s) as soon as possible.Q19: In the K and 1st daily schedule- From 1:45 - 2:45pm student will be in RR/ENL, RTI, support services. What will the students who do not receive these services be scheduled to do during this time period?A19: The K and 1st Grade daily schedule lists office hours (extra help and enrichment) as supplemental activities for students that do not receive Resource Room or ENL services. Additional information ?concerning the schedule for each class and student will be provided at the building and grade level. ?Q20: Will the students be put in cohorts in grades K-5 in order to stay with the same children throughout the day?A20: Yes, to the greatest extent possible. We are going to greatly limit student movement and transitions within the school.Q21: If a child is approved for remote learning, how will the student have band/orchestra/art?A21: Remotely, according to an assigned schedule.Q22: Will there be further written communication provided detailing the instructional model that will be provided for those opting for 100% remote learning due to medical vulnerabilities before the 8/7 deadline? A22: Yes. As printed on the form and in the district’s plan, you should speak directly with your child’s principal for the specifics.Q23: Will 100% remote students follow the remote days schedule for the Group that applies to them (i.e. Group A or Group B dependent on last name) and on the other 2 days join in on remote learning with the other Group on their remote days?A23: Yes, for grades 6-12. Students learning remotely in grades K-5 will work daily with a dedicated teacher.Q24: If a 100% remote learning form is submitted and approved are students required to remain on the fully remote schedule for the remainder of the school year/until school is deemed “Green” (whichever comes first)?A24: Yes. As previously communicated, if a student is approved for remote learning, they are committed to that model for the 2020-2021 school year or until the school is operating on GREEN. Q25: If there are multiple school-aged children in a family and one has health issues requiring remote learning, do the other family members also need to apply for remote learning?A24: Yes, a separate form is needed for each child request. Requests must be sent to the attention of the building principal. This is printed directly on the form and included in the plan.Q25: Will there be an exception made for siblings, such as twins - will they be able to be in the same class? If the hybrid model calls for some days of remote learning and we don’t know how long that can last, it would be helpful as a parent to have the same assignments and expectations for both children.A25: This does make sense. Class scheduling is done at the school level. It would be best to reach out to the building principal if you would like twins scheduled for the same class. Siblings should be on the same schedule, because we are splitting the “A” and “B” Groups by alphabet (A-L, M-Z).Q26: Will school hours remain the same?A27: Yes. For consistency purposes, the hours are the same.Q27: Was a model like the old half-day kindergarten model considered? This would get the kids into school every day, but for a shorter amount of time.A27: This model was considered. However, this model would require twice as much transportation, because we would need to transport to and from school in the morning, and then repeat in the afternoon. We would also need to clean the school in between sessions, which would not be possible.Q28: Unless there is a scheduled vacation day, will cohort days remain the same each week (i.e. Cohort A Monday and Thursday, Cohort B Tuesday and Friday) to assist working parents with continuity for childcare purposes?A28: We have published the September schedule in the plan. It is on page 65. We have a few 4-day weeks in the fall. When this occurs, there is no remote day on Wednesday, and the schedule goes A-B-A-B. We will publish the September – December schedule on the website shortly at: Q29: What will happen with morning music rehearsals at the middle and intermediate level? Will these still take place?A29: We will verify this in September. These sessions will probably have a delayed start, but then will follow the A/B format so that CDC/NYS guidelines can be followed. We may also have to “thin out” these sessions further based on enrollment and space restrictions.Q30: Why aren’t the A/B days consecutive? Other districts are doing A-days on Monday and Tuesday with the B-group on Thursday and Friday.A30: This was one of many options that the committee considered. Ultimately, the committee was not comfortable that the students are in school for two consecutive days, and then not in school for five consecutive days. The committee preferred more the current mode, because the time between in-person sessions is less.Q31: Are there plans to increase the "passing" time at the MS and HS to make sure social distancing guidelines can be practiced in the hallways?A31: Currently, No. Operating on Orange/hybrid, we will have half as many students in the building. Additionally, students will be required to wear masks during passing, so we do comply with CDC guidelines.Q32: Can you provide an outline of what a remote day will look like, will students be required to follow a schedule or will assignments just be posted for students to complete?A32: We will be providing a 1-pager for each school shortly. Yes, students should be ready to learn and will follow a schedule on remote days. The remote/eLearning part of the plan is much more robust than this past spring. Please reference page 26, Section VII, part D - eLearning/Remote Model (Red) of the re-opening plan for details.Q33: Who will be making the determination of when KPCSD can go to yellow? Is it the governor, school board, or superintendent?A33: The color/model that the district follows is largely a function of all three. On August 7, 2020, the Governor announced that schools in NYS may open, following CDC and state guidelines. HOW we re-open is largely a function of our re-opening plan. Space, health, and safety, and CDC/state guidelines are the biggest drivers of the color/model. Ideally, we would like to get all students into school 5-days per week. Over time, should constraints and guidelines loosen, this may be possible. Kings Park is a bit of an anomaly in our region, in that only 4%-5% of our students requested a full remote learning model. “Normal” in our region is 20% or higher. Congestion (more students) in a school raises the risk level. Q34: Will students at the Middle School be switching classes? or will the teachers rotate into each classroom?A34: The students will still be changing classes. On the secondary level teacher rotation is not a viable solution. We run a block schedule, so we have less transitions than most secondary schools. Q35: During the first 2 weeks will k-5 be following the schedules provided in the red model? If not, what will they be doing during the remote learning days prior to 9/21?A35: No. As indicated in district communications since July 27, the district will be re-opening on September 8 following an Orange/hybrid model. K-5 will follow this model for the first two weeks of school. We are currently looking at bringing K-5 students in on Yellow 5-days per week, starting on Monday, September 21.Q36: Given the decision of the school district to have K - 5 students in school full-time as of September 21st, what options are available to parents that are comfortable with the hybrid model, but not a 5-day in-person model?A36: Parents have the option to request a 100% remote option on or before August 14, 2020. Parents could also choose to homeschool their child(ren). More information regarding homeschooling can be found on the district website at: Q37: Why is the district planning on starting 5-day in person schooling for K-5, which is the group least likely to comply with social distancing and consistently wearing a mask? It seems poor choice when older children that are developmentally capable of understanding the requirements and complying will remain on a hybrid model. Could you please explain the rationale behind putting younger students at risk?A37: Countries around the globe that have been successful re-starting schools started with younger children first. These children have been shown to be far less likely to contract and transmit the virus. These students are also incapable of learning by themselves at home, and need to be a focus so that parents and guardians can go to work. This is why school districts are focusing on elementary students in general, with a focus on the youngest population. Please access the 8/11/2020 PowerPoint and presentation video for more details.Q38: My child does not have an IEP but does receive extra AIS help for both reading and math. Will this be done on the 2 days she is in RJO or will this be done during the 3 days she is remote?A38: AIS services will be delivered while students are in-person and on Wednesdays. Q39: On the secondary level under the hybrid model, how does the block schedule impact students? A39: The block schedule is helpful in two ways. First, students have less transition during the school day. Most high schools run eight or nine period days. Our block schedule is essentially six blocks. Less transition lowers risks. Second, students receive 80 minutes of direct instruction on in-person days per class. A typical high school might have 40 or 45 minute periods, but our students receive 80 minutes of block instruction.Q40: My daughter will be a kindergartener in September. She will be in the A-Group on September 8. What will she do on September 9? A40: Mr. Storch and Mrs. Montecalvo will be communicating with incoming kindergarten parents shortly regarding the first two days of school and orientation. Right now I anticipate that for Kindergarten, the A-Group (A-L) will have orientation on September 8, and the B-Group (M-Z) will have orientation on September 9. Your child would be learning remotely at home on September 9.Q41: During the first two weeks of school, will K-5 students be following the Red (remote) model? A41: No. K-5 will be on hybrid/Orange for the first two weeks, and then attend school in-person 5-days per week, starting on September 21.Q42: At the high school, what will a B-Group Day 1 vs. Day 2 look like?’A42: The A/B designation will tell you which cohort is either in person or learning remotely at home on a particular day. The Day schedule tells you which classes the student may have on a particular day. If the student is not in-person on a particular day, they are working to complete assignments in the classes that would typically meet on that day.Q43: Why were parents not given a choice of the A or B-Group?A43: Unfortunately, to best ensure a balance close to 50%/50%, this was not possible. The vast majority of school districts across NYS are following a very similar methodology.Q44: Why are the children not just eating lunch at their desks to avoid the issue with lunch? Has this been considered at RJO to get the children back onto school 5-days per week?A44: Yes, we did discuss this. This would mean that the children would come into school, enter their classroom, possibly with Lexan barriers, and sit in the same seat for most if not all of the day (6 hours). While this might get the children into school 5-days per week, we need to ask ourselves if this is appropriate from a mental health standpoint. The additional issue that this idea/model also creates is that we now need adult supervision in each classroom during lunch, and we would need to deliver lunches to each classroom. This requires additional staffing. Q45: I see that the K-5 schools are scheduled to come back 5-days a week after the first two weeks of hybrid instruction. What about the high school?A45: This is not possible at the present time. The district is aware that a significant number of parents would like their child back in school 5-days per week. Placing 1,000 students back into the high school this fall would be a very high risk model. With less than 5% remote learning requests (35-40 students), our student density on the secondary level is too large to be approved for 5-day in-person instruction. This is backed up by infection and transmission data and research. The district can’t consider models that are high risk. There is one Long Island school district that included a model like this in their plan, and this was rejected by the NYSDOH and NYSED. As we enter the fall, if the infection rates continue to drop, the district is hopeful that NYS will reduce the restrictions that we are currently governed by. Q46: What will the in-school schedules look like for K-5 students?A46: The schedules will look very typical, as they would if we were in non-COVID-19 times. However, students will be moving much less. Specials will come to them instead of students leaving the classroom to go to specials. Lunch and recess will also need to be modified to support social distancing.Q47: In the hybrid model, what will the B-Group (M-Z) children be doing at home on the first day of school, September 8?A: This will vary by grade level. More information will be forthcoming from our principals and individual teachers. Please look for 1-page summaries which will be distributed the week prior to the start of school.ATTENDANCE & CHRONIC ABSENTEESIMQ1: How will attendance be taken for students working remotely?A1: As stated in the plan, all students must log into school district applications by first logging into the ClassLink Dashboard (). ClassLink provides an additional layer of security, but it also records the amount of time that a student spends on each application/tool within the dashboard. Teachers can then access the console for their class, and see the time spent on various applications, like Google Classroom, Castle Learning, or Discovery Education (just to name a few). This is how they will be taking attendance. Q2: If a parent signs into a student's google classroom account to see assignments, will that count towards attendance? In the spring, teachers were encouraging parents to sign into student accounts to check on assignments.A2: Parents are still encouraged to check on assignments in Google Classroom. However, parents should not use the Classlink Dashboard to accomplish this. Parents should log directly into Google. In short, students should always log into KPCSD tools through the Classlink Dashboard. Parents should not. TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITYQ1: Why are all students not being guaranteed a Chromebook?A1: The district expedited our one-to-one Chromebook initiative to cover grades 7-12 for this fall. These devices will be distributed prior to the start of school. In order to accomplish this, we needed to purchase a very large number of devices. We planned for this, and this was incorporated in our 2020-2021 budget. Based on the hydrid model for grade 6, we are also endeavoring to provide a Chromebook for each student in grade 6. We will do the absolute best we can to ensure 100% access to devices and Wi-Fi.Q2: Will all the students be receiving some sort of laptop to keep at home for the days they are suppose to be doing their work at home?A2: The district distributed a survey (first week in August) related to devices in the home and Wi-Fi access. We will then analyze these data and endeavor to match each student without a dedicated learning device at home with a district Chromebook. We will do the absolute best we can to ensure 100% access to devices and Wi-Fi.Q3: Are all students in grades 7-12 required to obtain a district provided Chromebook or can students access chrome on a personal computers?A3: The district expedited our one-to-one student Chromebook initiative to cover grades 7-12 for this fall. Every students will receive a district issued device. These devices will be distributed prior to the start of school. Q4: Do I need a Chromebook, or can I just use my own laptop?A4: In grades 7-12, each student will be issued a district provided Chromebook for use in class and at home. In the other grades, students are encouraged to use their device of choice (i.e. laptop), if they have one. The programs that the district uses are mostly device agnostic, which means that they should run on most devices (iPad, Mac, laptop, desktop, etc.). Q5: Will it be necessary for me to bring my Chromebook to school on a regular basis?A5: In grades 6-12, yes. In grades K-5, please consult with your child’s teacher.Q6: In the event of another wide-spread power outage during the school year hindering access to WiFi, will there be considerations and exemptions taken for those students affected in terms of attendance?A6: Yes. One of the challenges for both teachers and students of remote instruction always access to a strong WiFi signal. If it is a district-wide access issue, including our schools, we may need to take emergency closing days. There are three such days included in the calendar. The district still needs to abide by NYS laws and NYSED regulations. We need to have 180 days of school and meet the 900/900 hours requirement. NYSED may give districts the option to submit a waiver for the 900/900 requirement, and we would most likely submit this waiver.TEACHING & LEARNINGQ1: How can kids learn an entire year’s worth of work when there is only live teaching twice each week?A1: We need to remember that we are still in a global pandemic. Life, and especially school, is not business as usual. Countries all across the globe are struggling with the issue of teaching and learning. Some have been successful, and some have failed and needed to close schools again. We do not want to be in this second group. The curriculum will certainly need to be modified. In part, this is an additional activity that will happen on Wednesdays. Teachers, more than ever, will be spending the most in-person time on essential topics and content. Fortunately, kids learn differently today than we (adults) did. Kids spend a considerable amount of time watching and learning on media tools like YouTube. More than ever we will be flipping the classroom to include digital media. Q2: How is the online learning going to be?A2: Students should get up each morning ready to learn. Students should treat their online learning with the same professional manner as if they were in school. Parents and students should refer to NEW district Policy #4528, which was distributed via email on August 26. While in school, teachers will give students instructions on what to complete when they are learning at home. Work will be posted in Google Classroom and then reviewed when they are back in school.Q3: When will students and families be notified of the grading policy for the upcoming school year?A3: Currently, all typical pre-pandemic grading practices are in place. Students will be expected to complete and submit all of their assignments this fall. Should we need to flip to a RED/remote model for an extended period of time, we may need to reevaluate student grading. Q4: How will students who fell behind in the Spring due to lack of extra help opportunity receive the help that they need?A4: Our primary goal is to get the students back into school this coming September, assess where they are, and work to fill any existing gaps and move forward. Our whole child approach will address both academic and social emotional needs. On a variety of levels, Seminar and A-Block on the secondary level will be an important area of support for students.Q5: Under a hybrid model, why not have "set" days for at home learning? For example, Cohort A remains at home on Mondays and Tuesdays and attends live on Thursdays and Friday, with Cohort B doing the opposite. Amidst all the changes, wouldn't this continuity be more beneficial to students and families instead of the 4-day cycling?A5: The committee did consider this hybrid option. The committee supported the A-B-Wednesday-A-B model rather than the A-A-Wednesday-B-B model, because of the 5-day break from school that the A-A-Wednesday-B-B model generates.Q6: What is the EXACT learning procedure during "at home" days for WTR? Will students be streaming into classes being taught to their opposite cohort for 25 minutes?A6: Page 30 of the re-opening plan discusses the WTR schedule in detail.Q7: What are the plans with children that read lips? What if a child wears hearing aids and can’t wear a mask?A7: We are currently using these clear masks in our extended year program, and we have more on order for the school year. : Will the HS students still be able participate in Science Lab hands on experiences with hybrid learning? If yes, how? How will lab requirements be met?A8: There are specific protocols that must be followed if hands-on experiments are going to take place. Teachers are aware of these protocols and will review them with students. Virtual labs are permitted and will likely play a larger role in science this year in order to reduce the amount of shared equipment and to assist in meeting the necessary amount of science lab hours. Q9: Will teachers be providing weekly printed out packets for the children to complete on their remote learning days?A9: Materials will be distributed either in school (hard copy) or via Google Classroom (electronically). The district has been moving towards more of a paperless environment for the past few years, and 100% of our teachers will be operating a Google Classroom come September.Q10: At RJO, are social studies and science incorporated in reading and writing lessons?A10: Yes, to some degree. Please consult with your child’s teacher or principal on the specifics related to curriculum.Q11: What type of remote learning plan is in place to allow instruction to continue for these students during quarantine?A11: This will depend on exactly who is quarantined, why, and for how long. For example, if for some reason an entire elementary class needs to quarantine, the class would flip to Red (remote). Q12: Since these are complicated times will materials such as books (Pearson’s math book etc.) be provided to students who are learning from home due to medical issues? A12: Most of our materials, especially on the elementary level, can be accessed online at this point. For example, envision Math can be accessed online in grades K-6. If additional resources are needed, please contact your child’s teacher or principal in September. Q13: If for some reason the district (or a class/grade/etc) has to move to a remote (Red) model - how much live connection to the teacher can be expected?A13: Please refer to the Red/Remote Model in the plan. We may need to flip from an Orange/hybrid Model to this model at some point this fall. You will see that it is a much more robust model when compared to this past spring.Q14: Why can’t elementary teachers hold Google Meets with the remote kids when the in school students are in specials?A14: When the students are in “specials,” the classroom teachers receive their contractual daily prep time on the elementary level. The district would be violating the KPCTA CBA if we did this.Q15: When students in K-5 are virtual at home, what will this look like? A15: K-5 students will only be hybrid (A/B) for the first two weeks of the school year. When they are not in school, teachers will assign work to be completed at home. On the second Wednesday in September, teachers will use that time to bring the A and B Groups together virtually for a period of time in the morning.Q16: Why can’t elementary teachers attend Google Meets with the remote students when the in-school students are at specials?A16: When the elementary students are at specials, the elementary teacher gets his/her contractual prep time.Q17: Will high school and middle school students be transitioning between classes, or will teachers transition?A17: We have worked to limit transitions to the greatest extent possible. This becomes significantly more difficult at KPHS. A science lab is a good example of a significant limitation of the transitioning teacher idea/model.Q18: Why are teachers not “live streaming” lessons to the B-Group students when they are leaning from home?A18: The concept of live streaming was discussed at length within the Instructional Program subgroup. Live streaming generates certain legal issues that needed to be considered, researched, and thoroughly analyzed. The district received a lengthy legal opinion on this subject over the summer. Student records and FERPA come into play. While some districts have included this in their plan for the first day of school, no district has fully tested if/whether this will work and be successful, or if it might crash the network. In Kings Park, we are currently planning to live stream for students learning 100% remote at home on the secondary level. This is a relatively small number of students. We have performed a few tests this summer. This may become an option for us later in the fall, but the committee wanted to be certain that everything that is included in the plan has been fully tested and is ready to go for the first day of school. Q19: How will the Seniors complete their challenging work load if for some reason we are on “orange” all year?A19: The Class of 2021 will persevere much like the Class of 2020. Young adults are often much more resilient than adults might think. We also don’t have much choice. We are still very much in a global pandemic, and all students in all countries across the globe are struggling with the same issue. This country has overcome two world wars, a great depression, and numerous additional adverse times in our history. Yes, this will be challenging, but if we all work together we can supply all of our students with the support they need to be successful, in spite of the teaching and learning environment (Yellow, Orange, or Red). They will also be much more resilient and responsible as a result.Q20: The terms synchronous and asynchronous learning are used throughout the plan. What do these two terms mean?A20: Online learning is divided into two categories: synchronous and asynchronous learning. The first refers to education in which the students have the opportunity to learn and interact at the moment (i.e., "live") with their teacher and peers. Specifically, synchronous learning is a type of group learning where everyone learns at the same time. This was accomplished in the spring via Google Meets and Zoom. On the other hand, asynchronous learning is one that can happen either live or offline (recorded) later through videos, materials, and educational resources provided beforehand by the teacher; that is, the class learns the same content, but each student at his/her own pace. This is more of a “flipped” classroom model.Q21: I have heard that other districts are using AIS teachers to provide teaching and learning for children that have chosen a 100% remote option. Why is Kings Park not doing this? A21: All school districts across New York State employ a number of certified reading and math teachers to deliver academic intervention services (AIS). AIS services are mandated support services in reading and math for students experiencing difficulty in one or both of these areas. AIS is sometimes needed in other academic areas, but reading and math are the two most common. Some schools and districts may be overstaffed in some areas and be able to repurpose an existing staff member for a different instructional need, like providing online instruction for students learning at home. It is anticipated that more children will be in need of AIS in reading and math this fall due to regressing this past spring while instruction was 100% remote for all. Therefore, this is most likely not a viable option for us here in Kings Park. It is anticipated that our AIS reading and math teachers will be delivering AIS. Q22: Since the number of 100% remote requests is low, has the district considered reaching out to surrounding district’s to form combined classes, particularly on the secondary level?A22: There are a few not so obvious issues with such arrangements/agreements. This may become possible at some point, but will not be possible for September.Q23: What will online instruction/support look like for my child if I submit a request for 100% remote instruction?A23: The answer to this question varies greatly by level (elementary/secondary). This was why we had encouraged parents to speak with their school’s principal prior to submitting the form. The principal should be able to articulate what this requested model will look like so that you can make the best informed choice for your child. In short, we have three multi-grade classes in grades K-5 (K/1, 2/3, and 4/5), and live streaming for grades 6-12. Students in grades 6-12 will follow their assigned group (either A or B). CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)Q1: Will Wilson Tech students be in 5-days per week, including Wednesdays?A1: Yes. The high school is taking a close look at this scheduling and teaching and learning challenge. Western Suffolk BOCES is planning on being open for in-person instruction 5-days per week, following CDC and NYDOH/NYSED guidance, just like us. Thus, we need to be ready to accommodate these students, and transport them each day both to and from BOCES. Busing will be provided, and we will follow the details included in the Transportation section of the plan. Q2: If a child is attending school everyday including Wednesday, what do they do on Wednesday afternoon when he returns, if there are no other classes?A2: The high school will be providing these students with a place to work when they return to KPHS on Wednesday afternoons. Like all other students, they will have work to complete remotely for their KPHS classes.Q3: Can CTS students choose full-remote?A3: Yes. We were in contact with BOCES on Friday, August 14, and this is possible. They will accommodate all three models (a) 5-days in-person, (b) hybrid, or (c) remote.ATHLETICS/EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITESQ1: What is the plan for high school student-athletes getting to practices or games/competitions on the days that they are assigned to remote learning?A1: The district’s primary mission is to re-start school. If/when athletics re-start, they will be guided by the same rules, guidance, and restrictions that govern school. Right now, NYDOH is recommending 12 feet of distancing for aerobic activities. Currently the NYS Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has delayed the start of the fall season to September 21. We will need to see how this evolves. Q2: If a student is approved for the full remote learning option due to a medically vulnerable family member, will that student still be able to participate in athletics & extracurricular activities, as well as field trips and field days?A2: The student would be eligible to participate in any remote activities run by a particular extracurricular activity. If the parent’s concern is such that they do not want the child IN school for instruction, logic would not support any in-person attendance at after school athletic team and club activities in school.Q3: Will the weight room at the HS remain closed to student use - since gyms in NY remain closed? A3: Unfortunately, most likely, Yes. It may not be possible for us to reproduce the restrictions that gyms and health clubs have been asked to follow.Q4: If secondary students are on a hybrid model, how will clubs and sports work for students? Will the district be supplying additional transportation for students so that they can attend each day?A4: Sports are governed by Section XI and the NYSHSAA. We are awaiting further guidance from these two organizations on the status of sports for the coming school year. Most likely, status will be based on the risk level of the specific sport. Sports that require frequent close contact are high risk, while sports like golf and swimming are the lowest risk. Clubs will most likely hold meetings that students can attend virtually from home. The district will not be providing additional busing for students to come to school after dismissal each afternoon so that students learning at home on a particular day can come to school to participate in an activity. This is not possible, because our district buses are transporting children at FS/PV home during this time. Contract busing is cost prohibitive for this function. Q5: For those students looking to be considered for the NJHS and NHS, will there be amendments/safe alternatives for community service requirements given the current school schedules and social distance guidelines in place?A5: This is an excellent question for the NJHS/NHS advisors once school is up and running. Clubs are scheduled to begin or about September 21. Certainly more activities will need to be conducted remotely, and following social distancing guidelines. SPECIAL EDUCATIONQ1: If a student attends RJO and has an IEP, are they considered special needs and will attend school every day under the hybrid model?A1: Students with disabilities who are eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will receive their services based upon their recommended programs listed on their IEP documents. At RJO Intermediate School we currently have four continuums of support; Related Service Only (i.e. Speech and Language, OT, PT, etc.), Resource Room, Integrated Co-taught (Inclusion) and Special Class 15:1:1.Starting on September 8th, students who have a recommendation of a Special Class 15:1:1 and attend RJO will receive daily in-person instruction. This is a result of the ability to meet the CDC/NYSDOH guidelines due to smaller class sizes and limited classroom transitions.Students with a recommendation of Integrated Co-taught program who attend RJO Intermediate School will begin school following their classroom hybrid model on September 8th. Effective September 21st students with disabilities recommended for an Integrated Co-taught program (Grades K-5) will continue to follow the hybrid model, but will receive a third day of in-person instruction on Wednesdays. This time will allow students to work with the Special Education Teacher on IEP goals and receive additional program support. The classroom teachers will provide an alert to parents prior to September 21st to remind families of the change in schedule.Students recommended for Resource Room or Related Services only will follow the hybrid classroom models. The Special Education Resource Room teachers and support staff will reach out to the classroom teachers and families to schedule in-person and/or remote sessions.Please reference Section XIII (page 45) of the KPCSD re-opening plan. Please contact your principal or the PPS office, should you require specific details regarding the implementation of your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Q2: How will my special needs child receive individualized services? Also, will the frequency of services be adjusted as a result of the new guidelines? What will the class size be for self- contained?A2: Students with disabilities who are eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will receive their services based upon their recommended programs listed on their IEP documents. Service delivery will follow the district designated model, with the following exceptions.Starting on September 8th, students who have a recommendation of a Special Class program 8:1:1, 12:1:1 or 15:1:1 (Grades K-5) on their IEP will receive daily in-person instruction. This is a result of the ability to meet the CDC/NYSDOH guidelines due to smaller class sizes and limited classroom transitions. The following will include a breakdown of the Special Class programs that will receive daily in-person instruction effective September 8th:Fort Salonga Elementary; Special Class 8:1:1 program Fort Salonga Elementary; Special Class 15:1:1 programRJO Intermediate; Special Class 15:1:1 programWTR & KPHS Special Class 12:1:1 program KPHS Viscardi Abilities Vocational programIn an effort to continue to increase in-person support for Students with Disabilities effective September 21st the district will increase daily in-person instruction to the following recommended programs:Special Class 15:1:1 program (Grades 6-12)This option was delayed as many students at the secondary level do not have pure Special Class schedules and are also recommended for Integrated Co-taught programs for some academic subjects. In an effort to ensure students could receive a full daily in-person schedule, while complying with the CDC/NYSDOH recommendations for six feet social distance, we will need to work with the Building Principals to ensure students have a location to report to should the enrollment of their General Education elective or Integrated Co-taught section have met its maximum capacity for the day.Effective September 21st students with disabilities recommended for an Integrated Co-taught program (Grades K-5) will receive a third day of in-person instruction on Wednesdays. This time will allow students to work with the Special Education Teacher on IEP goals and receive additional program support. The classroom teachers will provide an alert to parents prior to September 21st to remind families of the change in schedule. **Please be advised, this option was scheduled in the event that a particular grade level could not return to daily in-person instruction by September 21st.**New York State Department of Education has indicated the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) may include, as appropriate special education and related services through distance instruction provided virtually, online or telephonically at a frequency and/or a duration that may differ from the IEP (see Question #1 of the March 27, 2020 NYSED Guidance). Alternative options for instruction and related service delivery, even when provided in a different mode, frequency and/or duration of services from the IEP recommendation, would not necessarily result in a denial of FAPE. : Why are K-3 integrated co-teaching (ICT) classes being run on a 3-day cycle?A3: This is not the case. K-3 students will begin the school year on September 8 on an A/B hybrid model. On September 21, all K-3 students will begin to attend in-person school 5-days per week.Q4: Will parents of children with IEP’s be reached out to directly to discuss the plan for their child?A4: Each child’s IEP is different. Should you have individual questions about your child’s IEP and/or program for the fall, you should reach out to the Office of Pupil Personnel Services (PPS). Dr. Colby-Rooney and Mrs. Tosi will be more than happy to assist you.Q5: My child has ADHD and a 504 plan, and thus eLearning is more challenging for us. Are there any resources to help us be more successful?A5: Yes. Please reach out to your child’s teacher in September and/or the PPS Office. We can work together to support your child’s eLearning. It is important to note that most children do not learn best online, so eLearning is a challenge for most children and young adults. BILINGUAL & WORLD LANGUAGESQ1: Which ENL students will be attending school 5-days per week?A1: Students who are identified as Entering (formerly Beginning) and Emerging (formerly Low Intermediate) will receive daily in-person instruction effective the start of school, on September 8th. This will provide our English Language Learners, with significant language acquisition needs, the instructional supports necessary to enhance listening, speaking and writing skills.The district will communicate the student’s designated schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, in the families preferred language. STAFFING/PERSONNELQ1: Is contact tracing going to be kept anonymous, so that students do not know who they infected? Parents/Grandparents/Teachers, etc.A1: All the typical FERPA and HIPPA laws apply.ADDITIONAL GENERAL QUESTIONSQ1: Is the district planning on continuing to offer free childcare for first responders and healthcare workers as we did in the spring? Do we plan on offering childcare for parents?A1: The requirement to offer free childcare for first responders and healthcare workers was the result of an Executive Order from the Governor. His orders expire after 30 days. It is not clear if he will order this again for the fall. The original order was necessary so that healthcare workers and first responders could care for the sick. The district is researching childcare options. Parents are encouraged to begin doing the same. This is why we shared our hybrid model as soon as possible with the community. This is going to be a challenge for us all.Q2: What plans are in place to ensure that the Class of 2021 is able to celebrate milestone events this year?A2: At this point, the district is focused on safely re-opening our schools and starting the school year. We need to remember that we are still in a global pandemic. Health and safety remain our primary concern. Just as we did with the Class of 2020, we will make every effort to celebrate milestones. However, many things are NOT in our control. For example, if the NYSHSAA cancels the fall sports season, we will likely need to cancel Homecoming. Again, we will do the best we can, keeping health and safety first, and abiding by CDC and state guidelines. Q3: A large part of our taxes are for schools and our kids are only in school part time will we be getting a tax break?A3: Unfortunately, no. Please understand that the school district did not create the pandemic, nor did we author the CDC, NYSED, or NYSDOH guidelines. However, we must carefully abide by these federal and state mandates given the space and resources we have available. While we are acutely aware that any solution will create very real challenges for certain parents, we have authored our plan in an attempt to bring as many students back into school as possible.Q4: Is KPCSD going to require parents sign a waver in order for their children to attend school in person?A4: No.Q5: Will incoming Kindergartners (who are unfamiliar with the school) have an opportunity to visit the school/classroom prior to the first day of school? Will kindergarten/other students who are entering new schools be attending an orientation?A5: Yes, by appointment only. Our primary school principals are collaborating on a revised orientation program for kindergartners and their parents/guardians. More information will be forthcoming from Park View and Fort Salonga.Q6: Will 4th and 5th graders have recess?A6: Probably, but with restrictions.Q7: If a 12th grader goes fully remote, will they still be able to attend graduation?A7: Yes, of course. As long as the student meets are requirements for graduation. Q8: What federal funding has the district received for remote learning?A8: The district has been leveraging federal FEMA money for PPE and cleaning supplies, and we are finalizing a Cares Act federal grant. There is no dedicated funding stream for remote learning. Additional federal stimulus money has stalled in the U.S. Senate. Q9: Has a number count been done as to the number of students split A-L and M-Z to confirm it is equal?A9: Yes. Building principals are in the processing of doing this count and balancing classes as best we can. It probably will not be exact, but should be close. Q10: Will the district or the Town of Smithtown be providing before/aftercare or childcare options for when children are not meeting in person?A10: The district has been in communication with the Town of Smithtown program, and we are collaborating on possible solutions. The TOS has offered to run childcare at FS, PV, RJO, and WTRMS. Space is very limited. Please refer to an email from the district with details and/or call the town directly.Q11: What is going to be done for seniors to assist them regarding college applications and guidance?A11: Seniors should continue to reach out to their teachers for letters of recommendation. Seniors will be able to make both in-person and virtual appointments with their counselors to ensure that their applications are completed.Q12: Is the district considering ordering masks to provide uniformity amongst the staff and students?A12: Yes. However, this is also very costly. Masks are, at best, about $4 each. The district has purchased an ample supply of masks for both student and employee use. Masks are also personal, and students (and employees) need to get used to wearing their preferred mask for long periods of time now. In a recent survey poll, 92% of our parents indicated that they would be sending their child to school with a mask in September. Lastly, parent organizations have plans to run fundraisers in September. This may help to bring some uniformity to student and staff masks.Q13: How do I submit my Remote Instruction request form to the principle of my child’s school? We have a high risk family member.A13: You can drop the form off at the school, email the principal, fax the form, or send it in the mail. Forms were due by August 14. Contact information (including emails) for all the schools is posted on the website and also printed in the district calendar.Q14: Has the district researched childcare options for parents?A14: Yes – see above. The district is currently working with the Town of Smithtown to offer options for parents. The Town of Smithtown currently operates our before/aftercare program. We are looking at any usable spaces that we have in our schools. Childcare is also governed by NYS, and similar social distancing, mask, and other constraints apply. For example, the state is only permitting groups of 15 kids or less. We are mostly limited to spaces in our schools due to fire code and other requirements. Childcare is licensed for a specific space (room), so each space needs to be analyzed individually. Families may want to consider creating “pods” with other families to pool childcare resources. College students at home working remotely for the coming semester may also prove to be a viable option for parents.Q15: If the Governor opens the region in orange hybrid (50% capacity blended plan-AB schedule you have in plan) how are you legally allowed to have our k-3 students in 5 days after 9/21? Is that in the hopes we go to yellow by then because the school will be over 50% capacity?A15: The Governor has indicated that schools will be allowed to open if the region is in Phase 4 of re-opening (which we are) and the infection rate is less than 5% on a 14-day average (which it is). Of course, he could mandate schools via Executive Order HOW we need to re-open. This is unknown, and another reason why we have indicated in the plan that we hope to bring K-5 students into school 5-days per week starting on September 21.Q16: Will students at the high school taking college credit bearing courses still be able to receive college credit from the respective college with this part time school schedule?A16: Yes. Time spent working remotely is considered class time. In addition, many colleges are operating on a full remote schedule this fall. Remote learning is not a new concept ont he college level. College Board AP exams will be administered at the conclusion of these courses in May/June. Students generally need a score of 3 or better on an AP exam to receive college credit.Q17: If allowed by NYS, does the district plan on offering driver's education for the fall/winter?A17: For information specific to Driver’s Education, please contact Kings Park high School. The main office number is (631) 269-3345.Q18: Will Juniors at the high school be afforded the opportunity to take the PSAT in October since they were not able to take the PSAT-10 in the spring?A18: For information specific to SAT, PSAT, and ACT administration, please contact Kings Park High School (631) 269-3345.Q19: Will the incoming freshman at KPHS have some kind of orientation to familiar themselves with the building?A19: Yes. The high school is running four separate groups in order to keep student density low. For information specific to Freshman Orientation, please contact Kings Park High School.Q20: Graduation was an outdoor event yet limited to 150 people OUTSIDE, how can we be comfortable putting numbers larger than that INSIDE the building? What is being done to mitigate congestion of 600+ kids moving about in a short period between classes in the hallways?A20: The 150 limit on graduations was a specific limit set for that specific activity by the Governor. On August 7, 2020, the Governor stated that schools may re-open. Schools are required to follow guidance previously issued by the CDC, NYSED, and NYSDOH for re-opening. Because the district will be following a hybrid model in grades 4-12, we will never have more than about 50% of the students in school at any one time. Even at KPHS, this is less than 500 students. Students will always be required to wear a mask while walking in hallways, and students will be told to watch their distance while transitioning between rooms within the school.Q21: What is the protocol for dropping off epi-pens, other medications and allergy action plans to the nurses at each of the buildings?A21: The protocol will not be significantly different than in years past. Please call your child’s school and make an appointment. This will most likely be accomplished the week prior to the start of the school year.Q21: Why are we using our K-3 students as guinea pigs?A21: The district has gone to great lengths to research various options at all levels, seeking advice from local area physicians, and carefully following NYSED/NYDOH and CDC guidance and mandates. All parents should consult with their physician/pediatrician regarding any concerns you may have with returning to school. You can access a recent statement from the NYS American Academy of Pediatrics HERE. Q22: Wouldn’t it be better to have elementary students eating in their classrooms every day?A22: If you look at this solely from a health/hygiene perspective, yes. However, you then need a person to supervise students within each classroom while they eat. You need to be able to deliver meals to each classroom that families have purchased in advance. From a mental health perspective, it is good to have at least some student movement during the school day, and the ability to spread out. To send students to school to sit all day with a mask on in the same seat, surrounded by clear plastic, would not be a desirable outcome.Q23: Will the schools still be holding orientations for kids entering grades K, 4, 6, and 9?A23: Yes, although they will be modified from the typical format. Please reach out to your school’s principal, or wait for him/her to send out this information in the coming days.Q24: Will the district be re-evaluating its decision to begin on hybrid after requests for remote learning are evaluated?A24: Yes. However, it is not anticipated that we will receive the number of requests that would be needed to support flipping from Orange/hybrid to Yellow.Q25: Will the KPHS pre-school parenting course run this year?A25: The course will run, but the high school is researching potential alternatives to bringing the pre-schoolers into the school. The way that we run this course will need to be modified from the typical format. Please contact the high school for more information.Q26: What is the anticipated class size in grades K-3 in September? What is the maximum permitted under CDC guidelines? A26: The largest anticipated class in grades K-3 is 22 students. Many are significantly smaller than this. CDC guidelines does not mention maximum class size, but rather calls for 6 feet in all directions for social distancing. This is 36 square feet. Our K-3 classrooms have roughly 900 square feet of floor space. This would support 25 students. Again, or maximum anticipated class is 22 students which is less than 25 students.Q27: When will students be made aware of the new expectations (the new “norm”) for the first day of school (i.e. mask wearing, social distancing, etc.)?A27: Each school will be communicating expectations prior to the onset of the school year. Since we are partners in education, it is also the district’s hope that parents, having read the plan and lengthy Q&A, will begin to prepare their children for what September will be like. Please start today! All parents should review the mask FAQ that was distributed by the AAPNY2, which can be accessed HERE. Q28: Can the district offer a tax rebate to help cover the costs associated with childcare?A28: Tax rebates are a function of tax codes, which are modified on the state and federal levels. Some tax exemptions (ex. Military exemptions) are left to the municipality to opt-in, or not. Currently, this is not the case for COVID-19 related childcare. Some employers offer the benefit of flexible spending accounts for medical and other dependent care costs, including childcare. Residents may want to inquire with their employer if this is an option.Q29: How can day camps operate at full everyday capacity, but not schools?A29: Day camps have significant restrictions as well. Schools must follow the guidelines that have been established by the CDC, NYDOH, and NYSED specifically for schools. Daycare facilities also have their own guidelines that must be followed. Daycare and schools are both licensed by the state. Daycare facilities are approved for the specific space(s) that is to be used.Q30: Will the elementary schools have some sort of walkthrough that is done every year before school starts?A30: If you call your child’s school, they will be able to tell you what opportunities might exist for a walkthrough. Phone numbers are printed in the KPCSD District Calendar, and can also be found on the website. ................
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