Sumter District Schools



DATE \@ "M/d/yyyy h:mm am/pm" 12/9/2020 1:51 PMINSTRUCTIONAL OPTIONS for school beginning August 24, 2020All information about Re-opening can be found at: are my enrollment options for the 2020-2021 school year?TraditionalTEAMSumterSumter VirtualHome EducationDetailed descriptions are found in our re-opening plan on our website. Sumter for the second semester will maintain the students in the current options under the guidelines outlined in the Spring Reopening Plan that will be posted on the district website once approved by DOE. Adequate progress and attendance will be reviewed and parent meetings will be scheduled to determine if a placement change is needed. Why would the district choose to fully reopen schools when COVID-19 cases are rising in our community and state?Florida is in Phase 3 but those changes do not pertain to the school system. Will the TEAMSumter option offer the same classes?Elementary: yes Secondary: no Many advanced course work will not be available as well as many of our CTE courses. Will the TEAMSumter option be identical to the distance learning we experienced during the final months of last school year?No – TEAMSumter is a structured, synchronous with a typical school schedule following the same bell schedule as the traditional model. Will my child be able to have recess?Yes but if at home will obviously be under parent’s supervisionIf I choose the TEAMSumter option, will I need to provide my own computer, tablet or laptop for my child?No, we will provide the student with a device, tech support and training.If I want to purchase a laptop for my child, what does the district recommend?It needs to be Windows based, and school tech support can provide guidance.If I choose the traditional option, what will happen if my child’s school or all schools close again like last Spring?The students will transition to TEAMSumter, structured distance learning following a synchronized schedule.If I choose the TEAMSumter option for my middle or high school student, will they be able to participate in athletics?Yes, but must follow all FHSAA guidelines. If I choose the TEAMSumter option, will my middle or high school student be able to participate in programs or academies such as International Baccalaureate, Cambridge AICE, Advanced Placement, Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses?No, not all courses will be available through TEAMSumter, especially external programs that have franchise of built in program requirements. If I choose to have my child start the year participating in one learning option and decide that I want to transfer to the other, will this be possible? How long will I be expected to commit to one option for my child?The district is requesting a 9-week commitment but will have a process to accept students back into the programs if space is available at an individual school or specific program.Students will be allowed to return to the traditional classroom setting upon request. The district prefers to wait until the end of a grading period to avoid any potential loss of grades or seat time. How will my child take District assessments and tests created by teachers remotely?Assessments will be administered online.Schools may ask TEAMSumter student to arrange a time to take the assessment on campus or agree to be monitored while taking it on the computer at home to ensure optimum testing environment.Will a student be permitted to take some courses in person at the school building and their remaining classes at home?NoBy when do I need to confirm my child's enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year?July 23rd. Are teachers being trained for remote teaching?Teachers have been trained on the use of TEAMS and more training for new staff will be available. The district also employs Instructional Technology Resource Teachers and provides Tech Support staff to assist teachers and students. If a teacher tests positive and takes time off, will their lesson plans already be created so a substitute can pick up where they left off?YesIf a teacher tests positive do they have the option to teach from home?Yes depending on the course and with principal approval.Does the district have a plan to get more substitute teachers and staff?We contract for subs with Kelly Services. The district is working with them to obtain more trained substitutes for the schools. Will the school year be extended?Yes, last day for students is June 8th.Has the district thought about using a block schedule?Yes, it was discussed and we have that has an option if the school has to decrease capacity to meet stricter social distancing mandates. It is called Modified Schedule in the plan. When does school start?August 24th How will the days and hours be made up?3 early dismissal days will be full student attendance days.September 18th will be changed from a teacher professional development day to a student attendance day.The school year will be extended to June 8th What will the new calendar look like and when will be get a copy?Students will attend school from August 24th to June 8th with the modifications listed in question 20. The new calendar will go to the board for approval at the next board meeting. It will be placed on the district website and new calendar cards will be printed and sent to the schools to be sent home. When will the first semester end?January 29thWhat is the date of graduation?Tentatively June 4th, but that is not set until after hurricane season has ended. When do teachers return?August 10thWhen do non-instructs return? (paras, food service, bus drivers)August 19thWhen will each group be paid?Teachers: August 14th & 28thNon-instructs: August 26th, September 4th, 14th and 30th.Will the change in the start date impact my insurance?NoHEALTH AND SAFETY Will students, staff and visitors be required to wear masks? If so, will they wear them at all times?Most of the time, yes. Always when within 6 feet of others when feasible, with some breaks from the masks when it is safe to do so. Exceptions may include eating, outside with social distancing, etc. Wearing face coverings will be the norm, not the exception. Masks should not display messages, be political or have controversial pictures, etc. Appropriateness is determined by the principal or site supervisor and they are the final authority.Will teachers or other school personnel have the authority to determine if students are able to remove their masks if students are socially distanced in a classroom setting?Yes, and teachers/staffs may take masks off when socially distanced from others as well.How will the District enforce the rule that students must wear face coverings? I do not want my child exposed to illness because other student(s) refuse(s) to follow the rules.Failure to comply with a school rule will be dealt with through the Code of Student Conduct or the non-compliant child with repetitive behaviors will be reassigned to TEAMSumter. Wearing a mask is a requirement of the traditional program.What should I do if I would like my child to return to in-person school, but they have a health condition that I believe would preclude them from wearing a mask?Contact the Student Services Department at 352-793-2315 x50211. We will work individually with unique cases.If my child participates in traditional, in-person school, what will social distancing look like? Desks will be placed as far apart as possible to promote social distancing. If a student can maintain social distancing, then the face covering can be removed.Will students undergo temperature screenings?Yes, daily. Each teacher will have a no touch thermometer and check their students at the doorWill staff undergo temperature screenings?Yes, daily.Will visitors undergo temperature screenings?Yes upon entry.What will happen if a student (or staff member) becomes ill while at school?Students will be evaluated by the school nurse and isolated in a sick room. The parent or guardian will be called to pick them up from school immediately and encouraged to take the child for medical evaluation.Staff members who are sick will be sent home and encouraged to see a doctor.In each situation, there may be a required “stay home” timeframe based on the circumstances. What is the protocol for school closure in the event a school receives notice that a student or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19?The Superintendent and the Sumter County Health Department will determine if a classroom, school or district will need to close due to positive cases of COVID-19. Appropriate communication to parents and staff will occur in each case.What if a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19?The student or staff member will be sent home and quarantined for 14 days. Onsite COVID testing will be available to staff and students, with parent permission. The student will be able to continue their education via TEAMS. Both staff and student will need a release from the health department to return to school or work. The Health Department will be involved in all cases of COVID -19.Will students be expected to practice social distancing?Yes and training will begin day one of school- but they are children...What steps will be taken to ensure surfaces are clean? How often will classrooms be cleaned?A cleaning schedule and protocol will be in place for all campuses. The rooms will be sanitized at the end of every day with the opportunity for cleaning throughout the day by the teacher with cleaning products provided. Will parents and volunteers be allowed on campus?Parents will be allowed to walk their students to class for the first five days and must wear a face covering. Hand sanitizing stations will be available.Volunteer access will be limited based on our Re-Open, Re-Cover, & Re-Vitalize Plan. This is to insure everyone’s safety as we love our volunteers! Will the new procedures and policies change the way students participate in safety drills?Yes, the state has recently released new guidance and that information has been shared with school staff. Will students and staff have access to water fountains?No, they will be able to use the sinks in the classrooms and water fill stations will be available around campus. We encourage students to bring a water bottle from home that is clearly marked. What is being done to ensure the air conditioning systems are not spreading the virus?Filters are changed on a regular schedule. Current filter are adequate but new filters with a MERV 13 rating have been ordered. Rooms are also disinfected daily. MERV 13 filters have replaced existing filters.Are we encouraging students and staff to self-isolate if they have traveled in the last 14 days?No – travel band has been lifted by the Governor.Are teachers, staff and students required to get tested before school starts?No, but it is highly recommended and is a free service of the health department.Are the classroom air filters in the schools helpful in preventing the spread of COVID-19?Yes, filters are classified by Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV).? We currently have MERV 7 and 8’s, which help increase indoor air quality by filtering smaller particles than a typical filter. The district has ordered MERV 13’s, which provide an even higher degree of safety, but they are on back order and are supposed to be delivered prior to the start of school. Typical air filters in many homes have a much lower MERV rating. MERV 13s have replaced existing filters. Health DepartmentAre we utilizing the CDC’s guidance when considering the reopening of our public schools? Partially. Each school situation is unique and we have standardized our cleaning practices and reopening plans as described in this document.What Protective Products are being used and what cleaning protocols have changed? An assistant chief (Walt Field) has been hired to oversee custodial services to help insure a uniform standard of cleaning. The detailed cleaning protocols are listed as a part of this document.Staff will be provided masks or face shields or both. No Touch thermometers will be provided for each classroom with the necessary training for staff, hand sanitizer and other cleaning agents provided as needed.Buses will be cleaned after every run with an approved cleaning product; windows will be open when weather permits, student/drivers will be required to wear masks of face shields.More details located other places in this document.Will parents and staff be notified when there is a case of COVID-19 on a campus? Generally yes, but we have to follow HIPPA and other laws which maintains the confidentiality of an individual’s medical records. It is important that parents/staff keep their school contact information up to date, as contact will be made based on the records in our Skyward system. What if I, or my child, have a pre-existing serious medical condition. While Option 1, Traditional school is the best option for most students, this may be a circumstance to consider another option. For staff members, we are considered an essential service and must be at work. The district will try to reasonably accommodate staff, and provide options for any with serious documented medical conditions. Mrs. Whitman in Human Resources will review requests as needed EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION How will the District complete evaluations once school reopens?Evaluations will be done in person on the campus of your zoned school. How will Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings take place?IEP meeting will take place either in person, on TEAMS or conference call, depending on the parent’s preference. Will students with IEPs or 504 Plans receive accommodations when participating in TEAMSumter?Either the accommodations listed on the IEP or 504 plan will be followed. If the accommodations cannot not be implemented, an IEP or 504 team will have to convene and address this issue and decide what is best for the student.How will the District ensure students are provided with the least restrictive learning environment possible while complying with all health and safety requirements?This will be an IEP team decision. MENTAL WELLNESS If my child is anxious or concerned about returning to school, what can I do to help?Speak to their school counselor or school administrator or seek private counseling.Where can I find resources regarding emotional and mental wellness for my child?Each school will be able to provide you with information on how to assist your child with their emotional or mental wellness. Will staff receive any extra training regarding trauma-informed care and mental health first aid?Staff has been trained in the state required Youth Mental Health First Aid. In addition, additional training is being provided to help create a trauma sensitive classroom.If I choose to have my child participate in TEAMSumter, how will they have access to counseling and other support resources?You will need to make an appointment with the school counselor of your zoned school. FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES If we elect to have our child(ren) participate in TEAMSumter, will they still be permitted to receive their free or reduced price meals?Yes at their zoned school. Updated information will be on our website.What steps will be taken to limit exposure in school cafeterias?Students will be spaced as far apart as feasible and will be seated facing the same direction when possible. Outside eating space will also be utilized to support social distancing. Will students be required to wear masks while eating in the cafeteria? Will social distancing be practiced in the cafeteria?They will be required to wear a face covering to and from the cafeteria, but not while eating. Social distancing will be practiced to the extent possible. TRANSPORTATION If I elect to have my child participate in the traditional, in-person school option, will they be able to ride the bus to and from school?Yes as long as they are wearing a face covering. However, we encourage all parents to drive their child to and from school during this time. Will students be required to wear masks on school buses?Yes, that will be an enforced requirement to ride the bus. No mask, no ride.Will social distancing be practiced on school buses? Will you allow my child to be seated with his/her sibling(s)?We are trying to insure a maximum of 50 students transported on a bus and yes, we encourage siblings to sit together.What steps will be taken to limit exposure on school buses?Eliminating up to 20 students per bus, sanitizing the bus before and after their route as well as cleaning high touch areas. Hand sanitizer will be provided for students to use getting on and off the bus. When weather permits, windows will be open. Students must wear masks on the bus or will lose bus-riding privileges.TECHNOLOGY If I don’t currently have a device for my child(ren), can I obtain one from the District?Yes, Windows devices will be provided to every child who chooses Traditional or TEAMSumter.Will the District support my child’s device if we choose to use one from home?Not the device, but the instructional program will be supported.Will a Mac work for remote learning?Not recommended, as it may not be compatible with our Windows based programs.Will an iPad work for remote learning?Not recommended, as it may not be compatible with our Windows based programs.EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION What instructional options are available for children enrolled in VPK?This is a voluntary program, so only the traditional model.Will my preschooler have to wear a mask while at school?Yes, any time that social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained. However, we realize they are young children...How will meals be served to preschool children?Grab and Go Breakfast and lunch will be served in the cafeteria.Will preschool children have naptime?Yes, with social distancing to the extent possible.How many preschoolers will be in each classroom?Two adults per 20 studentsWho should I contact if I have additional questions about my child returning to school to participate in PreK?Susan Fort @ 352-793-2315 x52218EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/ATHLETICS Will my child’s school host sporting events, pep rallies, dances, meet the teacher/curriculum nights?Yes, but not all. Face coverings must be worn when social distancing is not possible. Will student-athletes be required to wear masks?Depends on the sport, situation, FHSAA guidance and Health Department procedures. Unlikely during the actual contest.Will parents/guardians and other spectators be allowed to attend athletic events?Yes, but face coverings will be required. If my child chooses an option other than traditional, will they still be able to try out for sports?Yes, but will have to follow FHSAA guidelines. How will students participate in PE? PE staff will closely monitor the students and, depending on the activity, will be required to wear face coverings if unable to socially distance. Equipment will be cleaned and sanitized by PE staff during the day and then again by custodial staff after school. Will field trips and other large gatherings be permitted?Field trips are unlikely at this time. At any large group event, face coverings will be required until further notice. REOPENING SCHOOLS PARENT SURVEY By filling out this survey, am I "locking in" a selection for my child for the 2020-2021 school year?No, but we are asking for a 9 week commitment. At this time, TEAMSumter is for one semester only as per state guidelines.Why did the district ask for my child's N number? What is the information being used for?To help with identifying and scheduling the correct student. If my child goes to a Charter school, should I still fill out this survey from the school district?No, you will need to contact the charter school.Have you surveyed teachers and staff about, at all levels, about reopening schools?We had an online survey available for all. Both unions have also been involved, as well as a reopening work group. We have regular communication with the Health Department as well. BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE Will the District have before and after school care next year? No, not at this time. However, we are looking at it for in the future as well as a summer camp opportunity. Information will be provided in the after the first of the year. ................
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