Status UpdateJuly 1, 2020

Arlington Public Schools Health and Safety Plan for School Year 2020-21

2

Highlights

Face CoveringAll employees and students will be required to wear a face covering (mask) while inside the building where medically appropriate.

Personal Protective EquipmentEnhanced protective equipment will be provided based on interim COVID recommendations from OSHA/VOSH and using the Arlington County Public Health algorithm.

Physical (Social) DistanceAll employees and students will be expected to maintain 6-foot physical distance to the greatest extent possible.

3

Highlights

Health ScreeningAll employees and students will receive a daily health screening and temperature check prior to engaging in APS in-person activities (i.e., before a bus ride, attending school, etc.).

COVID ResponseClear, documented procedures will be provided for a presumptive or confirmed COVID case and positive health screening within Arlington Public Schools.

CleaningImplement enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces.

4

HEALTH & SAFETY

School Division Wide Approach

Guidance ApproachPhysical (Social) Distance Physical distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent

possible. Furniture in classroom will be set up to maintain ideal six-foot distances.

Bus Capacity Physical distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible and students will be seated one per every other seat.

Health Screenings and Temperature Check

Employees and students will complete a daily health screening to include temperature checks. Employee screening will be logged utilizing our visitor management system and student attendance will be used as the log for students (contact tracing).

Recess Master schedules will be developed with the understanding of the guidance provided for maximum number of students and physical distancing.

Face Coverings All employees and students will be required to wear a face covering (mask) while inside the building where medically appropriate.

5

HEALTH & SAFETY

School Division Wide Approach

Guidance ApproachAthletics, Extracurriculars and Field Trips

Phased athletics and activities approach consistent with local and state public health guidance and considerations from industry associations.

Gathering Limits Implement alternate school assembly methodology and other mass gatherings of school and non-school based personal (e.g., streaming, alternating groups where six-feet is possible)

Cleaning Implement enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces.

Visitors/Volunteers Visitors are restricted to drop off and pick up in the main office until conditions relax further. Volunteer opportunities are suspended.

Isolation Space Identify per building a separate well-ventilated space that meets the local and state public health guidance for isolation outside of the clinic.

Indoor Air Quality Review filtration and ventilation approved designs to ensure consistency with guidance.

Hygiene Require employees and students to wash hands upon entry, before and after certain activities, and before leaving.

6

HEALTH & SAFETY

School Division Wide Approach

Guidance ApproachPersonal Protective Equipment Conducting hazard assessments utilizing OSHA interim COVID19 guidance

and Arlington County Public Health algorithm on positions/duties being performed and sourcing appropriate levels of personal protective equipment or administrative controls to reduce hazards from COVID19. (e.g., KN95 Respirators).

Floor Marking (PHD) Identify creative and developmentally appropriate floor markings for elementary, middle, high schools, and administrative buildings.

Signage (PHD) Creating multi-lingual signage identifying three main messages;1. Masks Requirements2. 6 Foot Physical Distance Requirements3. Building Entry Restrictions for Sick Individuals

Employee Return to Work Provide additional health and safety items for each employee to increase employee well-being (e.g., individual hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, etc.).

7

Initial Steps Taken

• Three Layer with Filter Pocket Cloth Face Coverings (Adult/Youth) have been purchased for every student (x2) and employee (x4).

• Additional Specialized Face Coverings are being purchased for Deaf/Hard Hearing Students, Instructors, and Support Staff.

• Plexiglass Shielding has been purchased for high traffic areas (e.g., administrative assistant spaces, attendance, etc.).

• Enhanced personal protective equipment for staff in close and constant contact (e.g., psychologist performing psychological assessment).

• Each employee will receive a return-to-work kit with hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in addition to their cloth face coverings.

8

Initial Steps Taken

• Purchased Infrared Thermometers for schools, activities/athletics, buses, aquatic facilities, Syphax Education Center, and Trades Center.

• Made adjustments in the Raptor Technologies Visitor Management System to accommodate for health screening and contact tracing of employees and restrict visitors/volunteers.

• Distributed English signage to all Arlington Public Schools facilities.• Develop multi-lingual guidance on health and safety return-to-work

procedures for employees.

9

Initial Steps Taken

• Developed custodial supply inventory minimums (i.e., 10 weeks) in coordination with Arlington County Government and best practice.

• Developed interim guidance for conducting of emergency exercises and drills (e.g., fire drills) as required by code.

• Hand hygiene signage was placed in February and will be refreshed where needed to provide step-by-step directions on proper technique and duration.

10

Next Steps/In Progress

• Develop employee health and safety return-to-work training to provide an understanding of COVID procedures for Arlington Public Schools.

• Implement and deploy new employee IDs to interact with the Visitor Management System to provide quick efficient health screening.

• Implement physical marking of public spaces within facilities (e.g., hallways, offices, cafeteria serving lines, etc.).

• Investigate ventilation and filtration needs above current approved design.

11

Next Steps/In Progress

• Finalize emergency response procedures for health screening concerns and COVID-like symptoms present in schools and workplaces.

• Print, laminate, and distribute multilingual signage for all Arlington Public Schools facilities.

• Implement an emergency notification system with capabilities to text, telephone, and email employees.

12

Instructional Models

Instructional Models At-A-Glance

14

Teacher Planning/ Distance Learning or Interventions

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Online Teacher-Led Synchronous/Interactive InstructionFour Days/Week

Group 2 Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Group 1In-School

Group 2 Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Group 1Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Group 2 In-School

Group 2 In-School

Group 1 Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Teacher Planning/ Distance Learning or Interventions

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Group 1In-School

Hybrid In-School and Distance Learning Model

Full-Time Virtual Model

Overview of the Two Options

Families choose between two instructional models:

15

Hybrid In-School and Distance Learning

Students attend school two consecutive days per week with physical distancing and health measures (Tues/Wed OR Thurs/Fri)

Students participate in asynchronous/self-directed distance learning three days per week.

Face coverings/masks required for staff and students while inside the building, where medically appropriate

Full-Time Virtual Learning

Student engage in synchronous, teacher-led instruction four times per week (Tuesday-Friday)

One day per week of independent, asynchronous learning (Monday)

Schedules and hours vary by grade level

Hybrid In-School and Distance Learning

Two days/week of in-school instruction; three days of asynchronous, self-directed distance learning

• Elementary students focus on literacy, numeracy, Social Studies, Science, specials (Art, Music, PE)

• Middle & high school students will participate in all courses which they selected in early spring via block schedule

• Special education services will be provided in-person and virtually to meet IEP requirements

• English Learners will receive direct support in-person and virtually.

• Transportation will be provided with physical distancing16

Hybrid In-School and Distance Learning

17

Group 2 Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Group 1In-School

Group 2 Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Group 1Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Group 2 In-School

Group 2 In-School

Group 1 Asynchronous

Distance Learning

Teacher Planning/ Distance Learning or

Interventions

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Group 1In-School

What Distance Learning Is What Distance Learning Is Not

• Small group work• Video introduction of new content• Independent practice; assessment of

proficiency• Continued purposeful interaction with peers• Thoughtful engagement with curriculum• Access help during intervention period• Engagement in teacher-supported extensions• Opportunities to review previously taught

material via differentiated methods to remediate or strengthen understanding of concepts and/or proficiency of skills

• Participation in live-stream instruction• Daily structured schedule

Full-Time Virtual Learning

ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH

• 2.5-3.5 hours/day of direct/synchronous instruction

• Language Arts, math, science, social studies, and specials (Art, Music, PE)

• Specialized instruction for English Learners, as needed

• Support for Special Education students to meet IEP requirements.

• Students receive weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons

• Daily office hours with counselors, social workers and psychologists

• 3 hours/week per course of direct/synchronous instruction

• Specialized instruction for English Learners, as needed

• Support for Special Education students to meet IEP requirements.

• Students receive weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons

• Daily office hours with counselors, social workers and psychologists

• Students enroll in online courses offered by APS teachers and outside course providers

• Schedules will vary• Accommodations for Students with

Disabilities and 504 Plans• Special Education case carriers ensure

accommodations are being provided• Specialized instruction

for English Learners, as needed• Designated APS teachers or site-based

counselors will serve as course monitors to ensure appropriate pacing and assignment completion

• Students receive weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons

• Daily office hours with counselors, social workers and psychologists

18

Both Models

• New content and all courses required by Virginia standards of learning will be offered.

• General classroom instruction will feature whole group, small group, and individual support at all grade levels.

• Specialized instruction will be provided to English Learners.• Specialized instruction and services will be provided to Special

Education students based on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).• Social-Emotional Learning will be provided weekly for all grades.• Mondays are designated for teacher planning, small-group

interventions and asynchronous distance learning.19

Family Commitment:Return-to-School Instructional Model Selection Process

ParentVUE Selection Opens July 6

• Families will receive notification via ParentVUE and School Talk on July 6 to select the preferred instructional model for their student(s)

• Includes choice for transportation needs (e.g., I will provide transportation for my student OR I will use APS transportation)

• Families must respond by July 20 to allow staff time to plan for both models

• Students remain in the model selected; any change requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances, depending on school and bus capacities and staffing

21

Community Engagement

ParentVUE Instructional Model Selection Process Opens on Monday, July 6

• Information available in English and Spanish on ParentVUE; additional translations available via Language Selection on the APS Website

• Families will receive a School Talk message, text and robocall providing step-by step instructions

• Information regarding models and process will be posted on the website, under Engage, and shared through social media

• School-based staff will receive daily ParentVUE data collection reports and conduct direct outreach to families, based on responses rates

• Families can contact their child’s school for assistance

• Bilingual Family Liaisons will engage limited English-speaking families

• Flyers in multiple languages will be distributed at APS grab-and-go meal sites

• Families will receive and email to confirm receipt of instructional delivery decision

22

Hybrid Model In-School Scheduling

• Decisions regarding schedules and student group assignments for each school will be made centrally based on multiple factors

• Siblings will be assigned to the same in-school schedule to simplify family arrangements, when possible

• Details regarding student assignments and scheduling will be finalized and communicated in August once family selections are received and processed

23

Teacher and Staff Preferences:Return-to-School Process

Teacher and Staff Preferences

• Human Resources is currently preparing clarity on leave eligibility and accommodations available under federal law, and the details of the process.

• Teachers will share their preferences for hybrid or full-time virtual instruction in a short survey to be sent on July 6, 2020, with a two-week window for response.

• Responses are due by July 20, 2020

o Responses will be confidential within HR, only names and assigned mode of teaching will be shared with principals/ DTL

o Placements for full-time virtual learning instruction will be based on student enrollment numbers and prioritized by eligibility for accommodations under federal law, family medical need, and preference. These placements will occur once schools have finalized their rosters of students for both learning models.

• All other staff will receive similar information in the second half of July.25

Timeline and Next Steps

Timeline

27

Completed by: Goals

June 29, 2020 • Provide phase II VHSL Fall Athletics and Marching Band conditioning opportunities.

July 1, 2020 • School Board Return-to-School Status Update

July 6, 2020 • Family selection process opens for selecting preferred instructional model on ParentVUE• Teacher survey opens for selecting preferred instructional model

July 16, 2020 • School Board Return-to-School Status Update

July 20, 2020 • Responses due for family selection of preferred instructional model on ParentVUE• Responses due for teacher survey to provide input on preferred instructional model

July 30, 2020 • School Board Meeting Return-to-School Status Update • Communicate process and timeline for assigning student group assignments for hybrid model

August 20 • School Board Return-to-School Status Update

Week of August 24 • Communicate final details regarding instruction, scheduling, transportation and technology distribution

August 31, 2020 • First Day of School