Edgeley Public School Health & Safety Plan

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Edgeley Public School

Health & Safety Plan

2020-2021

Approved 8/13/2020

Message From Superintendent

Edgeley School Families,

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It has been a challenge for our entire community since March, but we hope you have found ways to cope and embrace this new normal. Thank you to the students, staff, parents, and community members who have helped us succeed in these trying times. The 2019-2020 school year was challenging but we are proud of students and thankful the district was able to celebrate our seniors’ accomplishments with a graduation exercise.

The challenge now is planning for what school will look like during the 2020-2021 school year. This is a daunting task as we all realize how the impact and response to COVID-19 has changed rapidly over the past four months. This plan will attempt to address these challenges, while providing a flexible framework to guide our response throughout the upcoming school year.

For academic, social-emotional, and economic reasons, we are compelled to strive to return to an in-person model. Yet, we cannot disregard that the health and safety concerns associated with the virus remain. The district must consider all practical steps to keep our schools from contributing to virus spread in our community.

This plan presents countless hours of critical thinking, research, modeling, and work by our educators, staff, parents, students, community and school board. We realize that reviewing this plan may not address every question you have. We recognize some concepts and actions may be polarizing, and there are strong opinions about what the school should do or should not. Yet, we must remain open to what is possible and consider all options so we can move forward.

Thank you for your time reviewing this plan. We encourage everyone to ask questions and communicate their concerns as we move forward. Together, Edgeley Public School will provide quality education to our children in a safe manner, if we work together.

Respectfully,

Tyler Hanson Jared Nitschke

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COVID-19 COORDINATING TEAM

The District Emergency Response Team will be responsible for the continued preparation and response planning for COVID-19. Tyler Hanson, Superintendent of schools, will be identified as the COVID-19 coordinator and will assign the specific roles and responsibilities to the members of the DERT team. School Principals will be the designated representatives for each school and will be made available during evenings and weekends to respond to communications from local public health officials.

CONTRIBUTIONS

These individuals contributed to the development of this plan serving as members of the District Emergency Response Team, Public Health and Medical Team, Advisory Group, and/or School Board.

District Emergency Response Team (DERT) Mary Beth Carlson- Elementary Principal

Morgan Schwartzenberger- Junior/Senior High Principal/AD Lacey Brandenburg, EEA Presiden

Sandy Zahn, Technology Director Joanne Geinert, Head Cook Dana Ellingson, Head Maintenance Heidi Budeau, Special Education Director Dan Rood, SRCTC Director

Joe Neis, Transportation (Neis Bus Service) Sadie Barnick, Business Manager

Tyler Hanson, Superintendent Public Health and Medical Team

Jessica Duffy, LaMoure County Health Department Amanda Huber, PA, Sanford Health and School Board Member

Matt Hebl, North Dakota National Guard, Edgeley Unit Advisory Group

Students

Parents/Guardians Support Staff Teachers

Community Leader-Mayor Wayne Henderson School Board

Jared Nitschke, President Amanda Huber, Vice President Molly Leppert, Director Troy Hanson, Director Jeff Fleck, Director

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HEALTH GUIDANCE SYSTEM

The North Dakota K12 Smart Restart Fall 2020 provides guidance and direction in preparing a reopening plan. We anticipate changes as the current COVID-19 situation evolves and will continue to communicate these changes promptly. The K12 Smart Restart categorizes re-opening into five phases:

LAMOURE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

NOTIFICATION & CONTACT TRACING

1. The North Dakota Department of Health (ND DoH) will provide a Case Investigator/Contact Tracer for all cases.

2. Upon notification of a positive case, the ND DoH will work with the COVID-19 Coordinator to

determine close contacts of the positive case. The Coordinator will also provide contact information contact tracer.

3. Positive case: When a positive case is identified, ND DoH will be in contact with the positive case to determine isolation time and release from quarantine.

4. Close contacts: A close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of a positive case for 15 minutes or longer (cumulative). The COVID-19 Coordinator will assist in determining close contacts within the school. Close contacts must quarantine for 14 days from the date of last exposure. ND DoH and the COVID-19 Coordinator will determine the release date.

NOTE- Individuals with positive screening responses are NOT automatically placed in a 14-day quarantine period. However, if individuals with positive responses refuse to be evaluated by medical personnel and provide that notification to the school, they must sit out and monitor for further symptoms for 14 days from the onset of symptoms to ensure recovery.

Blue / New Normal Most normal activities can resume with standard precautions and awareness of guidelines.

Green / Low Risk Low case counts are reported. Public health and private healthcare are able to diagnose, treat safely, and isolate cases and their contacts.

Yellow / Moderate Risk Heightened exposure risk; transmission is controlled. Cases are reported by contained by rapid testing and robust contact tracing

Orange / High Risk Significant transmission; high risk for exposure due to widespread community spread of infections.

Red / Critical Risk Highest disease burden; significant and uncontrolled community transmission, multiple outbreaks.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

The health and safety of our students and staff are the top priority when reopening schools for in-person learning this fall. The health and safety procedures have been developed in consultation with our local public health officials.

Resources

ND Department of Public Instruction -

https://www.nd.gov/dpi/parentscommunity/nddpi-updates-and-guidance-covid-19

ND Department of Health -https://www.health.nd.gov/diseases-conditions/coronavirus

Center for Disease Control and Prevention -https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

COVID-19 spreads when people are in relatively close proximity, through respiratory droplets generated through coughing, sneezing, or talking to an infected person. The most effective measures include: masks/face coverings,

physical distancing, handwashing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Blue/Green Face-to-Face Mode of

Instruction

Yellow Hybrid Mode of Instruction

Orange / Red Online - Blended Mode of

Instruction

Monitoring Students & Staff

Home Health Screening must be completed before coming to school each day:

● Do not come to school if exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms.

● Do not come to school if there is a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater.

● Temperature checks will not be provided upon arrival at school.

● See Appendix A for Screener

Distance Learning may begin for all grade levels.

During School Hours, if a student or staff has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher and/or exhibiting two or more symptoms of COVID-19:

● Students will be required to have a facial covering and directed to the medical room.

● Parent/Guardian will be contacted to pick up the student immediately.

Staff:

● Put on facial covering.

● Notify the central office or administration.

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substitute arrives. Absenteeism &

Attendance Policies regarding denial of credit based on attendance may be waived for absences related to COVID-19—contact building Principal.

Staff Attendance may be waived for absences related to COVID-19 –contact Business Manager and/or Superintendent.

Distance Learning Attendance Policy.

Higher Risk Individuals Students or those who have household members or other regular contacts that have underlying medical conditions and defined as high risk by a physician will be provided distance learning options.

Staff will be provided accommodations which may include distance learning options.

Students with current plans (IEP, 504, Health Plan, etc.) will be reviewed and updated to decrease the risk of exposure.

Notification All notices and announcements will be communicated through our current system using social media, telephone, website, and local newspaper.

**All families MUST review and update current contact information prior to the start of school**

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COMMUNICATION & TRAINING

Instruction

Staff Training Training for ALL staff will be scheduled for August 17, & 18, 2020. School will start with students on August 19, 2020.

Training Topics:

● COVID-19 Symptom Review and Checklist

● COVID-19 Related leave and absences

● Proper Disinfecting, Gloving, Facial Coverings

● Hand Sanitizer Vs. Hand Washing

● Proper Physical Distancing

● Protocol on Absences, Isolation, and Quarantine

● Distance Learning Options

● Technology Update and Review

Communications Regular and Routine updates will be provided via current notification systems. Use school website, www.edgeley.k12.nd.us to find the current phase.

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HYGIENE, CLEANING, PHYSICAL DISTANCING

Instruction

Hygiene Practices Handwashing with soap & water or hand sanitizer will be used at the following times:

● Arrival to school

● Before and after eating

● After using the bathroom

● Before & after handling facial coverings

● After playing outdoors

● Prior to switching rooms or locations

● Before dismissal

Schools may be closed to the public. Distance Learning may begin for all grade levels.

Cleaning & Disinfecting Staff will perform routine cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas, i.e. door handles, stair rails, drinking fountains, desks, tables, and chairs throughout the day.

Non-irritating disinfectants will be used to avoid triggering breathing issues of students and staff. Facial Coverings Edgeley Public Schools in

conjunction with LaMoure County Public Health Department require the use of face masks when 6 foot social distancing cannot be maintained.

Masks required with all group projects and when congregating.

Edgeley Public Schools in conjunction with

LaMoure County Public Health Department require the use of face masks when 6 foot social distancing cannot be maintained.

Edgeley Public Schools in conjunction with

LaMoure County Public Health Department require the use of face masks when 6 foot social distancing cannot be maintained.

● Students are asked to wash their facial covering each night.

● Students are responsible for bringing facial

● All practices in blue and green will continue.

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covering to school each day.

● Facial coverings are required when 6 foot social distancing cannot be maintained on busses.

● Facial coverings are required to be worn to classrooms, upon arrival, during transitions, and during dismissal when 6 foot social distancing cannot be maintained.

Cleaning Classrooms

Classrooms routinely cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines. Special focus on high touch/traffic areas.

Lunchroom

Tables will be sanitized between groups. Physical Education/Music

Equipment will be sanitized between groups. Playground

Playground equipment will not be sanitized. Bussing

Busses will be sanitized after each route. Central Office, Bathrooms, Hallways, etc. Routine cleaning of high touch surfaces.

Physical Distancing A minimum of 6 feet will be attempted between students & staff when together for more than 15 minutes. If students & staff are unable to maintain physical distancing requirements, face coverings will be required.

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physical distancing:

Some school events, assemblies and gatherings may be changed or cancelled.

Classrooms

● Assigned seating for all classes.

● When individual seating is not available, pods are acceptable depending on size.

● Limited use of shared materials and supplies when students are in school.

Lunchroom

● Breakfast will be served.

● Serving times will be staggered for each group.

● Tables will be spaced apart to the

maximum extent feasible.

● Spots will be marked for allowed seating.

● Markers will be placed on the floor to encourage distancing while waiting for a tray.

Lunchroom

● Serving may be altered.

Curb-side to go meals will be available for purchase to all enrolled EPS students following all federal guidelines.

SCHOOL OFFICE

● Guests will be limited to the lobby. Lunch guests will not be allowed.

● Non-essential visitors will not be allowed into the building.

● Essential visitors must remain in the

SCHOOL OFFICE

● Facial coverings will be required.

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Office Area; no guest passes will be

provided.

○ Masks will be required of visitors

DROP OFF/PICK-UP (Before or After School)

● K-6 Students will enter door #2, #4, #5. and exit door #2, #4 or #5.

● 7-12 Students will enter door #2 (main office) or #1.

● Parents are asked not to enter the building for drop off or pickup.

● Busses will drop off/pick-up as usual.

● Doors will remain locked all day.

BATHROOMS,

HALLWAYS, COMMON AREAS, ECT.

Signs placed to encourage the best physical distancing practices.

BATHROOMS,

HALLWAYS, COMMON AREAS, ECT.

Facial coverings will be required during

transition times in the hallway.

Additional Safety Measures

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Transportation

Instruction

BUSSING ● Social distancing

where possible and reasonable.

● Social distancing on a

school bus may be unachievable.

● Students will have

assigned seating on the bus.

● Hand sanitizer will be

provided at the main door of bus

● Face coverings will be

required with all group settings and when congregating

○ Drivers will be

required to wear a mask

● When possible,

windows will be open for air flow

● Daily attendance will

be taken by drivers

● In-town

pickup/dropoff for Daycare children only

● No extra riders will be

permitted (birthday parties, friends over on the weekend, etc)

● Facial coverings will be required.

● Transportation may not be needed as distance learning may be taking place.

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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Instruction

Activities ● Activities would proceed as normal but will follow guidelines from the CDC, NDDoH, NDHSAA, NFHS, and DPI. ● EPS activity guidelines will be followed

○ Visit the Return to Competition: NDHSAA Return to Competition Guidance ○ Visit: Sport Specific Rule Modifications: NDHSAA Sport Specifice Guidance ● Activities would proceed as normal but will follow guidelines from the CDC, NDDoH, NDHSAA, NFHS, and DPI. ● EPS activity guidelines will be followed

○ Visit the Return to Competition:

NDHSAA Return to Competition Guidance

○ Visit: Sport Specific Rule Modifications:

NDHSAA Sport Specifice Guidance

● Locker room access will be limited.

● Increased frequency of cleaning of equipment and facilities will take place.

There may be No Activities (This includes after school program). Guidance will come from NDHSAA.

Spectators Indoor Seating

Facial Covers Required for indoor activities Capacity limits in athletic venues will be limited to

guidelines of (ND SMART

Restart Large Gathering proticalls & NDHSAA guidelines.

Indoor Seating

Facial Covers Required for indoor activities Capacity limits in athletic venues will be limited to

guidelines of (ND SMART

Restart Large Gathering proticalls & NDHSAA guidelines.

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ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION

Educating Students in Any and All Environments

Edgeley Public Schools has planned and prepared for the continuum of three learning plans during the 2020-2021 school year. In alignment with the North Dakota K-12 Smart Restart Fall 2020 (Appendix B), the school district will provide students with learning plans. Throughout the school year, students at any time may be required to quickly transition from one learning plan to another. Any student that will not be attending school in-person to begin the school year will be placed in the remote learning plan.

There are two primary instructional models from which families can choose:

● Face-to-Face (a blended model with the goal of

being at school in a face-to-face setting as often as circumstances allow). Students in the Face-to-Face model may experience movement to and from the following modes of instruction depending on specific COVID-19 situations in classrooms, buildings and the district.

● Distance Learning (a model where students are

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Face-to-Face (Blended Learning) Model:

The face-to-face blended model used by the district will be guided, in part, by the risk level of COVID-19 in the community (Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red). This is a guide, as instructional modes could be altered based on factors including but not limited to occupancy levels, age of children, and abilities to establish high quality instruction. Students in the Face-to-Face model may experience movement to and from the following modes of instruction depending on specific COVID-19 situations in classrooms, buildings and the district.

The color phases are outlined below from each major component of the student experience.

All instruction is delivered in-person. Teachers and students maintain a normal daily schedule. Safety precautions are implemented to enhance staff and student safety.

When it is determined we

are in_… Students will primarily experience...

Blue Green Face-to-Face Mode of Instruction

Face-to-Face instruction is defined as having students in buildings with educators following protocols and procedures to address safety of all.

Yellow Hybrid Mode of Instruction

The Hybrid mode will consist of a combination of Face-to-Face and Distance Learning formats. Operating in Hybrid mode will reduce the number of students in buildings but ensures some face-to-face instruction and interaction along with some distance

learning. The Hybrid mode will be consistent among Elementary Schools, consistent among Middle Schools, and consistent among High School. However it may vary among the divisions.

Orang e

Red Online -Blended Mode of Instruction

The Online - Blended mode will provide education online with consistency in the coursework at each grade level. This model will be primarily off-campus and use resources to meet the varying needs students. There may be some students on campus.

The ability to “BLEND” these instructional modes for students is important as no one mode will meet the needs of all students.

Family Choice for Distance Learning Option Per Semester

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Students may alternate between in-person and remote learning to accommodate additional physical distancing. This plan is also designed for the students excluded from school due to illness, quarantine, or other COVID related reasons.

Examples of Hybrid Learning:

▪ A/B grouping that isolates groups of students who attend school in-person on either different weeks, different days of the week, or half days of the week.

▪ Prioritizing high-need students for full-time in-person learning ▪ Prioritizing students without technology access or devices at home.

Edgeley Public School instruction may be as follows:

● Class sizes may be reduced by splitting the student body into the following two sections:

○ Student last names from A-L and student last names M-Z.

○ Student sections will rotate on a weekly basis for in school and distance learning.

● Students (A-L) will attend school while students (M-Z) will be home and participate in school via distance learning.

● Staff will provide instruction and assignments to both sections via Microsoft Teams and/or Zoom, which may include recorded videos of class or other means of instruction.

● All students are required to complete their assignments and participate in instruction through means determined by each class.

● The following week students (M-Z) will attend school while students (A-L) will be home and participate in school via distance learning.

○ **Class split by last name can change when looking at class splits and number of students allowed in the building

○ **Families residing in the same household will be in the same section.

In the event of school closure, all instruction will be delivered through distance learning by Edgeley Public Schools staff. This does not apply to students enrolled in At-Home Online Instruction (ND Center for Distance Education and SE Dakota Learning Academy).

● Some students might be allowed on campus during this phase.

Yellow - Hybrid Instruction

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Edgeley High School

Families will enroll in ND Center for Distance Education (NDCDE) classes per semester; instructors will not be Edgeley Public School staff. Edgeley High School will cover the cost of these courses. In the event a student fails with an incomplete in the course, the family will be responsible for the cost of that course. Academic support will be provided solely by NDCDE, and it will be the responsibility of the family/student to monitor progress and grades in each course, as well as communicate with their instructor. Each student will take a minimum of 6 classes per semester, which include a combination of core classes required for graduation and electives.

Edgeley Elementary School

Families choice to enroll in SE Dakota Learning Academy; instructors will not be Edgeley Public School staff. It will be the responsibility of the family/student to communicate with academy instructors and monitor

progress/grades in each course. Each student will be required to take and pass six courses. In the event a student does not finish or fails with an incomplete in the a course, the family will be responsible for reimbursement of the cost of the course, and the child may not be promoted to the next grade level at Edgeley Elementary School.

Details found here for grades K-5

Technology Plan

At-Home Online Instruction Only:

Instruction

District Technology Edgeley School will utilize Palo Alto (Traps) for antivirus protection. LightSpeed will be used to monitor and filter content on all school devices. A technology ticket form will be in place for technology support.

Teacher Technology All teachers have a laptop, projection device and necessary technology in their classrooms. Teachers will be trained on the online resources adopted by the school (Microsoft Teams and Zoom).

Student Technology Grades 3-12 will have school issued laptops.

K-2 will have iPads/Surface laptops for individual use. School will provide individual headphones for grades K-8.

Students will be guided on how to access on-line resources and the care of the laptop.

Grades K-6;

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Mental Health

Edgeley Public Schools has evaluated and further considered the impact that school closures had on the mental health of our students, families, and staff members and we are preparing to meet these needs with the reopening of our schools in the fall.

The Edgeley Public School Board has entered a partnership with Nexus-Path in Fargo to provide school-based Targeted Case Management Services. A licensed professional is available 24/7 365 days to our school. These students receive services for reasons of emotional distress, coping skills, abuse, home conditions and addiction. Referrals for this service originate from Edgeley Public Schools staff and administrators. If your child is in need of services with the reopening of our schools, we will have you contact your school principal for more

information about how your students can be referred.

Positive Partnerships and Communication

We believe communication between parents/families and the school district will strengthen the

educational opportunities, experiences, and outcome for our students in the district. Therefore, we will communicate important information in a clear, consistent, and timely manner to our students,

parents/families, staff, and community members. Our methods of communication will include:

● District Email Listservs

● District Website

● Social-Media- District Facebook Page

● Local Media- NewsDakota, Edgeley Mail

● Instant Alert Phone Notification System

● All laptops will be wiped down daily and stored in a cart for charging. Grades 7-12

● Devices will be allowed to go home.

● Students will be responsible in keeping their laptops charged and ready for class daily.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When will we receive the information on the School Plans and Additional Documents?

All schools will submit plans to the COVID-19 coordination team and local public health officials for review prior to the end of July. These plans, along with all other information referenced in the district reopening plan, will be shared with students, parents/families, and staff on or before Monday, August 3rd.

How will students register for school this year?

This process continues to be looked at and a future decision will be made soon. What will be the visitor/volunteer policy of the school district in 2020-2021?

Edgeley Public School will limit all visitors and volunteers from entering our schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to our students and staff. Parents/families intending to enter the school to pick-up a child or attend a meeting must enter door #2 and wait in the lobby area. Remember, if you are not feeling well please don’t enter the building.

What are my options if I’m not comfortable sending my child to school for in-person learning? Please contact the office at 701.493.2292 to discuss with the building principal.

When will we receive COVID-19 specific health information that address policies, procedures, and operations within the school? (i.e. monitoring symptoms, exposure, quarantining requirements, return to school)

Our local health team will provide us with guidance regarding COVID-19 and how we will implement procedures for monitoring symptoms, student and staff exposures, the requirements for quarantining, and return to school. We expect that these guidelines will be ready for dissemination with our school plans on or before August 3rd.

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Appendix A

BEFORE SCHOOL!

Parents are asked to review this daily health checklist by answering

these questions before sending their child to school.

(Parents do not need to send the questionnaire to school)

Has your child had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?

Yes____ No____

Does your child have a new or worsening shortness of breath?

Yes____ No____

Does your child have new or worsening cough? Yes____ No____

Does your child have a fever of 100.4 or greater? Yes____ No____

Does your child have chills? Yes____ No____

Does your child have a sore throat? Yes____ No____

Does your child have a new loss of taste or smell?

Yes____ No____

If YES to any of the questions STOP! Do not send your child to school. Contact your healthcare provider. Contact your child’s school to inform them of your child’s absence.

If you are able to answer NO to all

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Additional Links

In July the NDDoH released

● Recommendations for Schools

● Close Contacts in Schools

● Exclusion Decision Tree for Symptomatic Individuals in Schools

These documents, along with guidelines from the North Dakota Smart Restart guidance provide the foundation for this guidance from North Dakota to allow local school boards in consultation with

local public health units to measure and balance the risk of health and safety for students along

with students overall social emotional educational experience. All documents will be updated, as needed, to reflect best practices.

Edgeley Public School Health & Safety Plan