PORT WASHINGTON

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Reopening Plan

A Pathway to Success

July 31, 2020

(Updated October 20, 2020)

This plan will be posted on our school website and it will be modified as more information becomes

available. It is anticipated that we will receive ongoing guidance from Governor Cuomo, the NYS

Department of Health, and the NYS Department of Education throughout the year, which may alter plan

implementation and components of this plan.

Committee Members

RE-OPENING COMMITTEE

Chair: Dr. Chris Shields

Administrators: Dr. Mike Hynes, Dr. Stephanie Allen, Beth Javeline, Dr. Bonni Cohen, Ryan Meloni, Dr. Ira

Pernick, Jim Ristano

Teachers: Regina McLean, Jeanne Zeh, Dawn Bollerman (Nurse)

BOE: Larry Greenstein

Community Members: Detective Tony Guzzello (PWPD), Dr. Naomi Jackman (Physician), Adrienne Kane

(Parent Council)

SUB-COMMITTEES

Health and Safety Protocols Districtwide

Administrators: James Ristano (Chair), Beata Walerych-Janus

Teachers: Dawn Bollerman (Lead Nurse), Joy Grasso-Krebs (Schreiber), Leslie McWatt (Sousa), Natalie

Miller (Guggenheim), Alex Sepulvida (Schreiber)

Paraprofessionals: Paula Wersan, Mari Pilier, Kim Smith

Clerical: Jayne Benisatto

Specialists: Dr. Naomi Jackman, Det. Tony Guzzello

BOE: Nora Johnson

Parent: Nicoletta Gargas

Special Education/Mental Health

Administrators: Dr. Stephanie Allen (Chair), Kitty Klein

Teachers: Jen Biblowitz (Sousa), Dr. Janna Amigon (Weber), Adriana Najera-Pollak (Schreiber),

Lisa Keogh (Salem), Donna Braun (Sousa), Daniela Venegas (Weber), Silvia Ostrowski (Schreiber),

Maryanne Horan-Teta (Weber)

Paraprofessionals: Martha Berry, Christine Martin-Stehn, Sarah Schwadron, Patricia Trombley

BOE: Rachel Gilliar

Parent: Jennifer Scotto-Robinson

Transportation/Food Service Administrators: Mary Callahan (Chair), Robin Allen, Jessica Mack

Teacher: Christine Cuomo

Paraprofessionals: Terry King, Arnold Donado, Inbal Lerner

BOE: Deborah Brooks

Building Protocols

Administrators: Dr. Bonni Cohen (Chair), Beth Javeline, David Miller, Dr. Kimberly Licato, Steve Faure

Teachers: Regina McLean (Weber), Cathleen Costello (Salem Nurse), Nina Evans (Manorhaven), Meghan

Harding (Schreiber), Susan McAuliffe (Weber)

Paraprofessionals: Rita DiLucia, Heather Hurt, Brett Frank, Tanya Sydnor

Clerical: Mary Beth Nardone

BOE: Beth Weisburd

Elementary:

Administrator: Dr. Bonni Cohen, Dr. Kimberly Licato, Kevin Scully

Teachers: Nina Evans (Manorhaven), Giovanna Fitzpatrick (Pre-K), Cathleen Costello (Nurse),

Judy Lavelle-Carroll (Nurse), Jen McRae Fitzsimmons (Manorhaven), Carolina Petrides (Sousa),

Jessica Castaneda (Daly), Patrick Nash, Kerin Schieck, Jill Corwin

Paraprofessionals: Heather Hurt, Brett Frank, Shanequa Dumpson

Head Custodians: Mike Prudente (Salem), Tom Doran (Daly), Paul Sanchez (Guggenheim), John Ciotoli

(Sousa), Patrick Novotny (Manorhaven)

Parents: Sara Klein (Daly), Jenny Gammons (Gugg.), Jessica Melwani (Manorhaven), Gabrielle Sternberg

(Sousa), Cara Hristoforatos (Salem)

Middle School:

Administrators: Beth Javeline, Dan Ciccone, Jessica Zuckerman, Eric Mace, Stephanie Joannon, Shirley

Cepero, Kevin Scully

Teachers: Susan McAuliffe, Kate Herz, Stacey Portmore Davies, Chris Buchman, Aileen Connors, Jennifer

Klingel, Marilyn DiToro, Ruth Robles, Alicia Edgar

Paraprofessionals: Marie Thompson

Acting Head Custodian: Jim Oldford

Parent: Cathy Riva

High School:

Administrators: Kristen Anisis, David Miller

Teachers: Meghan Harding, Alicia Cotter, Scott Carmody, Beth Carstens, Giuliana Cleary, Anthony Pinelli,

Danielle Lally

Paraprofessionals: Pat Baglio, Rita DiLucia, Arnold Donado

Head Custodian: David Albury (Schreiber)

Parent: Irene Sinconegi

Communications

Dr. Mike Hynes (Chair)

Administrators: Dr. Chris Shields, Dr. Ira Pernick

Teachers: Regina McLean (Weber), Eric Sutz (Salem)

Paraprofessional: Walter Zepeda, Carol Conner

BOE: Emily Beys

Parent: Adrienne Kane

INSTRUCTIONAL COMMITTEE Chair: Dr. David Meoli

Administrators: Dr. Michael Hynes, Dr. Ira Pernick, Beth Javeline, Dr. Sheri Suzzan, Dr. Stephanie Allen,

Shirley Cepero

Teachers: Jeanne Zeh, Julie Katz, Megaera Regan, Emily Roberts, Andrew Vinella, Lisa Carus, Dan

Dowling

Paraprofessional: Nancy Lalena, Christine Martin Stehn, Penelope Pritsiolas

BOE: Nora Johnson

Parent: Amy Snorteland

SUB-COMMITTEES

Elementary:

Administrators: Dr. Sheri Suzzan (Chair), Dr. Pia Ferante, Meg Sheehan, Danielle Mattina.

Teachers: Jeanne Zeh, Jennifer Anicito, Lisa Carus, Jackie Gilmartin, Julie Katz, Dr. Joanne Koukoulas,

Justine Koo, Heather O’Shea, Trish Rex, Joy Tamburino, Megaeara Regan, Barbara O’Donnell

Paraprofessional: Michele Cero, Robin Lytle, Wendy Eskinazi, Julia Pepe, Dana Wisselman, Jeanine

Oleksiw

BOE: Rachael Gilliar

Parent: Sara Raber

Middle School:

Administrators: Beth Javeline (Chair), Dan Ciccone, Jessica Zuckerman, Eric Mace

Teachers: Dan Dowling, Emily Roberts, Jackie Gilmartin, Helen Hsie, Stacey Portmore-Davies, Phil

Spotteck, Maria Shapiro, Ann Marie Hall, Alicia Edgar

Paraprofessionals: Austen Cortes, Dolores Costa-Pina

BOE: Julie Epstein

Parent: Michelle Duran

High School:

Administrators: Dr. Ira Pernick (Chair), Craig Weiss

Teachers: Andrew Vinella, Joy Grasso-Krebs, Robyn Block, Jackie Gilmartin, Elizabeth Kamerer, Eileen

Mills, Michal Cohan

Paraprofessionals: Pat Baglio, Leslie Avazis, Francesca Yuricic, Susana Vinoles

BOE: Deborah Brooks

Parent: Meredith Steigman

Table of Contents

Introduction - 1

Framework for Re-Opening - 1

Health and Safety - 2

Nutrition - 4

Transportation - 6

Special Education & Social-Emotional Well-Being - 6

Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism - 9

Technology and Connectivity - 9

Teaching and Learning/School Schedules - 9

English Language Learners - 12

Staffing/Human Resources - 12

Response to Positive COVID-19 Case - 13

1

Introduction

The Port Washington Union Free School District is committed to providing students with

an exceptional education, the preparation needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world

and opportunities to learn and grow in a safe, secure student-centered environment. The

District promotes mutual respect, open and honest communication, ethical behavior and

personal responsibility. Extending beyond the walls of our school buildings, the District

encourages and promotes a love of life-long learning and social-emotional health within

our community.

Goal of the Re-Opening Plan

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged all school districts to adapt and adjust educational

and operational strategies and activities over the past four and a half months. Given the

uncertainty of circumstances when schools are scheduled to open for the 2020-2021

school year in September, the District has taken a proactive approach in developing plans

that will account for multiple scenarios, as well as being flexible enough to adapt to

changes as they may occur. The work and plans identified in this document will continue

to be dependent upon guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the

New York State Department of Health, New York State Education Department and other

agencies. The overall objective of the final Re-Opening Plan to be adopted by the Board

of Education is to provide a comprehensive direction to all District stakeholders on how

to best re-open our schools that provides for the health, safety and wellness of students,

staff, and all who visit or do business in our schools, and to ensure the on-going delivery

of a quality education to students at all grade levels.

Guiding Principles for Re-Opening

• Maintaining student, staff and community health and safety at all times

in our school buildings and on all school property

• Promoting continuity and excellence of instruction and education

• Ensuring access and equity for all students

• Ensuring the emotional and social well-being of all students

• Meeting the needs of all students and families

• Providing regular communication with all stakeholders, including families,

staff, and community

• Creating plans that remain within the limits of our community-approved

2020-2021 operating budget

Framework to Prepare for Re-Opening

Public schools in New York are required to develop three plans for delivering

instruction:

1) In-Person Learning Model: Educating all students in our schools every day

2) Hybrid Model: Educating a portion of our students in school while the others are

learning remotely. Students would be assigned days being in school and days being

remote.

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3) Remote Learning Model: All students would be home and learning remotely.

Districts are given the flexibility to apply any one of the models to grade levels, grade

bands, or specific cohorts of students. The decision of which model(s) to apply will be

influenced by a wide range of variables.

As shared in June with the Port Washington community, the District created a committee

structure and put a process in place to develop the District’s re-opening plans. Two

steering committees were formed – the Re-Opening Committee and the Instructional

Committee.

The goal of the Re-Opening Committee was to develop an overall plan for opening

District schools with a focus on two scenarios: In-Person Learning Model and Hybrid

Model

The Re-Opening Steering Committee worked through the following subcommittees:

• Health and Safety Protocols Districtwide • Special Education and Mental Health

• Transportation and Food Service • Individual Building Protocols

• Communications

The Instructional Committee’s mandate was to develop plans for two scenarios: Hybrid

Model and Remote Learning Model

The Instructional Committee worked through the following subcommittees:

• Elementary level instruction • Middle School level instruction

• High School level instruction

The Re-Opening Committee and the Instructional Committee collaborated on areas that

will impact each other so as to create flexibility and effectiveness in each of the three

potential models of instruction. These committees were made up of a cross section of

community members, educators, students, and board trustees. We are incredibly grateful

for their time, expertise, and volunteerism as we continue to work through the challenges

of re-opening our schools.

This plan will be posted on our school website and it will be modified as more

information becomes available. It is anticipated that we will receive ongoing guidance

from Governor Cuomo, the NYS Department of Health, and the NYS Department of

Education throughout the year, which may alter plan implementation and components of

this plan. The remainder of this document is divided into categories that the district must

address as outlined by the NYS Department of Education’s Re-Opening Guidance.

Health and Safety

Our Director of Facilities, James Ristano, led the Health and Safety Protocols Sub-

Committee. His committee included a local pediatrician, a Nassau BOCES health and

safety consultant, our District Medical Coordinator, teachers, paraprofessionals, parents,

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a secretary, and a school board trustee. They met multiple times to discuss priority areas

for the district to consider and they will continue to meet to review new topics as they

arise. Below are the priority areas that were discussed with recommendations made by

the subcommittee.

Social Distancing and Masks

Social distancing of 6 feet is a priority while students and staff are inside the school. Face

coverings/masks must be worn at all times. Exceptions may be made when students and

staff are able to be greater than six feet apart, during scheduled mask breaks and lunch

periods. Masks can be provided by the district but staff and students are encouraged to

bring their own to school. Acceptable face coverings must cover both the mouth and

nose and include but are not limited to cloth-based face coverings (e.g., homemade sewn,

quick cut, bandana), and surgical masks. In order for effective use, mask education and

training is needed for both staff and students.

Hand Washing with Soap and Water

Frequent hand washing with soap and ideally warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds

has been proven to be a critical step for prevention of the virus. Medical experts have

emphasized that this is a more effective practice than using hand sanitizer, so this is

preferable when possible. Occupants of the building must be given ample opportunity to

frequently wash their hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer should be used if soap

and water are not readily available.

Monitoring the Health of Students and Staff

In order for our community to limit the spread of illness, it will take a collaborative

approach to monitoring students and staff. Parents, students, and staff will need to

continuously monitor themselves and family members for symptoms of illness that

warrant staying home. Prior to arriving to school, staff will complete an online

affirmation that they are symptom-free, have not had a positive COVID-19 test in the

past fourteen days, have not had close contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19

case within fourteen days, or traveled to a place in the last fourteen days that is listed on

the NYS Travel Advisory. Students will need to have a health screening (including

temperatures) by parents or guardians every day prior to coming to school. We will have

the ability to check temperatures in school if needed. Additional details on this protocol

are still being developed. Ongoing training will need to be provided to staff on

identifying sick students and colleagues.

Protocol for Identifying Sick Students and Staff

The most commonly known symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, shortness of

breath or difficulty breathing, chills, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headaches, new loss

of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

A student or staff member who presents with any of these symptoms is immediately sent

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(or escorted) to a designated isolation room where a school nurse will assess them. A

building administrator will be notified of an isolated student/staff member. A

parent/guardian will be called to pick up the student and follow up with their Health Care

Provider. Staff members should be directed to see their Health Care Provider as

well. The Health Care Provider will determine if presenting symptoms warrant

COVID19 testing/isolation. If the student has a sibling in any Port school building, the

sibling must be sent home as well. A separate log will be kept for all individuals entering

or supervising the isolation room to help with contact tracing if necessary. Nurses will be

provided a fitted N-95 mask and other appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

such as gloves, gowns, face shields and goggles.

Protocols for Visitors, Contractors, and Vendors

Visitors to our schools will be strongly discouraged so we can limit the number of people

present. Visitors, contractors and vendors who need to be on school grounds will

complete the same health screening required of our employees.

Signage

Signage will be installed in appropriate places in our buildings to instruct and support

good practices for social distancing, hand washing, and respiratory hygiene.

Cleaning and Disinfecting of the Schools

The CDC provides reopening guidance for cleaning and disinfecting schools.

Schoolwide cleaning will include classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, libraries, and

playgrounds. Frequently touched surfaces and areas must be constantly cleaned and

disinfected with a school appropriate disinfectant. Additional training will be provided

for custodial staff, teachers, and associated staff members.

School Safety Drills

Schools continue to be required by law to conduct eight evacuations and four lockdown

drills each school year. When planning the drills, the schools may modify their drill

procedures to minimize risk of spreading infection.

Drinking Water Access

Students and staff are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to school. Drinking

fountains will be closed unless configured as bottle filling stations.

COVID-19 Safety Coordinator

Dawn Bollerman

Nutrition

Port Washington Schools will meet the requirements for the safe dissemination of meals,

whether instruction to students is provided in person or remotely, in accordance with

existing law, regulations and guidance we have received from both NYS Education

Department and NYS Health Department. Prior to eating, students will wash their hands

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in the classroom/bathroom with guidance from teachers/monitors or use hand sanitizer.

The food service company will disinfect all counter tops, serving lines and cashier areas

after each serving session. To the extent possible, food provided to be eaten outside the

cafeteria will consist of foods without ingredients to which individuals may be allergic

and food service will follow allergen identified students to make sure they are not

exposed to allergens to the extent possible. It is essential that eligible parents apply for

Free or Reduced priced meals. The application will be posted on the district website and

information will be provided in multiple languages.

In-Person Learning Model: Cafeterias districtwide are unable to accommodate the full

usual compliment of students. Adding picnic tables outside would be helpful in certain

locations, weather permitting. A sixth elementary lunch period is recommended, thus

beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Only students buying meals should go to the

cafeteria; those “brown-bagging” need to eat in their classroom (requiring additional

supervision). Classroom cleanup is also necessary and some custodial scheduling

adjustment will be needed to wipe down desks where students have eaten. A few

additional minutes will be needed to have students file in to the serving line due to

distancing and may require more supervision to maintain a 6’ distance. Based on the size

of the cafeteria, and in order to keep the appropriate maximum occupancy, those buying

lunch may have to wait to purchase lunch while others eat and leave for recess. We

would like to see seating marked off so it is clear for younger children where and how far

apart they should sit. Access could be rotated among classes on a daily basis to insure no

one class is always “waiting” to access seating. If possible, seating of children should be

rotated as well to avoid any child feeling socially isolated. Recess remains a concern in

inclement weather. It is recommended that all principals try to locate unused areas for

overflow counts if more children decide to order food than is the usual percentage (45%

at elementary, 35% middle school, and 25% high school).

At the high school, a “counter” may need to be assigned to both the cafeteria and the

commons to assure appropriate social distancing based on square footage. Of course, in

all instances, if the cafeteria is being used for instruction, students would need to buy

their food and return to their classroom.

Hybrid Model: The above practices will apply but with half as many children it is

expected that most cafeterias will be able to fully serve an assigned group.

With a partial return of students, those students who are eligible for Free or Reduced

priced meals, and those who wish to buy meals for the subsequent days they are at home,

will have “grab-and-go” delivered to their elementary classrooms before dismissal. At

the middle school and high school, a cafeteria worker will be assigned to a school exit

location and will hand out meals. Since we do not anticipate the State Education

Department to extend the waiver of giving meals, we need to identify who takes a meal

and charge his/her account accordingly.

Remote Model: We will continue our current in-town locations but will need to identify

each student who takes a meal.

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Transportation

Port Washington Schools will meet the requirements for the safe, consistent and equitable

transportation in accordance with existing law, regulations and guidance we have

received from both NYS Education Department and NYS Health Department. We 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 always

and pursuant to the same laws, regulations, and guidance. District Transportation staff

will be provided face coverings. Staff will receive periodic training on the signs and

symptoms of COVID-19. Buses will not be equipped with hand sanitizer dispensers due

to its combustible composition. When the temperature is 45 degrees or higher bus

windows/hatches will be ajar to allow for fresh air circulation. It is a parent’s

responsibility to ensure their child(ren) is (are) not experiencing any signs of COVID-19

prior to boarding a school bus. While children are required to wear a mask, if the child

does not have one, one will be provided. Students with a disability that might prevent

them from wearing a mask will not be forced to wear one.

In-Person Learning Model: The NYS Education Department has allowed flexibility with

social distancing on school buses. As noted above, when the outside temperature is 45

degrees or higher, windows/hatches will be open to allow for fresh air circulation. The

capacity of our vehicles is 66, but 44 would be the maximum occupancy to create greater

social distancing. There should be a minimal change/delay in schedule with buses not at

full capacity. The bus contractor is responsible for and will wipe down commonly

touched areas, i.e. seats and handrails between runs (elementary, middle school, high

school), and doing more extensive sanitizing daily.

Hybrid Model: Same as above

Special Education & Social-Emotional Well-Being

Our Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) and our Director of Guidance

led the Special Education and Mental Health Subcommittee. The committee membership

included a guidance counselor, psychologist, social workers, special education teachers,

paraprofessionals, a school board member, and parent. They utilized a shared-decision

making model to review, assess, and update the current plans and programs in our

district.

Mental Health Plan

The subcommittee believes that support needs to be provided ongoing, especially because

this situation will continue to be a fluid process during the 2020-2021 school year. The

subcommittee developed three separate surveys (staff, parent, and student) and the results

of the surveys will be used to guide the development of our mental health plan as schools

re-open. The focus of our mental health plan will be on Trauma Sensitive Schools.

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Recommendation: Staff and student surveys should be conducted throughout the school

year to keep the “pulse” of how people are managing their emotions during the pandemic

and events related to social and racial issues. Each building mental health team should

consider how staff could conduct ongoing social-emotional check-ins with their students.

Identifying At-Risk Students and Providing Support

Results from our parent and student survey will assist in identifying those parents and

students who are at-risk for the effects of trauma (ACEs: Abuse, Neglect, Household

Dysfunction).

Recommendation: Building mental health/crisis teams will be provided with the

information from the survey to determine how to triage and provide support to students.

Reminders will be shared with the community regarding personnel who serve on the

mental health team in each building and how to access them. A running list of at-risk

students should be maintained by each building mental health team and shared with

building administration, as necessary. Referrals to outside resources will be provided to

families, if necessary. Maintaining the confidentiality of this list is of the utmost

importance.

Create Contacts with Local Agencies

Community resource lists were created during the school closures and shared on the

District’s COVID-19 page.

Recommendation: This resource list, which is available in both English and Spanish, will

continue to be monitored and updated by the Director of Guidance. Building mental

health teams also have lists available that they can provide to parents. Building mental

health providers will continue to assist parents in securing resources.

Professional Development for Staff

The focus of professional development will be on Trauma Sensitive Schools.

Professional development will be provided throughout the school year on this model.

Recommendation: Staff needs two days to re-acclimate to the school environment and

reconnect with the school community prior to students returning to school, especially

given the new health and safety protocols that will be in place. Day One will focus on re-

establishing the district community with district-wide and/or building specific activities.

Day Two will be building specific. While our building mental health teams can provide

some workshops, consideration should be given to bringing in outside presenters.

Ongoing support and training in various de-escalation strategies should also be

considered.

Special Education Meetings Virtual

Given the size limitations of our conference rooms, and the number of participants

needed at each meeting, virtual meetings will continue throughout the 2020-2021 school

year. Feedback from both parents and staff has been positive on how virtual meetings

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have gone during the closure. Parent participation also increased for students at the high

school.

Recommendation: Continue all CSEs and 504 meetings virtually. Department meetings

will also be conducted virtually. Staff must be provided with equipment and secure

locations for when staff need to participate in a meeting. Every effort should continue to

be made to support parent engagement in the parent’s preferred language.

Review Range of Services Delivered to Students

A wide variety of services are provided to our students with disabilities. Services include

Special Education classes, Resource Room, Consultant Teacher, Speech, Teacher of the

Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Paraprofessionals, and Counseling Services. Port Washington

staff provides all of these services.

Additional services provided to our students include Behavior Consultation, Parent

Training, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Vision Services, Orientation and

Mobility services, and Assistive Technology Consultation. While many of these

providers have been with us for many years and are only placed in one building, several

travel between multiple buildings. In addition, a few of our providers work in other

districts.

Recommendations: PPS will follow up with agencies, requesting that staffing be

streamlined to as few providers in as few buildings/districts as possible. PPS will also

request each agency’s health and safety protocols for staff and keep that information on

file. Outside staff should provide a schedule to each building so we can anticipate when

they will be in the building. Outside agency staff will continue to be issued ID badges as

has been done in the past. Agency staff will be required to complete the online

questionnaire on COVID-19 questions prior to entering the building. With respect to all

staff who work in close proximity to students (paraprofessionals, speech, occupational

therapy, physical therapy, resource room), they will follow safety protocols adopted by

the District. Consideration should be given to providing face shields and/or masks with

clear cut-outs to staff and students.

Communicate to Students, Parents, and Staff in Advance of Re-Opening

The District utilizes a variety of methods to communicate with staff and families, and in

multiple languages. These include district email, Connect Ed phone calls, Connect Ed

emails and Remind App. Other texting applications, such as WhatsApp, have been

utilized.

Recommendations: These methods will continue to be used to share information from

the subcommittee. Building staff will need to work with families to obtain contact

information/emails for those families who do not have such information on file.

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Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism

The District is committed to maximizing student participation in all three models of

instruction. Daily attendance will be required and monitored by classroom teachers and

building level administrators. Guidance counselors and social workers will contact

students and families when educators see a concerning decrease attendance or

participation. Our mental health staff has also developed relationships with local social

service agencies that are valuable resources for Port Washington families.

Technology and Connectivity

Historically, the instructional technology resources like mobile devices (Chromebooks,

iPads, Apple/Windows laptops) were pushed into the classroom as a shared resource.

Due to the closing of schools in March 2020 and the continued challenge of the COVID-

19 virus, Port Washington School District has adopted a district wide One to One

initiative where every student will have a computing device to directly support their

instruction in all its possible delivery methods. Access to the internet is crucial for every

student since instruction, multimedia resources and course work are delivered to students

via the internet. The district will provide access to the internet for students who need this

support through Altice and Verizon wireless.

Teaching and Learning/School Schedules

A) September 2020 Re-Opening Plan

Daly, Guggenheim, Manorhaven, Sousa, and South Salem Elementary Schools have

opened with the choice of in-person or remote (virtual) school every day.

Students will be provided with

Five full days of live instruction provided by certified teachers

Ancillary services, special education services, English as a New Language

instruction and specials

Every student will be given an iPad (K-1) or Chromebook (grades 2-5) for home

and school use

Schedules have been created at each building and for the virtual school

Students will get regular mask/recess breaks (in-person only)

Students will be divided into small groups and remain socially distanced during

instruction (in-person only)

Students will have the opportunity to opt in or out of in-person or remote in

January.

Weber Middle School has re-opened in a hybrid (part in school and part remote)

plan as follows:

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50% of students will receive in-person instruction and 50% will receive remote

instruction four days a week. Every student will be given a Chromebook for use at

home and in school.

Two days of full, in school instruction for classes that meet every day and one day

of full, in school instruction for classes that meet alternate days.

Two days of full, live remote instruction for classes that meet every day and one

day of full, live remote instruction for classes that meet alternate days. When

remote, classes will meet for 30 minutes in accordance with the student screen

time expectations of the virtual plan.

Students will report to school on days designated by grade level.

In-person and virtual instruction will meet on an A/B day schedule each week

MILE, Invest and entering and emergent ENL students will attend school in

person four days a week. Additional support will be scheduled on remote days as

per the individual needs of the student.

The fifth day of the week will be reserved for additional contact time for teachers

and mental health staff to address the instructional, social/emotional, and

academic support needs of students without interfering with their scheduled in-

person and virtual classes. This will also allow student in-person and virtual

schedules to meet on consistent days from week to week.

Students were also given the choice to be fully remote and receive instruction via

livestream.

Students will have the opportunity to opt in or out of in-person or remote in

January.

Schreiber High School also plans to re-open in September in a hybrid plan as

follows:

Staff is in the building every day unless otherwise directed.

Students will follow the 6 day, A-F cycle in 2 groups (blue & white), 8:05 am –

3:05 pm

Students will attend live classes in the building half the time.

Students will engage in the course content for their 1 hour class periods.

When not attending in person, students will log on to Google Classroom at the

beginning of their class period and follow teacher instructions: attendance will be

taken

Students are required to attend all classes, whether in person or remote

Students may be “pulled out of class” for live music sectionals, mandated

counseling or other “excused” reasons as they would if we were in school.

Assistant Principals will hold weekly small group check in sessions with 10

students.

Students will be scheduled for at least 30 minutes for lunch and have 5 minutes in

between classes.

Students who are working remotely will have the option to attend live “extra

help” sessions with teachers via Google Meets: typically, during three student

lunch periods.

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Students were also given the choice to be fully remote and receive instruction via

livestream.

Students will have the opportunity to opt in or out of in-person or remote in

January.

B) Remote Plans for Emergency Closing

Should schools need to close temporarily or for longer periods of time due to changing

circumstances, the following are expectations for each level for remote or distance

learning:

Elementary

One daily scheduling meeting (no specified length or medium; it will be either

live, recorded, or in list form). The goal of this meeting is to take attendance and

set the expectations for learning. The meeting will provide a start time and a

schedule for each school day.

Two 45 minute live lessons per day to include mini lessons, guided practice,

and/or student/teacher feedback. Sessions will include breakout sessions for

small group instruction, independent work, and/or opportunities for support staff

to provide services.

One other asynchronous lesson per day, 10-20 minutes such as Khan Academy,

Brain Pop, etc. with materials. Independent student activities that don’t involve a

screen (such as handwriting, reading a book, using math manipulatives) will also

take place during this time slot.

Two 10-minute live check-ins per student per week – for both social/emotional

and academic follow up. These check-ins will include office hours, opportunities

for questions, and/or brief discussions of progress or problems.

Daily feedback – written comments, “corrected” work, formative and summative

assessments, etc.

One 30-45-minute special (art, music, PE, library) per day

Special education (resource room) and ancillary services will be scheduled for

those students with individualized education programs.

Middle School

The school day will follow the regular nine period schedule and meet four days a

week.

Daily instruction will be scheduled from 8:10 am - 2:20 pm.

OT, PT, counseling, and speech will be scheduled between the hours of 8:10 am

and 3:10 pm, Monday through Friday.

Instruction is organized into nine 30 minute periods with approximately 15

minutes between each period.

The fifth day of the week will be reserved for additional contact time for teachers

and mental health staff to address the instructional, social/emotional, and

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academic support needs of students without interfering with their scheduled

virtual classes.

High School

The remote schedule will follow a student’s “regular” schedule including lunch,

free periods, and hall passing time; 8:05 am – 3:05 pm. There will be a balance

of live and recorded sessions.

For classes that meet 2x in a 6-day schedule: a minimum of 1 session with 30

minutes of live instruction and the other session recorded

For classes that meet 4x in a 6-day schedule: a minimum of 2 sessions with 30

minutes of live instruction and the other 2 sessions recorded

For classes that meet 5x in a 6-day schedule: a minimum of 2 sessions with 30

minutes of live instruction and the other 4 sessions recorded

For classes that meet 6x in a 6-day schedule: a minimum of 3 sessions with 30

minutes of live instruction and the other 3 sessions recorded

English Language Learners

The District has a Director of English as a New Language (ENL) who oversees the

program for all students learning English. The director works closely with the ENL

teachers and building administration in all seven schools to make sure new students are

screened upon entry and that our current students are monitored regularly throughout the

year. The staff works collaboratively with families in their preferred language and mode

of communication to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education.

Staffing/Human Resources

Staffing the District with talented and exceptional educators is an ongoing and core

function in maintaining the high level of education provided in our community. Port

Washington has approximately one thousand employees and the administration works

year round to recruit and hire people across multiple titles. While Governor Cuomo

suspended the requirement to complete Annual Professional Performance Reviews

(APPR) for the 2019-2020 school year, the District is prepared to implement its currently

approved APPR plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The Human Resources Department

recruits administrators, teachers, and teaching assistants with proper certifications and

monitors that the employees maintain them.

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Response to Positive COVID-19 Case

If a student/staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, with or without a positive test,

had COVID-19 symptoms or were asymptomatic, and was in a school building:

A. The student/staff member is immediately excluded from attending school (see

below for Return to School procedure)

B. The COVID-19 Coordinator immediately contacts local DOH to report positive

results.

C. DOH will direct regarding closure of school/schools in the district if needed.

D. Administration will notify families and staff of any positive case of COVID-19

while maintaining confidentiality. All those who have had close contact with a

positive COVID-19 student/staff member must be directed to stay home and self-

monitor for symptoms. Close contact is defined as within 6 feet of an infected

person, with or without a mask on, for at least 10 minutes starting from 48 hours

before illness onset until the time the person was isolated:

Anyone who has close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay

home for 14 days after exposure if they do not have symptoms based on the

time it takes to develop illness. Should they develop symptoms they must

notify school administrators and their Health Care Provider.

Anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and is not experiencing

symptoms may return upon completing at least 10 days of isolation from the

date of the positive test.

Return to school/work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 with symptoms:

72 hours with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and

symptoms have improved and 10 days since symptoms first appeared.

Student/staff member must present clearance prior to returning to school. This

can be a “letter of release” from the NCDOH (if a confirmed case) or a clearance

note from their Health Care Provider (if a suspected case).

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Appendix

PORT WASHINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Re-Opening 2020-2021 School Year – A Pathway to Success

PORT WASHINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT 516-767-5000 | www.portnet.org | 100 Campus Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050

RE-OPENING AND INSTRUCTIONAL COMMITTEES This document outlines the process put in place to develop the District’s re-opening plans. Two steering committees have been formed – the Re-Opening Steering Committee and the Instructional Steering Committee. The goal of the Re-Opening Steering Committee is to develop an overall plan for opening District schools with a focus on two scenarios: • full-time student attendance • part-time student attendance

The Re-Opening Steering Committee will work through the following subcommittees: • Health and Safety Protocols Districtwide • Special Education and Mental Health • Transportation and Food Service • Individual Building Protocols • Communications

Re-Opening Committee

Health and Safety Protocols

Districtwide

Special Education/ Mental Health

Transportation/ Food Service

Building Protocols

Communications

Elementary School

Middle School High School

Daly Guggenheim Manorhaven Sousa South Salem

Orange - Administrator, Teacher, Board Trustee, Parent, Law enforcement, Facilities, Transportation, Medical professional

Green - Administrator, Teacher, Board Trustee, Parent, Facilities, Medical professional

Gray - Administrator, Teacher, Parent

PORT WASHINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Re-Opening 2020-2021 School Year – A Pathway to Success

PORT WASHINGTON UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT 516-767-5000 | www.portnet.org | 100 Campus Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050

The Instructional Steering Committee will work through the following subcommittees:

• Elementary level instruction • Middle School level instruction • High School level instruction

Instructional Committee

Instructional (Remote Learning/Hybrid Model)

Orange - Administrator, Teacher, Board Trustee, Parent

Elementary School

Middle School*

High School*

Green - Administrator, Teacher, Board Trustee, Parent, *Student

The Instructional Steering Committee’s mandate is to develop plans for two scenarios: • a hybrid of in-school and remote learning • all remote learning