Return to Learn: Fall 2020

August 10,2020

Context

• A very complex decision

• Uncharted territory

• Passion on all sides

• People who care about children can have different perspectives

• People who care about health and safety can have different perspectives

Key Decision Drivers

• Health & safety of students, staff, families• Student SEL needs• Support engaging & challenging learning• Support the needs of our most vulnerable

students-including full provision of IEPs• Move seamlessly to different models due to

public health indicators• Lessons learned from last spring

Other Significant Priorities for Fall Planning

• A system focus on anti-racism

• Support students’ social & emotional needs

• Technology accessibility for all students and dynamic training for staff

Key Elements of Academic Models

• Daily student/teacher contact

• SEL support

• Similar levels of content & skills development

• Grades/accountability/required attendance

• More in-person days for certain students

Health and Safety Update

• Consideration of key metrics– Positivity rate - city and state

• Anticipated recommendation of public health thresholds for in-person learning

• Specific protocols developed for individual health & for facility safety

Positivity Rate

As of 8/9, MA positive test rate is 1.8%As of 8/10, Newton positive test rate is .85%.

Health Protocols

• Masks required for grades PreK-12*• PPE purchased, provided to staff• DESE-issued standard protocols to

address actual or possible case of COVID-19– Scenarios address positive case, close

contacts, quarantine, return to school– Link to DESE guidelines

• Modified health spaces & isolation rooms*Exceptions to mask/face covering requirements must be made for those for whom it is not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors.

Specific Scenarios/ProtocolsSpecific protocols include:● Student or staff tests positive for COVID-19● Close contact of student or staff tests positive for COVID-19● Student is symptomatic on the bus● Student is symptomatic at school● Staff is symptomatic at home● Staff is symptomatic at school

Multiple protocols for potential school closure. Specific scenarios include: ● Presence of multiple cases in the school or district● Presence of significant number of new cases in a

municipality● Statewide regression to a previous reopening phase

Space Use and Capacity

• Classroom seating modified to meet 6 feet distancing

• Use of large areas (cafeteria, gym, auditorium) evaluated based on academic model & distancing guidelines

• Small group instruction has been moved to spaces large enough to accommodate 6’ of social distancing.

Cleaning Protocols

• Additional training & resources provided to the custodians.

• Staff shifts modified to meet revised goal of increased cleaning during school hours.

• Focus on high touch areas.

• Restrooms monitored & cleaned as demand dictates.

• All cleaning protocols meet HHS guidance.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems

HVAC Guiding Principles1. Maximize Fresh Air and Exhaust2. Minimize Air Recirculation3. Increase & Sustain Air Filter Efficiency where

possibleTo achieve our HVAC Guiding Principles we:

• Serviced, adjusted all HVAC equipment as needed. • Confirmed maximum air filter merv rating allowed

based on the mechanical limitations & specifications of each piece of equipment.

Hand Hygiene

• Hand soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer readily available in schools

• Regularly monitored & restocked by the custodians, as needed.

• Hand sanitizer dispensers in each classroom

• Freestanding dispenser stations located at strategic locations.

Arrival, Dismissal, and Facility Circulation

• Working with our principals to adjust arrival & dismissal

• Use of multiple entrances & exits to maintain adequate social distancing

• Create tailored interior circulation plans to minimize student population density throughout the day.

Facility Modifications

• Every school has a water bottle fill station. Students and staff encouraged to bring their own bottles.

• 38 tents being installed at our schools to provide flexible, covered, outdoor space for the fall.

• School facilities only used for school functions for the foreseeable future.

Transportation and Food Service

TRANSPORTATION FOOD SERVICE

● Plans developed with City departments, School staff and Newton Safe Routes to School

● Protocols for both bus and vans● Limited to 25 students per bus● Vans limited to 2 or 3 students● Safety Protocols in place● Masks on● Windows open● Cleaning/disinfecting buses● Partner with Families to:

○ Walk, Bike or consider other modes

○ Drop and Walk locations○ Follow bus and arrival and

dismissal protocols

● Grab and Go Meal options for families

● Staff training● Food Safety● Sanitation, hand hygiene, PPE● Students will maintain Social

Distancing while masks are removed for eating

● Continue food operation for families in need in any scenario

Academic Models

Based on state guidelines, NPS developing 3 models of instruction:• Full Distance - All learning takes place remotely, with

exceptions for in-person support and services if feasible• Hybrid - Half of students in each class attend school

in-person at any given time• Modified In-Person - All students return to school

together with additional safety protocolsBased on current health guidance and facility considerations, a modified in-person fall reopening is not feasible. Planning efforts focused on distance and hybrid models.

Key Planning ConsiderationsIn creating detailed plans for each model, we utilized a range of key considerations:

● Decrease the number of close daily contacts ● Building schedules consistent across model ● Ensure access to the full breadth of curriculum

for all students● Ensure a challenging academic program ● Expand tiered supports to meet all students’

needs

Key Planning Considerations Continued

In creating detailed plans for each model, we utilized a range of key considerations:

● Ensure adequate time for full IEP implementation ● Ensure opportunities for staff to plan & collaborate ● Create appropriate time & structure for classes ● Develop a schedule that allows for breadth &

depth of experiences across the curriculum● Communicate clearly that school is required

Curriculum & Instruction - Students

• Will have access to a combination of whole group instruction, small group instruction, social-emotional learning opportunities, and independent activities, in alignment with districtwide grade-span schedule guidelines

• Are expected to participate in remote learning experiences, just as they are expected to attend school in-person.

• Attendance will be taken and student work will be graded as appropriate per grade span

• Are expected to follow NPS Online Engagement Expectations**under construction; (adapted CPS, Sch. Committee ppt., 08042020)

Curriculum & Instruction - Educators

• Educator schedules will include delivery of instruction, student support, services, & opportunities for collaboration & planning

• Follow curriculum progression, streamlined to provide in-person and online recommendations.

• Curriculum coordinators and department heads identify essential content, lessons, discussion points & extensions.

• Consistent grading practices (MS, HS)/progress reporting (E) by grade spans/departments; timely feedback provided on student work

• Close monitoring of student progress and tiered support for students who struggle

Distance Learning Overview

• Distance learning models created for each grade span • Complete revisions of the plans used in April-June,

with clearer plans and more supports for all students.• Clear, significant blocks of learning times for all

subjects & courses– Flexibility to include direct instruction through Zoom,

student independent work on screen and off, group work, sharing and connection.

• Consistent time for social and emotional support & community building

• Designed to parallel overall structure of hybrid model – Allows for shifts between models during the year due to

public health considerations.

Hybrid Options Considered

• Considered a range of hybridizing strategies• Must include in-person instruction for ½ of each class• Must create consistent live support for all students

throughout the week.• Hybrid possibilities considered include:

1. Teachers focus entirely on in-person students while students who are at home work independently.

2. Teachers attempt to use Zoom to capture lectures, activities and directions in the classroom and students at home watch live.

3. Teachers attempt to teach entirely on-line lessons and those in-person and at home participate through technology.

4. Teachers split each day between focusing on students in the classroom and those at home.

Hybrid Model OverviewWhy the split hybrid model?• Addresses health & safety concerns (decreases daily

contacts, eliminates large group lunch on-site)• Allows teachers to focus on the students in front of them• Ensures daily live instruction for students in all cohorts

`Additional features:• Unique model created for each grade span • Consistent times for social and emotional support and

community building• Designed to be parallel to distance models • Includes cohort assignments for A/B groups, as well as

students needing more in-person support in cohort C.

Sample Student ScheduleElementary School Distance

M, T, TH, F - Sample Full Distance*W = Early Release

Sample Day:● Morning Meeting (25 min)● Literacy Block 1 (65 min)● Snack/Mask Break (10 min)● Math (60 min)● Lunch and Recess (45 min)● Special Subjects (35 minutes)● Social Studies or Science (60 min)● Movement Break (10 minutes) ● Literacy Block 2 (60 min)● Closing Meeting (30 min)

Key Features:● Schedules will vary developmentally, by

subject, based on child's needs.● Combination of whole group, small group and

independent work. ● Intervention, project-based learning features● Times and schedules to be aligned by school

Sample Student ScheduleElementary School Hybrid

Sample Day:● Morning Meeting (25 min)● Literacy Block 1 (60 min)● Math (60 min)● Snack/Mask Break (15 min)● Literacy Block 2 (60 min)● Social Studies or Science (45 min)● Dismissal, Lunch, Recess (90 min)● Remote Special, Small Group or

Project Based Learning (45 min)● Closing Meeting (15 min)

Key Features:● Independent work assigned by

classroom teacher as appropriate. Intervention, project-based learning

● Grab and Go (or tent-based) lunch

● Times and schedules to be aligned by school

Cohort A/B - Sample Hybrid

Sample Student ScheduleMiddle School Distance

Sample 1-Day Distance Schedule• Morning Advisory (20 mins)• English Class* (65 mins)• Science Class* (65 mins)• Elective Class* (65 mins)• Lunch Break• World Language* (65 mins)• Extension Support Block (65 mins)• Online club activities (45 mins)

Key features● Longer classes allow time for direct instruction through zoom,

student independent work on and off screen, group work, breaks, sharing and connection.

● *Each class rotates and generally occur 4 times per week. Students receive instruction in all curriculum areas. All classes meet on Wednesdays.

Sample Student ScheduleMiddle School Hybrid

Sample In-Person Day Cohort A/BArrive at school

• English Class (45 mins in-person)• Elective Class (45 mins in-person)• Science Class (45 mins in-person)• Extension Support Block (45 mins in-person)

Dismissal and Grab & Go Lunch Break• Afternoon Advisory (20-mins distance)• World Language Class (30 mins distance)• Math Class (30 mins distance)• Social Studies Class (30 mins distance)• Online club activities (45 mins)

Key features:● Classes rotate through morning and afternoon time slots. All

classes meet remotely on Wednesday.

Sample Student ScheduleHigh School Distance

Sample 1-Day Distance Schedule:• Math Class* (90 mins)• World Language Class* (90 mins)• Lunch Break• English* (90 mins)• Elective Class (90 mins)• Online club activities (45 mins)

Key features:● Longer classes allow time for direct instruction through zoom,

student independent work on and off screen, group work, breaks, sharing and connection.

● *Each class rotates and generally occurs 3 times per week. Students receive instruction in all curriculum areas. All classes meet on Wednesdays.

Sample Student ScheduleHigh School Hybrid

Sample In-Person Day Cohort A/BArrive at school

• Math Class (55 mins in-person)• Arts Class (55 mins in-person)• Science Class (55 mins in-person)• Social Studies (55 mins in-person)

Dismissal and Grab & Go Lunch Break

Key features● Classes generally alternate days. Students receive instruction

in all curriculum areas. All subjects meet remotely on Wednesdays.

• Additional Math class/small group (30 mins distance)• Additional Arts class/small group (30 mins distance)• Additional Science class/small group (30 mins distance)• Online club activities (45 mins)

Distance Learning AcademyDistance Learning Academy planning is underway.• To support those students, for health or other reasons,

who cannot participate in in-person or hybrid models.

• Must include comparable academics and robust social and emotional support, as our more vulnerable students may prefer the program.

• If enough students for a grade cohort in lower grades, NPS teachers unable to teach in-person classes could teach distance academy within their area of expertise district-wide.

• In order to accommodate smaller enrollments and more specialized secondary courses, planning group will consider additional options.

Student Services

• SEL Supports for all students

• Fully implement IEP in all models

• High Needs students in person supports as much as feasible– Many schedule examples in Blueprint

• Parents as collegial partners

Technology

Hardware / Internet Access• 1:1 Update

– iPads: Prek-Gr2 & Chromebooks: Gr 3-12– Planning for Distribution dependent on

delivery timelines (supply chain challenges) and school calendar

• WiFi Hotspots

Technology

Digital Learning Tools• Digital Home - “Learning Management

System” (LMS)– Prk-3: Seesaw– 4-5: Google Classroom– 6-12: Schoology

• Additional Tools– Curriculum Specific (Newsela, ST Math, etc)– Engagement Tools (EdPuzzle, Padlet, etc.)– Creation Tools (GSuite, WeVideo, Padlet, etc.)

Next Steps

• Survey staff and families• Finalize enrollment/staffing• Finalize school and level schedules• Continue negotiations with NTA• Continue health and safety planning• Summer professional learning continues• Planning for Remote Learning Academy• Planning for child care/aftercare

Next Steps

• School Calendar:

– State has allocated 10 days for district planning

– School will begin on either September 14 or 16

• Arrival and dismissal times

• Transportation