the tome school · 2020. 8. 6. · before you read, you should know…. §that nothing is...
TRANSCRIPT
The Tome SchoolRe-Opening Overview for 2020-2021
August 4, 2020
Before you read, you
should know….
§ that nothing is certain….We are hoping for the best, preparing for the worst
§ that EVERYONE wants to be in school and for life to go back to “normal”
§ that no one plan is perfect
§ that we weighed the Pro’s and Con’s of several options and that “the best laid plans of mice and men….”
§ We all want what is best for YOUR child, OUR teachers and staff, and Our TOME FAMILY!
Assumptions
§ We cannot bring in all students/faculty/staff all at one time as if everything is normal
§ A layered or hybrid approach is safer
§ Remote learning is the safest, although at a social/emotional cost to children
§ Every decision must be driven by considering the health of our students and employees
§ We know we cannot please everyone
§ We will offer a remote option for families who are not ready to return physically to campus
§ Use of outdoor space is paramount to ensure safety for our students.
ABOVE ALL ELSE…
§ As we move through the process of returning to school, we ALL will have to be supportive, community minded, compliant to the rules, and above all else, caring for one another.
§ The good of our children and community must come above the individual if we are to be successful
§ The challenges that we are presented with will require flexibility and understanding from all!
Remote Learning
§ We will offer remote learning for every family who is not ready to have their child(ren) return to campus
§ We may begin with 100% remote learning for a determined length of time according to division
§ We have already conducted teacher training using a single platform for all students K-12 (Google Classroom)
§ We will offer parent and student training in August
§ We will be using Google Classroom, remotely and on campus
§ If we are on campus, remote learning will consist of streaming into a live classroom
§ In the case of a full shut-down: Teachers will conduct synchronous teaching at least 2-3 days per week, depending on grade
§ Teachers will be expected to limit asynchronous teaching
§ Packets will still be offered in K-2
Three Distinct Divisions: ONE
Tome
§ We have divided the school into its three distinct divisions to keep our students safe and avoid “cross contamination”
§ Starting dates for retuning on campus will be different for each division
§ Each division will return together based on the monitoring of the preceding group
§ The plan means that some students will return to campus before others
§ Each division will have its own entrance and exit points.
§ Patience: It’s a marathon, not a sprint
Lower School
§ Lower School students are invited to return to campus on Tuesday, September 1 for those who want to
§ Each class will function as a single cohort
§ Each class will have distinct scheduled recess
§ Students will have temperatures taken upon arrival
§ Students will wear masks when inside the building
§ Specials classes will be conducted in homerooms or outdoors (except for PE which will be in the gym or outdoors)
Middle School
§ Middle School will begin the school year on September 1 with remote learning
§ For those who are ready to return, we will invite MS students back to Tome for a HYBRID schedule with a tentative start date of September 14.
§ Students will return for either Mondays & Tuesdays (A Group) OR Thursdays & Fridays (B Group) until September 25
§ If successful and safe, a full return to school for Middle Schoolers will begin on September 28
§ Students will have limited movement. Teachers will move to students as much as possible.
Upper School
§ The Class of 2021 will begin September 1 with a full return to campus.
§ Upper School (grades 9-11) will begin September 1 with full remote learning.
§ Grades 9-11 will be invited to return to campus for in person lessons on September 14 with Hybrid Scheduling (Monday/Tuesday group OR Thursday/Friday Group).
§ If safe, all US students will be invited to return to campus on starting September 28.
§ Senior Investiture will remain on September 25, with a plan to have the ceremony in the amphitheater.
DATES
§ This is a slow integration plan so we can carefully monitor any outbreaks of Covid 19.
§ The smaller groups will allow us to isolate and properly trace an outbreak.
§ ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
§ If we find that we are putting our population in danger, changes in dates may occur.
§ To be successful, we all must practice the safest protocols!
Arrival & Dismissal
§ We will have to stagger arrival times for quick entry into the building
§ We will have to stagger dismissal for quick access out of the building
§ We will adjust pick up places/drop offs. Car line will look different!
§ Students must report directly to classrooms upon arrival—no gathering before school in the cafeteria.
§ Aftercare specifications will have to be carefully considered in accordance to state regulations
§ Bus transportation will have to be considered
Sports
§ We are in talks with other MIL schools to try to conduct a sport season safely.
§ Fall Varsity Sports will be delayed until September 15.
§ We are also working with CCPS to follow state guidelines to keep our athletes safe.
Outdoor Classroom/
Recess
§ Teachers will take classes out of doors as much as possible.
§ We are purchasing more picnic tables, tents, and making use of our outdoor tables and chairs.
§ We will use outdoor spaces like the courtyards, amphitheater, Darcy’s Dell, tennis courts, etc. for outdoor classes.
§ Lower School recess will be scheduled by class; not by division.
§ PE Classes can operate in a modified context. No changing clothes.
Limited Building Access
§ Access to the building will be strictly limited to employees and contractors only.
§ No major events can take place in the building during the first semester, including the Halloween Party, assemblies, visiting students.
§ Tours would be on a limited basis after hours
§ TSPO Meetings will resume remotely
§ Jacob’s Closet is open by appointment only. Call the office to make an appointment.
Health Suite
§ We moved the Health Suite to Room 106 in the LS Wing (formerly a 1st grade classroom).
§ We built an “Isolation Area” for students with Covid 19 symptoms.
§ Sick children will be picked up from the center doors of the LS Courtyard .
§ We will follow all regulations and guidelines set forth by the DPH and by MSDE.
Safety Measures
§ Face coverings for all employees and students in grades K-12. Shields may be worn in addition to the face covering.
§ Scheduled handwashing throughout the day
§ Temperature checks for all employees and students, either live upon entering or through a reporting app from home
§ Plexiglass barrier for office personnel
§ Touchless hand sanitizers in all classrooms
§ Touchless soap and paper towel dispensers
§ Touchless faucets in bathrooms and classrooms are being installed
§ Routine cleaning through the day of touch points (banisters, door knobs, etc.)
§ Doors and windows will be open in classrooms for improved ventilation
§ Increased air filter cleaning and replacing
Classroom Safety
Measures
§ All desks must face in the same direction
§ Desks are set up 6 feet apart. We will use public spaces for some classes. (auditorium, MP Room, etc)
§ Students will sit at individual desks. No sharing tables or work spaces.
§ Students must bring in their own supplies. No shared classroom supplies.
§ Each student has to have his or her own shelf, cubbie, or container to hold books, coats, bags, lunches, etc.
Family Involvement
Families will play a vital role in making a return to campus possible. Most importantly, they MUST keep a sick child at home!
For families who are not ready to send their child to school yet, we will provide a streaming of all classes.
Families must make a commitment for the child to either be a “campus student” or a “remote student”. Campus students cannot “stream” in unless they are absent due to illness.
What’s NEXT?
§ Each family is asked to respond to a survey found here:
https://forms.gle/tL1RZtYKkShaNE7x8 by August 7 so we can determine how many students plan to return on campus and how many prefer to remain a remote learner.
§ Please complete the form for EACH child:
§ This survey is not a final registration for remote or on campus. It will provide us with the data we need to move forward with our plan.
§ Closer to the start of school, each child will officially register as either on-campus or remote.
Final thoughts:
There is no doubt that the benefits of learning in a classroom with one’s peers greatly outweighs the benefits of remote learning. Our children’s emotional and social needs have been greatly compromised during the Covid-19 closure.
However, as much as I want to see schools reopen, we CANNOT lose one member of our school community to this terrible scourge.
The Tome School has carefully and deliberately considered all aspects when developing this plan for re-opening. Personally, I ask for your prayers for discernment during this difficult time.
Don’t forget to fill out the form:
§ https://forms.gle/tL1RZtYKkShaNE7x8
§ Questions? Email [email protected]