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2020-2021 REOPENING PLAN (UPDATED AUGUST 5)
VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Vestavia Hills City Schools is to ensure each student learns without limits by pursuing knowledge and igniting curiosity about the world through a system distinguished by: ● A safe and nurturing environment ● The courage to be creative ● Unparalleled community support ● Appreciation of diversity ● Multiple paths to a bold future
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
1. Ensure students learn and demonstrate a profound understanding of knowledge and skills consistent with expectations of teachers, parents, and the community, and ensure that students find value and meaning in the work provided to them.
2. Embrace our leadership role in developing common understandings and shared community support for confronting the problems and challenges that impact the system, youth, and families.
3. Strengthen leadership, management, and staffing systems committed to advancing the mission, beliefs, and goals of the strategic plan.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT The Vestavia Hills City Schools reopening plan is grounded in our strategic plan goals and informed by guidance from the Alabama Department of Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alabama Department of Public Health, Jefferson County Department of Health, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Institute of Architects, Southern Regional Education Board, Alabama Education Association, and various other independent sources including many conversations with, and correspondences from, medical professionals, parents, community members, VHCS employees, and PTO Presidents. The plan is available on the VHCS COVID-19 website. This document includes a one-page summary and full details of section of the plan. The strategies we put in place do not guarantee that students and staff will not be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. It is a plan to mitigate, not eliminate, risk. VHCS will work diligently to implement the measures that we put in place and we will trust parents/guardians to make the choices that are best for their student(s). Providing a safe environment for teaching and learning is dependent on every student, parent, and staff member sharing the responsibility to provide a safe space for learning. Our plan begins by affirming our strategic plan goal of providing the social and emotional support necessary to confront the challenges that will impact our students, families, and staff. The pandemic has created significant challenges for each of us, and it is a priority that we confront this so that profound learning is possible. The wellness/operations Routine and Enhanced Procedures and Precautions are a comprehensive approach to sustaining a safe environment in the uniqueness of a school setting. 4Habits 4Health, along with other procedures, emphasize that there is not one specific action that, on its own, will be effective. Instead, each is interdependent and intended for their benefits to outweigh harms. Based on all available data, we will begin school using both Routine and Enhanced Procedures and Precautions. The plan provides students with the option of attending on site (traditional) or through remote instruction. Parents/Guardians were provided two opportunities in late July and early August to select the Remote Model for their students. Those students who are enrolled in the Remote Model will remain there through the end of the semester in which they begin. We can all appreciate that the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus are constantly changing. Should there be new public health orders or new developments related to the COVID-19 virus, we will make the appropriate changes.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
I genuinely look forward to the school year and working collaboratively toward our mission to provide every student the opportunity to learn without limits. Todd Freeman, Ed.D. Superintendent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Reopening Plan Summary… p. 5
Social-Emotional Supports… p. 6
Instructional Models... pp. 7–10
Operations and Wellness Procedures… pp. 11–18
Communication… pp. 19-20
Appendix… p. 21
IMPORTANT DATES July 16: Reopening plan announced
August 10: Fee payment portal opens and class
schedules available for secondary students
August 7: First day for teachers
August 20: First day for all Pre-K-12 students
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
REOPENING PLAN SUMMARY
Traditional Learning Model ● Students meet in classrooms for the full day with the ability to
learn from home in special, temporary cases (blended) ● Students receive a Week-at-a-Glance document each week to
help families plan ahead and be prepared in case of absences ● Students who are absent will be able to continue working through
Google Classroom and/or Seesaw in the blended model ● Students receive a VHCS Chromebook to keep for the school year
and use for instructional activities ● Students in grades 6-12 will begin the year on an alternating day
schedule. Students with last names beginning A-K will attend on Red days and students with last names beginning L-Z will attend on Blue days. The schedule shows the days through the first quarter but may be shortened or extended based on public health recommendations
Remote Learning Model ● Students will be able to register for the Remote Learning Plan and
will remain on that plan for the entire semester in which they register
● Parents must register students for the remote model by Wednesday, July 22
● Students meet entirely online with curriculum provided by Edgenuity (grades 6-12) and Accelerate Education (grades K-5)
● Remote courses are taught by VHCS teachers ● Students receive a VHCS Chromebook to keep for the school year
and use for instructional activities ● Students participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning
activities ● Students may participate in extracurricular activities
Student Wellness Procedures and Precautions ● The 4Habits 4Health Campaign encourages routine habits to
minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus ● Students and staff will receive 4Habits 4Health training and
routine reminders ● Schools will place signage in all classrooms, bathrooms, and
common areas to encourage healthy habits ● Schools will be stocked with soap and hand sanitizer stations ● Procedures are developed for students and staff who test positive
for, or are potentially exposed to, the COVID-19 virus ● Nurse room and isolation room procedures are established to
protect students and staff ● Student absences related to the COVID-19 virus will be excused
Operational Procedures and Precautions ● Operational and Instructional staff are receiving training to clean
and disinfect facilities several times per day ● Procedures are developed for interactions with school visitors,
contract service providers, vendors, and volunteers ● Routine and Enhanced Procedures and Precautions will determine
opportunities for field trips, assemblies, and other events ● Precautions and cleaning routines will be implemented for Child
Nutrition Program, Extended Day Program, Transportation, and other supporting services
● Procedures are developed for optimal foot traffic flow during arrival, dismissal, and class exchanges
● Precautions will be enacted for use of classroom supplies, bathroom facilities, and lockers
● Schools will have extra substitute teachers available to cover classes and ensure continuity of learning
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SUPPORTS FRAMEWORK Vestavia Hills City Schools will commit to providing the following social-emotional supports to students, families, and staff. Individuals who have specific questions and/or needs may contact VHCS Director of Student Services, Jennifer Bailey, at [email protected]. You can learn additional information by viewing the social and emotional framework.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
INSTRUCTIONAL MODELS Vestavia Hills City Schools has designed four learning models to deliver instruction to students during the 2020-21 school year, along with a focus on social and emotional support. Prior to the start of the 2020-21 school year, students and families will have the opportunity to review these models and make a selection between the Traditional Learning Model and the Remote Learning Model. To support all of these models, VHCS will provide every student with a Chromebook to use for the entire school year on campus and/or at home. Details regarding each model are listed on the following pages. Screening, revising, and developing student IEP, 504, healthcare, EL, and intervention plans will be supported in each instructional model.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
Traditional Learning Model The Traditional Learning Model will take place on campus in Vestavia Hills City Schools. Students will meet on campus each day for a full day of learning and activities while practicing the 4Habits 4Health. Lessons, content, and instruction will be provided by VHCS teachers, and all content will be aligned to Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Content Standards. In the Traditional Learning Model, teachers will use Google Classroom, Seesaw, and the Week-at-a-Glance to provide consistency and flexibility for ongoing access to learning. Students in PreK-5 will attend on site each day of the school week. Students in grades 6-12 will begin the year using an alternating day schedule for attendance on campus. Students with last names beginning A-K will attend on-site on Red Days and students last names beginning L-Z will attend on-site on Blue Days. Students will be responsible for completing assigned course work on days when not on campus. You can see the Blue and Red days on page 10.
Blended Learning Model (for students in the Traditional Learning Model) We recognize that there will be instances during the 2020-21 school year when some students may need to be absent from school for a brief period of time due to illness or for other personal reasons. During these instances, Traditional Model students will shift to the Blended Learning Model which will allow those students to continue their learning while away from campus. Students will remain enrolled in their existing classes and will utilize Google Classroom, Seesaw, and the Week-at-a-Glance to correspond with their teachers and remain current on classwork. When these students are able to return to campus, they will shift back to the Traditional Model.
Remote Learning Model The Remote Learning Model is designed for students and families who desire to engage with school exclusively from home. The Remote Learning Model will be facilitated by VHCS faculty using content providers and learning management systems called Edgenuity (grades 6-12); Accelerate Education (K-5); and TeachTown and Unique Learning for Pre-K. Classes offered by Edgenuity and Accelerate Education may differ slightly from traditional offerings. In those cases, we will work with individual students to provide options for taking those classes. Students using the Remote Learning Model will be able to utilize Clever, which gives them access to the VHCS on-line learning resources (I-Ready, Scholastic News, IXL, etc.) used in the Traditional Learning Model. As is the case with the Traditional Learning Model, all students in the Remote Learning Model will receive a VHCS Chromebook to use for the entire school year. All courses will be aligned to ALSDE Content Standards and critical standards and will also be NCAA-approved.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
Students who enroll in the Remote Learning Model must make a commitment to remain in that model until the end of the semester in which they enroll. Students who enroll in the Remote Learning Model will still be able to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities at their base school. VHCS Teachers will be assigned or reassigned to traditional and remote instruction based on several factors including the number of students participating in each option. Teachers for traditional and remote are subject to change to best accommodate a quality learning experience for students. learn more about remote learning here.
Emergency Triage Model In the event of a school closure by state or local officials, all K-12 students enrolled in the Traditional Learning Model will shift to the Emergency Triage Model. This instructional model is designed to be used only in the event that students, faculty, and staff are unable to return to their campuses for an extended period of time. The Emergency Triage Model will include required daily and/or weekly work, and assignments will be graded. The model will be a continuation of the traditional model through the blended approach. Students will have access to lessons that are aligned to ALSDE Critical Standards, and these lessons will be prepared and delivered by VHCS teachers. Students will continue using Google Classroom, Seesaw, and the Week-at-a-Glance to continue their learning. All online resources will be made available through Clever. Teachers will use synchronous and asynchronous instructional methods including Google Meet and other prepared instructional videos and materials. There will be no changes for students enrolled in the Remote Learning Model in the event of a school closure.
General Information About Each Model ● VHCS will utilize baseline assessments listed on the chart to inform and adjust teaching and learning strategies for
traditional and remote students. Timelines will be provided by each school. ● VHCS will provide intervention and supports for students in all four options consistent with the Alabama Literacy Act ● Students who receive services ● VHCS will provide virtual or in-person meetings as needed with parents of students who receive additional or related
services through an IEP, 504, healthcare, or EL plan. Parents can contact the Director of Exceptionalities with questions. ● Each school will develop a schedule for distribution of Chromebooks and supplies for remote and traditional students.
Fee schedules can be found by visiting each school’s website.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
OPERATIONS AND WELLNESS The wellness/operations routine and enhanced procedures and precautions are a comprehensive approach to sustaining a safe environment in the uniqueness of a school setting. 4Habits 4Health, along with other procedures, emphasize that there is not one specific action that, on its own, will be effective. Instead, each is interdependent and intended for their benefits to outweigh harms. Based on all available data, we will begin school using both routine and enhanced procedures and precautions.
Topics Routine Procedures and Precautions Enhanced Procedures and Precautions
4Habits 4Health ● Home- parents and VHCS staff are expected to use this checklist each morning to complete a symptom check of their student or themselves at home before they attend school/work. If a student/staff member has symptoms or close contact with someone with the COVID-19 virus, follow the guidance below under diagnosis and exposure.
○ By sending students to school each day, parents/guardians are attesting that they have completed a symptom check and their student does not knowingly display any symptoms
● Hands- use best practices to wash or sanitize hands at periodic intervals during the day
● Head- observe face covering and masks precautions outlined in the enhanced procedures and precautions.
● Hygiene- cover mouth when you cough and nose when you sneeze; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth; maintain appropriate social distance as much as is possible
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● All staff and students (PreK-12) will be required to wear a cloth
face covering or mask that covers the nostrils and mouth at all times on campuses. Cloth face coverings or masks that have markings must follow the relevant dress code requirements outlined in the Parent and Student Handbook.
○ Exceptions to wearing a cloth face covering/mask include when a medical condition or disability prevents it (a note from students’ physician will be required to be provided to school nurse); eating or drinking; during physical education activities and recess when social distance can be maintained
● Schools will have designated times during the day for students to have social distance and take “mask breaks”
● Schools will have extra masks to provide students and staff if they leave theirs at home
● Teachers will be provided face shields upon request which can be used in place of face coverings/masks only when providing instruction or communicating where it is essential for students to see their mouth. Social distance must be maintained where possible. Shields should be cleaned and disinfected each day.
4Habits 4Health Training
● All students and staff will participate in training on 4Habits 4Health
● Same as routine procedures and precautions
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
COVID-19 Virus Diagnosis and Exposure
● Students/staff who test positive for the COVID-19 virus can return to school/work after 10 calendar days from when symptoms were noticed, have improved symptoms, and be fever free (defined as 100.4℉ or greater) for at least 24 hours
● Students/staff who test positive and have no symptoms can return to school/work 10 calendar days after the date of their first positive test
● Students/staff whose siblings or other relatives in the same home test positive can return to school/work after 14 calendar days from the date of the last contact
● Students/staff who were in close contact (defined as being within 6 feet for 15 minutes) with someone with a positive diagnosis of the COVID-19 virus must self-quarantine 14 calendar days from the last contact
● Students/staff who are determined to have had close contact while at school will be isolated from other students/staff then sent home as soon as possible to quarantine for 14 calendar days
● Students/staff who experience symptoms but have not had close contact to a person with the COVID-19 virus can return to school when they are without symptoms (including fever free without fever-reducing medicine) for 24 hours
● No retesting for the COVID-19 virus is required to return to school/work. Students will check in with the school nurse upon arrival back to school.
● Routine procedures and precautions
Reporting of positive COVID-19 virus
● Students/staff with the COVID-19 virus or exposure to someone with the COVID-19 virus should report it to the school nurse
● The school nurse will report known positive COVID-19 virus cases of students/staff to the ADPH using its online reporting system
● If a COVID-19 virus case is confirmed, the school nurse will work with public health officials to determine those students/staff who had close contact so public health can notify them to quarantine for 14 calendar days
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
● HIPAA/FERPA/ADA prohibits disclosure of any personal information with such notifications
School closures ● VHCS will coordinate with public health officials when making determinations to close all schools or individual schools and when to quarantine individual classrooms and students
● Same as routine procedure
Nurse and Isolation Room Procedures
● Protocols will be implemented for school nurses and nurses rooms based on the ALSDE Roadmap to Reopening Schools. The plan will be adapted to any additional public health orders pertaining to medical care or procedures.
● There will be a designated isolation room in each school ● There will be limitations on the number of students in the
nurses and isolation rooms ● Parents are encouraged to give medicine at home when
possible to limit numbers of students in nurse room ● Students will wear face coverings in the nurse and isolation
rooms. A supply of masks will be available for students in the nurse and isolation rooms.
● Nurses will be provided the appropriate PPE
● Same as routine procedures and precautions
Cleaning and Disinfecting
● Learning spaces used by students and staff are cleaned and disinfected on a periodic basis
● Custodians have responsibility for cleaning and disinfecting (see Coronavirus cleaning and disinfecting Information)
● Hand sanitizer provided by the school system is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and kills 99% of germs. The product is FDA registered and contains 70% alcohol.
● Soap dispensers are located in bathrooms ● Paper towels are stocked and provided as needed ● Nurse and isolation rooms will be cleaned and disinfected
periodically throughout the day
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Cleaning redundancy and quality control measures
○ Disinfecting of spaces by teachers and staff (spray when away) periodically during the day
○ Thorough cleaning and disinfecting by custodial staff of spaces
○ Monthly training will occur with custodial teams to gauge effectiveness of current practice
○ Industry partners will join trainings to provide industry standard shifts and adjustments
● Temporary closures of classrooms may occur for cleaning and disinfecting using CDC guidelines to the extent possible
Facility Preparation ● Sneeze guards will be located at reception, office areas, and teacher desks/workspaces
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Students and staff should bring a water bottle to school
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
● Bathrooms will be stocked with soap ● Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the building ● Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ventilation (HVAC) systems will
promote the safe circulation rate of outside air where applicable
● HVAC systems will have routine changing of high efficiency filters (Merv-10 and 11 rated)
● Enhanced ventilation measures will be installed on HVAC systems where applicable to complement high efficiency filters and minimize harmful particulates in the air
● Additional project design for capital projects is underway to enhance focus on healthy school facilities with our partners from Schneider Electric and Lathan and Associates.
● Water fountains will be used only for refills of water bottles or cups. Students and staff should use hand sanitizer before and after use.
Student Attendance and Absences
● Routine expectations for traditional and remote students ● Parents should contact school when their child is absent ● COVID-19 virus-related student absences will be coded as
excused ● To the extent possible during absences, students are
expected to maintain course work through the Week-at-a-Glance, Google Classroom and Seesaw when using the blended model
● Absence rates will be monitored by schools and the district
● Observe routine procedures and precautions
Employee Attendance and Leave
● Board policy references for leave include: ○ 5.10. -Sick Leave ○ 5.11- Family Medical Leave Act ○ The Families First Coronavirus Act information
explains additional FMLA options for COVID-related absences
● Staff should contact the Director of Personnel, Mrs. Meredith Hanson, with questions on leave options
● Observe routine procedures
Visitors, Contract Services, Vendors, and Volunteers
● Routine check-in procedures will apply ● Symptom check verification from each
visitor/vendor/volunteer/contractor is required
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Face coverings will be worn when in the building or outside
where appropriate social distance cannot be maintained (may
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
● School office will maintain an accurate record of visitors have to remove for verification of identity) ● Limit of one visitor/volunteer per class at a time ● No visitors during breakfast or lunch service unless
substituting for teachers
Class Rolls ● Elementary student classroom assignments will be provided by each school to parents prior to Meet-the-Teacher events
● Secondary class schedules will be available for students and parents when the fee payment portal opens on August 10
● Observe routine procedures and precautions
Arrival and Dismissal ● Routine procedures will be observed ● Entrance and exits will be clearly marked for two-way flow ● Students should use hand sanitizer after arrival
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Students arrive and move directly to their classroom, or, to
designated holding areas where appropriate distance can be maintained
● Schools will implement a staggered dismissal schedule or separate holding areas to minimize congregating or creating pinch points at exits during dismissal
● Students should leave campus after dismissal unless they are involved in an extra-curricular activity
Class Exchanges ● Two-way traffic in hallways will be delineated to limit pinch points
● Students should use hand sanitizer during class exchanges
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Schools will stagger class exchanges where practical to limit
density, large gatherings, and pinch points
Classrooms, Libraries, Gyms, Instructional and Counseling Offices, and Outdoor Play Implements
● Routine procedures and use ● Rooms and other spaces will be cleaned and disinfected in the
event of a confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Minimize furniture in classrooms to spread desks and tables ● Seating charts are required and charted for all classes ● Seating should maintain appropriate distance as much as is
practical ● Student tables will have sneeze guards in place to separate
work space ● Student backpacks should be placed with space between
them ● Larger classes may move to larger spaces where possible ● PE teachers will plan activities that limit interaction of multiple
classrooms to the extent practical ● Students will not be required to dress out for PE
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
● Disinfect high touch surfaces periodically during each day ● Outdoor PE, Music, Band and Recess activities are
encouraged when weather conditions are safe ● Libraries will observe a fixed schedule
Classroom Supplies and Instructional Materials
● K-5 students will use individual supply kits ● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Students should use individual supplies/manipulatives to the
extent practical ● Teachers should minimize shared supplies and equipment and
disinfect after use ● Lab equipment and manipulatives will be cleaned periodically
during the day ● Students should use hand sanitizer or soap after touching
commonly used equipment ● Class parties that include visitors will be limited to areas where
appropriate social distance can be observed
Bathrooms and Lockers ● Routine procedures for use and gatherings ● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● School lockers will either not be utilized or a schedule
developed to minimize density and maintain appropriate social distance
● Limit the number of students in bathrooms at a given time
Field Trips, Assemblies, Clubs and Meetings
● Routine procedures for assemblies and meetings will be observed
● All field trips require Superintendent’s approval
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Overnight or out-of-state trips will not be approved ● School-wide student assemblies will not be held ● Teachers and schools are encouraged to have virtual field
trips and assemblies ● Clubs will follow all procedures and precautions in the plan ● Conduct staff-related meetings and parent meetings
remotely or where appropriate distance can be maintained ● Meet-the-Teacher events for elementary schools will be on a
staggered schedule to limit density in buildings. Attendance will be limited to two parents with a student. Parents who do not wish to attend will be provided a time to join a video conference with their child’s teacher.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
● Parent orientation meetings for elementary schools will be held virtually
● Open house events will not be held
Safety Drills ● Routine procedures in compliance with pertinent laws (fire, severe weather, intruder)
● Fire and Severe Weather drills will be conducted using staggered schedules to limit density of students participating at one time
Extended Day Program and Non-school Groups
● Symptom check verification required for personnel entering facility
● Staff and students will follow all reopening plan protocols
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● After school activity non-school providers will pay usage fee
for cleaning and disinfecting
Child Nutrition Program
● Precautions training of all employees required ● Routine seating configuration ● Disinfecting of cafeteria will take place between lunch waves
or classes ● Students should use hand sanitizer or soap before being
served ● Parents are encouraged to use PayPAMS for payment. ● Breakfast and lunch meals for remote learning students will be
available. Meals for the school week can be picked up on Mondays between 9:30-10 at Central Elementary and Liberty Park EDP entrance.
● Red and Blue day students in grades 6-12 can pick up a meal on the day they are not on campus. PIck up times will be 10:00-10:30 outside each school’s cafeteria.
● An order form will be sent each week to remote and Red/Blue day students to request meals. Meal charges will be based on eligibility (full paid, reduced, or free)
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Sneeze guards will be installed at Point of Sale ● Traditional hot-style and cold-style breakfast and lunch will be
provided in grab-and-go containers (take-out style) ● No self-serving unless individually wrapped items ● Disposable trays and silverware will be used ● Cafeteria seating will be utilized for breakfast and lunch only
where appropriate distance can be maintained. Seating will be set up to meet appropriate distance parameters. When cafeteria seating is not used, lunch would be picked up in the cafeteria and eaten in classrooms or outdoors. Other large spaces can be used for seating to maintain appropriate distance.
Transportation ● Training required for all employees ● Disinfecting will take place after each trip ● Students should use hand sanitizer before boarding and after
disembarking
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Appropriate distance should be observed when multiple
students board at the same location ● Spacing on routes when practical ● Students will have designated seat assignments ● Face coverings/masks will be worn ● The Freshman campus shuttle buses will have increased
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
number of buses when needed to lessen density of students
Extracurricular Activities, Competitions and Concessions
● Use routine procedures for cleaning and disinfecting ● Attendees should use hand sanitizer before entering and after
leaving event ● Concessions will follow guidelines for concession stands
● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● Athletics will follow guidance from AHSAA ● Activities will have limitations on number of attendees TBA ● Face coverings/masks worn consistent with plan guidelines
and Governor’s health order
Teachers on Full Remote Schedule
● Office hours are the same as traditional teachers ● Teachers will be located at their base school or Central
● Observe routine procedures and precautions
Substitute Teachers ● VHCS will have additional permanent substitutes available ● VHCS will offer contracts for parent volunteers who are
appropriately licensed and wish to substitute when the our provider is unable to fill all substitute positions
● VHCS will utilize media specialists, specials, electives, interventionists, reading coaches, central office staff, and PE teachers as necessary to fill-in for grade level and core classes when substitutes cannot fill positions
● Observe routine procedures and precautions
Professional Development
● Routine procedures for professional development (PD) ● Observe routine procedures and precautions plus: ● PD should be remote when appropriate distance cannot be
maintained ● PD away from school will require approval of Superintendent ● PD will be cancelled when core classrooms cannot be covered
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
COMMUNICATION Vestavia Hills City Schools will commit to providing timely communication to all stakeholder groups throughout the 2020-21 school year. The communication plan will ensure that all stakeholders have access to information pertaining to school health safety and the school system’s management of a changing health environment.
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
Faculty and Staff Prior to the reopening of schools, all VHCS employees will receive communication regarding new procedures for the implementation of the instructional models, social-emotional wellness, and health procedures and precautions. Communication with employees will include:
● Videos and materials produced to train all employees in health safety procedures, instructional models and pedagogy, and classroom cleaning and disinfecting procedures
● Regular updates from the VHCS Administrative Team regarding the health status of each school and the community ● Ongoing publicity of social-emotional support resources available to employees through the Office of Personnel
Students and Families Given the changing health environment in our schools this year, frequent communication with students and families will be a high priority. Communication with students and families will include:
● The 4Habits 4Health Campaign to reinforce smart habits to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19
● Rapid notifications via phone calls, text messages, and emails to inform families of potential exposure to COVID-19 to extent allowed by public health
● Ongoing publicity of social-emotional wellness resources available to students and families Families are strongly encouraged to maintain accurate contact information at their child’s school throughout the year.
Public and Community Partners It is expected that the Vestavia Hills community will have an even greater vested interest in the success of the schools this year due to COVID-19. In acknowledgement of of the community’s right to be informed, communication with the public will include:
● A VHCS COVID-19 website with full details of the school system’s reopening plans and announcements ● Regular updates from the Superintendent and school administrators on the VHCS website and social media ● Informational signage at all schools, both inside and outside facilities, to educate visitors about COVID-19 prevention
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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan (Updated August 5, 2020)
APPENDIX / LINKS Daily Home Screening for Students (PDF) COVID-19 School Visitor Checklist (PDF) Alternating Day Schedule for Grades 6-12, First Nine Weeks (PDF) CDC Coronavirus Website - for a full list of symptoms and face covering recommendations Jefferson County Department of Health COVID-19 Unified Command Hub Alabama Department of Public Health Alabama State Department of Education COVID-19 Information
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