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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Return to School Roadmap 2020-21

What will the school year look like as students prepare to

resume instruction following the COVID-19 pandemic?

Updated July 29, 2020

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2020-21 RETURN TO SCHOOL ROADMAP

What are the current state guidelines for returning to school? On June 17, Governor Whitmer announced that schools may resume in-person learning in Phase 4 of the MI Safe Start plan, with strict safety measures in place.

On June 30, the state released the MI Safe Schools Back to School Roadmap with detailed requirements and recommendations for schools.

What’s the ECSD vision for returning to school in the fall? Families residing in the ECSD school district boundaries can choose between two options: continue a form of in-person instruction (if permitted by public health conditions) or enroll in the ECSD Virtual Learning option.

OPTION 1: IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION—ECSD envisions resuming in-person instruction (PreK-12) Monday-Friday if our region remains in Phase 4 or above of the MI Safe Start Plan. The district will continue to follow public health data to mitigate public health threats and make informed decisions for a safe return to school. Classroom configurations, schedules, transportation, food service, maintenance and custodial operations are among the many considerations that add to the complexity of the situation.

Note: A shift to remote learning (K-12) may be required if there is a resurgence of COVID-19. The remote learning platform would be activated quickly if we are required to pause in-person instruction. Remote learning in the 2020-21 school year would have more rigorous requirements and more robust academic instruction than the crises measures put in place during the crisis in March 2020.

OPTION 2: ECSD Virtual Learning—ECSD virtual learning will be offered as a full-time option for K-12 families. The

ECSD Virtual Learning is a joint learning partnership that includes the child, the family, and our ECSD teachers. By choosing to enroll in the ECSD Virtual Learning option, families will make a semester commitment to this at-home learning experience, which relies on parent assistance. The curriculum will be written, designed, and taught by ECSD educators. Students can expect the same high level instruction, high standards and academic credit that our traditional, in-person schools provide.

Factors to consider when selecting a learning option include your child’s or your family’s current health and/or risk factors related to COVID-19; your child’s learning style; your child’s ability to be self-paced; and dynamics within your household.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What’s the difference between in-person and ECSD Virtual Learning instruction?

To begin the school year, all families are asked to select one of two options for each student: 1) in-person instruction, or 2) enrollment in the ECSD Virtual Learning, a full-time online K-12 curriculum taught by ECSD educators. Our vision is to schedule students according to their selections, and begin the school year on Sept. 8 with two simultaneous learning environments proceeding at the same pace.

Given the unpredictable public health environment, we are making contingency plans for a potential temporary shift to remote learning if necessary. A resurgence of COVID-19 may require schools to pause all in-person instruction and temporarily shift to remote learning. If this happens, all in-person students will move swiftly and

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efficiently to a remote learning platform with their same teachers, following their same schedules. They are expected to return to school when it is safe as ordered by our state authorities.

Remote learning in the 2020-21 school year would have far more rigorous requirements and more robust academic instruction than the crises measures put in place during the crisis in March 2020. Pacing, grading, daily attendance and curriculum progress would remain consistent with in-person learning expectations.

Do I have to re-enroll my student? If you are choosing the ECSD Virtual Learning option, you must indicate so by completing the on-line commitment & transportation survey being sent to parents via Skyward messaging and available at www.ecsd.us from August 3 – August 10.

If you are already enrolled in ECSD and you choose in-person instruction for your child, no action is required. In-person instruction is the default.

Do I have to commit to the full year when choosing between in-person or virtual instruction? When choosing between in-person instruction or the ECSD Virtual Learning, students are asked to commit to a semester experience. After that time commitment expires, families can reconsider the learning options. Will school start on September 8th as originally planned? At this time, we expect to begin the school year on Sept. 8 as planned. Although we do not anticipate changes to the previously published school calendar, it is possible that modifications may be needed to prepare for new requirements or state-mandated protocols. Guidance from the state regarding seat-time waivers, attendance, standardized testing, and pupil accounting may impact the calendar. We will continue to keep the community updated. The calendar for the 2020-21 school year is located on the ECSD web page.

Will attendance be taken for in-person and online learning?

Attendance will be recorded daily for in-person instruction and ECSD Virtual Learning. Sick students and staff members should stay home and away from others. Attendance incentives will not be observed in the 2020-21 school year. What if my student fell behind during the end of the 2019-20 school year? Our teachers care deeply about their students and we know that last year was unusual. Our educators will account for special circumstances. Interventions, resources and support systems are available for students to overcome academic or social-emotional challenges.

Will my child’s middle-school or high-school course selections change? Scheduling will be based on the course selections each student indicated last year. There is a possibility that modifications may be required. School counselors and administrators will work with each student to find suitable alternatives as needed.

Will teachers receive additional training for online and technology-enhanced learning? Yes. We take great pride in providing ECSD teachers with quality professional development opportunities for continued education and training.

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IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION

What protocols will ECSD follow for in-person instruction? The MI Safe Schools: Return to School Roadmap was issued on June 30, 2020, by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, with input from the COVID-19 Task Force on Education and the Return to School Advisory Council. It states, “All preK-12 schools will be required to follow the safety protocols outlined in this Roadmap which are noted as ‘required.’ Many schools may also choose to implement some or all of the ‘strongly recommended’ or ‘recommended’ practices, thus going beyond what is required.”

ECSD will follow all Roadmap requirements. Implementation of recommendations will be based on the realities of safety, cost, staffing, physical space and logistics.

What is the ECSD vision for in-person instruction? It is our vision to return students to classroom routines that are as close to normal as possible, with added safety protocols. As families make an informed decision about what’s best for their student, they may want to consider how in-person learning will look.

State requirements. ECSD will follow the requirements in the MI Safe Schools Roadmap As we mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread, our efforts will focus on these key areas: 1) personal protective equipment, 2) hygiene, and 3) spacing, movement and cohorting.

Personal protective equipment. In Phase 4, facial coverings are required for: all staff; preK -12 students in hallways and common areas; students in grades 6-12 in classrooms; K-5 students in classrooms unless they remain with their cohort throughout the day with no close contact with other classes; and all people on buses.

In Phase 5, facial coverings are recommended but not required for all staff and preK-12 students in hallways and common areas. Exceptions are made for anyone who cannot medically tolerate a facial covering, is incapacitated, or is unable to remove the covering without assistance. Students may use their own homemade facial coverings (which must be washed daily) or disposable level-one, basic surgical masks, which must be disposed of at the end of each day. ECSD will supply masks for those who do not have one.

Hygiene. In Phase 4, schools are required to: provide supplies including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60%

alcohol, paper towels, tissues and informational signs; teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and/or the use of hand sanitizer; and use hand sanitizer before entering buses.

In Phase 5, it is strongly recommended that students wash hands or use hand sanitizer after changing classrooms and before entering buses. We will provide flexibility in scheduling to allow for hand washing. Education and training will be important to ensuring healthy hygiene habits for our students.

Spacing, movement and cohorting. Students, teachers, and work stations will be spaced as far apart as possible,

and work stations will face the same direction. Modifications may be made to areas with shared table space or soft furniture.

Considering state funding and the logistics associated with the size of our district, we expect most classrooms to look very similar to a regular school year. Depending on the number of families who opt for the ECSD Virtual Learning, there may, or may not, be a reduced number of students in our school buildings. Signage, floor markings and seating will encourage distancing. Guests and visitors will be limited in all buildings.

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What is the expected daily schedule for in-person instruction? We expect to follow a full-day, Monday-Friday schedule. The format of daily student schedules continues to be thoroughly evaluated by the district.

How many students will be in each class? We are continually evaluating classroom sizes, taking into consideration safety, physical space limitations, state funding, and the logistics associated with the size of our district.

What about transportation? In Phase 4, facial coverings are required for all people on buses. Busses will be sanitized between each route and students will be required to sanitize their hands prior to entering the bus. We will be asking families to request transportation on the on-line commitment & transportation survey from August 3 – August 10 in order to adjust/create bus routes.

How will schools educate students about proper hygiene? Handwashing signs have been strategically placed throughout all school buildings and school facilities. Students, staff and families will receive instruction with guidance from our school nurse and St. Clair County Health Department about proper handwashing, physical distancing, virus spread and risk mitigation protocols.

Are gatherings and assemblies permitted? State requirements will limit large-scale interactions and groupings for cafeterias, assemblies and extracurricular activities. In Phase 4, indoor assemblies may not bring together more than 50 people or students from more than one classroom. Outdoor stadium events are limited to 100 people with physical distancing.

Recess will be conducted outside whenever possible with appropriate distancing and cohorting of students to limit interactions. Field trips will be canceled until further notice.

How is social distancing treated for gym, other specials and recess? We will do our best to keep children at a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from each other as much as possible.

What if we return to Phase 1-3 and are required to close schools? A resurgence of COVID-19 may require schools to pause in-person instruction and temporarily shift all students to remote learning. A remote learning shift would happen swiftly and efficiently with all students staying with current teachers to maintain the continuity of learning.

Remote learning in the 2020-21 school year would have far more rigorous requirements and more robust academic instruction than the stopgap measures put in place during the crisis in March 2020. Pacing, grading, daily attendance and curriculum progress would remain consistent with in-person learning expectations. We expect a smooth transition between in-person and remote learning if both platforms are required.

Will there be temperature checks in school? At this time, the MI Safe Schools Roadmap does not require temperature checks in schools, but encourages families to make it their practice at home. We seek the cooperation of our community to work together for healthy schools.

The screening requirement states, “Schools must cooperate with the local public health department regarding implementing protocols for screening students and staff.” ECSD continues to work with our school nurse and the St. Clair County Health Department to determine best practices.

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The roadmap also says, “Parents and guardians are encouraged to check students’ temperature at home every morning using oral, tympanic or temporal scanners; students with a temperature of 100.4 or greater must stay home and consider coronavirus testing. Families are encouraged to monitor their children for symptoms of COVID-19. The presence of any symptoms, including cough or shortness of breath, should prompt the family to keep the student home from school and to follow up with a primary care provider.”

What if a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified in a student or staff member? ECSD will follow the MI Safe Schools Roadmap requirement that states, "All schools, public and private, must cooperate with the local public health department if a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified."

What if a child becomes sick in school? We continue to work with our school nurse and administrators to designate a safe quarantine area in each building for students who become ill at school. Parents or guardians will be called to take the sick child home.

Can my child wear a face shield instead of a mask? According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), face shields are not an alternative to masks or cloth face coverings. Respiratory droplets and aerosol can still enter around the sides and bottom of the face shield, so they are less protection than a mask. For those wearing a mask, face shields offer an excellent alternative to goggles for eye protection.

Masks and face coverings should: cover the nose and mouth, below the chin; fit snuggly but comfortably, against the sides of the face; be secured with ties or straps; and allow for breathing without restriction.

If someone tests positive for COVID-19 in a school facility, who quarantines? The district continues to work with the St. Clair County Health Department who provides guidance on when, and if, quarantine is necessary. It is possible that individual classes, cohorts, or school buildings could be quarantined or closed. Exposed students and staff are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 and report results of testing to the SCCHD. Will latchkey services be available? Yes. Latchkey services will be available at all elementary buildings. Will elementary students have specials/elective classes? Yes. Students will continue to have their special/elective classes. Will arrival and dismissal times look the same? Adjustments are being made to each unique building for a safe arrival and dismissal. Adjustments will be made to limit the number of students gathering in a specific location. Will there be a RESA TEC program? Yes. “In Phase 4, TEC is planning to resume face-to-face instruction with safety protocols in place. We are completing a Preparedness and Response Plan just as the local districts are and will publish that on our website once it is approved by the Board of Education. While most of our programs at TEC are taught using a certain amount of online learning, all of them require a high percentage of hands-on experience in a lab setting. At this time, we are not able to offer a fully online experience. If an ECSD student opts for the online option, they are able to attend the TEC program.

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ECSD VIRTUAL LEARNING

How does ECSD Virtual Learning operate? The goal of the ECSD Virtual Learning option is to mirror the instructional practices of the traditional classroom in a virtual setting. Students will be instructed by a certified ECSD teacher. A combination of online and offline activities will be planned for students.

Why would a student choose online learning? Students would choose online learning as an alternative way to access the traditional classroom experience. This scheduling provides flexibility for the student and the family.

As with in-person learning, factors to consider include your child’s or your family’s current health and/or risk factors related to COVID-19; your child’s learning style; your child’s ability to be self-paced; and dynamics within your household.

Will my student have ECSD teachers with the ECSD Virtual Learning option? Yes. ECSD educators are writing and teaching the core classes, including Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages, as well as electives such as Physical Education, Health, Art, Music, and Business Functions. As a parent/guardian, how will I support my student? At the elementary level, parents will support their student as an instructional coach. Depending on their age and level of independence, an elementary student may need assistance with logging in, navigating the online interface, or successfully completing an assignment. In general, the virtual experience will be supported by the parent/ guardian in partnership with the virtual teacher.

Students may have questions and need assistance throughout their instructional day. While their virtual teacher is available through email and virtual meetings, students may need to direct some questions to their home instructional coach as well. Offline activities may also require support and coaching similar to how a parent/ guardian may have typically supported home projects and assignments in the traditional school setting.

At the secondary level, parents can ensure that their child is on task and meeting the goals each week.

Who can enroll in the ECSD Virtual Learning option? All students in kindergarten through grade 12 registered with East China School District are eligible to enroll.

How do I enroll my student in the ECSD Virtual Learning option? To enroll a student in the virtual program, go to the on-line commitment & transportation on the ECSD website from August 3 – August 10.

When is the deadline to register? The deadline to register your ECSD student in the ECSD Virtual Learning option is August 10, 2020.

What is the reason for the August 10 registration date? In order to staff all classes appropriately to best serve students, we are asking families considering the ECSD Virtual

Learning option to register online by Aug. 10. This will enable the ECSD team to predict staffing and coordinate the

student and teacher schedules. What normally takes our scheduling team several months to accomplish, we are now asking them to do in 20 days or less. Students who enroll after this date may expect potential delays and/ or limitations in their course selections and schedules.

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We understand the condensed timeframe may be a challenge for some families. If families have unique situations, they are asked to reach out to their school administrator.

Can students with an IEP enroll in the ECSD Virtual Learning option? The Individualized Education Program (IEP) process is a personalized process and no two IEPs or students are alike. Virtual learning would be considered a change in placement and discussions regarding changes in each child’s IEP would take place as part of the IEP team process. Please remember that decisions regarding whether the ECSD virtual learning option is appropriate or what, if any, accommodations and supports would be necessary for your child would be determined in the IEP process after parents submit an application for the virtual learning option.

If my child enrolls in the ECSD Virtual Learning, can he or she reevaluate a transition back to in-person instruction later in the year? Students who enroll in the ECSD Virtual Learning option will have an opportunity to switch to in-person instruction at the end of the semester which is January 15, 2021. These transitions are possible because the curriculum and pacing are aligned for ECSD Virtual and in-person instruction.

Will a student still receive credit for any work completed in the ECSD Virtual if he/she returns to the traditional classroom? Yes, students will receive credit for their work. How do I receive credit for courses completed through the ECSD Virtual? Elementary students will receive the traditional report card, and secondary students will receive letter grades per the traditional transcript process. Courses will include formative and summative assessments and course work will align with Michigan’s state standards.

Are ECSD Virtual Learning students eligible to participate in school sports and other programs and activities? Yes, students will have the opportunity to participate in athletic activities or other extracurricular programs or events offered at their home school.

What if we don’t have an internet connection where I live?

ECSD has made Wi-Fi & Internet Access available in all building parking lot areas including the Administration Building.

Wi-Fi access is also available in the parking lots of public libraries in St. Clair County.

Can my child participate in a RESA TEC program and be enrolled in ECSD Virtual Learning?

Yes. ECSD students can participate in a RESA TEC program and be enrolled in the ECSD virtual option.

When does the first semester end?

The end of the first semester is January 15, 2021.

East China School District COVID-19 Workplace Health Screening

School Name: Employee: Date:

1. In the last 14 days, have you developed any of the following symptoms that are new/difference/worse from baseline of any chronic illness:

Subjective fever (felt feverish) ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

New of worsening cough ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

2. In the last 14 days, have you developed any of the following symptoms that are new/difference/worse from

baseline of any chronic illness:

Chills ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Headache ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Sore throat ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Loss of smell or taste ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Muscle aches ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Vomiting ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Diarrhea ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Current temperature

DISCLAIMER: This screening tool is subject to change based on the latest information on COVID-19.

If you answer YES to any of the symptoms listed in Section 1, OR YES to two or more of the symptoms listed in Section 2, OR your temperature is 100.4 or higher, please do not go into work. Self-isolate at home and contact your primary care physician’s office for direction.

You should isolate at home until you are fever free for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are improving, and it has been at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared or per guidance of your local health department or healthcare provider.

If diagnosed with as a probable COVID-19 or test positive, call your local health department and make them aware of your diagnosis or testing status.

In the past 14 days, have you:

Had close contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19? ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Have you been told by the health department or healthcare provider to self-isolate or self-quarantine?

⃝ Yes ⃝ No

Have you traveled internationally or taken a cruise? ⃝ Yes ⃝ No

If you answer YES to any of these questions, please do not go into work. Self-quarantine at home for 14 days. Contact your primary care physician’s office if you have symptoms or have had close contact with an individual for evaluation. If you are given a probable diagnosis or test positive call your local health department to ensure they are aware.

Signature: Date:

East China School District COVID-19 School Health Screening Agreement

Instructions for Parents and/or Guardians

For the health and safety of our students, the St. Clair County Health Department asks that students be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering the school. The health department and the CDC do not recommend these screenings be done at the schools due to the interruption this would cause to your child’s education. We ask that you complete the steps of the attached student screening, prior to sending your child to school, any school activities, or sports. We ask that you complete this agreement form below indicating your understanding and agreement to perform symptom screenings on your child. By signing this form, I am agreeing to screen my child for symptoms of COVID-19 daily for the 2020-21 school year, unless otherwise directed. I also understand that it is my responsibility to call the school as soon as possible to let them know if my child is not going to school for potential COVID-19 symptoms. I commit to screening my child, , for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name: Address: Phone Number: Parent or Guardian Signature: Date:

Screening

Before leaving for school, please do the following screening. If your child has any of the following symptoms, it indicates a possible illness that may decrease the student’s ability to learn and put them at risk for spreading illness to others.

MARK ALL THAT APPLY

Symptoms □ Temperature 100.4 degrees F or feels feverish □ Sore throat □ New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline) □ Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain □ New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever

If the answer is YES to any of the above symptom questions, keep your child(ren) home from school.

Close Contact/Potential Exposure In the past 14 days has your child: □ Had close contact (within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with a person with confirmed COVID-19, OR □ Had close contact (within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with a person under quarantine for possible exposure to COVID-19, OR □ Had international travel or have been on a cruise If the answer is YES to any symptom questions and YES to any close contact/potential exposure question or live in an area with high levels of COVID-19 in the community (Risk Level 1-3 found at www.mistartmap.info), call the school as soon as possible to let them know the reason your child(ren) won’t be attending. Call your healthcare provider right away. If you don’t have one or cannot be seen, go to www.mi.gov/coronavirustest or call 2-1-1 to find a location to have your child(ren) tested for COVID-19. If the answer is YES to any symptom questions, but NO to any close contact/potential exposure questions, your student may return based on the guidance for their symptoms (see “Managing Communicable Diseses in Schools”):

Fever: at least 24 hours have passed with no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications

Sore throat: improvement (if strep throat: do not return until at least two doses of antibiotic have been taken)

Cough/Shortness of breath: improvement

Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain: no diarrhea or vomiting for 24 hours

Severe headache: improvement

DISCLAIMER: This screening tool is subject to change based on the latest information on COVID-19. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations

East China School District Face Covering Exemption Form

PLEASE COMPLETE TOP SECTION BEFORE GIVING TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Student/School Staff Name:

Date of Birth: School Name:

The above-named individual requires documentation that he or she is unable to wear a facial covering due to a medical condition. Schools are required to obtain this documentation as they are with any other accommodation*. We appreciate your time and assistance in this matter. The above-named individual cannot medically tolerate a face covering due the following medical condition: Medical condition that causes trouble breathing Medical condition that makes them unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance Has neither of the above contraindications to mask use If unable to medically tolerate a face covering, this student/staff member is able to use a face shield Yes No Healthcare provider name: Signature: Date: Phone Number: *This list of acceptable conditions along with the guidance for schools to require this documentation from a medical professional has been provided by the State of Michigan.