Click below for the detailed plan for safely reopening our schools in September.

Below is a text only format that is translatable, if needed.

Aug. 17 Update:

Distance Learning Option

In order to accommodate students and families who prefer a virtual learning option for their child, we have developed a full distance learning plan at each of the buildings. Distance learning enrollment will require a quarterly commitment and families will have the option to extend or change to in-person learning every 10 weeks. Individual students who start the year in person but suddenly need to change to virtual for any reason including medical concerns or self-quarantine, will have the ability to do so. Distance learning enrollment will be available online and must be completed by August 20th at 10am for the first quarter. Families that enroll in the plan will receive details about schedules, classes, teachers, and expectations from their building principal. The distance learning option will include a full schedule including live instruction, digital assessments, and virtual assignments. Special Education services, interventions, and related services will be delivered virtually to students who qualify and are enrolled in their building’s distance learning plan. 

 

Click here to enroll: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qI4tQVNbnk-hAsJpCoqtQVJ5wIKa58RBlm75kDoSTiFUM0w2NDBJS1QxWU1YV01SNFdMWkpQQjJZSy4u

 

INTRODUCTION

The Malverne School District is dedicated to the success of all students, and although the new school year will present many challenges, our mission has not changed.

The 2019-2020 school year ended after 3 months of mandated school closures by the Governor of NY. Despite the fact that our school buildings were closed, our students engaged in online learning, participated in creative end of the year events, and celebrated milestones of success and achievement.

This document was developed through the collaboration of stakeholders, feedback from surveys, and joint input from several building level and district level committees.

In preparation for a variety of health risk scenarios, all plans in this handbook align with three potential phases. Red phase indicates a time period where schools are closed due to an executive order, yellow phase occurs when schools are open with limited capacity allowance and strict social distancing requirements, and green phase indicates all schools open with safety precautions implemented.

 

Continuity of Learning

Instructional Mission

Continuity of learning and student engagement is critical to any successful educational program. Ensuring that all students maintain access to appropriate academic content, grade level materials, robust curriculum, and dynamic instruction is our ongoing mission. All students, including those who are eligible for special education services, ENL support, and AIS interventions have been considered in all planning.

School Schedules

During a red phase, where school buildings are closed similar to the red phase we experienced in March-June 2020, all students will participate in full distance learning. The updated distance learning plans, developed using feedback from our community survey will include consistent schedules for daily online instruction, specials, and breaks. These schedules will be provided by your child’s building principal.

During a green phase, social distancing regulations have been lifted and all students will report to school without a mask requirement. Class sizes and schedules will resume as they were pre-pandemic. When we reach the green phase, we will continue to monitor and ensure the health and safety of all our students. Items we learned during this time will continue to be explored at our district Health & Safety meetings.

During a yellow phase, in which buildings may open with strict social distancing guidelines and capacity limitations, our district will run on hybrid models of both in person and distance learning. This model will vary by grade level. All students in grades K-5 will attend school every day with a shorter schedule to be sent out by your child’s

 

 

principal. Students in grades 6-12 will report to school every other day with their assigned learning group. Information regarding your child’s learning group and when he/she will report will be sent to you by your child’s principal.

 

Yellow Phase K-5 (MWD & DAV)

 

· All Students K-5 report to buildings every day

· Class sizes will be reduced

· 6ft distance between desks

· Shortened day

· Masks required on bus, hallways, and during transitions

· Cohort Grouping

· Specials and Lunch in classroom

· Fresh Air Schedule

 

Yellow Phase 6-12 (HTH & MHS)

 

· Students will report to school on alternating days

· Learning groups will be divided by household surname (A-K, L-Z)

· 6ft distance between desks

· Masks required in hallways and during transitions

· Cohort Grouping

· Distance Learning and assignments for days students are home

· Specials and Lunch in classroom

 

 

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Week 1

Group A

Group B

Group A

Group B

Group A

Week 2

Group A

Group B

Group A

Group B

Group B

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance & Grading

Regardless of phase color, all students are expected to participate and attend. Daily attendance will be taken in person or virtually.

The Malverne School District will use our Student Information System and a custom-built application to record teacher student engagement and attendance while in a remote or hybrid schedule.  When the students are in school, the teacher will be responsible for recording student attendance.  When the students are not physically in school, the students will be marked present if two conditions are met.  The students will sign into a custom-built application to record their daily attendance.  The teachers will also mark the students present or absent based on the work they turned in.  When both criteria are met, the student will be marked present in the Student Information System. 

Changes in grading policies will vary by building and will be shared with you by your child’s principal and teachers.

Instructional Technology

In all phases, consistent digital platforms will be used by the district. Students in grades K-5 will use Seesaw and WebEx for digital assignments, live sessions, and written communication with their teachers. In Grades 6-12, students will use WebEx and the Microsoft Office Suite which includes tools that the students are already familiar with including OneNote, Teams, and Forms.

  • The community was surveyed to find out the level of access to devices and high-speed internet in the homes of the students.
  • The school district will direct households of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch to internet access programs. Programs such as “Altice Internet Advantage” allow households receiving free and reduced lunch to access internet speeds that are sufficient for online learning.
  • All students in the Malverne UFSD will be issued a device and internet connectivity will be ensured in order to participate in online learning from home.

The district will be issuing iPads to K-12 students at the start of the school year and students will be responsible for bringing their charged devices to school each day.

Families with limited or no Wi-Fi access can reach out to the district’s tech department for assistance and guidance.

In the event that we must return to red phase at any time during the year as per executive order from the Governor, or guidance from the NY Health Department, our students will be ready and equipped with the tools they need for equitable Distance Learning.

ENL

Malverne is committed to continuing to identify and serve English Language Learners. Whether in person or an alternative format, ESOL strategies will continue to be implemented by instructional and support staff to address the academic and language needs of ELL students. In addition, our ENL Department will continue to partner with families and schools to provide resources and tools to ensure the academic success of ELL students.

 

Schools will establish a line of communication with students and their families to regularly communicate about assignments, curriculum, or other critical updates, and to ensure their needs are being met.

ELL students will be scheduled according to their proficiency levels and areas of need. Our ENL staff is committed to ensuring the academic and social emotional success of our ELL students.

Special Education

All SWD will be provided with the provisions of FAPE that coincides with the specific educational plan created for the Malverne School District.  Based on the design of each building (by grade level), our SWD will have equal programming. 

Malverne School District will continue to make decisions at CSE meetings that are based on the student's individual needs.  Programs and related services will be recommended where the IEP goals can be addressed appropriately and with LRE as the guiding principle.  Communication with parents will be fostered through participation in CSE meetings (whether in person, via phone conference or videoconferencing).  Parents will continue to receive prior written notices with IEPs, request for consents, etc. via mail and now electronic mail (if this is a preferred mode and consent is provided).

To assure parents can make informed and educated decisions pertaining to their child’s program and/or relegated services, individual conferences will be made available at the building level with the appropriate staff (i.e. psychologist, special education teacher, related service provider, administration).  Parents are encouraged to connect with SEPTA parents as well to gain more insight from experienced parents into programs and related services.  All parent engagement will be with the consideration of their preferred language - through translation and/or technology.

Program providers are a part of the CSE/CPSE process through their attendance at meetings, discussions that occur prior to recommendations at meetings to understand available programs/related services and through yearly visits to all programs.  During these visits assurances are made that programs and related services are in line with the recommendations on the IEP, discussion occurs about progress monitoring toward goals and the options for any other resources through the district.

During annual review meetings post building closures, parents were informed and will continue to be informed about the guidance provided by NYSED pertaining to the continuity of the implementation of the developed IEP.  For the 20-21 school year, NYSED stated IEPs were to be developed based on the student being in the school building five days per week and full time.  Parents were also informed of their right to develop a contingency plan in the event that students were not within the buildings full time.  Special education teachers and or related service providers (as the case managers) will continue to review students IEPs prior to the start of the school year to assure they are familiar with strengths, needs, accommodations, modifications, supplementary aides, technology etc. required for the school year.  If a contingency plan is developed, those additional needs/supports will be provided to the individual student. 

 

Health & Safety

Health & Safety Plan

The health, safety and well-being of our students, staff and families are a primary priority during reopening and throughout the upcoming academic year. It is essential that we adhere to the CDC and NYS guidelines as we prepare our buildings for reopening.  We have established safety protocols necessary to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure ongoing sanitation of our work spaces for the health and welfare of all staff and students. 

  • COVID- 19 Resource Coordinators

The principal and school nurse of each building have been designated as the COVID-19 resource contacts to assist their building with COVID-19 related questions or concerns.

Mr. Daniel Balzan, Assistant Administrator for Business, has been designated as the COVID-19 District Health and Safety Coordinator. The COVID-19 coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance with the health and safety aspects of the reopening plan.

 

  • Health Screenings

Daily temperature checks and health screenings (questionnaire) will be conducted each morning prior to entry at each school.

  • There will be multiple temperature scanners at each school to check the temperatures of students, staff and visitors.
  • Any student or staff member with a fever of 100° F or above and/or symptoms of possible COVID-19 virus infection will be denied entry to school.

     

     

    Symptoms of COVID19 include, but are not limited to:

  • Fever or chills (100 F or greater);
  • Cough;
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
  • Fatigue;
  • Muscle or body aches;
  • Headache;
  • New loss of taste or smell;
  • Sore throat;
  • Congestion or runny nose;
  • Nausea or vomiting; and /or
  • Diarrhea

    Staff will be educated to observe students and other staff members for signs of any type of illness such as:

  • Flushed cheeks;
  • Rapid or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity);
  • Fatigue, and/or irritability; and
  • Frequent use of bathroom

    No records will be maintained of any student, staff, or visitor health data (e.g., the specific temperature data of an individual), but records will be maintained that confirm individuals were screened and the result of such screening.

     

  • School Closures and Quarantine Procedures

    Malverne UFSD will work closely with the Nassau County Department of Health (NCDOH) when a positive case of COVID-19 has been identified.  The District will follow all directives and protocols provided by the NCDOH.

     

    Malverne UFSD will follow Education Law § 906, which provides guidance whenever a student in the public schools shows symptoms of any communicable or infectious disease, reportable under the public health law, that imposes a significant risk of infection to others in the school.  As per guidelines, he or she shall be excluded from the school and sent home immediately, in a safe and proper manner. The school nurse or designated administrator shall immediately notify a local public health agency of any disease reportable under the public health law.

    The District may consider closing school if absentee rates impact the ability of the school to operate safely. The District may choose to modify operations prior to closing to help mitigate a rise in cases. The District will consult with our district physician, the Nassau County Department of Health and NYSED when making such decisions.

    Each school will designate two rooms for school health service personnel. One room will be designated for healthy students to obtain medications and nursing treatments. The second room will be an isolation room for ill persons suspected of being potential COVID-19 patients.

    Students suspected of having COVID-19 awaiting transport home by the parent/guardian will be isolated in that room, separate from others, with a supervising adult present utilizing appropriate PPE.  Multiple students suspected of COVID-19 may be in this isolation room if they can be separated by at least 6 feet.

    Procedures for Infected Persons

    If a staff member or student comes into direct contact (within six feet) with a person with COVID-19, they must report the occurrence to the School District.                                   

    This is immediately reported to the Department of Health. The District will follow all guidance as directed by the Department of Health

    The individual will not be allowed to enter school property and will likely be self-quarantined by the Department of Health for 14 days.

                     

    If a staff member or student with COVID-19 enters a school facility,                                this is immediately reported to the Department of Health and the school is closed until the DOH assesses the situation and makes the appropriate recommendations regarding cleaning, disinfecting and possible self-quarantine of others and/or possible closing of the building.

     

    If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test or their symptoms, or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they should not be at school and should stay at home until:

  • It has been at least ten days since the individual first had symptoms;
  • It has been at least three days since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); and
  • It has been at least three days since the individual's symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath.

     

    Return to School after Illness

    Malverne UFSD will follow CDC guidance for allowing a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If a person is not diagnosed by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) with COVID-19, they can return to school:

  • Once there is no fever, without the use of fever reducing medicines, and they have been feeling well for 24 hours;
  • If they have been diagnosed with another condition and have a healthcare provider’s written note stating they are clear to return to school.

                    

     

     

     

     

  • Social-Distancing Guidelines

    Social Distancing (also called "physical distancing") refers to keeping a six-foot space between yourself and others. The district has developed, implemented, and will enforce social distancing guidelines in all school facilities and on school grounds, to the maximum extent feasible.

  • The District will allow for six-foot distances between student desks/seating and other social distancing practices to the maximum extent feasible.
  • The District will ensure that student groupings are as static as possible by having the same group/cohort of students when possible.
  • In all classrooms, the size of groups/classes/cohorts of students is determined by the number of students who can be in each classroom while maintaining 6 feet social distancing or if a physical barrier is in place and/or if the persons in the room are wearing masks.
  • Physical distancing of 12 ft per person will be practiced for band, choral and physical education classes while students participate in activities that require aerobic activity and result in heavy breathing.
  • Desks (including teachers) will be turned to face in the same direction rather than facing each other to reduce transmission caused by virus-containing droplets (e.g., from talking, coughing, sneezing);
  • Individual student belongings will be kept separated.
  • When possible, students will be given individually labeled supplies for their sole use. When individual supplies are not feasible, the District will significantly limit use of shared supplies to one group of students and clean after each use.
  • Multiple entry and exit points may be designated.
  • When feasible, interactions between groups of students will be limited.
  • When feasible, staggered schedules will be developed.
  • To the extent practical/necessary, visual aids (e.g., painter's tape, stickers, posters, cones etc.) will be utilized to illustrate traffic flow and appropriate spacing.
  • Gathering in small spaces (e.g., elevators, faculty offices) will be limited to one to two individuals at a time, unless all individuals in such space are wearing acceptable face coverings.
  • The district will cancel/limit gatherings, such as student assemblies, performances, field trips, school wide parent meetings and other events and extracurricular activities. These events should be held virtually whenever possible until further notice.
  • The district will significantly limit outside visitors to the district. When a visitor is necessary, the visitor must complete and submit a health screening questionnaire and have their temperature taken.
  • Windows are encouraged to be open in order to improve ventilation.

     

  • Use of Face Coverings
  • All students and staff will be required to wear a cloth face covering when appropriate social distancing is not practical.
  • Face coverings may be challenging for students (especially younger students) to wear all-day, so scheduling for mask breaks will be provided.
  • Mask breaks will be scheduled during the day when students are sufficiently socially distanced to remove masks safely.
  • Face coverings should not be placed on:
    • Students where such covering would impair their health or mental health, or where such covering would present a challenge, distraction, or obstruction to education services and instruction;
    • Anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious; or
    • Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.
    • When necessary, the district will provide one disposable mask per week to students (to supplement a cloth mask provided from home) and disposable masks to teachers and staff if needed.
    • Clear masks and face shields will be provided for faculty who require this type of protective face covering to ensure effective communication between student and teacher.

     

  • Healthy Hygiene Practices

    Healthy hygiene practices will be taught and re-taught in school for both students and staff. Signs regarding healthy hygiene practices will be posted throughout the school. The district will regularly share reminder messages with the school community on these practices.

    Signage will be used to remind individuals to:

  • Safety Drill Procedures

    Education Law § 807 requires that schools conduct 8 evacuation and 4 lockdown drills each school year.  Given the need for social distancing, it will be necessary for our schools to conduct drills in the 2020-21 school year using protocols that are different from current procedures.

    Regardless of the modification used when conducting a drill, students should be instructed that if it was an actual emergency that required evacuation or lockdown, the most imminent concern is to get to safety; maintaining social distancing in an actual emergency that requires evacuation or lockdown may not be possible and should not be the first priority.

    Modifications to evacuation and lockdown drill protocols may include, but are not limited to staggered schedules and mask enforcement. Lockdown drill may include instruction on how to shelter in place and hide in lieu of actually practicing it.

     

    Transportation

    The school bus is an extension of the classroom; therefore, many of the recommendations that apply to school buildings (frequent cleaning) will be applied to the school bus as well. Consistent with New York State issued public transit guidance, the Malverne Union Free School District Plan identifies the safety actions necessary to provide transportation for children on school buses. 

    The Malverne Union Free School District will continue to provide transportation for students who are homeless (McKinney-Vento), in foster care, have disabilities and attend non-public schools and charter schools.

    Whether our district is in session (remotely or otherwise), or not, transportation will be provided to nonpublic, parochial, private, charter schools, and students whose Individualized Education Plans have placed them out of district in schools in session and conducting in person instruction.

    Social distancing practices between children on school buses will be implemented using the following bus loading/seating criteria:

  • Stay home if they feel sick.
  • Cover their nose and mouth with an acceptable face covering when unable to maintain social distance from others.
  • Properly store and, when necessary, discard PPE.
  • Adhere to social distancing instructions.
  • Report symptoms of, or exposure to, COVID-19.
  • Follow hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection guidelines.
  • Follow respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette.

    Teaching healthy hygiene practices will be accomplished in person, by videos, announcements, and signage.  All schools will post signage in highly visible areas such as entrances, restrooms, offices, and hallways.

    Students and staff must practice good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Time will be scheduled for students during the school day to allow for hand hygiene.

     

    Hand hygiene includes:

  • Traditional hand washing (with soap and warm water, lathering for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, students/staff will use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers by children should always be supervised by adults.
  • Hand sanitizer is available in classrooms and throughout common areas (e.g. entrances, cafeteria) and near high touch surfaces.
  • Signage will be placed near hand sanitizer indicating visibly soiled hands should be washed with soap and water; and
  • Students or staff who may be unable to use alcohol-based hand sanitizers for health reasons will be permitted to wash their hands with soap and water when necessary.
  • Employees, students, and visitors will be required to perform hand hygiene as follows:
    • Arrival at the building
    • Before and after eating or handling food
    • Before and after administering medication
    • After using the toilet or helping a child use the bathroom
    • After coming in contact with bodily fluid
    • After playing outdoors or in sand
    • After handling garbage

       

  • Students will wear a face mask (if physically able) prior to boarding the bus.
  • Students will use the main student passenger door to enter the bus.
  • Students will board the bus from the back row to the front row and disembark from the bus starting from the first row and continuing to the back to help minimize passing.
  • Students will be reminded to limit bringing non-school related items (ex. stuffed animals, toys, etc.) and refrain from eating or drinking on the bus.
  • Students will follow social distancing protocols when boarding and disembarking from the bus.
  • Siblings may be assigned to sit together.
  • Seats may be marked to show students where to sit.
  • The seat behind the driver will remain vacant.
  • Wheelchair placement on wheelchair school buses will be configured to ensure social distancing.

 

The bus company will be required to establish guidelines for employees to self-screen before arriving to work. If personnel are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19 they should notify their employer and seek medical attention.

School bus drivers, monitors, attendants and mechanics must wear a face covering along with an optional face shield.

Transportation staff (drivers, monitors, attendants, and cleaners) will be trained and provided with periodic refreshers on the proper use of personal protective equipment and on recognizing the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

Cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be implemented for the buses using the following criteria:

  • The bus companies and Malverne Union Free School District will clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces after each bus run (steering wheel, handles, etc.) depending upon the disinfection schedule.
  • The bus companies and Malverne Union Free School District will clean and disinfect entire bus daily.
  • The bus companies and Malverne Union Free School District will complete and maintain a checklist after each cleaning.

 

Nutrition

Breakfast and lunch distribution will occur during the 2020-2021 school year. All students enrolled in the District will have access to school meals each day. This includes students in attendance at school and students learning remotely. Daily meals provided to remote learning students will be distributed at a central location. Students in school will be provided daily meals in their designated classroom. The District will continue to utilize its technology software and Point of Sale System platform as well as follow all guidelines established by Child Nutrition Management System (CNMS).

The Cafeteria will not be used for large gatherings at mealtimes. Specific lunch procedures will vary by building and will be shared by each building principal. Social distancing and safety measures will be followed and enforced during meal times throughout the district.

 

Facilities & Cleaning

When students and adults return to their school buildings for in-person instruction, it will be vitally important that the physical spaces they occupy are configured and maintained in a way that provides the maximum possible protection from the spreading of COVID-19. Malverne Union Free School District will follow health guidance related to social distancing and other safety measures that will slow the spread of COVID-19. The District will ensure that all spaces will be in compliance with NYS Fire Code. In addition, the District will ensure compliance with the 2020 Building Condition Survey, Visual Inspection and Lead-in-Water testing.

The District will be supplementing our chlorine-based sanitizer stations (i.e.: in hallways) with hands free alcohol-based sanitizer stations in classrooms not equipped with hand sinks. The District will always encourage students, staff and visitors to wash hands with warm water and soap.

The District will not restrict access to toilets and sink fixtures. The district will adhere to all cleaning protocols and regulations advised by the CDC. Malverne Union Free School District has taken the necessary steps to ensure that there is one hydration station for every 100 occupants in all of the buildings throughout the school district.

Sneeze guards (polycarbonate) will be installed minimally, as needed in certain classrooms and staff areas throughout the District. All polycarbonate material will comply with 2002 BCNYS Section 2606.

The District will ensure the ventilation systems continue to remain code compliant. Window unit filters will be cleaned and disinfected daily according to District cleaning protocols. These units will not be on unless the door and windows are open. The District will procure code compliant filters for central air units. 

Both windows and doors will remain open to the maximum extent possible in order to facilitate air circulation.  

All CDC cleaning and disinfecting guidance will be followed. The buildings will be cleaned and disinfected daily. A daily log will be maintained for each building that includes a cleaning/disinfecting checklist.

Daily classroom cleaning/disinfecting checklist includes the following:

  • Clean all windows
  • Clean and then disinfect Air Conditioner filter/univent
  • Wipe teacher desk and chair
  • Wipe all students desks and chairs
  • Wipe any additional countertops in classroom
  • Wipe doorknobs, light switches, handles, phone, electronic devices (i.e. printers), plumbing devices (i.e. faucets and sinks)
  • Mop floors with disinfectant
  • Vacuum all necessary areas
  • Empty all garbage
  • Replace paper towels, if necessary
  • Replace hand sanitizer station liquid, if necessary
  • Use ‘Fogger’ to mist entire classroom

 

Students will not be present during cleanings and custodians shall wear appropriate PPE.

 

Social Emotional Well-Being 

 

Student Support

The mental health of our students is at the forefront of all our decision making. Our teachers, school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses are prepared to support our students’ emotional needs. We recognize that this pandemic has been a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Whether students have been affected directly or indirectly by the virus itself, all of our students have experienced loss of time with friends, missed celebrations, and are returning to school with varying levels of uncertainty and fear. The main focus of September will be on the social emotional healing of our children and we encourage you to reach out to your child’s school should you feel they need extra support. Flexibility in scheduling, crisis intervention preparedness, ongoing consultation with building level teams, and continuous Professional Development to help us support the children are just a few of the ways we have prepared for the mental health concerns surrounding the reopening of schools.

Staff Support

Educators and caregivers play a critical role in helping their students self-regulate and cope with stress, often ignoring their own needs in the process. This is especially true in times of crisis and uncertainty. We are committed to supporting the emotional well-being of all our staff during the safe reopening of schools. We recognize that the mental health and well-being of our teachers and staff is critical to the success of our students. Faculty and staff have been active members on our reopening committees, offering insight and ideas on how we can reopen safely. We recognize that returning to school will have a different emotional effect on everyone; we are prepared to accommodate, support, and offer guidance where needed. Our mental health professionals will be available to all our staff and we are developing professional development and training sessions that align with the mission of making mental health a priority for all employees.    

Family & Community Support

The school district is here to support our families and our community. Although we have been weathering the same storm, we have been riding in different boats. Should you feel that you or your family needs additional mental health support during these difficult times, please contact your building’s mental health professionals so that we can be made aware of your family’s individual needs.

 

Budget & Fiscal

Staffing

In order to accommodate the revised schedules and reduced class sizes to meet social distancing guidelines, an evaluation of current staffing was conducted. Reassignment of teachers, hiring of support staff, and building transfers will occur in order to meet the mandates and ensure an efficient and safe reopening. 

Supplementary Equipment

According to the guidelines set forth by the CDC and the New York Department of Education, several items needed to be purchased. These items include but are not limited to:

  • Temperature Body Scanners (Walk Through)
  • Hand held touch free thermometers
  • Foggers
  • Kindergarten Desks
  • PPE, including Sanitizer and masks
  • Signage for social distancing and hand washing
  • Water Stations
  • Flushometers for toilets
  • Sneeze Guards for clerical and security
  • Polycarbonate for intervention and related service providers
  • Picnic tables for elementary fresh air zones

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the role of the Reopening Committee?
The role of the Reopening Committee is to guide overall decision-making about reopening and formulate recommendations.  Over 100 members of our school community are represented on seven Advisory Committees (MWD, DAV, HTH, MHS, Health and Safety, Sports and Extracurricular and Guidance Department, and Nursing) as well as a District-wide Committee.  The Advisory Committees made recommendation to the District-wide Committee to ensure that the MUFSD Reopening Plan reflects the best interests of the entire school community.

 

When will the MUFSD Reopening Plan be shared?
MUFSD is preparing a plan for the reopening of schools in the fall. Reopening Plans must be submitted to the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) by July 31.

 

Who makes the final decision on how schools can reopen?
Governor Cuomo will determine how schools can reopen safely for the 2020-2021 school year during the first week of August.  In addition, NYSED, has released guidance for reopening schools. On July 13, Governor Cuomo provided information on the formula used by the state to determine a region's ability to open schools in the fall. In order to reopen, the school's region must be in Phase IV and maintain a daily infection rate 5% or lower over a 14-day average.

 

 

 

 

School Community Partnership

We have proven time and time again, that when we work together, our students succeed. From community feedback at public meetings, to input at committee meetings, to discussions at PTA sessions and survey participation, your involvement in this entire process was and continues to be essential. Our shared mission is making sure the children are safe in a learning environment that meets every student’s individual needs. We understand that no plan can be perfect in such a challenging time, however we are grateful for the open dialogue and ability to collaborate on the best plans possible under the current circumstances. We look forward to a day when this is all a distant memory and we can reflect on what we overcame together.

May we all find each other in good health and in positive spirits.

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