Reopening Plan for 2020-2021

Introduction
Hybrid Plan
Health and Safety
Facilities
Child Nutrition
Transportation
Social-Emotional Learning
Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism
Technology and Connectivity
Teaching and Learning
Special Education
Bilingual Education and World Languages
Economic Overview
Budget and Fiscal Matters
Teacher and Principal Evaluation System

Continuity of Instruction
Contact Tracing and Testing Plan

Introduction

The Valley Stream 30 school district is comprised of three elementary schools: Clear Stream Avenue, Forest Road, and Shaw Avenue. The development of the reopening plan for our three schools was completed in collaboration with stakeholders from across our district. We had representation from our administrators, teachers, facilities, psychologists, aides, parents and students. Our discussions focused on the guidance that has been shared across New York state from NYSED and the Department of Health.

Our committee broke down into three smaller subcommittees to discuss and provide recommendations for considerations indicated in the guidance documents that had been shared. Our subcommittees included Building Operations, Health and Safety and Instruction. Our subcommittees had multiple opportunities to come back to share with the whole committee their recommendations and to ask for feedback or clarification on specific points.

This reopening plan is one that will need to continually be reviewed and adjusted during the weeks leading up to school and as we begin the 2020-21 school year. We are committed to responding to the needs of the Valley Stream 30 community and understand that this health crisis we are currently experiencing requires flexibility in planning. Updates to our plan will be posted at our district website: www.valleystream30.com.

Superintendent Message from Dr. Nicholas A. Stirling

Since our school buildings were closed in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Valley Stream District 30 has continued to offer its students a well-balanced educational program through remote learning. Despite the challenges faced, and through the strong support of our staff and parents, our Valley Stream District 30 children transitioned to an unfamiliar learning platform and successfully retained their connection to our school community.

Over the last several months, we have reviewed our transition to remote learning, researched various options to strengthen our programs and developed a plan to prepare for a reopening in September 2020. Throughout the summer, our Reopening of Schools Task Force crafted a plan that follows our guiding principles and remains true to our Five-Year Strategic Plan.

Our guiding principles include:

Ensuring the health and safety of students and staff.

Providing a standards-based curriculum that will engage and support students.

Providing instructional delivery models that will be implemented based on public health guidance.

Additionally, with the guidance of the Board of Education, all students will have an iPad or Chromebook for personal use, as well as the technology to support all models of instruction.

Our Reopening Plan:

Based on state guidance all districts must be prepared for school opening based on various models. The three models are: in-person model, remote learning model or a hybrid model. The in-person model requires students and staff to physically return to school. At this time, it is not physically possible to implement 6 feet social distancing with everyone returning to school. The remote learning model requires students to be instructed at home through the use of digital platforms. The hybrid model requires students to be both instructed at school on some days and engage in remote learning other days. After the first six weeks of school, the District would assess the success of the hybrid model, status of coronavirus spread and the completed installation of classroom desk barriers that are required by the State and Department of Health guidelines for schools that cannot social distance all of their students at least 6 feet apart.

More information is provided on the models within this plan and other information pertaining to health and safety, school operations and instruction. Continued planning, surveying and guidance from the governor is forthcoming during the month of August. The additional surveying of our staff and parents will assist with the issue of accommodations and the District’s ability to run a combination of the three models. The completion of the parent and staff surveys is critical to that decision making. Please review the communication on this matter that has been mailed to homes and posted to our website. The deadline date to complete the survey is August 3, 2020 for staff and August 5, 2020 for parents.

These past few months have been challenging, but Valley Stream District 30 has come together to support one another, provide valuable feedback and work toward our common goal of providing all of our students and staff with a safe, healthy and productive learning environment to return to. We thank you for your continued support in achieving this goal and your invaluable assistance to provide the best possible education for our students.

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Valley Stream 30 Hybrid Model

Over the past few weeks our Valley Stream 30 Task force has been meeting to develop our 2020-21 re-entry plan. ur discussions and decisions have been driven by guidance provided from NYSED and the Department of Health. Using these guidance documents, we have determined that we are unable to bring back all students everyday, and maintain 6 feet of social distancing in instructional spaces. The instructional model that would allow students to attend school on some days and receive instruction at home on other days is the hybrid model. The following information provides a more detailed description of the model. As a district we would be assessing the instructional model and health and safety conditions on a 6-week cycle to determine if changes to the delivery of instruction need to be made.

What is a hybrid model?

A hybrid model is a blend of on-line distance learning and in person instruction.

What will this look like in Valley Stream 30?

All students will be home on Mondays and will participate in a blend of live teacher instruction/discussions and student work. Teachers will be able to establish instructional goals for the week with the class via Google Meets. Remote learning days will also provide opportunities for students to participate in our support/enrichment activities through live interactions with peers and teachers.

The remaining 4 days of the week, students will be in the school building for 2 days and will be working remotely for 2 days. By splitting our student population into 2 groups, we are able to bring students back into their classrooms with 6 feet social distancing at their desks. Students will be required to wear a mask during the school day, with the exception of eating and when possible, during instructional time. Student schedules will be as follows:

Schedule A: Tuesday/Thursday in school, Wednesday/Friday remote learning.

Schedule B: Tuesday/Thursday remote learning, Wednesday/Friday in school.

*Building administrators are ensuring that siblings attend on the same schedules.

Students will be provided a schedule for their remote learning days. The expectation is for students to follow the schedule provided and that they are signed in on time for scheduled Google Meets. Logging into Google Meets will be used to account for attendance on remote learning days.

Here is a sample schedule for remote learning days:

Time	Activity
9:00-9:15	Social Emotional Check-In with Class via Google Meet
9:15-10:45	ELA
10:45-11:30	Virtual Art via Google Meet with an Art Teacher
11:30-12:20	Lunch
12:25-1:15	Math
1:15-2:00	I/E- Reading Support via Google Meet with Reading Teacher
2:00-2:45	Science via Google Meet with Science Teacher

What will the activities look like on remote learning days?

The amount of teacher contact time has been increased from our model in the spring of 2020. During ELA and Math instructional blocks there are a variety of activities that may occur. Here is a sample of instructional activities that may occur:

Continuation/follow up from lesson taught in person on the previous day in school

Pre-reading or viewing of an instructional video to prepare for the following day of instruction.

Viewing the mini-lesson that is occurring in school on that day through screen casting and completing a follow up assignment that will be reviewed in school the next day.

Completion of individualized learning pathways via digital programs such as eSpark, Raz Kids and Personal Math Trainer.

During I/E(Intervention/Enrichment), Science, Social Studies, Art and Music, a teacher will be on with students via Google Meet to introduce concepts and activities to students. Students will also be expected to work on an assignment during this instructional period on distance learning days. That teacher will remain on the Google Meet throughout the period to answer any student questions.

How will my child receive additional support if needed?

Instruction that occurs in school has been designed to heavily focus on ELA and Math instruction, allowing time for teachers to follow up on lessons/assignments provided on remote learning days and to continue on in the curriculum. Having smaller class sizes will allow for teachers to provide even more individualized instruction and support. On the distance learning days, support services for Reading, Math, ENL, and Speech will be provided to those students who are in need. We are still exploring the possibility of offering additional office hour time slots on remote learning days for students.

How will my child receive special education specialized instruction and/or related services as per the IEP?

Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT)

Special Education Students who are receiving Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes will have full-day support of a certified special education teacher during the in-person instruction for the two days coming to school. During the remote days, students will receive special education support (i.e., Google Meets; Check-ins) from the certified special education teacher and/or support staff. In addition, reading instruction will continue to be provided by the reading teachers during remote days as part of this hybrid model.

Resource Room/Consultant Teacher Direct Services

Special Education Students who are receiving a Resource Room or a combination of Resource Room/Consultant Teacher Direct will continue to receive instruction by a certified special education teacher who will provide a combination of in-person instruction (pushing-into classrooms and/or pulling students in small groups) the two days students are in school and some remote instruction (i.e., Google Meets). Please see your child’s IEP for specific minutes.

Special Classes (8:1:2; 12:1:2; 15:1:1)

Special Education Students who are recommended for a small ratio special class will be receiving in-person instruction four days a week (Tuesdays thru Friday) in school and one day a week (Mondays) remotely while at home.

Related Services (Counseling, Speech, PT, OT)

These mandated services as per IEP will be offered both in-person and/or remotely taking into

consideration the student’s individualized needs and health/safety precautions. During the implementation of the hybrid model, services will be offered on a weekly basis. In-person mandated services will be a high priority when appropriate. Any questions and/or concerns related to your child’s IEP, please contact Dr. Nicole Schimpf, Director of Special Services - nschimpf@vs30.org or call (516) 434-3600, ext. 5233.

Picture This: What will Returning to School Look Like?

Students and staff will return to Valley Stream 30 schools with increased health and safety measures in order to combat the effects of COVID-19 in our schools. The District Taskforce and individual district leaders have received input from all stakeholders and engaged in meaningful communications with the Department of Health, Governor’s Office and State Education Department to create a reopening plan with safety and health at the forefront.

Face Coverings

Face coverings will be required based upon best available data and input from health authorities, the School Board, CDC guidelines and stakeholder groups including teachers and parents. Social distancing is not always possible in school settings, therefore, students and staff will be provided with reusable masks and expected to wear them while on school grounds where social distancing is not possible and when exemptions do not apply.

Social Distancing

Students will practice social distancing from the arrival through dismissal when attending school. Students will also social distance as best as possible when riding the shuttle bus. Staggered entry and release schedules may be utilized in an effort to decrease crowding if necessary.

Limited Access to Visitors and Volunteers

It is essential to create a healthy and safe environment by limiting potential COVID-19 exposure whenever possible. Our district will be limiting access to visitors and volunteers to appointment only. A request must be made 24 hours in advance. Administrators will establish protocols for greeting visitors and the use of screenings and temperature checks.

Hand Sanitation

Each classroom will have hand sanitizer dispensers or bottled sanitizer for use in the classroom. Washing of hands will be reinforced upon use of bathrooms. Students and staff will work together to ensure everyone is promoting wellness by cleaning hands before and after lunch.

Classroom Modifications

Student desks will be spaced six feet apart when possible. Alternatively, desk barriers will be installed where 6ft social distancing cannot be accomplished. Extraneous furniture will be removed from each classroom as much as possible for proper social distancing practices. Administrators will view and approve classroom designs prior to the start of the school year.

Controlled Movement Patterns

To limit COVID-19 exposure and promote social distancing, students will move in cohorts where possible throughout the day, utilizing controlled movement patterns based on signage throughout the school. Staggered dismissal patterns will be devised, with designated drop-off and pick-up areas for walkers.

Common Area Modifications

Students will be monitored in all common area locations to encourage social distancing practices. Special area classes and special resource classes such as Physical Education, Reading, Math, ENL, Speech, Enrichment, Library, Art and Music will adhere to social distancing where possible in their class or they will push-in to grade level classes. The limiting of collaborative activity and shared resources will occur.

Meal Service

Students will receive meals in a grab-and-go style in the morning and will be asked to eat in their classrooms when possible. Students will also eat in their classroom for lunch. Lunch will include pre-packaged items that will be delivered to the classroom. Bagged lunch from home is encouraged. Each classroom will make accommodations for students with allergies.

Mass Gatherings

For the safety of staff and students in school, assemblies and other large gatherings will not be permitted until further notice. On time pick-ups at the end of the day by families will also assist in minimizing large gatherings in schools.

Positive Cases Identified

The school district in collaboration with the district doctor, school nurse and Department of Health will follow all health protocols of reporting, tracking, isolating, school closing and communication to parents and staff once a positive case is identified in school.

After School Programs and Extracurricular Activities

We will continue to collaborate with the YMCA, an independent organization that uses our school facilities to provide afterschool care. Their availability to parents will be guided by the instructional model that is implemented. The district will work collaboratively with the YMCA on implementing all health and safety measures outlined in the District Reopening Plan. Extracurricular activities will be done virtually where feasible.

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Health and Safety

The health and safety of students and staff is the top priority when making the decision to reopen schools. Valley Stream 30 will work in collaboration with NYSED, the NYS Department of Health, and the Nassau County Department of Health to safely reopen. Current recommendations provide guidance on the conditions that need to be in place in order to reopen schools safely and effectively

Building Considerations:

All classrooms have been redesigned to accommodate the 6 feet of social distancing amongst students and staff. There will be limited movement of students throughout the school building. Students will remain in their classroom for lunch, art and music. Students and staff are expected to wear a face covering when moving about the classroom and building.

Capacity:

Clear Stream Avenue- Staff 63 Students- Hybrid Model 170

Forest Road-Staff 77 Students- Hybrid Model 186

Shaw Avenue- Staff 112 Students-Hybrid Model 385

Local Hospital Capacity- Franklin General Hospital Capacity 373

COVID-19 Safety Coordinator

The building principal at each of the 3 school buildings is the COVID-19 coordinator. They are responsible for monitoring and maintaining all aspects of the reopening plan. The COVID-19 coordinator is also the lead facilitator for their school building’s health and safety committee. They will be responsible for leading building wide activities to help support a smooth transition to the “new normal” for staff, students and families.

Communication Plan

The District has created a schedule of communications focused on Re-Entry. Beginning the week of 7/20/20, weekly correspondence went home to families from the District Office. Beginning the week of 7/27/20, weekly correspondence will go home to families from the buildings. Beginning the week of 7/27/20, biweekly information will be provided to staff. Valley Stream 30 uses Blackboard Connect as a communication platform to send out mass emails, text and phone messages to the community. All correspondences that are shared with the community are made available on our district website, www.valleystream30.com. Our school buildings utilize Remind and Class Dojo to disseminate information electronically to families. In addition, Valley Stream 30 has a Facebook and Twitter account to share information with the greater community.

The district is in the process of creating a FAQ that will be shared with our entire community (parents, staff, visitors) in order to provide vital information related to the health and safety procedures in place for anyone coming into our district. Signage will be visually present at all entrances, and throughout the buildings, across the district. Student-friendly “Need to Know” sheet will be created for distribution and regular reference in the classrooms to help students adjust to new routines that will need to take place in order to keep students and staff as safe as possible. The district is currently planning for a brief video to explain the vital reopening procedures and changes across the district.

Signs/Symptoms and Temperature Checks

As a part of Valley Stream 30’s opening day activities, all staff will participate in a training for the observable signs to look for and what to do if a student or staff member demonstrates signs of illness. Our school nurses along with our COVID -19 coordinator will develop and facilitate these sessions for staff. Our district staff handbook will be updated to include new Covid-19 related information, including observable signs to look for and the protocol for sending symptomatic persons immediately to the Health Office for further review of symptoms. If the school nurse is unavailable, the COVID-19 coordinator (school building principal) will be the backup.

Staff will be required to take their temperature prior to leaving for school, so that they have the opportunity to enter in their absence in our digital system and coverage can then be found for the staff member. Early staff will be able to enter the building between 7:30-8:00am through the main office entrance. Upon entry staff will receive temperature checks, will sanitize their hands at the hand sanitizing stations and then proceed directly to their classrooms. Staff entering the building between 8:00 and 8:15am will be able to enter the building at any location that has a FOB. There will be staff at these doorways prepared to take temperatures. Staff entering the building will sanitize their hands at the hand sanitizing station and proceed directly to their classrooms. Once staff has entered their rooms they will complete the digital daily questionnaire sign in. Each building will utilize administrators, security personnel and teacher aides to assist with temperature checks. The daily questionnaire that will be provided to staff digitally will ask them to indicate whether they have a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, have recently developed a cough or shortness of breath and will ask if they have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days. Any staff member that has either a fever or answers yes to any of the questions on their questionnaire will be sent home and be required to follow up with a healthcare provider.

Families will be asked to take their child’s temperature prior to leaving home to attend school for the day. Valley Stream 30 will also instruct parents/guardians to observe for signs of illness in their child that requires staying home from school. Once per week families will be asked to complete a digital screening questionnaire. This will be reinforced through building newsletters, central office communications and consultations with the school nurse. Students will not be permitted into the building prior to 8:15 a.m. Upon arrival at the school building, each student’s temperature will be taken using a scanning thermometer. Each of the three school buildings will share a specific entry plan with families prior to the first day of school. This plan will indicate which entryways students will be entering and exiting the building. Each building will utilize administrators, security personnel, and teacher aides to assist with temperature checks. The school buildings are currently planning for student arrival between 8:15 and 8:30am, with half capacity of students due to a hybrid model. If the instructional model changes to all students back in the building for instruction, a staggered schedule may need to be implemented.

Students that are sent to the nurse because they have exhibited signs of illness will wait in an isolated area either in the nurse’s office or in close proximity to the health office until the student can be assessed by the school nurse. Students with a fever upon entry to the school or during the school day will need to be picked up by an adult. Families will need to follow up with a healthcare provider.

Signage and Social Distancing

Valley Stream 30 will have appropriate signage to instruct staff and students in correct hand and respiratory hygiene. Across Valley Stream 30, school district signage will be posted in every hallway where possible. In addition, a “student friendly” one pager will be created for students to reference on a daily basis on appropriate hygiene and social distancing in order to stay safe.

Valley Stream 30 District/school will require all persons in school buildings keep a social distance of at least 6 feet whenever possible. Floor markings will be utilized in hallway spaces outside of bathrooms and in the gym. Floor markings will be used outdoors at the entryways of the school buildings.

Vulnerable Populations

Valley Stream 30 is surveying the community (student and staff) to determine those who will require a medical accommodation. After reviewing documentation, in consultation with the district/county doctors if needed, an accommodation will be shared with the individual. Specific accommodations will be provided, as feasible, to those with specific needs on a case by case basis.

Face Coverings and PPE

All persons entering our schools will wear a cloth face covering, or be given one upon entry if needed, in case social distancing cannot be maintained. Signage and communications to this effect will be posted at the entrance to the schools and district offices. This will be communicated in building and district newsletters and family correspondence. Students will be given face covering breaks only when there is no movement around the room by any member of the class community and social distancing practices can be maintained. Students will not wear face coverings during snack and lunch.

Valley Stream 30 has purchased face coverings to have available at each of our buildings if staff, students or visitors are in need of one upon entering. Additional PPE for specific subgroups, as well as any staff member who requests a different form of PPE, has also been ordered.

Training will be provided on proper PPE use including:

The proper way to wear face coverings.
Washing hands before putting on and after removing their face covering.
Proper way to discard disposable face coverings.
The importance of routine cleaning of reusable face coverings.
Face coverings are for individual use only and should not be shared.

If Students or Staff become Ill with Symptoms of COVID-19 at School

The district requires students or staff with a temperature, signs of illness, and/or a positive response to the questionnaire to be sent directly to a dedicated isolation area where students are supervised, prior to being picked up or otherwise sent home. Students will be supervised in the isolation area while awaiting transport home and will be separated by at least 6 feet. Students will be escorted from the isolation area to their parent/guardian. Students or staff will be referred to a healthcare provider and provided resources on COVID-19 testing.

Return to School after Illness

The district has established protocols and procedures, in consultation with the local health

department(s), about the requirements for determining when individuals, particularly students, who screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms can return to the in-person learning environment at school. This protocol includes:

Documentation from a health care provider following evaluation
Negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result
Symptom resolution, or if COVID-19 positive, release from isolation

The district will refer to DOH’s “Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure regarding protocols and policies for faculty and staff seeking to return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or after the faculty or staff member had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19.

The district requires that individuals who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus complete quarantine and have not developed symptoms before returning to in-person learning. The discharge of an individual from quarantine and return to school will be conducted in coordination with the local health department.

Identified COVID-19 Cases

When a student, teacher, or staff member or a member of their household tests positive for COVID-19, and has exposed others at school, Valley Stream 30 will implement the following steps:

Students whose parents/guardian test positive for COVID-19 are not permitted to return until they have met CDC criteria to discontinue home isolation.

In consultation with the local public health officials, Valley Stream 30 may consider whether school closure is warranted and the length of time, based on the risk level within the specific community as determined by the local public health officer.

Closing off the area where the COVID-19-positive individual was based. Areas of the school visited by the COVID-19-positive individual may also need to be closed temporarily for cleaning and disinfection. Appropriate notification will be made to the occupants of such areas.

Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.

Waiting at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfection. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.

Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to haveCOVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, and common areas.

Once the area has been appropriately cleaned and disinfected it can be reopened for use.

Individuals without close or proximate contact with the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 can return to the area and resume school activities immediately after cleaning and disinfection.

Additional close contacts such as teachers, direct aides, classmates, and others should also quarantine at home.

Implement the plan for continuity of education, support services, and meal programs for individuals in isolation.

Returning to School

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).

It has been at least three days since the individual’s symptoms improved, including cough and shortness of breath

Contact Tracing

To assist the local health department with tracing the transmission of COVID-19, the district has developed and maintained a plan to trace all contacts of exposed individuals in accordance with protocols, training, and tools provided through the New York State Contact Tracing Program.

Districts may assist with contact tracing by:

Keeping accurate attendance records of students and staff members
Ensuring student schedules are up to date
Keeping a log of any visitor which includes date and time, and where in the school they visited.
Assisting the local health departments in tracing all contacts of the individual in accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the NYS Contact Tracing Program

Hygiene Protocols

Hand Washing - In accordance with the CDC guidance on when and how to wash your hands and NYS Department of Health guidance and in consultation with local public health officials, Valley Stream 30’s plan for handwashing includes:

● Opportunities for students and staff to meet handwashing frequency guidelines.

o Scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not accessible. Staff and students should use paper towels (or single use cloth towels) to dry hands thoroughly.

o Wash hands when arriving and leaving home; arriving at and leaving school; after playing outside; after having close contact with others; after using shared surfaces or tools; before and after using restroom; after blowing your nose, coughing, and sneezing; before and after eating and preparing foods; and anytime hands are visibly soiled.

● Sufficient access to handwashing and sanitizer stations.

o Fragrance-free and approved hand sanitizer (with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol) will be available and supervised at or near all workstations.

o No child of any age should be permitted to use hand sanitizer without supervision.

o Hand sanitizer is not effective on visibly soiled hands. It is recommended to wash with soap and water first.

● Students will be supported to do these tasks where they may need assistance.

Respiratory Hygiene - it is important that students and staff cover their mouths or noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue appropriately.

● A supply of tissues and no touch trash cans will be available in each room when feasible.

● If no tissue is available, using the inside of the elbow (or shirtsleeve) to cover the mouth or nose is preferable to using the hands.

● Students and staff will be instructed to perform hand hygiene after sneezing, coughing and handling dirty tissues or other soiled material.

Cleaning Procedures

Valley Stream 30 will meet cleanliness standards prior to reopening and maintain a consistent level of cleanliness during the school year. Cleaning protocols will follow the NYSDOH Interim Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance for Primary and Secondary Schools for COVID-19.

● Only those disinfecting products that are approved for use against COVID-19 listed on the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) list of products registered in New York State and identified by the EPA as effective against COVID-19 will be used. All products will be kept out of children’s reach and stored in a space with restricted access.

● When cleaning, the space will be aired out before children arrive and a thorough cleaning will be done when children are not present.

● A schedule for cleaning will be developed and input will be sought from each school to determine areas of special interest and need for additional cleaning.

o Regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities and more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high-risk areas used by many individuals and for frequently touched surfaces, including desks which should be cleaned and disinfected between each individual’s use, if shared.

● Disinfecting surfaces will occur between uses, such as:

o Desks, tables and barriers

o Chairs

o Seats on bus

o Technology sanitization will be performed by the individual instructional staff

o Phones

o Disinfecting will be performed frequently, for high-touch surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, light switches, sink handles, restroom surfaces

o Soft and porous materials such as rugs and chairs will be removed to the greatest extent possible.

o Limit sharing of personal items, objects, and electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids as much as possible. Student’s belongings will be separated from others’ and in individually labeled containers or areas and ensure they are taken home and cleaned and disinfected regularly. Stuffed animals and any other toys that are difficult to clean and sanitize will not be allowed unless in accordance with special accommodations.

o Where appropriate, schools are ordering supplies such as those used in art and PE for each individual student

● Employees will be encouraged to self-clean individual workstations and shared spaces before and after use. Sanitization stations will be provided that will include disinfectant spray, paper towels, and hand sanitizer to encourage new cleaning guidelines.

● Areas that were used by any sick person will be closed off and not used before cleaning and disinfection. To reduce risk of exposure, Valley Stream 30 will wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If it is not possible to wait 24 hours, the district will wait as long as possible.

If a facility has been unoccupied for seven days or more, it will only require normal routine cleaning to reopen the area. This is based on the current CDC recommendations.

Valley Stream 30 schools will maintain cleaning and disinfection logs as required by the NYSDOH are linked here.

Visitor Protocol

● Limit access to school for parents and other visitors.

● All buildings will require visitors to complete COVID-19 questions and sign in. A log will be maintained with the date, time, and places visited to assist with contact tracing efforts, if necessary.

● All contractors coming onto Valley Stream 30 property to perform work will complete the COVID-19 questionnaire for contractors and provide to the facilities department before coming to work each morning.

● Limit the use of outside organizations using building facilities within the district.

● Establish protocol for accepting deliveries safely.

Before and Aftercare Programs

Valley Stream 30 does not run a before school program. Each of the three school buildings does have an afterschool program that is run by the YMCA of Glencove. Staff is hired and trained by the YMCA. The school district will determine locations within each of the school buildings that can be used to ensure safe social distancing and comply will be cleaned prior to a new group of students entering this space. Staff from the YMCA will be required to bring students to an exit door when their guardian has arrived to pick them up.

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Facilities

General Health and Safety Assurances

● Valley Stream 30 will follow all guidance related to health and safety. This will include meeting social distancing requirements and cleaning frequently touched spaces regularly to prevent spread of infection. These requirements will be addressed in more detail in other parts of the plan. The Facilities portion of the reopening plan will seek assurance that Valley Stream 30 will meet all requirements associated with building space related changes that they may elect to make.

Fire Code Compliance

● Changes or additions to facilities require review by the Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), since all spaces to be occupied by public school students and staff must meet the requirements of the 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (BC) and the State Energy Conservation Code. In their plans, districts or other applicable schools will provide assurances that, should alterations be made, districts and other applicable schools will submit the proposed changes to the OFP for review and approval - just as with any other project.

Doorways

● Many stairs and corridor doors have closers with automatic hold openings. These doors are normally held in the open position and are automatically released by the fire alarm system. The function, position, and operation of those doors must remain unchanged. Fortunately, they need not be touched during normal use.

Emergency Drills

● Valley Stream 30 shall conduct standard operations and procedures to the best of their abilities without deviating from current requirements. Fire (evacuation) Drills and Lockdown Drills are required by Education Law and regulation and the Fire Code, and they must be conducted without exceptions. Fire Code Section 404 requires that schools maintain Fire Safety, Evacuation, and Lockdown Plans and these plans include how lockdown and evacuation drills are conducted. Methods to promote and provide for social distancing during the evacuation drills are ultimately the district’s decision and responsibility. Those changes will be included in the Fire Safety plans.

Inspections

● Statute has not been changed to provide an extension to the submission deadline for the Building Condition Survey or Visual Inspections. These deadlines must be met. Lead Testing due in 2020 - At present, the statutory requirement that lead testing occur in 2020 continues. NYS DOH regulation 67-4, Lead-In-Water Testing, DOH requires lead-in-water testing to be conducted when the building is “normally occupied.” Sampling should not be conducted when the building is vacant or has been vacant for an extended period due to COVID-19 closure. Simulation of “normally occupied operation” for the purpose of lead-in-water testing is not permitted. NYS DOH advises that schools follow recommended procedures to the extent possible to provide clean and safe drinking water upon reopening.

● The number of toilet and sink fixtures must meet the minimum standards of the New York State Building Code. In order to ensure compliance, a design professional should be consulted prior to any modifications to layouts or number of fixtures.

● Ventilation Mandatory Requirements - Maintain adequate, code required ventilation (natural or mechanical) as designed. We will open up our uni-vent systems to allow for additional fresh air to circulate within the building.

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Child Nutrition

Valley Stream 30 will provide all students enrolled in the school lunch program with access to school meals each school day. This will include:

o students in attendance at school; and

o students learning remotely. Students receiving instruction remotely will be able to pick up lunch from a centralized location within Valley Stream.

Valley Stream 30 uses Whitsons culinary group to provide meals to our students. They have ensured that their meals are in compliance with child nutrition requirements. Whitsons has outlined all of their health and safety measures that they are taking in accordance with CDC guidelines: https://www.whitsons.com/covid-19-updates

Upon reopening of school, students will be eating breakfast and lunch at their own personal desks. Students are not allowed to share food with other students in the classroom. Students will either wash their hands at a sink or hand sanitizer before and after eating. This information will be included on the “student friendly” document that is provided to our students, to reinforce the importance of hygiene and safety.

Communication will be shared with families to notify them of any food allergies in the classroom and foods to avoid sending in with their child. Accommodations will be made for students based upon their allergies.

All district documentation in reference to child nutrition is posted on the Valley Stream 30 website, www.valleystream30.com. The district website allows for families to translate information using Google translate. In addition, we have translators available within the school district if needed.

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Transportation

All students in Valley Stream 30 that will be riding on our contracted shuttle bus will be required to wear a mask upon entering the bus. If they do not have a mask, one will be provided to them by the district. Parents will be expected to take their child’s temperature and assess any symptoms of illness prior to leaving their house in the morning. When the child arrives at school, a Valley Stream 30 staff member will be present to take their temperature using a scanning thermometer. Once students are on the bus, they will be spaced out to be one child on a seat bench and students will be asked to sit in the window seats. Only students that are in the same household may share a bench.

The bus driver will wear a mask when passengers are aboard the bus. The matron on the bus will wear a mask and gloves while passengers are on the bus. The bus driver will wipe down high touch areas after each run and will conduct a deeper cleaning(disinfecting) at the end of the day. Signage for social distancing and the wearing of masks will be posted on the buses.

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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Introduction

The return to school this year will be unlike any other in our history and will be emotionally charged for students and adults alike. At the heart of this complex time is attending to our mental health needs and deepening our SEL competencies so we can begin to process, heal, and thrive. For the past several years, Valley Stream 30 has been at the forefront of prioritizing SEL for students that is driven by an inclusive “whole child” vision and a strategic plan that lays out purposeful goals that guide all our decision-making. The district has just updated our five year strategic plan with a continued commitment of promoting social emotional learning and development as an essential part of every child’s education. Valley Stream 30 also recognizes the importance of strengthening and supporting adult SEL competencies & capacity to model the resiliency skills needed to meet the challenges of today’s “new normal”.

School Plans

Valley Stream 30 has an annual guidance and counseling plan that is reviewed and updated in conjunction with district staff and in collaboration with the guidance team of Valley Stream Central High School district. Since Valley Stream 30 is a K-6 district we utilize an access model for counselor services for our students. Each of our buildings has access to at least one full time school psychologist who provides an array of counseling interventions for all students identified as being in need through our systemic Multi-Tiered RTI District Framework for Social Emotional Learning and Development. Our guidance and counseling plan can be found on our district website: https://www.valleystream30.com/

In addition to our guidance and counseling plan, we also have our annual Mental Health plan that is updated on an annual basis. This plan speaks to our district-wide universal SEL screener, tiered levels of support available to students, community resources for families, and a blueprint of mental health lessons to address specific SEL competencies as well as addressing the stigma of mental illness in 6th grade. School psychologists have spearheaded identifying and implementing research-based counseling Tier III interventions tailored to specific student emotional/behavioral needs.

Each of the three elementary schools in Valley Stream 30 has an established shared decision making team that consists of administrators, teachers, parents and students. In addition to the shared decision making team, each building has an SEL Implementation Team that leads wellness initiatives aligned with district goals and provides coaching support to the faculty. Over the past several years, these building-level teams have been critical in the roll out of the RULER approach that is part of the district’s Tier 1 Universal Expectations for all classrooms to create emotionally safe learning environments and build students’ emotional literacy. For the 2020-2021 school year, the district will renew defining the SEL team members roles and responsibilities.

As part of our re-entry, the district plans to utilize the CASEL’s SEL Roadmap for Reopening Schools (2020) that lays out four critical practices with essential questions to guide our continued work for our students and staff to reunite, renew, and thrive as a school community during these unprecedented times:

Critical Practice #1:Take time to cultivate & deepen relationships & build community partnerships as students and staff return to work

Critical Practice #2: Design opportunities where adults can connect, heal, and build their capacity to support students

Critical Practice #3: Create safe, supportive and equitable learning environments that promote all students social-emotional learning

Critical Practice #4:Use data as an opportunity to share power, deepen relationships and practice continuous improvement for students, families, and staff

For the 2020-21 school year, Valley Stream 30 will be forming a district-wide SEL Advisory Council that will work collaboratively with each of the building-level SEL Implementation Teams

to review data, share/research best practices, brainstorm ideas on potential concerns, and engage in shared decision making.

Support Programs

Valley Stream 30 recognizes that the school plays a key role in promoting mental health in all children, recognizing that students’ learning and development is supported by environments that encourage a sense of self-esteem and self-confidence as well as the ability to identify, express, and regulate emotions. The district is committed to creating safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments for all students that support their social and emotional development by:

• Creating a common SEL language throughout the district based on the RULER approach and Second Step program, allotting time throughout each day for students to reflect on their emotional state utilizing the Mood Meter, teaching de-escalation techniques and strategies such as the Blueprint model, and redesigning the curriculum in grades K-6 to integrate more SEL aligned lessons incorporating RULER’s “Feeling Words”.

For the 2020-2021 school year, a 45 minute Wellness period will be added to the daily schedules in grades K-6 to allow for activities such as morning greetings, Mood Meter feeling check-ins, mindfulness activities, and classroom community building exercises to foster emotionally safe and caring learning environments. Through a combination of presentations, videos, real-world scenario role playing, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness approaches, the school psychologists will follow a push-in rotational schedule where they will visit classrooms to instruct on mental health awareness, increase students’ stress management strategies and coping skills. In collaboration with the psychology department, the Physical Education teachers will continue to include mental health objectives into their daily lessons. Calming activities such as yoga and personalized fitness tracking as well as socially distant team building and problem solving events such as treasure hunts will be incorporated into the PE units of study.

For the 2020-2021, the district will be sending out a Family Needs Assessment to all of our families as part of our re-entry plans. The district plans to gather information on possible trauma, hardships and concerns families have prior to the start of school. This will enable each of the buildings to develop plans to support families immediately. The district also plans to assess the school climate at each of our three elementary schools by surveying families, staff, and students later in the school year. Valley Stream 30 has established relationships with: New Horizons and North Shore LIJ to offer referrals for outside counseling services and support as well as contracted a psychiatrist for any psychiatric evaluations/consultations needed. In continuing to enhance our services to families we will continue to offer District-wide Live Stream parent workshops with local guest speakers, including district school psychologists. In addition to the Universal SEL Screener that the district administers to all students as part of our Multi-Tiered RTI Framework for Student Behavior, the school psychologists will be identifying other diagnostic screeners to address specific stressors contributed by the COVID-19 and administer to students in need with parent consent.

In June 2020, as a district we had surveyed our staff on the areas in which they would like to receive more professional development for the 2020-21 school year. There was a large focus on the need for a focus on social emotional learning topics. Valley Stream 30 has been participating in the Mental Health consortium facilitated by Nassau BOCES that is made up of several districts in Nassau County to plan for re-entry, share best practices/resources, and offer PD opportunities for staff and school leaders. Our school psychologists are working on summer curriculum projects to prepare student resources and staff training ideas for our transition back to school. During Superintendent’s Conference days, building and district meetings time will be provided to staff to have an opportunity to share and discuss their feelings and concerns during the transition back. As a district, we will look to expand our Check in Connect program that had previously been established as a mentorship for students with a staff member. The expansion will include providing this support to staff and families as well. As a district we are also exploring out-of-district consultants to work with staff on how to cope with trauma and be able to identify the red flags signaling students are in need of support. Each school will have specific members of their crisis team be trained in Crisis Intervention Prevention (CPI) to assist with de-escalation techniques for highly stressful scenarios and preventive measures to approach a student with emotional needs. Lastly, the district is in the process of creating a digital platform where all mental health resources can be found in one centralized location for teaching staff and continuing to utilize our district/school webpages to post family resources.

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Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism

In Valley Stream 30 we use eSchool as our Student Information System(SIS). Each day teachers will take attendance for students that are both in their classroom physically and for students that are virtual in a distance learning model. Students that will be receiving their instruction virtually will have at least 1 live session per virtual day with a certificated staff member. During this live session attendance will be taken and then entered into eSchool. Students that have 10 or more absences will be notified via written notification and phone call by the school administration. Our teachers, nurses and administrators will monitor daily attendance for patterns and frequency of individual students.

Teachers will be completing an on-line form once they have entered the building that will be time stamped and will account for their daily “sign-in” to the building. Staff members that will not be able to attend work due to illness will enter in their submission for a sick day on the Electronic system AESOP via Frontline.

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Technology and Connectivity

Hardware and Connectivity

The Valley Stream 30 School district had sent a survey out in the beginning of March to gain information from the community on accessibility to devices and internet access. After reviewing the district’s inventory of devices and possible budget to purchase additional devices and insurance, we have been able to make a commitment to our families to provide a device to each of our students. All students in Kindergarten through 5th grade have received an iPad. 6th grade students have received a Chromebook. As a district we have surveyed families for a second time in June to assess the need for internet access once again. We have purchased hotspots through T-Mobile for families that are in need of internet connection in their homes. All teaching staff and administration has been provided a MacBook to use for school purposes.

We have continued to provide our staff with on-going professional development opportunities in a virtual setting. We have utilized district staff members, Nassau BOCES Model Schools, OTIS online learning and a variety of video recorded sessions to support staff with the implementation of remote learning and digital programs. Our integration with Google and the use of various tools in the suite will continue to be an area that we look to support staff with as we move into the 2020-21 school year. The feedback we have received from staff in June 2020 and that of which we will continue to seek will help guide us in our development of professional development opportunities in technology.

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Teaching and Learning

Continuity of Instruction 2020-21

In-person instruction:
In order to bring all students back into our classrooms, we would need to order protective barriers, as we are unable to space all of our students out with 6 feet distance between them. At this time, we are currently exploring the best option for student desk barriers for each individual student desk and then we will be placing an order with the intention of bringing all of our students back full time at some point. As a district we will assess the progress and needs of our instructional program on a 6-week basis.

Hybrid:
If we begin the year with a hybrid model, on Mondays, all students will be remote. Teachers will meet with students virtually for a class check in and set the stage for the instructional goals for the week. In addition to meeting time with their classroom teacher, students will also have follow up sessions with service providers such as a reading specialist, instrumental teachers and enrichment programs. On Tuesday-Friday, all Kindergarten students and students in self-contained special education classes will attend school. Our Kindergarten classes will be attending all 4 days. Students will be in smaller class sizes to accommodate the 6 feet of social distancing amongst students. In addition, our special education students that are in a self-contained setting will also be attending school for 4 days and are able to be socially distanced. Students in grades 1-6 will be attending school for 2 days and will be on a remote learning schedule for 2 days.

Remote Learning:
If we are required to move to a fully remote learning program based upon executive order or school closure due to COVID-19, systems have been set up to ensure a smooth transition. All classroom teachers will have a Google classroom set up from the start of the school year that will be their digital platform for posting assignments and communicating with students. If we need to shift to a remote learning model, students will engage in a blend of synchronous and asynchronous work. Teachers will provide both whole class Google Meets and small group Google Meets to support the learning needs of students. Students will continue to receive instruction from support staff and specialists virtually.

Valley Stream 30 has developed curriculum guides that are aligned with the New York State learning standards and link our core curriculum resources to these standards in a map over the course of the school year. As we are about to begin a very unique school year, grade levels and departments have been advised to review the curriculum and pacing guide on a 6 week cycle. A link has been provided below to our current curriculum guides:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16hi-pFpGxHUiRoIWs7_AsUFN-VsVQ3jv?usp=sharing

Communication of Instructional Plans

Valley Stream 30 has multiple means of sharing information with families. All print memos that are shared with the community are posted on our Valley Stream 30 District website (www.valleystream30.com). As a district we use Blackboard connect to send mass emails, text messages and phone calls to the community. Each of our schools have a Remind account set up at the building level. Classroom teachers have either a Class Dojo account or a Remind account set up to communicating with families as well. Families can reach out to the district via email, phone or digital communication platform.

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Special Education

Instruction

The Valley Stream 30 School District will continue to provide high quality special education programs and related services, providing accessible curriculum, support interventions, and accommodations driven by students’ IEPs for 2020-2021. While reopening may present challenges for all, students with disabilities may experience these challenges to a greater extent than their peers and take longer to remediate lost skills. This plan allows for flexibility in determining how to meet the individual needs of students receiving special education services while complying with healthy/safety guidelines. There will be an increase to in-person instruction & related services with health & safety precautions in place. All mandatory special education regulations will be followed to the greatest extent possible to provide students with FAPE. This plan identifies vulnerable student populations based on severity of disability. Students recommended special class placements will be provided in-person direct instruction by certified special education teacher 4x a week and 1x a week of remote learning. Students recommended for integrated co-teaching, resource room, and/or consultant teacher direct services will be provided in-person instruction 2x a week and 3x a week. This blended model will be adjusted accordingly after the district's re-entry reassessment. Related services (i.e., speech, counseling, OT, PT) will be offered in-person as well as tele-therapy. CSEs will reconvene as requested by parents if needed throughout the school year.

IEPs

Valley Stream 30 engaged parents in the IEP development, outline provision of special education services based on student needs as part of the 2020-2021 Annual Review meetings held remotely. All families of students with disabilities will have their finalized IEPS prior to schools opening and the Special Services Department is accessible over the summer to address all parent concerns/questions and reconvene CSEs/CPSEs if requested. The Special Services Department will be placing parent phone calls and letters to share information & address questions once the district's re-entry plan is approved by NYS. The Special Services Department also plans to incorporate Parent Information Sessions, surveys, and social media outlets for dissemination information/helpful resources. Families can reach out to the district via email, phone or digital communication platform.

CPSE and CSE

The Valley Stream 30 fosters a collaborative model for shared-decision making. The Special Services Department held transition CPSE/CSE meetings for all Kindergarten students entering schools in September during the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020. Both CPSE preschool and CSE school-aged providers met remotely and worked together with parents to make eligibility determinations and special education program/service recommendations. All our elementary schools have been provided the final committee recommendations & students’ individualized needs to assist with class/teacher assignments. The Special Services Department utilized a document repository to seamlessly share evaluations/reports to make informed and multidisciplinary decisions. All CPSE/CSEs meetings will be “business as usual” and be held remotely (i.e., Google Meet) for convenience & safety of families and staff in addition to in-person meetings throughout the year if feasible. In-person evaluations will commence when schools reopen when feasible and health/safety precautions are in place. Special Education Teachers and related service providers will continue to progress monitor IEP goals and provide IEP progress marks to families each quarter. Special Education staff will continue to expand efforts to utilize different modalities (i.e., expand digital communications such as REMIND, Google Classrooms) to communicate with parents about their children’s progress and provide resources.

Accommodations and Modifications

Valley Stream 30 is committed to ensuring students with disabilities IEPs are being implemented as written laying out accommodations, modifications/supplemental aids, and specialized instruction. The Special Services Department incorporates an Universal Design for Learning (UDL) philosophy by providing all special education classes with 1:1 devices with accessibility features and assistive technology software to be used for students with disabilities dependent on their specific needs. District will install the Don Johnston AT bundle on all special education student devices for school & home use as part of the district’s hybrid model. Special Education Staff will provide access both manual and digital supplemental aids (i.e., graphic organizers, visuals), and offer blended learning remedial support (i.e., pre-teaching/re-teaching via Google Meets and/or in-person) for students with disabilities participating in the initial district’s hybrid model. Students with disabilities who are unable to wear protective personal equipment and consistently adhere to other CDC guidelines will be identified to determine additional environmental modifications and/or differentiated personal equipment that will be needed.

Communication

Valley Stream 30 will continue to offer the full continuum of special education programs and services with-in district. Students individuals’ special education recommendations will be documented via finalized 2020-2021Individual Education Programs (IEPs) that families will receive prior to the first day of school. Any changes/modifications to delivery of instruction/services as well as bus transportation will be communicated via district letters, district website notifications, and/or phone calls. Translation services will be utilized as necessary. The Special Services Department will utilize applications (i.e., Say Hi app; Google translation) to create a welcoming environment and implement effective communications to reduce language barriers.

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Bilingual Education and World Languages

Valley Stream 30 does not have enough students at a given grade level, with the same home language to offer bilingual classes. Across the district we do adhere to the CR-Part 154 requirements for identification and instruction based upon levels and units of study. All families registering a child to attend a school within Valley Stream 30 school district will complete the HLQ as part of their registration process. Upon review of the HLQ those students that speak a second language will be administered the screening interview prior to being given the NYSITELL. Based upon a student’s results from the NYSITELL, they will be scheduled for the appropriate number of minutes and delivery of the instruction model based upon their level. The ELL identification will be complete within the first 30 days of the school year for students registering up until the 20th day of school. We will continue to provide all required documentation and information to families in accordance with CR-Part 154 requirements, including the sharing of information in their preferred home language.

In our intended hybrid model students will receive both in person push in support via co-teaching with the classroom teacher and pull out services delivered virtually. Our ENL teaching staff, bi-lingual aides and parent language ambassadors will help to communicate with families on updates in the district.

Teachers will utilize materials and instructional resources that are linguistically age/grade appropriate and aligned to the Next Generation Learning Standards. Teachers will review the Blueprint for English Language Learners/Multilingual Learners to ensure that educational expectations are clear for ELL/MLL to provide a foundation for academic success.

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Economic Overview

Both the State and Local economies continue to be dramatically impacted by COVID-19. During these troubling times, Valley Stream 30 continues to remain vigilant in assessing its fiscal status. This summer the District will complete its annual State Aid filing with the NYS Education Department and will complete its annual School Funding Transparency Form with the NYS Department of Budget.

∙ The District will continue to monitor the status of State Aid that may be restored by the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, $235,654.

∙ The District explores possible ways to maximize State Aid by careful planning of its expenditures.

∙ The District maintains its regulatory compliance with successfully completed audits and financial reporting.

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Budget and Fiscal Matters

Valley Stream 30 projects to spend resources on a number of unfunded necessities during the 2020-21 school year. Some of these essential items include personal protective equipment and additional sanitizing supplies. The District has used its savings from funds not spent this Summer to cover the expense of these unfunded items.

The District is continuously monitoring the cost of these unfunded expenses that are necessary for a successful school reopening.

As always, Valley Stream 30 will budget and spend funds based on what is best for its students and its community.

∙ The District is prepared for potential mid-year State Aid cuts.

∙ The District will continue to review its short-term and long-term financial plans to have a sound fiscal plan in place to sustain its academic programming.

∙ The District will continue to be transparent with the Board of Education and the Valley Stream 30 Community when deciding all relevant financial matters.

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Teacher and Principal Evaluation System (Education Law §3012-D/APPR)

Valley Stream 30 will continue to follow our NYSED approved APPR plan for the 2020-21 school year. http://usny.nysed.gov/rttt/teachers-leaders/plans/docs/valley-stream-30/valley-stream-30-appr-plan-122116.pd f

Certification, Incidental Teaching, and Substitute Teaching

All staff members providing instruction to students in Valley Stream 30 hold valid and appropriate certification for their assignments.

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Appendix

Key References

● State Education Department Issues Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools (July 16, 2020)

● State Education Department Presents Framework of Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools (July 13, 2020)

● Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, NYS Department of Health (July 13, 2020)

Additional References

● Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
(June 26, 2020)

● Interim Guidance for Food Services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
(June 26, 2020)

● Interim Guidance for Office-Based Work during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
(June 26, 2020)

● Interim Guidance for Public Transportation Activities during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (June 26, 2020)

● New York State Department of Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

● New York State Education Department Coronavirus (COVID-19)

● Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19)

● Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 Website

Once finalized, reopening plans must be posted on the district’s website. By July 31, 2020, districts will need to complete a survey through the Portal, providing NYSED with:

● A link to the public website where each school plan has been publicly posted

● A set of mandatory assurances that the reopening plan includes all of the mandatory elements outlined in the NYSED guidance

NOTE: Information submitted through the Portal will not include detailed narratives or descriptions of specific actions to be taken by a school or district as part of their reopening Plan; those details must be articulated in the materials that are publicly posted on the school/district website.

Also by July 31, 2020, districts must complete a short companion Department of Health survey that includes a link to the publicly posted plan on the district/school website.

Continuity of Instruction

Continuity of Instruction 2020-21

Below a description has been provide for each of the 3 instructional models that Valley Stream 30 is prepared to implement based on the current guidance from New York State and conditions within the district.

In-person instruction: In order to bring all students back into our classrooms, we would need to order protective barriers, as we are unable to space all of our students out with 6 feet distance between them. At this time, we are currently exploring the best option for student desk barriers for each individual student desk and then we will be placing an order with the intention of bringing all of our students back full time at some point. As a district we will assess the progress and needs of our instructional program on a 6-week basis.

Hybrid:If we begin the year with a hybrid model,on Mondays,all students will be remote. Teachers will meet with students virtually for a class check in and set the stage for the instructional goals for the week. In addition to meeting time with their classroom teacher, students will also have follow up sessions with service providers such as a reading specialist, instrumental teachers and enrichment programs. On Tuesday-Friday, all Kindergarten students and students in self-contained special education classes will attend school. Our Kindergarten classes will be attending all 4 days. Students will be in smaller class sizes to accommodate the 6 feet of social distancing amongst students. In addition, our special education students that are in a self-contained setting will also be attending school for 4 days and are able to be socially distanced. Students in grades 1-6 will be attending school for 2 days and will be on a remote learning schedule for 2 days.

Remote Learning: If we are required to move to a fully remote learning program based upon executive order or school closure due to COVID-19, systems have been set up to ensure a smooth transition. All classroom teachers will have a Google classroom set up from the start of the school year that will be their digital platform for posting assignments and communicating with students. If we need to shift to a remote learning model, students will engage in a blend of synchronous and asynchronous work. Teachers will provide both whole class Google Meets and small group Google Meets to support the learning needs of students. Students will continue to receive instruction from support staff and specialists virtually.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16hi-pFpGxHUiRoIWs7_AsUFN-VsVQ3jv?usp=sharing

Communication of Instructional Plans

Valley Stream 30 has multiple means of sharing information with families. All print memos that are shared with the community are posted on our Valley Stream 30 District website(www.valleystream30.com). As a district we use Blackboard connect to send mass emails, text messages and phone calls to the community. Each of our schools have a Remind account set up at the building level. Classroom teachers have either a Class Dojo account or a Remind account set up to communicating with families as well. Families can reach out to the district via email, phone or digital communication platform.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Instruction

IEPs

CPSE and CSE

Accommodations and Modifications

Communication

BILINGUAL EDUCATION AND WORLD LANGUAGES

Valley Stream 30 Hybrid and Remote Models

Over the past few weeks our Valley Stream 30 Task force has been meeting to develop our 2020-21 re-entry plan. Our discussions and decisions have been driven by guidance provided from NYSED and the Department of Health. Using these guidance documents, we have determined that we are unable to bring back all students everyday, and maintain 6 feet of social distancing in instructional spaces. The instructional model that would allow students to attend school on some days and receive instruction at home on other days is the hybrid model. The following information provides a more detailed description of the model. As a district we would be assessing the instructional model and health and safety conditions on a 6-week cycle to determine if changes to the delivery of instruction need to be made.

What is a hybrid model?

A hybrid model is a blend of on-line distance learning and in person instruction.

What will this look like in Valley Stream 30?

All students will be home on Mondays and will participate in a blend of live teacher instruction/discussions and student work. Teachers will be able to establish instructional goals for the week with the class via Google Meets. Distance learning days will also provide opportunities for students to participate in our support/enrichment activities through live interactions with peers and teachers.

Schedule A: Tuesday/Thursday in school, Wednesday/Friday distance learning.

Schedule B: Tuesday/Thursday distance learning, Wednesday/Friday in school.

*Building administrators are ensuring that siblings attend on the same schedules.

Students will be provided a schedule for their distance learning days. The expectation is for students to follow the schedule provided and that they are signed in on time for scheduled Google Meets. Logging into Google Meets will be used to account for attendance on distance learning days.

What is remote learning?

Remote learning is when students remain at home and log onto a device to engage in synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Valley Stream 30 teachers will be on live with students to provide support and instruction via a digital platform such as Google Meets.

Here is a sample schedule for distance learning days:

Time	Activity
9:00-9:15	Social Emotional Check-In with Class via Google Meet
9:15-10:45	ELA
10:45-11:30	Virtual Art via Google Meet with an Art Teacher
11:30-12:20	Lunch
12:25-1:15	Math
1:15-2:00	I/E- Reading Support via Google Meet with Reading Teacher
2:00-2:45	Science via Google Meet with Science Teacher

What will the activities look like on distance learning days?

Continuation/follow up from lesson taught in person on the previous day in school
Pre-reading or viewing of an instructional video to prepare for the following day of instruction.
Viewing the mini-lesson that is occurring in school on that day through screen casting and completing a follow up assignment that will be reviewed in school the next day.
Completion of individualized learning pathways via digital programs such as eSpark, Raz Kids and Personal Math Trainer.

How will my child receive additional support if needed?

Instruction that occurs in school has been designed to heavily focus on ELA and Math instruction, allowing time for teachers to follow up on lessons/assignments provided on distance learning days and to continue on in the curriculum. Having smaller class sizes will allow for teachers to provide even more individualized instruction and support. On the distance learning days, support services for Reading, Math, ENL, and Speech will be provided to those students who are in need. We are still exploring the possibility of offering additional office hour time slots on distance learning days for students.

How will my child receive special education specialized instruction and/or related services as per the IEP?

Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT)

Resource Room/Consultant Teacher Direct Services

Special Classes (8:1:2; 12:1:2; 15:1:1)

Related Services (Counseling, Speech, PT, OT)

These mandated services as per IEP will be offered both in-person and/or remotely taking into

Contact Tracing and Testing Plan

Response to Coronavirus Testing & Contact Tracing

Nassau County School Districts have a long-standing relationship with the Nassau County Department of Health in response to communicable disease. That relationship has been further developed and enhanced as we responded to COVID-19. Having been one of the hardest hit Counties in the State and Nation many lessons were learned. This has led us to develop many of the strategies noted in this guidance which will assist all school districts and communities as we head towards the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. This document has been incorporated into the Valley Stream 30 Reopening Plan to help address requirements for COVID-19 Testing and Contact Tracing. This is a living document that will be revised, as needed, to incorporate new information as provided through Federal, State and Local authorities.

1. COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Administrator)

Valley Stream 30 has designated in our Re-opening Plan a COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Principal) for each school building. This individual will be responsible for answering questions from students, faculty, staff, and parents or legal guardians of students regarding the COVID-19 Re-opening Plan and its implementation. The COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Principal) will also work closely with the Nassau County Department of Health and other schools to monitor public health conditions and jointly develop monitoring strategies. This individual will also be critical, along with our school nurses and district doctor in assisting the Nassau County Department of Health with contact tracing efforts.

2. Training

Based on recommendations from the Nassau County Department of Health administrator(s) in each building will participate in training on the basics of COVID-19 and contact tracing through the course offered by Johns Hopkins University at:

https://www.coursera.org/learn/covid-19-contact-tracing?edocomorp=covid-19-contact-tracing.

3. Screening & Response Actions

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has developed a Reference Guide for Suspected, Presumptive, or Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 (K-12) which can be found at https://www.nc.gov//covid19#education. This document provides specific response actions guidance which may be considered in Plan development and includes a Screening Flow Chart, Staff Roles Flow Chart and Positive Screening Protocols Checklist. This is one of numerous resources considered in the development of our Plan.

(continued on next page)

Screening Flow Chart for COVID-19
NO FLAGS		DIAGNOSIS (No Symptoms)	AT LEAST ONE SYMPTOM (Fever, Difficulty Breathing, Loss of Taste or Smell)
NO FLAGS PROCEED TO SCHOOL	CANNOT GO TO SCHOOL	CANNOT GO TO SCHOOL	CANNOT GO TO SCHOOL
	Home for 14 days since exposure.	Home for 10 days since first positive COVID-19 test.	If confirmed positive COVID-19 OR person has not been tested: 10 days since first symptoms, no fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medications) AND symptoms improvement can return to school. If negative COVID-19 test: No fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medication) AND symptoms improvement can return to school. If confirmed case other than COVID-19: Follow normal school policies to return to school.

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4. Communication

The Nassau County Department of Health has a designated phone number for all clinical questions from school nurses and school medical directors at 516-227-9496. This number is not to be used by the general public or concerned parents but is to be used when a specific case or scenario requires clinical consultation with the health department by the school nursing staff or medical director.

Questions from superintendents and administrators can be directed to a designated number set up for school districts. General questions from the public will be referred to the New York State Coronavirus Hotline at 888-364-3065 or the Nassau County Department of Health COVID Hotline at 516-227-9570. Updates on Coronavirus in Nassau County can be received by texting COVID19NC to 888777 or by going to the Nassau County Website at https://www.nassaucountyny.gov.

5. Testing & Contact Tracing

The Nassau County Department of Health receives all confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nassau County residents that are electronically transmitted from laboratories, by law. This does not include rapid tests (done at points of cares such as Urgent Cares) for which reliability and validity test are still on- going and are not automatically reported to Nassau County Department of Health, at this time. Confirmed cases in faculty, staff and administrators that live outside of Nassau County will be investigated by the jurisdiction that they reside in. In these cases, close communication will need to occur between the health departments of other jurisdictions, Nassau County and the school districts. Once the health department conducts its investigation, the school nurse or COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Principal) will be called and notified. Depending on the specifics of the case and potential exposures, additional close contacts will be elicited, and quarantine and/or notification may be determined. Very often, these determinations are made in partnership with the health department. It is recognized that we can always be more restrictive than county health department recommendations.

6. How The New York State Contact Tracing Program Works (From NYS DOH)

If you test positive, a COVID Contact Tracer will connect you with the support and resources you may need through quarantine, such as help getting groceries or household supplies, child-care, medical care or supplies. The Tracer will work with you to identify and reach out via phone and text to anyone you’ve been in contact with while you were infectious to trace and contain the spread of the virus.

People who have come in close contact with someone who is positive are asked to stay home and limit their contact with others. By staying home during this time, IF you become sick yourself, you have not infected many others along the way. This is how we stop the spread!

Testing, medical and quarantine support for yourself and your loved ones will be arranged. We will not release your name to anyone. Your information is strictly confidential and will be treated as a private medical record.

This nation-leading program will place emphasis on areas with the highest rates of infection and on regions ready to open. The program will operate through the next flu season. It will be implemented in coordination with New Jersey and Connecticut.

Your caller ID will say “NYS Contact Tracing” (518-387-9993).

Please answer the phone so we can keep NY moving forward and stop the spread of COVID-19.

7. Testing Responsibility

In cooperation with the School District Doctor, School Nurse, and the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Principal) individuals exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus will be referred to their personal physician for determination of appropriate treatment and the need to be tested. Valley Stream 30 will also identify other sources in the community available for referring, sourcing, and administering testing, particularly in the event that large-scale testing is needed. Current testing sites available in Nassau County and throughout New York State can be accessed by going to https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you.

8. Test Results

Suspected staff as well as students who have been tested for COVID-19 or who have signs and symptoms of COVID-19, should remain at home and not come to school until results are known. Any close contacts of a pending case’s results should also remain at home and isolated until the results of the test are known. A positive result will require additional isolation of the case and close contacts elicited as described above. Quarantine and/or notification will be determined by the health department in conjunction with the school district. Laboratory testing may take days until results are determined. The Nassau County Department of Health has no control over laboratory testing.

9. Positive Cases & Contact Tracing

The district will notify the state and local health department immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result by an individual within school facilities or on school grounds, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the district. Often, a staff member or student (parent) may know the results of a COVID-19 test before the health department. In this situation, the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Principal) will report the case to the designated number, previously noted, at 516-227-9496. The Nassau County Department of Health will attempt to confirm the case. If it is confirmed, then additional close contacts may be elicited depending on the specifics of the environment, case and potential exposures. If the case is not able to be confirmed, (often due to laboratory or electronic delays), then we may make our own determination regarding close contacts and potential exposure and exclusions at that time until further information is known.

Districts may assist with contact tracing by:

1. Keeping accurate attendance records of students and staff members

2. Ensuring student schedules are up to date

3. Keeping a log of any visitor which includes date and time, and where in the school they visited

4. Assisting the local health departments in tracing all contacts of the individual in

accordance with the protocol, training, and tools provided through the NYS Contact TracingProgram

The health department is available to the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Principal), if additional consultation is needed.

10. Close Contact

According to the CDC, a close contact is defined as:

a) within 6 feet of a positive case for more than 10-15 minutes for 48 hours before case’s symptom onset to case’s isolation;

b) exposed to or give care to positive case;

c) direct touching;

d) shared food;

e) exposed to sneezing or coughing or talking.

Close contacts are required to be quarantined according to NYS Department of Health and are monitored by Nassau County and NYS contact tracing efforts. In some cases, we may decide to make notifications to other students and staff in the classroom or building who are not close contacts. These individuals should be monitored for signs and symptoms but are not part of the contact tracing effort.

11. Confidential Information

The Nassau County Department of Health will only discuss names of cases with appropriate school personnel consistent with HIPAA. No parents or other students will be informed of names or identifying information. We will never email names of individuals in recognition of the fact that email is not secure.

Additional References

NYSDOH School Guidance

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/protecting-public-health-all-new-yorkers#schools

NYSED Guidance

http://www.nysed.gov/coronavirus/guidance-p-12-schools

District Plans