Kelly Creek Elementary School
Return to Learn Plan
HOME OF THE COUGARS!
Email: maranto2@gresham.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/kces
Location: 2400 Southeast Baker Way, Gresham, OR, USA
Phone: 503.663.7483
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyCreekElementarySchool
Twitter: @KCES_Cougars
Letter From the Principal
Dear Families,
We could never have imagined that a global pandemic would have devasted communities across the world. The Kelly Creek school community was no exception. As the Gresham-Barlow School District made the very difficult decision to not reopen schools in August, it broke my heart. While it was the absolute correct move to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff, it was not easy for any of our stakeholders. Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) was much more robust than what we offered our students in March 2020. There are so many benefits of online learning, but having students in our classrooms is paramount to their learning.
Bringing back students in a Hybrid Model is the safest way for us to deliver in-person instruction. In order for us to continue to deliver in-person instruction families and students will need to follow different protocols and expectations. I completely understand that change is never easy, but I know together we can ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.
This document will highlight those updated protocols so everyone is informed of the measures we are taking to keep everyone safe. If you have any questions or need any clarification please do not hesitate to contact me via email at maranto2@gresham.k12.or.us or via phone at 503.663.7483.
With admiration,
Sam Maranto, Principal
Kelly Creek Elementary School
Purpose
The purpose of the Kelly Creek Elementary School Return to Learn Plan is intended for informational purposes only. It is our goal to return students safely to our school for in-person instruction. This document serves as a reference to our plans to return to school. These plans are constantly evolving; and, therefore, this handbook does not contain all of the information you will need to know during our Hybrid Model of Instruction.
Decisions are made based on Oregon’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners Guidance
The Gresham-Barlow School District has put together an informational video explaining
additional expectations for our Hybrid Model of Instruction: School Health & Safety Video
You can also view the School Health & Safety Video in Spanish!
For additional information related to opening our schools safely, you can visit the Oregon Department of Education website.
Other helpful information from the Oregon Department of Education:
"It always seems impossible, until it is done!" - Nelson Mandela
Important Implementation Dates for Hybrid Instruction
- 03/29 - Hybrid Prep Day, No School
- 03/30 - Hybrid Prep Day, No School
- 03/30 - K-5 Materials Distribution @ 1:00 - 6:00
- 03/31 - K-5 Materials Distribution @ 11:30 - 4:30
- 04/01 - K-1 ONLY Hybrid Instruction Starts (Cohort B)
- 04/05 - K-1 ONLY Hybrid Instruction Starts (Cohort A)
- 04/08 - 2-5 Hybrid Instruction Starts (Cohort B)
- 04/12 - 2-5 Hybrid Instruction Starts (Cohort A)
- 04/14 - Grading Day, No School
K-5 Materials Distribution
Tuesday, Mar 30, 2021, 01:00 PM
Kelly Creek Elementary School, Southeast Baker Way, Gresham, OR, USA
K-5 Materials Distribution
Wednesday, Mar 31, 2021, 11:30 AM
Kelly Creek Elementary School, Southeast Baker Way, Gresham, OR, USA
Cohort A Hybrid Dates
Students are on campus from 12:05 - 2:35
- 04/05 & 04/06 (Kindergarten & 1st-grade ONLY)
- 04/12 & 04/13
- 04/19 & 04/20
- 04/26 & 04/27
- 05/03 & 05/04
- 05/10 & 05/11
- 05/17 & 05/18
- 05/24 & 05/25
- 06/01
- 06/07 & 06/08
- 06/14 & 06/15
Cohort B Hybrid Dates
- 04/01 & 04/02 (Kindergarten & 1st-grade ONLY)
- 04/08 & 04/09
- 04/15 & 04/16
- 04/22 & 04/23
- 04/29 & 04/30
- 05/06 & 05/07
- 05/13 & 05/14
- 05/20 & 05/21
- 05/27 & 05/28
- 06/03 & 06/04
- 06/10 & 06/11
Masks
All students K-5 must wear a mask at all times. Students may remove their masks only when eating and drinking.
It is important to pick a mask for your child that is comfortable and fits properly. It will be important to set your child up for success before your child needs to wear their mask. Although this varies by child, it may take repeated prep and practice to be comfortable wearing a mask.
Explain to your child why it is important to wear a mask. Some children really like to know the reason why they have to do something. Try to make this explanation positive, so your child does not get scared and refuses to wear a mask. For example, you could tell your child “We wear a mask to keep ourselves and other people safe. When we wear a mask, germs cannot jump from person to person. Masks stop the germs from spreading!”
Students should follow these expectations on how to wear a mask properly:
- Wash your hands before putting on your mask.
- Put your mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin.
- Try and fit it snugly on the sides of your face.
- Make sure you can breathe easily.
Have your child watch this child friendly video on YouTube that explains why we wear masks!
Masks are not a toy; therefore, you should not play with your mask. Students should always follow the directions of an adult to know when it is safe to take off their masks.Students will be required to wear a mask when they are on the school campus. Students who refuse to wear a mask and do not have a medical reason for not wearing a mask may need to access their education via e-GBSD. Additional information on this guidance can be found by clicking this LINK.
Social Distancing
Most of us call it “social distancing” but it can help to think of it as “physical distancing”. Social distancing puts space between people, usually 6 feet or more. When people keep their distance from others, people infected with COVID-19 are less likely to spread it.
COVID-19 mainly spreads when someone breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes, which sends tiny droplets into the air. People standing nearby can get these droplets in their eyes, nose, or mouth. When there is at least 6 feet between people, these droplets are more likely to fall to the ground rather than on other people.
Some people infected with COVID-19 may never show any symptoms, therefore, it is best to keep a safe distance whenever you are around people you do not live with.
At school, students must stay at least 6 feet away from each other and wear a mask. At Kelly Creek Elementary School, we have added floor markers and additional signage around the school to promote social distancing. Sit or stand at least 6 feet away from others while in the classroom and outdoors. Desks and chairs will be arranged so students are always seated at least 6 feet away from each other. Large walkways will ensure students can move about the classroom and keep socially distant.
New measures at Kelly Creek Elementary School also include the following:
- Physical barriers, such as plexiglass on the front office counter
- Floor markers indicating flow of movement and social distancing
- Signs in highly visible locations remind students about social distancing
- Staff monitoring arrival and dismissal to perform visual health checks
- Visitors/volunteers will not be allowed on campus for any reason
Cohorting
Cohorts of students will be created in effort to enhance student and staff safety. Cohorts will not be able to exceed 100 people within the educational week. The cohorts at KCES will be kept as small as possible to minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19. Cohorts are described as the following:
- Classroom – Students that are on the same A & B schedule
Grade Level – Students that are in the same grade attending the same A & B schedule
Contact Tracing Measures
Students will be issued a GBSD ID card that will allow them to easily check-in and check-out of Kelly Creek Elementary School. This ID card will be attached to your child’s backpack. During arrival and dismissal, each student will be required to swipe their ID card on the electronic badge reader. This process will allow us to have detailed contact tracing to minimize infections at the school in the event of a COVID-19 exposure.
Students will be expected to sign in and out of their classroom anytime they need to visit the Restroom, Front Office, Health Office, or Care Room.
Cough & Sneeze Etiquette
If you feel a cough or a sneeze coming on because of seasonal allergies, or other dust and pollen, here is what to do:
- Get as far away from other people as you can, ensure you are keeping socially distant.
- Keep your mask on to help contain the droplets from your sneeze or cough.
- With your mask on, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow. Coughing or sneezing into the inside of your elbow is the best way to limit the spread of germs.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer after your cough or sneeze.
- If you have a spare mask available, you might want to replace your mask.
"The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine."
Hand Washing & Hand Sanitizing
When using soap and water:
- Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
When should I use...
Soap & Water
- Before & after eating food
- After using the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Before & after playing outside at recess
- Whenever your hands are visibly dirty or greasy
Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- Before & after playing outside at recess
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, wash with soap and water as soon as you can.
To learn more about handwashing and hand sanitizer use, visit the CDC Website
The Gresham-Barlow School District will provide students and staff with hand soap and hand sanitizer that has a higher percentage of alcohol than recommended by the CDC. Students will have multiple opportunities to ensure their hands are clean and sanitized throughout the day.
Student Arrival
Kelly Creek Elementary School will have different arrival procedures than years past. These changes will make it easier for school personnel to monitor students as they enter the building. This allows the school to screen students of symptoms of COVID-19. Students should NOT arrive at school until 12:05 PM.
A pre-screening survey will be sent to you each morning. Click HERE to see the 6-question survey. Do not send your child to school if they are displaying any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Persistent coughing that will not stop
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Chronic or bad body pain
If your child arrives at school exhibiting any of these symptoms, they will be put in a “Care Room” until a parent/guardian can pick up their child. Students may return to school after 72 hours symptom-free.
- Screened for COVID-19 symptoms
- Escorted by staff to the bus rider entry
- Scan badges for accurate contact tracing
- Walk directly to their classroom to wash hands
Car Riders, Bike Riders, & Walkers
- Parents that drop-off their child(ren) will need to "Kiss & Go". Parents will not be allowed out of their car during drop-off.
- Screened for COVID-19 symptoms
- Enter the building through the front doors
- Scan badges for accurate contact tracing
- Walk directly to their classroom to wash hands
Parents, please...
- Drop-off your child(ren) and "Kiss & Go"
- Stay in your car during drop-off/pick-up
- Do not block intersections, driveways, or crosswalks
- Display the school-issued placard in your front windshield to make drop-off/pick-up quicker for all families
Late Arrival
It is most beneficial for your child to arrive at school on time, however, we understand that late arrivals might happen from time to time. During our Hybrid Model of Instruction, parents must follow the following protocols when dropping off their child late to school:
- When parents/guardians arrive at Kelly Creek Elementary School please ring the doorbell and let the front office staff know who you are dropping off late to school.
- A member of the staff will meet you at the front door so your child can enter school.
- Parents/Guardians will need to wait with their child outside until someone opens the door.
- Students will check-in with the front office staff and then be escorted to their classroom by a staff member
Student Dismissal
Kelly Creek Elementary School will have different procedures for student dismissal during our Hybrid Model of Instruction. Student safety is a high priority and these measures are aligned with the Oregon Department of Education guidelines. Student dismissal will take longer than in years past. Your patience during this process is very much appreciated!
Walkers and bike riders will be dismissed from their classrooms. Students will be required to exit the building through the front doors and scan their badges as they leave the building.
Bus riders will be escorted from their classrooms. Students will exit the building through the playground doors, and scan their badges as they leave the building. Students will need to use hand sanitizer prior to boarding their bus.
Car riders will be dismissed from their classrooms. Students will be called out one at a time as guardians pull up to the front doors. Students will be required to scan their badge as they leave the building
Students need to ensure that they scan their ID card when they leave school
for us to have accurate documentation for contact tracing.
Dismissal will start at 2:35. We will do our best to get students out in a timely
manner.Parents, please...
- Stay in your car during drop-off/pick-up
- Do not block intersections, driveways, or crosswalks
- Display the school-issued placard in your front windshield to make drop-off/pick-up quicker for all families
Early Pick-up
Parents should avoid picking up their child(ren) early from school, however, we understand that this might happen from time to time. During our Hybrid Model of Instruction, parents must follow the following protocols:
- Call the front office and let us know which student you are picking up for early dismissal.
- When parents/guardians arrive at Kelly Creek Elementary School please ring the doorbell and let the front office staff know you are here to pick up your student.
- Parents will wait outside for their child(ren).
- Students will need to sign out in the Front Office.
- Students will be escorted by a staff member to the front door and released to the parent/guardian.
Bus Expectations
- Students must maintain a 6-foot social distance at the bus stop.
- Drivers will visually scan each student upon entry.
- Seats will be marked so students know where to sit.
- Same family cohorts will be allowed to sit together.
- Masks are required at all times.
- Students will load the bus starting in the back then moving to the front.
- Students will be released from the bus starting from the front and moving towards the back.
"At the end of the day the goals are simple: SAFETY & SECURITY"
Connect with Principal Maranto
Email: maranto2@gresham.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/kces
Location: 2400 Southeast Baker Way, Gresham, OR, USA
Phone: 503.663.7483
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyCreekElementarySchool
Twitter: @KCES_Cougars