
Return to Learn
Normandy Schools Collaborative Re-opening Plan - 2020-2021
Readiness to Adapt Based on New Information
This plan is based on known factors as of July 15, 2020. Factors that impact re-opening include local government authority decisions, trends in community spread, further scientific understanding of the virus, and advances in medical treatment and/or prevention. These factors will change, and NSC will adapt to new information and pivot as appropriate to best serve district children. These pivots may include significant or minor changes to the district plan. Further, these factors will determine whether we proceed with in-person instruction or with remote learning on the first day of school for students, recently extended to September 8.
Guiding Philosophy
Based on the understanding that NSC students suffer profound learning loss during the suspension of in-person schooling, NSC has set the following priorities for planning.
Priority One: In-person learning for all students on each school day, with safety measures in place, if external factors allow it. Under Priority One, NSC has worked to define what it looks like for in-person learning each day for all students, including:
- Increased distancing where possible
- Increased sanitation/disinfecting
- Masks and other protective materials
Changed and updated procedures for staff and student activities
While students are present during in-person learning, NSC schools will lead instruction with a focus on building student capacity for remote learning success.
Priority Two: Remote learning, if external factors require it. Successful remote learning will depend on several factors:
- Learning from previous efforts from the spring and summer remote learning programs
- Building and improving student capacity in using devices/Chromebooks and online tools
- Building and improving teacher and staff capacity for facilitating learning and teaching remotely
- Ensuring adequate devices and Wi-Fi hotspots for students
This Return to School Plan focuses on Priority One
Guiding Factors
Several factors influenced this decision, including family and staff surveys, a family input session, a needs assessment based on students’ past performance during remote learning, weighing approaches from other districts, and guidance and recommendations from health and other agencies. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Guidance for School Re-entry recommends that:
“all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020. Lengthy time away from school and associated interruption of supportive services often results in social isolation, making it difficult for schools to identify and address important learning deficits as well as child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, depression, and suicidal ideation. This, in turn, places children and adolescents at considerable risk of morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Beyond the educational impact and social impact of school closures, there has been substantial impact on food security and physical activity for children and families.”
Remote learning plans are developing as well. NSC’s Remote Learning Strategic Planning Committee, meeting weekly for the last few months, will share improvements to the district Remote Learning Plan in a separate document.
We understand some families may not be comfortable sending their child(ren) back to school due to the child’s medical issues or a household family member’s underlying health issues. If NSC decides to proceed with in-person learning, families may submit an application to district administration for a remote learning option.
Contact Us
Email: info@normandysc.org
Website: www.normandysc.org
Location: 3855 Lucas and Hunt Road, Normandy, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-0141
Facebook: www.facebook.com/normandyschools
Twitter: @Normandysc1