Return to School 2020
Drought School
Planning for Return
Dear Drought School Families,
As we proceed through the end of July and into August, we are evaluating plans for reopening. A team of staff members, area school districts, and the Central Racine County Health Department has been meeting all summer to discuss how school will look when we return on September 1st.
The staff at Drought School are creating plans for the following scenarios:
1. Full in-person instruction 5 days per week
2. Hybrid (Blended Model)
3. Full Virtual
As the health situation changes, we will be prepared to shift in-between these models as recommended by the Central Racine County Health Department (CRCHD). Below is an outline with some general information.
It is our hope to begin the 2020/2021 school year with five full days of in-person instruction. Any change to this direction will be determined by the school administration. Keep in mind, we are in a high-risk county and plans can change with little notice. Please be prepared for change as you have been throughout this pandemic. The school will do everything it can to offer as much notice as possible in the event of changing circumstances.
Goal
3 Models of Instruction Possible
In-Person Instruction (5 days a week)-all students with added spacing, protective gear when necessary, and other appropriate safety measures to protect staff and students.
Hybrid- shifting between components of in-person (physically distanced) and virtual. May be needed as a response to illness for both staff and students. The need for this will be determined on a grade-level basis.
Virtual-no students at school. May be needed if the school is ordered to close in-person instruction by state or local health department.
Daily Operations
- Increased cleaning
- Separate grade level entrances and exits
- Bathroom locations assigned by grade level (social distancing)
- Visitors or volunteers-essential only
- Field trips and gatherings- virtual
- COVID point of contact-office
Health and Safety Measures
- Families conduct independent health screenings prior to school each day
- Hand hygiene- stations throughout the building; sanitizing upon entering and exiting classrooms
- Social distancing
- Plexiglass barriers will be used where social distancing is not possible
- Face covering-strongly recommended by Racine County Health Department. Staff will wear masks or face shields when working with students (closer than 6 feet)
- Limit/eliminate Shared Objects
- Communal spaces used for larger group break-out area
- Teachers are encouraged to provide instruction outdoors-when possible
- Modified building layout/traffic patterns/schedule
- Organized student groups (cohorts)-where necessary
- Lunch recess will be staggered to create group sizes that will allow social distancing
Daily Screening Verification
By sending your child to school you are verifying that they do not exhibit any of the following symptoms:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Gastrointestinal distress (i.e diarrhea)
If ANY of these symptoms are present, your child should remain home.
~Call the office (262)425-6020 for questions~
Transportation & Lunch Service
Physical Education Class
Meet & Greet - DATE AND DETAIL CHANGES:
To minimize risk, this event will be staggered by last name (see below) and will be primarily for supply drop-off and school pictures. Students will enter through the cafeteria doors, drop supplies off at their grade level table, and have their school picture taken.
12:00-12:45 pm Last names A-C
1:00-1:45 pm Last names D-J
2:00-2:45 pm Last names K-M
3:00-3:45 pm Last names N-S
4:00-4:45 pm Last names T-Z
More details will be communicated as we approach this event date.
When to expect finalized plans
You can expect finalized plans by the end of Tuesday, August 25, after consultation with the CRCHD, we will be announcing which model we will be using for the beginning of the school year on September 1. Please remember that we must plan for all three possibilities as there is a good chance we will be using them throughout the year.
Mental health Support Available
Drought School Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Thomas
(414)425-6020
Aurora Health Care-Student and Family Assistance Program
(A free & confidential resource)
Call (800)236-3231 or ask the office for a brochure
Frequently Asked Questions
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pyn53BsWBqUnjSdZc6OL-BoqBN6B4CT02cnTKLXWrOs/edit?usp=sharing