Reopening of Schools Update
July 9, 2020
Trussville City Schools
(205) 228-3000
Email Sandra Vernon for assistance
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Parent Comments Shape the Details
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Thank you so much for your questions submitted on the reopening input form this week. Your input helps your school leaders to shape the details of the framework for the 2020-21 school year. We appreciate your input! The form is still live and we invite your questions at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIc62Xv7xleQZnEhp9nf0EX5SzkdakvC-UU5LAKJcyNXTX6w/viewform or you may contact your school principal for school specific information.
You can view all previously asked questions as we update our FAQ Sheet located at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XGa7Mcp70fhLuBPBydyJumTkRpdOHAch_l33qoykLgQ/edit
The information below is new and I hope you will read it to understand additional guidelines based on input from parents, leadership teams, band directors, and principals that might help you make your School Option Decisions.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to navigate and plan for the new school year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Pattie Neill
Superintendent
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System Wide Details
- School Clinics will be divided into "Wellcare" and "COVID19 Symptoms". Your child will visit the Wellcare side of the clinic for routine medical issues (medication, glucose checks, etc.) Students with symptoms of COVID 19 will visit the symptom side of the clinic.
- Student desks will be faced forward with as much distancing as possible OR student tables will have plexiglass dividers.
- Traffic flow in hallways and cafeterias will be one way as much as possible.
- A student's cohort will be defined by the students sitting within 6 feet of each other. Seating charts will be used to define your child's cohort.
- Teachers will be provided Face Shields and Face Coverings for use in the classrooms.
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Face Coverings Recommended
Face coverings should cover your nose and mouth as a way to prevent the spread of COVID 19. Face Coverings are recommended if you are within 6 feet of another person for 15 consecutive minutes or more.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Wearing cloth face coverings reduces the chance of transmitting coronavirus through the spray of spit or respiratory droplets” . Healthy Children.org.
Please be aware of the 6:15 health rule in the following paragraph.
From Local Pediatricians: Face Coverings will reduce the need for quarantine. We know that people infected with COVID19 can spread the virus for up to 14 days, with or without symptoms. The current recommendation by the Jefferson County Department of Public Health is that students return to school 14 days after a positive test was collected or 14 days from symptom start as long as symptom free for 3 days without any medications such as Tylenol or Motrin. If a student or staff has a close contact with someone who is infected (more than 15 min, less than 6 feet, indoors without a face covering), they will meet criteria for a 14 day quarantine. If that same interaction involved face coverings for both parties involved, the interaction is no longer considered a close contact.
Option A students will be asked to bring and wear a face covering or face shield to school as they enter/exit schools, in the hallways and bathrooms, small group settings, and on the bus.
Option C students will be asked to bring and wear a face covering or face shield to school as they enter/exit the building, in the hallways and bathrooms, and in small group settings.
Band Safety Procedures
Hewitt-Trussville Middle/High Band Covid-19 Procedures.
Prepared by: This guidance was prepared by the directors of the Trussville City School System with research from The National Federation of State High School Associations, National Association for Music Education, University of Maryland School of Music, University of Colorado School of Music and the West Point Music Research Center.
To describe the deliberate decision-making process undertaken by the Hewitt-Trussville Bands in returning to live music rehearsal and performance during elevated risk of airborne viral transmission specifically the Novel Coronavirus pandemic of 2020. This document is intended to serve as a guidebook for any large gatherings of musicians seeking to reduce risk of viral spread while maintaining practical needs of ensemble performance. This information is subject to change dependent upon further guidelines issued by the Alabama State Department of Education, Alabama Department of Public Health, and Jefferson County Health Department.
General Procedures:
1- Students will practice social distancing in every rehearsal scenario.
2- Students must sanitize hands every time they enter or exit the rehearsal facilities.
3- Facial coverings should be used when not playing an instrument. This includes while being transported or while not playing in the stands.
4- If a student falls ill during a rehearsal or performance, they will be isolated until they are picked up by a parent. Isolation room is room PA111. Isolation room will be disinfected once student has left the building.
5- If a student falls ill, they will need to bring proof of medical clearance before returning to the rehearsal/performance facility.
6- To ensure social distancing, all students must enter the band facilities through the main band room entrance and exit via the back door to the rear parking lot.
7- Only one student at a time will be allowed to enter percussion or storage rooms at one time to retrieve equipment.
Outdoor Rehearsals/Performances:
1- All outdoor rehearsals will require social distancing measures.
2- Students WILL NOT be allowed to congregate in close proximity during water breaks or other pauses in rehearsal.
3- It is recommended that students wear facial coverings during instances where the students are not playing. Examples are while setting drill or while being transported.
4- Students are responsible for bringing their own water source to camp. This will allow students to carry water with them at all times. This will reduce congregating at water stations and would make sure students do not put bottles in a similar area.
5- Due to COVID-19, uniforms will need to be taken and kept at home. Students are responsible for bringing uniforms on Friday for football games.Rationale: students will sweat in the uniform; uniforms traditionally are put up in the same closet space by other students. This could potentially lead to cross contamination student to student.
Indoor Rehearsals/Performances:
1- Sanitation stations will be set up at the entrance and exit of the rehearsal facility.
2- Rehearsals will be held with 6 feet of social distance between members. Band room 1: 108-115 member. Band room 2: 72-80 students.
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Playground Safety Procedures
Principals will prepare the schedules for playground use modifying the number of students on the playground during each session.
New electrostatic sprayers will be purchased so playground equipment can be sanitized during the day.
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Bus Safety Procedures
For those choosing Option A, bus transportation will be provided. Please consider the following precautionary measures, all subject to change:
- TCS school bus drivers and aides will wear face coverings or face shields at all times.
- All students will be asked to wear a face covering or face shield while on the bus because it is likely there will be two students per seat.
- Windows and/or roof hatches will be open for ventilation when weather permits.
- Handrails, handholds, door handles, seat bottoms, seat backs, heating and air conditioning vents will be cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected daily after morning and afternoon routes.
- Upon a confirmed exposure to COVID-19, the bus will be taken out of service for a deep cleaning process. Once cleaned and fogged with an approved disinfectant, the bus will return to service.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be installed on every bus. Students should utilize hand sanitizer when boarding and/or departing the bus. CDC prevention strategies will be posted on all buses.
- Assigned seating will be utilized to ensure the same students sit together each day. Members of the same family will sit together when possible. Students boarding the bus at the first bus stop will proceed to the rear of the bus.
- Students must remain in their seats, facing forward, and clear of the center aisle at all times while on the bus.
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Child Nutrition Program Procedures
Hot meals will be plated by the lunchroom staff
No self-service unless items are individually wrapped
Boxed hot lunch and/or boxed cold lunch options available
Hand sanitizer will be available for students in the lunchroom
Serving lines and tables will be sanitized between classes
Lunch cards will be provided and scanned at cash register for a touchless ID option
If the student does not have their card during meal time, the cashier will enter the lunch number for the student
6 ft markings on the floor will encourage students to socially distance in serving lines
Students will be seated at every other seat at the tables in the cafeteria or distanced in other dining areas
Prepayment is encouraged instead of cash payment during meal time
Online prepayment through PayPams/ checks/ cash in envelopes with student’s name, lunch number, and dollar amount sent to lunchroom prior to meal time
Meals will be available for students who are eligible for the free and reduced lunch program in all options
Paid meals will be available for students enrolled in all options
Strict sanitary guidelines recommended by the Jefferson County Health Department will continue to be followed during food preparation and service
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The Reopening of Schools Registration Form Reminder
We hope you have had a chance to review the information for the TCS Reopening of Schools Plans for 2020-21 and have had your questions answered. If you have additional questions, please contact your school principal.
Option A
Traditional School with Backup Plan for 50% Blended and Temporary Remote
Option B
Husky Online Academy with Off Campus Instruction and an online curriculum
Option C
Husky Online Academy Plus that includes all of Option B plus Scheduled In-School Opportunities
Parents are asked to register by the form below for one option by July 17, 2020.
You will need to complete a separate form for each student in your family.
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YMCA Virtual Parent Information Sessions
The YMCA will host Parent Virtual Information sessions for parents who have questions about the YMCA After School Care Program.
The links to the Virtual Sessions are below:
Paine Elementary-- July 13, 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Uk7gLqldSRmyz5stt2u8ew
Magnolia Elementary-- July 14, 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eWPol4kETYOMNMQ0R-TAyw
Cahaba Elementary-- July 15, 6pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zTlKGHclT7u4jBjO0sEy_g
Rhonda M. Elmore
Executive Director-Youth Development
YMCA of Greater Birmingham
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National Batter Up Math Tournament in Mrs. Gamble's Room
Mrs. Gamble's second grade class at Magnolia participated in the National Batter Up Math Tournament this year. Seven students placed in the top 20 in both addition and subtraction, and Guy Kirk is the number one student in the nation in addition!!!
Addition:
1st Place in the Nation – Guy Kirk
6th Place in the Nation – Kinley Nguyen
7th Place in the Nation – Maximus Chambers 8th Place in the Nation – James Le 11th Place in the Nation – Elijah Fruge 13th Place in the Nation – Sydney Lyle 20th Place in the Nation – Ethan Parker
Subtraction:
8th Place in the Nation – James Le
11th Place in the Nation – Maximus Chambers 12th Place in the Nation – Ryan Kinney 14th Place in the Nation – Kinley Nguyen 17th Place in the Nation – Sophia Brisco 19th Place in the Nation – Ethan Parker 20th Place in the Nation – Elijah Fruge
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Paws for a Cause Gala - August 22, 2020.....Stay Tuned for More Details!
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The Trussville Chamber of Commerce Invites You!
Free Movie on the Mall
Saturday, July 11 - Movie Starts at Dusk
225 parkway Drive, Trussville
Sponsored by:
Hitchoclk Maddox Financial Partners, Trussville Gas and Water and A+ Tire & Auto Repair
Visit trussvillechamber.com or call the Chamber at 205-655-7535 for more info!
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Trussville Park & Recreation Softball
Trussville Park & Recreation Softball 2020 Fall Registration
TBSA Red Storm
Sign Up Today! Ages 3 through 15
Registration Dates:
REC - 07-01-20 - 07-31-20
Register online @ Trussvillesoftball.org
If FEES are paid by 7/15/20, the registration fee is $125 for 6U-15U. (fees for additional players $100-discounted.)Tots players registration is $40 if paid by 7/15/20.If paid between 7/16/20 and 7/31/20, 6U-15U player registration fee is $135. (fees for additional players $110-discounted rate does not apply to TOTS.). Tots players registration is $50if paid between 7/16/2020-7/31/2020.
Games will begin the week of August 24th. Games will be played on Monday and Thursday nights, starting at 6 pm and 7:30 pm. Tots will play Sundays @ 3 pm.
Online Registration and Helpful INFO @WWW.TRUSSVILLESOFTBALL.ORG
Contact Shawn Bowles at 205-718-6457 or email shawn.bowles@gmail.comfor any additional information
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HTHS Students....Check it out!
HTHS students can now check out ebooks and audiobook through the Sora app! Learn more here.
Link: https://sites.google.com/trussvillecityschools.org/hthslibrary/sora-help
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Important Information on Summer Reading Programs
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Cahaba Elementary School
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Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
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Hewitt-Trussville High School Career and Technical Education Opportunities
Hewitt Trussville High School is proud to offer a variety of career-themed academies that prepare students for both college and careers. Each academy is comprised of a sequence of courses which build both academic knowledge and technical skills. Students may also earn industry recognized credentials and/or college credit by completing courses or passing certification exams. Students may try classes from several academies throughout their high school career or they may begin an academy as a freshman and continue in the program until graduation. Students who complete a series of three sequential courses from any academy are eligible for the Trussville City Schools Advanced Diploma.