In-Person Return to Learn
Questions and Answers
Welcome back!!!
This document includes many questions and answers as we prepare for the full return of students. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Principal Emma Liebowitz at eliebowitz@mtrsd.org or call Sanderson Academy at (413) 628-4404.
When will the full in-person learning start?
When will the school day start and end each day?
The school day will start at 8:45. This is 15 minutes later than our typical start. This extra fifteen minutes will allow for the buses to be cleaned after the Mohawk Trail Middle and High School bus run before picking up the elementary students. Dismissal will take place at 3:05.
Many Wednesdays will remain 1:50 releases. These will follow the original calendar and can be found on the online calendar.
Preschool will be available from 9:00 to 1:00 each day. Teachers are working with families on specific schedules.
What symptoms do I need to check for before I send my child to school?
What should my child(ren) bring to school?
Students should bring the supplies that were sent home for remote learning to school. This includes items like scissors, markers, storage boxes/bags, workbooks, art supplies and books. All Chromebooks and iPads should be brought to school. Except for a few exceptions, devices will remain at school. Since we will be outside often, layers of clothing should be at school at all times. Extra well-fitting masks can be left at school. Students will have snack breaks outside, so please provide a healthy snack for your child. Students will not be allowed to share food.
What are the mask expectations?
If I am transporting my child(ren), what is the procedure?
Many families indicated that students would be dropped off and picked up each day. It is important that this is done on-time since staff will be waiting for students.
~ Parking lot space is tight and we know that there will be challenges with the large amount of student drop-offs. If you park, please know that you will be blocked in until it is safe to exit.
~ Drivers should remain in vehicles except to buckle students.
~ Cars should not be in the circle when busses are there. Cars cannot pass busses on school property even if flashing lights are off.
~ Drop-off: Cars should only enter the driveway closest to the sign (middle driveway). Take the immediate right. Students should quickly exit the vehicle. A staff member will be present to help direct students to their teacher.
~ Pick-up: Cars should only enter the driveway closest to the sign (middle driveway). This may require vehicles to wait on the main road. Please allow space for busses to pass. Take the immediate right and pull up to the car ahead. A staff member will be present to bring children to cars.
SPECIFIC TO PRESCHOOL:
Preschool families can pull into the circle for drop-off after all buses have left. Cars cannot pass busses on school property even if flashing lights are off. For pick-up at 1:00, parking in the circle is also permitted.
How will students enter and exit the building with social distancing?
Each class will enter the building as a group. Each class will have a designated entrance/exit closest to their classroom.
How will I find out about bus routes?
Bus routes will be posted here. If you have specific questions, please contact the Sanderson Academy office.
Are parents/visitors allowed in the building?
Parents/visitors are not allowed in the building unless there is prior approval by the principal. If approval is granted, each person is required to sign in and out for contact tracing purposes.
What will lunch look like?
Students wishing to receive school lunch will be provided a bag lunch with disposable wrappings and utensils. As a reminder, lunches are free for all children until the end of the school year. Students will be asked to sign up for lunches on Monday for the entire week.
Two classes will eat in the cafeteria at one time. This will allow for six feet of social distancing while eating. Students will be required to wash hands before and after lunch. Hand sanitizer will also be available. Students will have assigned seats six feet apart, face the same direction, remain quiet and seated. We will eat outside when it is comfortable to do so. As soon as the potential of damaging weather has passed, tents will be installed for outdoor dining.
Is breakfast available?
What will recess look like?
Each class will receive a recess with their class. Each teacher will schedule recess breaks at times that best meet the needs of the class schedule. Please see the mask section for specific expectations for masks at recess.
What will specials (art, music, physical education, library and mindful movement) look like?
Students will receive each special one time per week. Students will remain in classrooms and specialists will travel to classrooms. Teachers will change masks and wash hands between classes. Physical Education will take place primarily outside. Students should have layers of clothing and appropriate foot wear to accommodate wet grass and/or mud. Students are welcome to leave an extra pair of shoes at school. Extra masks would be beneficial in case one gets wet.
How will students receive special services (math support, special education services, reading intervention...)?
Students will receive in-person support from support teachers. Some of this support will happen in the classroom. When teachers move from one class to another hand washing and mask exchange will take place. If students are pulled out for services, the location will be fully sanitized between each student.
Will students be learning outside?
As much as possible, students will be learning outside. Children should have layers of clothing to accommodate changing conditions.
Will there be before and after care?
Contact Information
Email: eliebowitz@mtrsd.org
Website: sanderson.mohawktrailschools.org
Phone: (413) 628-4404
Facebook: facebook.com/SandersonAcademy