Superintendent Update: Parents
Operating Schools During the Pandemic - October 12, 2020
Introducing CSD's COVID-19 Dashboard
The picture below is the screenshot from the initial launch. Our new/updated numbers which will be posted on Monday are:
- Incidence Rate = 37.6
- PCR Rate = 3.0%
- Level of Community Transmission = Moderate
CSD Health and Safety Plan
Each school must create a Health and Safety Plan to serve as the local guidelines for all instructional and noninstructional school reopening activities. As with all emergency plans, the Health and Safety Plan developed for each school entity was tailored to the Centennial School District's unique needs and should be created in consultation with local health agencies.
Given the pandemic's dynamic nature, each plan was required to incorporate enough flexibility to adapt to changing conditions. The school districts' Health and Safety Plan was required to be approved by its governing body (the School Board) and posted publicly on our website before reopening the school.
The original plan was first approved on August 4, 2020, and revised on September 8, 2020, and September 22, 2020, to adapt to the change associated with the pandemic. Please know that the Centennial School District has developed our Health and Safety Plan with the utmost care. We intend to provide instruction in a healthy and safe environment based upon metrics for our students (your children) and staff.
Key points from the Health and Safety Plan:
CSD will implement a full virtual K-12 instructional plan on September 1st, 2020, with a phase into a K-12 blended program by early November. Pg. 4
Before moving into the blended program, the district will conduct two status reports that will indicate the readiness to implement the blended program. Pg. 4
The district has planned its reopening with having social distancing as being a key component. Pg. 6
Yellow Phase: Minimal/Moderate Spread - Virtual Hybrid Possible limited or Staggered Use of School Building(s) Implement alternating schedules for students; distance/remote learning (*If confirmed case of COVID-19 in school building see Targeted Closure) Pg. 9
Total remote learning for all students. (Plan should reflect future action steps to be implemented and conditions that would prompt the decision as to when schools will re-open for in-person learning). Pg. 10
Blended reopening: reopening balances in-person learning and remote learning for all students (i.e., alternating days or weeks). Pg. 10
Although the district will begin the school year with a remote option, the intent is to have all students back in school when health-related issues are improved. Pg. 10
Limiting the number of individuals in classrooms and other learning spaces and interactions between groups of students. Pgs. 19 & 31
Ensure 6-foot social distancing in classrooms where possible. Restrict interactions between groups of students (reduces the requirement for contact tracing) Pgs. 19 & 31
Classroom seating to accommodate 6-foot social distancing. Pg. 29
Please find a copy of the plan linked below.
Decision Making Associated with Reopening Schools
Indicators for Dynamic School Decision-Making
Schools are an important part of our community's infrastructure as they provide safe, supportive learning environments for students, employ teachers and other staff and enable parents, guardians, and caregivers to work. Our schools also help mitigate health disparities by providing critical services, including school meal programs and social, physical, behavioral, and mental health services. Therefore, when deciding when to open schools for in-person learning, it is important to understand the COVID-19 transmission within our surrounding community to determine the possible risk within our schools and community.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, school district leaders across the country have been making decisions about when and how to open schools safely. Many school districts and public members had asked the CDC how to determine when it is safe to open schools for in-person learning. It was abundantly clear; there is no easy answer or a single indicator to help make that decision; it really seems to be a no-win situation. Many variables must be considered.
As a result of that request, the CDC, along with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provided recommended core and secondary indicators (metrics) that school districts could use to aid in their decision-making process regarding school reopening in-person learning. In-person learning includes all classes and activities conducted during core school hours. It does not explicitly include extracurricular activities — like sports or theater — conducted after school hours. However, the indicators could also be used to determine whether and how to implement extracurricular activities with the necessary mitigation strategies in place. The recommendations have been based on the CDC’s current knowledge of COVID-19 in the United States.
The guiding document recommends the use of 3 core indicators. These core indicators include two measures of community burden (number of new cases per 100,000 persons in the past 14 days; and percentage of RT-PCR tests that are positive during the last 14 days) AND one self-assessed measure of school implementation of key mitigation strategies. CDC suggests decision-makers use one or both of the first core measures of community burden in addition to a third core indicator, the self-assessed measure of school implementation of key mitigation strategies. These key mitigation strategies should be implemented to the largest extent possible.
Following the guidance from the CDC and the Commonwealth of PA, the administration introduced on September 22, 2020, some possible guiding metrics for reopening schools. On October 13, 2020, we will formally recommend the following, which is aligned with the approved Health and Safety Plan:
Full Reopen:
- PCR Positivity Rate - equal to or less than 5%
- Incidence Rate per 100,000 - less than 10
- Community Transmission Rate - low
- Staffing Capacity
Hybrid (Bended) - per approved Health and Safety Plan: balances in-person learning and remote learning for all students.:
- PCR Positivity Rate - between 6% to 10%
- Incidence Rate per 100,000 - less than 100
- Community Transmission Rate - moderate or low
- Staffing Capacity
Full-Virtual:
- PCR Positivity Rate - greater than 10%
- Incidence Rate per 100,000 - greater than 100
- Community Transmission Rate - moderate or substantial
- Staffing Capacity
Science Behind The Decision Making
At the Pennsylvania Department of Education request, Mathematica gathered information and analyzed data to inform the guidance that the PA Department of Education would provide to schools. They monitored emerging evidence on COVID-19 in children, examined research on remote-learning strategies, and spoke to stakeholders across the state about challenges and concerns related to reopening schools. Also, they enlisted colleagues in public health research to apply an agent-based computational model to predict the spread of COVID-19 in schools under various scenarios using different disease mitigation strategies. Mathematica provided an initial report of their findings to the Pennsylvania Department of Education in June of 2020.
In September 2020, Mathematica released an update on the initial study
that expanded on the previous work for the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education to simulate COVID-19 spread in schools, now examining a wide range of scenarios that vary based on community infection rate, grade level, operating strategy, local COVID-19 testing capacity, and the school’s response to infection.
Key Findings of the Update:
- Precautions such as requiring masks and limiting the mixing of students outside of classes can measurably reduce infection spread in schools.
In secondary schools in communities with moderate local infection rates, operating full time without precautions is likely to accelerate the spread of infections. But enforcing mask requirements and eliminating additional student mixing outside of class (for example, in the cafeteria or on the playground) can substantially slow the spread of infections in the school.
- Hybrid approaches where smaller groups of students wearing masks attend in-person part-time dramatically reduce the total number of likely infections in a school.
Part-time hybrid operation reduces infection spread in several ways: it reduces the number of contacts by each student; it allows more physical distance between students in the class, and it reduces the number of days in which contact occurs in the school. In consequence, the model results suggest that under a hybrid approach with precautions, most infections coming from outside the school will produce zero additional infections in the school.
- Infection rates in elementary schools are likely to be lower than in secondary schools employing the same operating strategies.
Elementary schools tend to have less student mixing during the course of the day, and evidence indicates that younger children are less susceptible to becoming infected than older children. As a result, elementary students and staff are less likely to become infected in school.
- Part-time hybrid operation is far more effective at reducing infections than temporarily closing the school building each time an infection is detected.
If all students are coming to school daily, temporarily closing the building every time an infection is detected modestly reduces the total number of infections. But temporary closures are far less effective in reducing infection spread than using a hybrid operating strategy from the start, and closures disrupt school schedules unpredictably.
- In schools that are using a part-time hybrid approach, quarantining close contacts of individuals with detected infections is sufficient to keep the school’s infection rate low, while closing entirely reduces the number of days that students can attend with no demonstrable benefit in further reducing infections.
Hybrid approaches are likely to keep infection rates low enough that temporary school closures are superfluous.
- Schools using a hybrid approach in a community with a moderate infection rate are likely to experience little or no unplanned disruption in the number of days students can come to school.
Because part-time hybrid approaches dramatically reduce infection spread in schools, quarantines will not be needed frequently, and most students will be able to attend school in person on nearly all scheduled days.
- Regardless of the precautions taken, there is a chance that a school could have an infection on its first day of operation.
Transmission of the virus has a large random element, which means that even the most cautious school can be unlucky—underscoring the need for careful adherence to mitigation strategies to minimize the risk of spread in the school.
Comments by the Senior Fellow Researcher:
“These simulations provide quantitative evidence that the kinds of precautions being urged for adults—such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance—can mitigate infection spread in schools,” said Brian Gill, a senior fellow at Mathematica and director of the project. “Moreover, school and civic leaders in many communities can have confidence that implementing a part-time hybrid operation alongside precautions will dramatically reduce the likelihood that schools will contribute to growing outbreaks.” Gill added that “even so, the simulation results also show that there is no one-size-fits-all solution: schools in different circumstances may reasonably adopt different operating and closure approaches. Our results show the potential implications of different choices, but no matter the initial approach, every school needs to have a plan for what to do when a student or staff member becomes infected.”
Phased Reopening of Pre-K to 12 Schools During COVID-19 Reminders:
- CDC's Considerations for K-12 Schools Readiness and Planning Tool
- Staying Safe Reopening Protocols for Responding to COViD-19
- COVID-5 Video
Additionally, as we plan for moving forward, please keep in mind:
Social/Physical Distancing Measures
Social distancing, also called "physical distancing," means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. Social Distancing is fundamental to lowering the risk of spread of COVID-19, as the primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets by persons in close proximity.
All our schools will be expected to implement strategies that limit the number of individuals in classrooms and other learning spaces and interactions between groups of students. Our recommended hybrid (blended) plan includes having protocols for distancing student desks/seating and other social distancing practices that allow approximately 6 feet of separation among students and staff throughout the day to the maximum extent feasible.
Adult/Staff Interaction
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other adults to the maximum extent feasible.
- Maintain at least 6 feet from students whenever possible and when not disruptive to the educational process.
- Implement strategies to increase adult-adult physical distance in time and space, such as staggered drop-offs and pickups, and outside drop-offs and pickups when the weather allows. Discourage parents from entering the school building.
- Use physical barriers, such as plexiglass, in reception areas and employee workspaces where the environment does not accommodate physical distancing.
- Discourage congregating in shared spaces, such as staff lounge areas.
Busing and Transportation
- We are encouraging alternative modes of transportation for students who have other options to minimize the number of students on each bus.
- We expect our students and parents/guardians/caregivers to perform a symptom screening before arriving at school or the bus stop each day. (See Symptom Screening Tool.)
- Bus drivers and passengers must wear face coverings while on the bus, following the Secretary of Health's Order Requiring Universal Face Coverings issued July 1, 2020.
- We are promoting social distancing at bus stops.
- We will load the bus by filling seats from back to front to limit students walking past students to find a seat.
- We will not seat students in the front row of the bus.
- We will attempt to assign seats by cohort (same students sit together each day) or encourage students from the same family to sit together, or both.
- We are attempting to minimize the number of people on the bus at one time within reason and to the greatest extent possible. The hybrid (blended) plan supports this effort.
- We will not allow individuals, including parents, guardians, and other caregivers, on the bus, unless necessary (i.e., to assist a student with a disability).
- We will open the windows if the weather allows us to improve ventilation.
- We will disinfect buses daily, after each AM and PM run.
- Provide sanitizing options on the bus and promote use.
- We are encouraging our students to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before or immediately upon entering the school.
School Staff and Visitors
- Face coverings, such as masks or face shields, must be worn by all non-students, both staff and visitors (including parents and guardians), while on school property, including during student drop-off and pickup.
- Individuals must wear a face covering (mask or face shield) unless they have a medical or mental health condition or disability, documented following the Americans with Disabilities Act, which precludes wearing a face-covering in school.
- Face coverings may be removed to eat or drink during breaks and lunch periods; however, social distancing must be practiced at those times.
- Non-essential/approved visitors are not allowed in school buildings.
What Happens With A COVID CASE
MASK WEARING REMINDERS
STAFF AND STUDENT SYMPTOM FLOW CHART
Survey Results
Surveys are used to increase knowledge in fields such as social research and demography. Survey research is often used to assess thoughts, opinions, and feelings. Surveys can be specific and limited, or they can have more global, widespread goals. A survey is not intended to be a vote or tally count.
We are reporting the data/results to communicate 1) what was the response to the question(s), 2) what percent of the respondents said what to the question(s), 3) number of respondents said what to the questions(s), and 4) a total number of respondents.
Completion Rate: the number of surveys completed and submitted is divided by the number of surveys started by respondents. Example: 1000 surveys sent out, 250 started the survey, 200 who finished would be 80% completion rate.
Response Rate: refers to the number of people who completed your survey divided by the number of people who make up the total sample group. Example: 1000 surveys sent out, 250 started the survey, 200 who finished would be a 20% response rate.
Validity: The validity of the survey often depends upon the survey sample size. In technical terms, the question of how many responses we need for a survey to be valid goes straight to the concept of survey sample size.
Sample: A sample will be the people from this population who end up taking your survey.
Key Demographics and Points Related to the Parent Survey:
Approximately 3346 families registered in the school district
Approximately 2029 different families participated/responded
Response Rate for families is the number of families who responded to the survey (2029) divided by the number who families registered in eAlert: 2029 / 3346 = 60%
Completion Rate is the total number of surveys started divided by the total number of surveys completed (3513): 3513 / 3513 = 100%
Q8 - Do you plan to send your child back for in-person instruction, as outlined above by our proposed hybrid learning schedule? Of the 3484 responses, 77.15% (2688) said YES (796 said no).
Q9 - If you answered no to Q8 (796), would you be interested in having the option to participate in the 100% virtual Centennial Learning Academy, an asynchronous option taught by non-Centennial School District staff? 88.39% of the responses said NO (1509 out of 1708 responses).
If you answered no to Q8 or Q9, would you be interested in having the option, if possible, to participate in a 100% virtual learning opportunity taught by Centennial School District staff? Approximately 60% of the responding parents said NO.
The numbers show some parents responded more than once or responded when they shouldn’t have to a question.
Key Demographics and Points Related to the Faculty/Staff Survey:
Approximately 843 were sent the survey (faculty and staff)
Approximately 434 faculty/staff participated/responded
Response Rate for faculty/staff is the number of faculty/staff who responded to the survey divided by the number who faculty/staff sent the survey: 434 / 843 = 51.5%
Completion Rate is the total number of surveys started divided by the total number of surveys completed (434): 434 / 434 = 100%
Q10 - Later this Fall, the district plans to move to a hybrid learning model, which includes bringing students back into the school. Based on the information above that you reviewed, will you be returning to your classroom in the building for the hybrid learning model? Of the 403 responding faculty/staff (31 said no), 93% said YES.
Q12 - If you answered no to the question above, and IF there is an opportunity to continue teaching in a 100% virtual setting, is this type of instruction something you would be willing and able to perform. Of the 168 responding faculty/staff (more than the 31 who said no), 86% said YES.
The numbers show some faculty/staff responded to some questions when they shouldn’t have responded.
Board of School Directors Meeting
District residents present (Virtual during COVID-19 Restrictions) at a Board meeting may address the Board in accordance with applicable law and District Policy 903. Public Participation in Board Meetings. District Policy 903. Public Participation in Board Meetings will be reviewed by the School Board in conjunction with District Policy 006. Meetings.[2][13][14]
Policy 903 Guidelines (established to provide for an equitable and orderly process):
Whenever issues identified by the participant are subject to remediation under policies and procedures of the Board, they shall be dealt with in accordance with those policies and procedures and the organizational structure of the District.
Residents who have detailed and involved inquiries are encouraged to contact the administration during the working day. Interviews and meetings will be arranged whereby the issues can be discussed in depth without duly delaying the public Board meeting. The presiding officer may declare that any inquiry should more properly be resolved by a personal meeting of the resident with a member of the administration.
The following guidelines shall govern resident participation at Board meetings:
- During a work session/regular business meeting, residents may address the Board during the Community Comments section that takes place at the beginning and the end of the meeting.
- During the Committee of the Whole meeting and special meeting, residents are welcome to comment on agenda items at the point in which the agenda item is being discussed by the Board. The presiding officer will oversee the comments.
- A resident’s comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person. This period may be extended by a majority vote of the Board.
- Should any resident require more time than the three (3) minutes allotted,, contact with the Superintendent should be made in advance of the meeting. The resident cannot yield his/her three (3) minutes to another resident to extend the time beyond three (3) minutes. A resident may not yield his/her three (3) minutes to a nonresident without prior approval from the administration or consent of the presiding officer.
- Issues may not be presented once they have been covered as part of the agenda or as part of an earlier residents’ participation section.
- Residents who desire to address the Board must complete the Resident Participation Card provided at the meeting (during COVID-19 virtual meetings, register in advance by calling the Superintendent's Office by the established deadline). Residents are limited to one (1) Resident Participation Card per topic. Residents may not submit multiple Resident Participation Cards to extend their time beyond three (3) minutes.
- Any resident desiring to be heard shall approach the microphone after being recognized by the presiding officer.
- All residents shall identify themselves by name and place of residence.
- All questions to the Board or the administration shall be directed to the presiding officer who shall ask the administration or a Board member to respond to the Board. The presiding officer may also refer an issue to the administration or appropriate Board committee for investigation and have them report at a future Board meeting.
- There shall be no polling of the Board upon any non-agenda issue during the sessions open to District residents.
The Board requires that public participants be residents or taxpayers of this District.
Tuesday, Oct 13, 2020, 07:00 PM
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Presentation of Hybrid (Blended) Instructional Model
The overarching considerations in developing the plan aligns with the board approved Health and Safety Plan, which includes;
Promoting behaviors that reduce COVID-19’s spread
Maintaining healthy environments
Maintaining healthy operations
Preparing for when someone gets sick
Minimize disruption to the instructional model (stability for students and parents)
Flexibility to adjust the instructional model based upon health and safety conditions to flow between Virtual - Hybrid/Blended - Full Reopen
Dr. Dana T. Bedden, CAA
Website: https://www.centennialsd.org/
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: 215-441-6000
Twitter: @Dr_Bedden