Ready Schools, Safe Learners
Initial Reopening Plans For Staff and Parent Input
Current NSSD Proposed Plan
The District is finalizing a plan for all K-5 students having an Onsite model where they would attend school every day. Currently, the District plan is to have students in grades 6-12 participate in a Hybrid model with a A/B Onsite and Offsite (students attend every other day) cohort schedule two times per week. The District is still exploring how to approach the fifth day each week and we will communicate when this is further developed.
Please keep in mind that this is our initial planning and we will continue to explore options to have more students in an Onsite model every day.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH NEW OREGON DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION GUIDANCE
Additional Information
North Santiam School District has been very busy over the last two weeks responding to the first version of the “Ready Schools, Safe Learners” guidance provided by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Each building is developing a specific Operational Blueprint, which focuses on maintaining student safety. Due to the limitations set forth in the guidance document, all Oregon schools are facing many challenges to bring students Onsite every day. The Operational Blueprint will be provided to the NSSD Board of Directors, the Local Health Authority, ODE, and posted to our website by August 15.
Rest assured, focusing on staff and student safety is our primary concern. We expect new updates from ODE every two weeks throughout the summer. These updates will most likely require modifications to each Operational Blueprint.
The District has three models to choose from: Onsite, Hybrid, and Distance Learning. The District is pursuing Onsite for K-5, Hybrid for 6-12, and developing plans to ensure student populations most affected by the pandemic receive additional support. While schools will not look the same, and our students and staff will be faced with new challenges, we know the strength and dedication of the North Santiam staff will enable students to have a successful 2020-21 school year. “Doing what’s best for All Kids” is our driving principle.
Each Operational Blueprint must include details on how the school will meet ODE and OHA requirements.
Key Factors in the guidance:
35 square feet of area per student in a classroom (required) and 3 feet between students on busses (recommended)
Putting our students together in “cohorts” to ensure we limit exposure between students, to support quick contact tracing if an outbreak were to occur. Cohorting refers to a consistent group of students that stays together for the duration or part of the school day in order to reduce the spread of COVID 19
Specific cleaning and disinfection schedules
Screening protocols for students, which will impact morning arrival and dismissal procedures
General School Guidelines
The following bulleted information are specific guidelines addressed in each building's plan.
The District will have a compliant Disease Management Plan that specifically addresses the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
Plans and protocols will be in place for the systematic disinfection of classrooms, offices, and bathrooms. Additional protocols are in place when new cohorts enter an area (library, playground etc.)
Staff will have cleaning protocols when they switch cohort groups.
Students will be screened for symptoms as they enter the building.
Students will have specific arrival times and entry points into the building.
Plans will be in place to immediately isolate any student or staff showing symptoms.
All students will be tracked by their different cohort groups to ensure contact tracing can occur quickly and efficiently if we have an outbreak.
Students with high-risk health conditions will have individualized plans.
All students will wash their hands prior to eating meals.
Most meals will be served in the classroom to limit the mixing of cohorts.
Students will be taught physical distancing in all daily activities.
Students will not be required to wear a mask or face shield.
Certain staff are required to wear a mask or a face shield.
When needed, student tables will have plastic barriers to limit exposure.
Students will not share equipment or supplies to the maximum extent possible.
Students in grades 6-12 will be issued a Chromebook for home use on off days.
North Santiam School District
Email: david.bolin@nsantiam.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.nsantiam.k12.or.us/
Location: 1155 North 3rd Avenue, Stayton, OR, USA
Phone: 5037696924