Waterford-Halfmoon School District releases reopening plan
WATERFORD, N.Y. » The Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District has published the first draft of its reopening plan for the 2020-21 school year. The plan can be accessed through the district’s website at http://www.whufsd. org/news/what_ s_ new/reopening_plan.
The plan was submitted to the state for review on July 31. On Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave his approval for all schools in the state to open.
The reopening plan is currently set up to allow full- time in- person education for all students in grades K- 6. Students in grades 7-12 will use a hybrid learning model, attending school on alternating days, and utilizing remote learning when at home. Special education students will be encouraged to attend daily, with services and accommodations provided to the best extend possible.
Parents may opt for their children to use a fully remote learning model. However, if they choose this model, they may not switch to an in-person learning model until the end of the first trimester (end of Jan.).
The plan was submitted to the state for review, and notes that “this plan may be adjusted depending on Cuomo’s future Executive Order as well as the information we receive from our final parent survey to be given in August.”
All students and staff will receive training on topics including use of PPE, respiratory hygiene, hand washing, and adherence to social distancing instructions. Safety drills will continue to take place, using a staggered schedule for fire drills.
Face coverings will be recommended at all times and required when social distancing cannot be maintained and during travel through hallways. Classrooms will be rearranged to maintain social distancing at a distance of six feet, or twelve feet for chorus, band, and physical education classes.
Daily temperature checks and screenings will be required. Any student or staff who screen positive will not be allowed to return until they are able to provide documentation from a health care provider evaluation, negative COVID-19 testing and symptom resolution, or release from isolation. Upon notification of a positive COVID-19 test result, the school district will notify state and local health departments and assist with contact tracing.
School buildings will be cleaned and disinfected nightly. Cleaning and disinfecting logs will be maintained. All custodial staff will be trained in cleaning procedures.
School buses will remain in use for student transportation. Masks must be worn at all times while on a bus and social distancing must be maintained to the best extent possible.
Meal services will continue to be provided. All students will eat at their desks. Drinking fountains will be closed, except for water bottle filling stations. Students are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottles. Students using virtual learning will be able to pick up meals from the school.
Field trips and athletic activities are not permitted. Clubs and extracurricular activities are on hold at least until Oct. Visitors are restricted to those required for school business only.
Recess will be held outside and when possible. Students may not intermingle outside of their own groups. Playground equipment is off-limits.
For students in grades 7-12, locker use will only be allowed at the beginning and end of the day. Students will carry backpacks with all their supplies during the day and are asked to keep daily materials to a minimum.
The reopening plan was designed by a district committee, with the goal of “bringing the most students back to face-to-face education as possible while also providing virtual learning opportunities for those students that choose this option.”