What will school look like this fall?
What will students see when they return to school this fall?
A lot more space between desks, signs everywhere, auditoriums turned into teaching spaces, doors propped open and boxed lunches left outside the classrooms — those are some of the guidelines proposed by the state of Connecticut for reopening schools this fall.
School task forces around the region are working hard this summer to come up with reopening plans — coping with
intensely detailed discussions about masks, water fountains, audiovisual equipment, bus routes and food service.
The state guidelines are meant to be flexible and open to modifications, but the main goal is to prevent the spread of COVID- 19 through design measures and reinforced patterns of behavior. The guidelines released at the end of June are contained in a 50- page document called “Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together.” School districts are incorporating the state guidelines into their reopening measures.
And as a result, schools will certainly look different when the doors reopen for the new year.
“We’re going to have to rethink how we use the space in our buildings,” said Greenwich Schools Superintendent Toni Jones, working with local reopening taskforce members this week. “Ultimately, security and safety are at the top of the list.”
In Norwalk, a task force is methodically working its way through dozens of implementation methods. “There is still much to accomplish in a short period of time. Our task force will need to move quickly and decisively in the coming weeks to meet the upcoming deadline,” according to the group’s progress report.
As it states in its introduction, “This plan provides districts with a road map — guardrails to operate within — while allowing districts some flexibilities to create reopen plans that will most effectively serve their unique community.”
Workspaces and classrooms
The guidelines call for students’ desks to be spaced 6 feet apart, and they should all face in the same direction. Staff offices are likely to have plexiglass shields around the individual workspaces. If classroom size is too small to allow for proper spacing, school administrators will look at gyms and auditoriums to accommodate larger groups of students. The goal is to keep class size to a minimum, ideally under 20 students.
Using gyms and auditoriums to maximize social distancing will be encouraged, according to state Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona. Holding classes outdoors is allowable and encouraged. And while schools now have few entryways for access — as a security measure — new doors and portals will be encouraged to avoid crowding when students arrive and depart. Hand sanitizers will be in every classroom, and there will be floor markings to remind students and staff about social distancing.
“Hybrid scheduling” will keep the number of students on site to a minimum, especially at schools with large enrollments.
Teachers, staff and students will be wearing masks, aside from a few breaks a day.
Cohorts and classes
A new term in the education world will repeated extensively: cohort, as well as “cohorting.” The goal is to keep one group of students together for the school day, minimizing interactions with other groups.
“A ‘ cohort’ is a group or team of students and educators with consistent members that stay together throughout the school day,” the state document says. “Placing students in cohorts is strongly encouraged for grades K- 8, and encouraged where feasible for grades 9- 12.”
Younger grades may need an explanation of the cohorting concept, with orientation sessions to help explain the concept and how it will be implemented.
Bus transportation
Bus service has been a particular source of concern for educators, and bus pickups will be different when schools reopen.
“We’re making sure all our protocols are tight,” said Jones, the Greenwich superintendent.
While certain restrictions may be relaxed when coronavirus prevalence is low — a higher number of students may be allowed given the circumstances — the goal is to have students wear face masks to and from school at all times. While young students typically sit in front, near the driver, the new procedure will be to have students move to the back of the bus when they board, gradually filling up the vehicle from back to front as the bus proceeds on its route, to ensure distancing and minimize contact.
When the buses unload, it will be done in a “controlled manner,” according to the state guidelines, from front to back by seat.
Watch the signs
There will be signs and more signs, reminding students and staff about social distancing, hand- washing and wearing masks. Regular announcements on hygiene will also be a part of the school day.
“Broadcast regular announcements related to stopping the spread on school intercoms,” the state authorities said. “Place signs near sinks reminding students and staff to wash hands before and after using the restroom.”
Lunch time
Large gatherings in school cafeterias will be a thing of the past. Boxed lunches delivered outside the classroom, to be consumed at each student’s desk, could become a feature at many schools. Outdoor meals may also become part of the school day.
Students will be encouraged to bring their own water bottles, to avoid the use of water fountains. School staff will pay particular attention to vending machines, wiping them down regularly.
Payment methods for meals will be carried out using a touchless method.
Equipment and infrastructure
Another goal is to minimize contact with items and devices that are often handled by many sets of hands. Door handles are an area of concern, so propped- open doors will be a common sight.
“Enable no- touch usage of items such as doors, trashcans, and bathroom fixtures, where possible,” the state guidelines said. “Where no touch technologies are not available, prop open doors in accordance with fire and safety codes, and remove trash lids.”
Equipment will also be handled differently: “Develop protocols to minimize the need to have multiple students sharing high touch materials to the extent possible. Plan in advance by determining if additional supplies are necessary. These materials include, but are not limited to books, computers, calculators, writing utensils, computer keyboards, headphones and art supplies,” the guidelines state.
Teachers and staff members will be wiping down equipment and workspaces regularly. Chairs that are difficult to clean and rugs will be removed from classrooms.
End goal
There is still plenty of work ahead for school districts around the region, though the end state is taking shape. As Gov. Ned Lamont said at a recent press conference, “We want to get our kids back to school. It’s been too long, we’re doing a lot with distance learning, but there’s nothing like the classroom.”
The deadline is not far off, as school administrators are well aware, and a sense of urgency has become notable.
“We’ve given this a lot of thought,” Jones, the Greenwich superintendent, said about reopening. “We want children and staff to feel comfortable coming back, safe and secure.”