Edmonson County School System Releases Complete Reopening Guidance Document For 2020-21 School Year

Guidelines Laid Out For Upcoming School Year

Darren Doyle, story:
The Edmonson County School System has released their reopening guidance plan in a comprehensive document, currently available on their website. 

Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander told the Edmonson Voice today, "As we've stated earlier, we know this isn't a perfect plan for everyone, but we feel that it's the best plan for us a school district. We are dedicated to two main priorities, as described in this document, and they are 1: preserving the health and safety of our students, staff, and community, and 2: educating our students."

We have included the adopted school calendar and guidelines below. The school board is asking parents to visit their site and fill out the survey form in order to let schools know how your student(s) will be attending school this year. There are also Frequently Asked Questions and other useful resources about the upcoming school year. PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Edmonson County School calendar for 2020-21

​Based on this calendar, schools will reopen school for students on September 8, 2020.  Students have to option to attend school in one of the following ways:

• Staggered Schedule
  • Students can attend school on M-W or T-Th
  • Students will complete at-home learning on alternating days
    
  • Students will be supplied with learning devices (chromebooks) as needed to complete learning on alternating learning
  • Students will be allowed to participate in  health guideline-approved extracurricular activities; transportation to and from practices, rehearsals, etc. will be the responsibility of the family on alternating days

 

• Virtual Learning
  • Students will learn from home M-F
  • Students will be supplied with learning devices (chromebooks) as needed
  • Students will be provided with software programs containing state approved curriculum
  • Students will be allowed to participate in  health guideline-approved extracurricular activities; transportation to and from practices, rehearsals, etc. will be the responsibility of the family

 
 
 
Disclosure
This plan is based on available public health information at the time of its creation.  The plan will be adjusted based on newly available data and guidance from public health officials and the Kentucky Department of Education.  We greatly appreciate your feedback to support our collaborative efforts to ensure the education of Edmonson County’s students and the health of the entire Edmonson County Community. 
 
 
 
Reopening Taskforce Team
 
Brian Alexander
Carol Stice
Alan Talley
Wyn Caudill
Jamie Carnes
Jonathon Williams
Brandon Prunty
Rex Booth
Shaun Stice
Josh Long
Chad Johnston
 
Edmonson County Schools Reopening Plan was constructed with two main priorities:
 
Preserving the health of our students, staff and community
Upon returning to school, the following public health recommendations must be observed and become part of our “Healthy at School” according to the Guidance on Safety Expectations and Best Practices for Kentucky Schools (June 24, 2020). 
 
These factors are:

• Social Distancing
  • Social distancing of 6 feet must be maintained by all persons in the school environment for masks to be removed. Once a 6 foot distance is established in the classroom, students can remove masks, allowing for a more comfortable learning experience
• Cloth Face Coverings, School Health Policies and Personal Protective Equipment
  • Face coverings must be used on all buses and whenever students/staff are not able to maintain 6 foot social distancing.  Students are recommended to wear reusable cloth masks
  • “When you move, you mask”
  •  School Health Policies will be followed that includes protocol for short-term closures due to suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases in the community and schools
• Screening and School Exclusion
  • Temperature and Wellness checks for all students/staff as they enter school buses and/or school buildings
  • Group Gathering expectations will be followed based on current health guidelines as they are presented throughout the school year.
• Sanitation and Environmental Factors
  • Hand Washing
  • Hand Sanitizing
  • Additional cleaning to all buildings and buses will be required and completed
• Contact Tracing
  • Edmonson County Schools will maintain seating charts on buses and in all classrooms.

 
Educating our Students
In order to ensure every student population is accounted for and has access to prescribed curriculum, additional platforms for teaching and learning will be established including:

• In person instruction on a staggered schedule, which is M-W or T-Th in person instruction with Virtual learning on alternating days and all Fridays
• Virtual Learning for students and families with documented health issues or anxiety concerning in-person instruction. 

 
The Edmonson County Schools Reopening Plan consists of the following areas:

1. Healthy at School & Work
2. Return to Instruction
3. Student Services & Operations (including extracurricular activities)
4. Mental Wellness
5. Facilities & Transportation
6. Technology
7. Communications
8. Funding & Finance
9. Governance

 

1.  HEALTHY AT SCHOOL AND WORK

 
Overview
Edmonson County Schools will continue to collaborate with the Edmonson County Health Department and the Barren River Area Development District Office to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff.  Regardless of the learning model, any person on Edmonson County Schools property will be required to follow all public health regulations.  Below is an explanation of the health regulations we anticipate based on current information.

• Group Gatherings and Social Distancing Requirements
  • Currently, there are state and public health orders limiting the size of group gatherings along with social distancing expectations of at least six feet.  We believe similar orders will exist when the fall semester begins.  This includes instruction, class meetings, staff meetings, and extracurricular activities.
  • Consequently, Edmonson County Schools will limit the use of large group gathering areas.
    • An area is considered any room or wherever instruction takes place including outside space.  This includes large areas like gymnasiums, cafeterias, hallways, auditoriums, etc.
  • Social Distancing Requirements
    • Maintain 6 feet from other people
    • Avoid mass gatherings in large group such as assemblies, cafeterias, field trips and staff meetings that violate social distancing.
    • Maintain social distancing during outside activities if masks are not utilized.
• Number of Students and  Staff Requirements
  • Group gathering limitations and social distancing forces Edmonson County Schools to afford space in our buildings.  To meet this guidelines, we will  reduce building capacity for in-person learning so that masks may be removed during learning.  This may be accomplished by:
    • Staggering  student schedules; keeping student cohorts together, allowing social distancing opportunities in classrooms
    • Limiting visitors
    • Offering virtual options for students.
• Building Traffic Guidelines and Symptom Screening
  • Students, staff and visitors entering the buildings and buses of Edmonson County Schools will be subject to:
    • Temperature screening
    • Screening questions developed in cooperation with the local health department
  • Upon entering the building and buses of Edmonson County Schools all students (Grades 1-12), staff and visitors will be expected to wear masks
  • Upon entering the buildings and buses of Edmonson County Schools all students, staff and visitors will be expected to use hand sanitizer
  • To the extent possible the same staff will be in the same areas of the building each day for symptom screening to limit exposure
  • Multiple entry points will be utilized for students to enter the buildings.  Students that have been screened for bus transportation will not have to be screened upon entry to the school building.  All students who walk to school or are privately transported are subject to temperature screening and screening questions upon entering the building.
  • The administration of each building will attempt to create a one-way traffic flow for the safety of students and staff.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hygiene Measures
  • Per Guidance on Safety Expectations and Best Practices for Kentucky Schools (June 24, 2020), Cloth face masks, covering the nose and mouth, will be required on all Edmonson County buses and in all Edmonson County Schools when social distancing cannot be maintained. 
  • School food service will follow all guidelines and procedures for masks and gloves.
  • Personal Protective Equipment including back-up face coverings (masks), hand sanitizer, thermometers and gloves will be provided on a continual basis throughout the school year, beginning on first day of school.
  • Plexiglass screens will be provided at the front desk of each school.
  • Signage will be available at each school on how to stop the spread of COVID-19, how to properly wash hands, and promote everyday protective measures in every school.
  • Consistent, scheduled times will be established throughout the day for hand hygiene, including hand washing.
  • Staff and students with COVID-19 symptoms will be required to stay at home.
• Suspected/Confirmed COVID-19 Cases- School Decisions
  • Symptomatic staff and students will report to an established isolated area (not the nurse’s office as this area must be kept available) until they can safely leave the building. 
  • Coordination with the local health department will be established on suspected and confirmed cases.
  • Local and regional health department will assist Edmonson County Schools in the event of a spike in cases of COVID-19
  • Edmonson County Schools will maintain contact tracing records, for both classrooms and buses, should those records be needed.
  • Local and regional health departments will be utilized should dismissal of students become necessary for a short-term period due to a spike in cases of COVID-19.
• Transmission Mitigation and Cleaning Procedures
  • The use of outdoor air, when possible, will be utilized in all cases that does not pose a health or safety threat to students and staff.
  • Custodial cleaning in buildings and bus cleaning will focus on cleaning for health, which will include an emphasis on sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces where bacteria and viruses are most likely to be transmitted.
  • Cleaning procedures will be implemented multiple times each day, based on guidance from the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

 

1. RETURN TO INSTRUCTION

 
Overview
Multiple learning models will be essential with the reopening process.  These will include in-person learning that will be accomplished on a staggered schedule, as well as virtual learning for students and families with documented health issues or anxiety concerning in-person instruction

• In-Person Learning
  • Edmonson County Schools may utilize a staggered schedule, which is a M-W or T-Th schedule for in-person instruction for students with Virtual learning on alternating days and all Fridays
  • A return to “normal” in person learning M-F for all students will return when Edmonson County Schools are instructed such a schedule is safe for all students and staff.
• Virtual/Remote Learning
  • Virtual Learning Opportunities will be available for students K-12
  • Multiple software programs will be utilized to meet student needs.
  • Virtual learning opportunities are being offered due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and all school policies for virtual learning will be revised following the 2020-2021 school year.
• Special Populations
  • Protocols will be developed for:
    • Special Education Services
    • Speech/Language Service
    • 504 Services
  • All necessary steps will be taken to insure accommodations of services.

 

1. STUDENT SERVICES AND OPERATIONS

 
Overview
Many, if not all, of the services Edmonson County Schools provide will be altered so that we may continue to serve and support our students.  Regardless of the mode of learning, we want to ensure that the needs of all our students are continuing to be met and that our students are provided with safe, clean and well-maintained learning environments. 

• Attendance
  • Edmonson County Schools will continue to implement On-Line Registration for the 20-21 school year. 
  • The 20-21 school calendar is available
  • Attendance Policies will be amended and adjusted for accommodations in the 20-21 school year.
  • Attendance policy adjustments will be shared with students and families.
  • Check in/Check out procedure changes with respective schools will be altered to allow for social distancing in school office areas.  Masks will be required if recognized adults enter the buildings of Edmonson County Schools to check in/check out students, or for any other business in the school buildings.
• Food Service and Nutrition
  • All health and safety protocols will be followed by Edmonson County School Food Service staff.
  • Edmonson County schools will continue to provide meal services to students to the extent possible for on-site and virtual learners. 
  • Students will eat meals in classrooms under the current guidelines.
  • In the event of school closure due to a spike in COVID-19 cases, meals will be provided for mid-term and long-term closure as defined by the Kentucky Department of Education. 
• School Safety
  • The School Resource Office at all Edmonson County Schools will continue to provide ongoing daily coverage at all sites to ensure a safe environment for students, staff and community.
  • Other school safety protocols will include:
    • Fire and severe weather drills
    • Meeting all emergency and safety guidelines as set forward by KDE and related agencies.
• Athletics & Activities
  • Edmonson County Schools will continue to provide, promote and support student participation in athletics and extracurricular activities as permitted.  These activities will be meet the guidelines of the follow:
    • KHSAA (athletics)
    • KMEA (music and band)
    • Local and Regional Health departments
    • Kentucky Department of Education
    • Federal guidelines
  • All locker rooms, practice, game, and performance areas will be subject to sanitizing and disinfectant guidelines as mentioned earlier in this document after each event.
• Human Resources
  • Edmonson County Schools will follow all employment regulations in accordance with state and federal law in regards to potential human resource and related contractual issues that may extend from the COVID-19 crisis into the reopening process.
  • Edmonson County Schools is dedicated to protecting the safety of our staff, and will respond to the requests or concerns mad by staff regarding work conditions and safety, as always.

 

1.  MENTAL WELLNESS

 
Overview
The mental wellness of all students and staff of Edmonson County Schools will be a priority in our school reopening plans.  Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is an area of emphasis with Edmonson County Schools, and has also emerged as a critical priority for the pandemic and related school closure.  The psychological, interpersonal, and emotional needs of students, staff and families must become a key focal point of the reopening process.  In addition to requisite services and resources, SEL strategies and techniques must become a consistent part of classroom instruction, reinforcing safety, well-being, and engagement within the learning community.  Focus must be maintained on:

• Student and staff mental health and wellness
• Assessing resources in place (personnel, existing partners) to determine if there is a need for external supports and reach out to the existing vendor community to assess the potential for expanded work
• Evaluate student and staff mental wellness.

 

1.  FACILITIES & TRANSPORTATION

 
Overview
The Director of Maintenance & Transportation will work with his department to provide necessary student accommodations, both internal and external, to support educational learning.  To the extent necessary, district sites and buses will be available to create a safe, clean and well-maintained learning environment for student experiences.  Whether it be in-person instruction or remote learning, Edmonson County Schools will offer the following:

• Ongoing site repair, remodel, renovation, of district facilities
• Construction projects will continue
• Facility cleaning and disinfecting following the use of facilities will be completed daily at facilities and on buses and will be monitored by school administration and the Director of Transportation and Maintenance.
• Supplies for the custodial needs to clean buildings will be met, with a focus on cleaning for health.
• Work schedules will be modified as needed, based on building and site use
• Evaluation of ventilation systems to maximize circulation of outdoor air.

 
The Transportation Department supports students by providing safe and timely transportation services for eligible rides attending education programs in Edmonson County Schools.  The district also will continue to serve special needs students.  As part of the reopening phase, Edmonson County schools will focus on:

• Meeting transportation needs while following public health and KDE guidelines. 
• Temperature checks and health protocol for all personnel and students
• Cleaning and disinfecting protocols after every bus and district vehicle use.
• Thoroughly ventilate, clean and disinfect all busses and other district vehicles, as possible, when not in use.

 

1.  TECHNOLOGY

 
Overview
The Information Technology Department is invested in ensuring that the technological needs for students and staff are met.  It is imperative that we provide an appropriate infrastructure and support system to ensure an effective instructional environment whether that be in-person or virtual learning.  Edmonson County Schools will focus on:

• Maintaining and monitoring the current Information Technology infrastructure
• Provide virtual learning opportunities through software provided by the district for students in need K-12
• Provide internet service throughout the county in the event of long-term closure and strategic locations
• Provide technology devices for students while on a staggered schedule and during virtual learning.

 

1. COMMUNICATIONS

 
Overview
Considering the changing dynamics of the 20-21 school year and the district’s intention to deliver an alternative learning mode, we anticipate increased complexity in our communication efforts.  These complexities could be triggered by potential fluctuation in status of schools (open or closed due to virus outbreaks), changing health advisories, national and local government actions, and multi-layered crisis situations.  To succeed we must remain flexible, creative and responsive in our communication efforts.
 
Edmonson County Schools anticipates the need for an abundance of communication to address multiple audiences and fluctuating conditions.  Clear and consistent communication is essential for sharing calendar, class, and logistic changes and adjustments to ensure smooth transitions.  Communication will address the following:

• Communication to build confidence in learning opportunities and rigor regardless of learning mode
• Implementation of school status (open – closed)
• Health safety and management communication

 
      Communication modes will include:

• School one call system
• School social media
• School web pages
• Local and Regional media

 

1.  FUNDING & FINANCE

 
Overview
As Edmonson County Schools reopen, awareness of potential funding, both short-term and long-term, is a priority in these unprecedented times.  Budget allocation must include health and sanitation supplies as well as budgetary implications due to social distancing requirements.  Edmonson County Schools is communicating with KDE to understand and capitalize on all federal funding during the Pandemic.  We are communicating to prioritize spending and ensure meeting the needs of all students.  Edmonson
County Schools is assessing and tracking all expenditures related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the reopening process and how this relates to the expenditure of federal funds.

1. GOVERNANCE

 
Overview
Communication and collaboration will be more vital than ever as we launch and implement our plan for reopening schools in Edmonson County.  The Superintendent will communicate regularly with the Board of Education regarding information that makes the reopening plan for the school district.  .  The Superintendent will also work collaboratively with both the Board of Education and school administration to provide information for essential actions that will foster a shared understanding of goals, responsibilities, and accountability.  Additionally, the Reopening Task Force Team will take into consideration the thoughts, wishes and ideas of parents and staff which has been compiled from survey results as we move forward with reopening efforts.  School administrators will create and adjust school SBDM policies as a result of State and Federal requirements as well as changes unique to the Edmonson County School Community. 

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