UINTA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 Strategic Plan - Reopening 2020-21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from Superintendent 3
Guiding Principles 4
Guidelines 5

Staff
Students
Parents

Operational Guidelines 6
Monitoring Guidelines 7
Training Guidelines 8
K-5 Elementary Schools - Tier Expectations 8

Tier I
Tier II
Tier III

6-12 Secondary Schools - Tier Expectations 9

Tier I
Tier II
Tier III

Learning Expectations - Instruction and Technology 11

Online Learning for Elementary and Secondary Educators 12

Key Smart Start Requirements 14

Communications
Safety and Wellness
School Operations
Instruction and Technology

Appendix 17

Definitions 17
Flyers 18

Do Not Enter - COVID-19 Symptoms
How to Wear Face Coverings
COVID-19 Self-Screening Flow Chart
Slow the Spread

Links 22

Dear UCSD #1’s Students, Parents, and Staff,

Uinta County School District #1 will continue to focus on our vision and mission to provide the highest quality education for all students. I am very proud of how our district, our students, and our staff finished the 2019-20 school year, provided service to our community, and proactively managed the unprecedented closing of schools. In addition, I am so proud of how our parents supported our efforts, became part of the solution, were positive, and openly expressed appreciation to our teachers and staff. I am proud to be a resident of Evanston, Wyoming!

The COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest in our nation that we are living through is concerning and has impacted our lives. We are experiencing unprecedented events and challenging times. I hope you can appreciate the challenges that are ahead of UCSD #1 as we prepare for the opening of schools for the 2020-21 school year. There are so many unknowns, hurdles, and roadblocks in our path that have not been there before. The critical role UCSD #1 plays in the lives of our 2,700 students, our 560 staff members, our parents, and our community cannot be overstated.

Our number one responsibility has always been to provide a safe and orderly school environment. Now more than ever, the safety of our students and staff must be our number one priority. With that said, we are committed to provide “the highest quality of education for all students.” To do that, we will all need to accept the responsibility to have our schools open, orderly, and most importantly, safe for our students and staff.

I understand and appreciate that many are concerned about the spread of the COVID-19 virus. That may include some of our students, staff, parents, and members of our community. A healthy fear of this virus is beneficial if it drives us to take the necessary precautions to limit the spread in our schools. Just as the cold and influenza virus cannot be totally avoided in our schools, COVID is a reality we must face. Even following the guidelines of our local, state, and federal officials, and taking the most responsible precautions, this first step of opening schools will still be scary. It may take months to build confidence in our procedures and protocols that will result in 100% of our students and staff returning to school. That may be our biggest challenge this school year, rebuilding the confidence not only in the safety of our school system, but getting our society back to normal as much as possible.

I look forward to a great year, hopefully with NO unprecedented events. This “Reopening Plan” meets and exceeds the requirements found in the Wyoming Department of Education’s Smart Start Plan, which established a tiered system to reopen schools in the fall. We are planning a Tier I opening and we will only change tiers if required by State and Local health officials. Each of us has a part to play in this plan. Working together, we have demonstrated that we can accomplish great (difficult) things, I look forward to accomplishing many more great things together in our future.

Sincerely,

Ryan Thomas, Superintendent

UCSD #1

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

This document communicates with students, parents and employees of Uinta County School District #1 the plan for safely reopening schools on August 24, 2020. The plan, approved by the

Board of Education, follows the requirements issued by the Wyoming Department of Education and by Uinta County Public Health. This is a living document, updates will be posted online.

Uinta County School District #1 will resume daily face-to-face instruction for students on August 24, 2020. The district is working hard to develop and provide an online learning option for students that have an underlying medical condition that identifies them as “at-risk”.

Every Monday there will be a “Delayed Start” schedule to provide time for teachers to collaborate with peers working on curriculum, interventions, and meeting student needs.

When required by local health orders, every employee and student will be expected to wear a mask or face covering when 6’ physical distancing cannot be maintained. Examples include but are not limited to: transportation to and from school, common areas, transition times, classrooms, and when arriving and dismissing from school. Allowances may be made under the discretion of the teacher when 6’ of physical distancing can be maintained, or when outdoors.

Normal bus routes will run and masks or face covering must be worn at all times for students and adults while riding a bus until health orders change.

Breakfast and lunch will be served each school day in a format specific to each school. Hygiene will be emphasized, physical distancing will be required, schedules may be modified, and designated eating areas throughout the school will be identified (classrooms may be required eating areas). When physical distancing standards can not be maintained, masks or face coverings must be worn. Cleaning and sanitation protocols will meet or exceed USDA, state health department, and federal food service guidelines. Self-serve options including the use of microwave ovens will be eliminated until health orders change.

Parents will receive a survey on Monday, July 27 to allow feedback on the reopening plan. The survey will allow a parent to indicate whether they would like their child(ren) to participate in-person or if they would prefer an online option (The district is working hard to develop and provide an online learning option for students that have an underlying medical condition that identifies them as “at-risk”). Survey responses are due on or before Monday, August 3rd at 9:00 a.m.

All students registered in UCSD #1, will be assigned a class schedule and teacher. More information will be available regarding an on-line option when survey results are tabulated and district resources are assigned. School offices will be open for registration on Monday, August 10.

To maximize student and employee safety, UCSD #1 will adhere to all current guidelines issued by state and county health officials, with approval from our local board of education. We anticipate that plans will change in response to conditions of the pandemic. This is a living document, updates will be posted online reflecting current guidelines and health orders.

In our efforts to optimize student learning, UCSD #1 will remain focused on our VISION and MISSION to provide the highest quality of education for all students by providing relevant and challenging instruction, setting high expectations for students, building positive relationships, collaboration, persistence, and encouraging maximum student effort regardless of the tier or educational platform the student is using.

UCSD #1 will continue to put the safety of students and staff as our number one priority!

GUIDELINES FOR STAFF:

Stay home when ill, if your symptoms persist and/or get more severe, see your primary care physician. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 it is recommended that you get tested for the virus. (See Screening Flow Chart in Appendix). The leave policy has been modified with the addition of FFRCA and EFMLA leave. Stay in close contact with your direct supervisor.
Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. Provide opportunities for students to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.
When required by local health orders, wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing is not feasible. This is expected for all staff in all district and school buildings in phase I of reopening.
Be mindful of your own, students’ and co-workers' health and safety concerns, which may include wearing a face covering.
Remain flexible with student attendance as you address the needs of individual students, while meeting learning standards and professional expectations. Attendance should not be a factor in student grades. Modifications will be made to student attendance policies to support learning during the pandemic.
Accommodate individual learning needs, especially for those students with underlying medical conditions that identify them as “at-risk”.
Assign seating to support physical distancing and contact tracing. Students should face forward and be appropriately spaced.
Communicate with your direct supervisor if you are unable to perform your essential functions at work during Tier I, II, or III. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, communicate immediately with your supervisor. (See Screening Flow Chart in Appendix)
Classroom equipment and supplies should not be shared by students. Disinfect equipment and classroom supplies between class periods. Desk tops and frequently touched areas (door knobs, switches, etc.), should be disinfected frequently, at least between class periods.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS:

Stay home when ill, or when you are displaying symptoms or COVID-19 (See Screening Flow Chart in Appendix)
Prepare for a unique school year and remain engaged in your learning, regardless if we are in Tier I, II, or III.
Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. If you cannot wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer.
When required by local health orders, wear a mask or face covering when 6’ physical distancing cannot be maintained. Examples include while on the bus, in common areas, during transition times, in classrooms, and when arriving and dismissing from school. Allowances may be made to wearing a face covering under the discretion of the teacher when 6’ of physical distancing can be maintained, or when outdoors.
Sit in assigned seats in classrooms and on the bus to promote physical distancing and to support contact tracing until health orders change.
Plan on activities and athletics as scheduled, adhering to approved physical distancing and safety measures.
If needed, bring a personal water bottle to school each day. Do not share food or drink, and do not use public water fountains.

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS:

Screen your child each morning for symptoms of COVID-19 (See Screening Flow Chart in Appendix), and do not send them to school if they are ill or exhibit any of the following:

Fever greater than 100.4 degrees
Cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
Chills or muscle aches
Sore throat
Can’t smell/loss of sense of taste
If they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last ten days
Communicate with your school’s attendance officer
If symptoms persist, it is recommended that you see your primary care physician.

Reinforce the expectation for frequent hand washing, mask wearing or face covering, and physical distancing.
Monitor your child’s use of technology in the home.
Parents will be screened when visiting schools. Screening will include a temperature check and health related questionnaire. A mask or face covering must be worn until health orders change.

OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES:

Building/classroom cleaning - Daily cleaning and sanitizing will occur at each UCSD #1 facility by the custodial staff following district health and safety guidelines. Facilities and maintenance team members will provide continued guidance and support for schools. Hand sanitizer dispensers are located near school entrances and various locations throughout each school. Posters showing symptoms prohibiting entrance will be displayed on the doors of all district facilities (See Do Not Enter Below).
Transition times and areas - Schools will identify high traffic areas and utilize signage and/or floor markings to minimize congestion. They will also establish protocols for any visitors and non-regular staff including at a minimum temperature checking and the wearing of a mask or face covering.
Transportation - Bus drivers will wear masks or face coverings when students are present until health orders change. Drivers will sanitize their buses multiple times each day following district health and safety guidelines.
Food Services - Breakfast and lunch will be provided each school day in a format that will allow physical distancing. Eating areas throughout the school will be designated (classrooms may be required eating areas).
Faculty meetings - School principals and department leaders should follow guidelines established by State and County Public Health regarding group size and indoor gatherings. Leaders should consider modifying staff gatherings, utilizing smaller group meetings, online meetings, or other means of communicating with team members.
Special Populations - School staff should provide reasonable accommodations to meet individual student learning needs, while considering the health and safety needs of others.
Activities - UCSD #1 will operate student activities in a way that maximizes social distancing, use of face coverings, and appropriate hygiene measures. When social distancing is not possible, staff and students should wear face coverings to the greatest extent possible. For athletics, face coverings should be worn by coaches, staff, officials, parents, and spectators whenever six feet of separation cannot be maintained. Players should refrain from wearing face coverings during strenuous activity. We will follow the guidance provided by the Wyoming High School Activities Association (See LINKS). Athletes will be screened prior to participating in practice or competitive events using temperature kiosks and QR codes.
Communication Plan - UCSD #1 has developed a detailed COMMUNICATION PLAN to share with students, parents, staff, the community, and state and local school boards regarding the reopening of school buildings.
Classroom Based Virtual Learning and Virtual Learning - UCSD #1 will offer the following virtual options for students. Students that have an underlying medical condition that identifies them as “at-risk” will have priority.

MONITORING GUIDELINES:

Students and staff are encouraged to stay home if they feel sick. Parents should check their children for symptoms each day before school. If staff or students display symptoms of illness at school, will be sent home, and referred for COVID-19 testing.
Each school and department should implement monitoring measures to assist students, staff, and visitors in checking for symptoms. (See Screen Flow Chart in Appendix)
Thermometers and temperature kiosks have been provided to utilize as part of the daily school plan.
District and School Administration will closely monitor staff and student absenteeism, and report to Uinta County Public health frequently.
If symptoms of COVID-19 are present, follow the protocol from the school nursing team and/or contact the Uinta County Public Health, 307-789-9203 (See Screening Flowchart in Appendix).
Students and employees showing COVID symptoms should not return to school or work until they have followed all of the criteria established by the local health department or their health care provider. (See Employee FlowChart in Appendix).
Each school will identify a quarantine area and protocols for students who are sick and unable to return home in a reasonable time period. Students will be provided with a mask or face covering while in quarantine.

TRAINING GUIDELINES:

The UCSD #1 leadership team, in consultation with Uinta County Public Health, and our nursing team, will continue to communicate safety guidelines and protocols via communication plan, and provide training and support for employees and students.
Staff will be supported by the school board, district personnel, building administration, and their professional learning communities throughout the pandemic.
School personnel at each school site will be available for questions or specific concerns.
As required by the Wyoming Department of Education, instructional staff will participate in a minimum of 7 credits (PTSB) of training focusing on virtual learning strategies and techniques during the 2020-21 school year .

K-5 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS - TIER EXPECTATIONS

TIER I

In-person classes and activities, with minimal virtual or remote learning (only as needed).

Enhanced sanitation measures and reasonable physical distancing.

Wear a mask or face covering when 6’ physical distancing cannot be maintained

Students using district transportation (buses), to and from school, must wear a mask or face covering and be screened before loading the bus.
Students entering the school will enter at an assigned door for health screening (temperature & questions).
Once in the school, students will go directly to their classrooms.
Student departure doors will be assigned based on the location of the classroom. Teachers will escort students to a designated exit.
Breakfast and lunch will be served each school day in a format specific to each school. Hygiene will be emphasized, physical distancing will be required, schedules may be modified, and designated eating areas throughout the school will be identified. (classrooms may be required eating areas).
Recess with added safety measures will be encouraged. Fewer than 250 at a given time as per the Governor’s guidelines on the playground. Physical distancing must be encouraged while on the playground. Students are to wash hands before returning to the classroom.
Hallways will be divided with clear RIGHT/LEFT directional traffic (similar to divided highways)
Events with a large number of students and/or parents will be postponed until restrictions on indoor gatherings are lifted or relaxed by the Governor. Examples of events with a large number of students would include open houses, assemblies, music concerts, and plays.
Visitors must wear a mask or face covering, and will need to be checked into the office, and be health screened including temperature and health questions.

TIER II

Combination of in-person and adapted learning required by state or local public health

Option 2A: 50% of students On-Campus with a rotational schedule

To be reviewed every 3 weeks in preparation for moving to Tier I.
All sanitizing/physical distancing measures in Tier I, except:
50% of students on campus. Students will be divided in half alphabetically.
School schedules would rotate A-days and B-days. For example:

Students with last names beginning with A through N attend on A-days.
Students with last names beginning with O through Z attend on B-days.

The emphasis will be on the core academic areas: reading, writing, mathematics.

Specialists will support classroom teachers in the core areas.
Planning time will be built into the schedules. Planning time may be at the end of academic day.

Option 2B: 50/50 Dual System

Split the student into equal-sized groups A & B
A/B rotation on Campus
“A” group on campus while “B” group is attending class online. Paraprofessionals will support online students during independent work time.

Option 2C: 50/50 Morning/Afternoon Split

½ Day 8:00 - 11:30 Group A
½ Day 12:00 - 3:30 Group B

TIER III

Buildings closed to students due to local or state health directives or orders. School districts will follow provisions in the virtual learning plan.

100% of K-5 students have 1:1 Chromebooks.
District will work with local internet providers to ensure 100% internet access.
Teachers will be provided extensive training on Canvas and virtual platforms. The first few days of virtual learning for students will focus on navigating Canvas and Zoom.
Instructional Model will be:

100% Canvas
Follow the regular elementary school schedule 9:05 - 3:40. Every class will Zoom following gradual release (model, guided practice, independent work time) during the scheduled class.

Collaborative grade-level teams develop schedules to meet the district set criteria for direct instruction? WIN?

Substitutes? Training with tools?
Assignments must be completed during the scheduled class.
Build stamina with our younger students.
Lunch/break schedule?

Communicate with parents prior to moving to Tier III instruction.
Daily attendance is required following established procedures for virtual learning.
Proficient/Not Proficient Grading
Use Attendance teams to reach non-responding students (Admin., Paras, Office staff, Counselors).
Teachers will meet 2x/week in collaborative teams.
Special education staff will work individually with students identified with special needs.
FERPA - Student Privacy Link

6-12 SECONDARY SCHOOLS - TIER EXPECTATIONS

TIER I

In-person classes and activities, with minimal virtual learning (only as needed).

Enhanced sanitation measures and reasonable physical distancing.
Students using district transportation (buses), to and from school, must wear a mask or face covering and be screened before loading the bus.
Students entering the school will enter at an assigned door for health screening (temperature & questions).
Assigned seating to support physical distancing and contact tracing. Students should face forward and be appropriately spaced.
Once in the school, students will go directly to their 1st hour or homeroom class.
Student departure doors will be assigned based on the geographic location of the last class of the day.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided each school day in a format that will allow physical distancing. Eating areas throughout the school will be designated. Schedule may be modified to accommodate physical distancing.
Hallways will be divided with clear RIGHT/LEFT directional traffic (similar to divided highway).
Events with a large number of students and/or parents will be postponed until restrictions to indoor gatherings are lifted or relaxed by the Governor. Examples of events with a large number of students would include open houses, assemblies, music concerts, grade-level meetings, banquets, and plays.
Visitors must wear a mask or face covering, and will need to be checked into the office, and be screened including temperature and health questions.

TIER II

Combination of in-person and virtual learning required by state or local public health

Option 2A: All student on campus@ 50% rotational schedule

To be reviewed every 3 weeks in preparation for moving to Tier I.
All sanitizing/physical distancing measures in Tier I, except:
Students divided alphabetically in half.
School schedule would rotate A-days and B-days.

Students with last names beginning with A through N attend on A-days.
Students with last names beginning with O through Z attend on B-days.

Teachers determine the essentials of the essentials due to cutting curriculum in half.

Option 2B: 50/50 Dual System

Split the students into two equal-sized groups A & B
A/B Rotation on Campus
“A” group on campus while “B” group attending class online. Paraprofessionals will support online students during independent work time.

Option 2C: 50/50 Morning/Afternoon Split

½ Day 8:11:30 Group A
½ Day 12:00 - 3:30 Group B

TIER III

Buildings closed to students due to local or state health directives or orders. School districts will follow provisions in the virtual learning plan.

100% of 6-12 Students have 1:1 Chromebooks
District will work with local providers to ensure 100% internet access.
Teachers will be provided extensive training on Canvas and virtual platforms. The first few days of virtual learning for students will focus on navigating Canvas and Zoom.
Instructional Model will be:

100% Canvas
Follow regular school schedule 8 am to 3:15 pm
Every class will Zoom following gradual release (model, guided practice, independent work time) during scheduled class.
Assignments must be completed during scheduled class.

Communicate with parents prior to moving to Tier III instruction.
Daily attendance is required following established procedures for virtual learning.
Proficient/Not Proficient (Standards-Referenced) Grading
Use the Attendance team to reach non-responding students (admin., paras, office staff).
Teachers will meet 2x/week in collaborative teams.
Special education staff will work individually with students identified with special needs.
FERPA - Student Privacy Link

LEARNING EXPECTATIONS - INSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY

On-site student learning will occur in accordance with state or local public health directives or orders.
UCSD #1 will provide Instruction that includes high-quality standards-based instruction for all students.
UCSD #1 will provide all “specially designed instruction” and related services as indicated on the student’s IEP.
UCSD #1 will notify parents of all changes to specially designed instruction or related service delivery

Online Learning Expectations for Elementary and Secondary Educators

Essential Standards and Curriculum Development: Because comprehensive coverage of all standards is even more difficult in an online environment, deliberately choosing standards that are essential and delivering a viable curriculum becomes paramount for the success of students.

Assessment and Intervention : Teachers should regularly assess student learning and provide opportunities for intervention, as necessary.
Enrichment : As teacher capacity in a digital environment increases, enrichment experiences can become a more frequent part of the digital learning process provided for students .
See District Website for essential standards or unit plans (Academic Tab)

Learning Management Platform : A Learning Management Platform is meant to help teachers facilitate meaningful instruction, intervention, assessment, grading, discussion, collaboration, and relationship building.

CANVAS is the expected platform secondary educators should use in the event of online or blended learning in UCSD #1.
Why Canvas? Using a singular platform significantly simplifies the educational experience for students and families.
Parent/Family Access to Canvas: Parents parents may download the Canvas Parent Observer app to monitor the work of students.
Grades : Grades should be updated weekly in PowerSchool, which will remain the official system for recording grades. Grades during Tier III will be Proficient or Not Proficient.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning: While most online learning will likely be asynchronous, teachers are expected to provide opportunities for regular face to face interactions with students. Personal interaction contributes to student well-being and supports learning.

Synchronous learning (done at a set schedule; such as a video conference) is still recognized as a valuable pedagogical approach in an online setting.

Scheduling : When teachers choose to lecture or provide direct instruction, that instruction should be scheduled in advance and recorded, if possible, to allow for maximum student access. Live direct instruction should happen during school hours and in conjunction with the schedules developed by individual schools.
Frequency: Teachers are encouraged to provide face-to-face interactions with students at least two times per week.
Teacher Availability : Teachers will make themselves available during specific school hours throughout the week to help students process learning delivered during direct instruction time. Please communicate these times to your parents.
Small Group Work : Small group interaction is encouraged. Students value interaction with their peers and teachers.

Asynchronous learning (done on the student’s schedule) will be a necessity during times of online education, but teachers should still be involved in the learning process if they rely heavily on this delivery method.

Student Feedback and Assignment Deadlines : Regular feedback is crucial if learning is primarily asynchronous. Feedback should be given weekly. Students should have at least 48 hours to complete each assignment from the time that it is posted on Canvas to facilitate greater opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback. No work should be due after school hours or on the weekend.

Communication with Families: Teachers should communicate with families on a weekly basis. This communication can be by phone, email, text, or conference. Learning expectations and due dates should be clearly communicated on a daily or weekly basis.

Responding to Parent/Guardian Emails : Teachers should respond to parent/guardian emails (or other contact methods) within 24 hours on established school days.
Video Conferencing : Individual video conferencing with students and their families is permissible to help teachers assess needs.

Student Engagement: Student engagement is necessary for online learning to be successful.

Teachers should regularly monitor engagement in online learning activities.

Students who are not engaged:

The families of students who do not engage in online learning should be contacted by the teacher or other designated school personnel, and assistance should be offered.
If students continue to stay disengaged, school administration should be made aware so school/district level resources can be offered.

Teacher Work Hours

District Expectation : Teachers should work the equivalent of their full contract work hours (including extended day, if applicable) in planning, assigning work, contacting students and families, intervening, and meeting with collaborative teams.
Flexibility : Teachers may adjust the scheduling of their contract hours to accommodate their personal and family needs. Please make sure that a portion of the time worked is during normal school hours so that synchronous learning opportunities can occur.
Setting Limitations : Teachers are encouraged to limit their work hours and not respond to families and students outside of established work hours. Online learning does not obligate teachers to be on-call at all times.

Collaboration: Preparing, delivering, and managing online learning is a complex and difficult endeavor. The work your collaborative teams do is essential for the development of meaningful online learning.

Focus : Teams and teachers should continue to work with their PLC teams and assist each other in focusing on essential standards and developing online resources to ensure the learning of those standards.
Platform : Teachers are expected to work with their collaborative teams through video conferencing or other means for at least 1 hour per week.
Scheduling : Collaboration can be scheduled during the established hour or at a different time to accommodate team members. If possible, team leaders are encouraged to schedule collaboration at times that will enable administrators and coaches to occasionally participate in collaboration efforts.

KEY SMART START REQUIREMENTS:

Communication

Develop a detailed communication plan to share with students, parents, staff, the community, and state and local school boards regarding the reopening of school buildings.
Create a glossary of terms related to COVID-19 using the CDC’s definitions in order to establish a consistent vocabulary.
Continue to implement a detailed communication plan to share with students, parents, staff, the community, state, and local school boards regarding the reopening of school buildings.
Continue to communicate using your plan as a guide. Actively and authentically engage parents and caregivers, families, and students in order to continue to build trust and credibility as conditions in your community change.

Safety and Wellness Guidance

Student Arrival To Building and Through the Day

Develop a plan for student arrival to building.
Develop a plan for entrance to building whether limiting the number of entrances open or requiring specific groups to use specific entrances.
Parents should screen their children daily for symptoms of COVID-19 before sending their children to school.
Emphasize the importance of staying home when ill.
Any student reporting an illness will be sent home. Symptomatic students who are awaiting pickup by a parent or guardian will wear a mask even if separation from healthy students is feasible.
Staff will be instructed to remain home if any symptoms are present. Staff who might develop symptoms at work should have access to masks as they leave the building.

Transitions

Work with the local health department to develop a plan for incremental transitions in hallways.
Adhere to local health department requirements regarding hand washing, masks, water fountains, and restrooms.
Develop a plan to make hand sanitizer available at multiple locations within the building.

Dismissal

Any student with reported symptoms will follow CDC and state or local health department guidelines for return to school/work.
Adhere to local health department requirements regarding health and safety protocols, regarding hand washing/hand sanitizer, cleansing equipment, social distancing, etc.

School Operations Guidance

Transportation

Each school district will operate district transportation in a way that maximizes social distancing, use of face coverings, and appropriate hygiene measures. When social distancing is not possible, students should wear face coverings to the greatest extent possible.
Enhanced sanitation and cleaning measures will be employed following guidelines provided by state and/or federal agencies.
Students and parents will be informed of requirements and protocols, and signage will be displayed when and where appropriate as reminders.
Parents should screen their children daily for symptoms of COVID-19 before sending their children to school.

Nutrition Services (Food Service)

Each school district will operate district nutrition services in a way that maximizes social distancing, use of face coverings, and appropriate hygiene measures.
Cleaning and sanitation protocols will meet or exceed USDA, state health department, and federal food service guidelines.
Eliminate self-serve options from district nutrition services.

Facilities

Each school district will operate all facilities in a way that maximizes social distancing, use of face coverings, and appropriate hygiene measures. When social distancing is not possible, staff and students should wear face coverings to the greatest extent possible.
Cleaning and sanitation protocols will meet or exceed federal and state guidance.
Students and parents will be informed of requirements and protocols, and signage will be displayed when and where appropriate as reminders.
Parents should screen their children daily for symptoms of COVID-19 before sending their children to school.

Activities

Each school district will operate student activities in a way that maximizes social distancing, use of face coverings, and appropriate hygiene measures. When social distancing is not possible, staff and students should wear face coverings to the greatest extent possible. For athletics, face coverings should be worn by coaches, staff, officials, parents, and spectators whenever six feet of separation cannot be maintained. Players should refrain from wearing face coverings during strenuous activity.
School districts will follow the guidance provided by the Wyoming High School Activities Association.
Athletes must be screened prior to participating in allowable sanctioned sports.
Employ enhanced sanitation and cleaning measures.

Instruction and Technology

Preparation for School Year

On-site student learning should occur in accordance with state or local public health directives or orders.
Provide high-quality standards-based instruction for all students.
Provide all “specially designed instruction” and related services as indicated on the student’s IEP.
Notify parents of all changes to specially designed instruction or related service delivery
If district does not offer virtual education or remote education as an option for students who do not qualify for homebound instruction:

Review home-school statutes with parents who choose to home-school students.
If districts offer remote education as an option for students who do not qualify for homebound instruction:

1. Teachers must be in their classroom instructing face-to-face students while simultaneously instructing remote students.
2. Attendance is tracked twice a day (elementary) or class period (middle/secondary).

If districts allow off-site instruction and partners with a statewide virtual education provider for students who do not meet homebound instruction:

1. Put an agreement in place with a statewide virtual education provider.
2. Provide a district-assigned learning coach for each student.

If districts allow off-site instruction and are the virtual education provider for students who do not meet homebound instruction:

1. Have virtual education programs and classes approved by WDE.
2. Use only Wyoming certified teachers.
3. Teachers must receive seven hours of PTSB approved PD related to virtual education instruction during the school year.
4. Attendance is tracked at least once a week through virtual education participation metrics.

First Weeks of School

Focus on strategies for successful learning during hybrid and/or on-line classrooms in preparation for modified school schedules (Example: Increasing learner agency).
Utilize school teams to reach out on a regular basis to foster positive relationships with individual students (Social Emotional Learning).

Ongoing Learning

Utilize school teams to reach out on a regular basis to foster positive relationships with individual students (Social Emotional Learning).

APPENDIX

DEFINITIONS

Classroom Based Virtual Education: Classes are intended for in-person instruction but also have virtual education instruction and delivery available throughout the school year.

Contact Tracing: Contact tracing, a core disease control measure used by local and state health department personnel for decades, is a key strategy for preventing further spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Contact tracing is part of the process of supporting affected individuals and warning contacts of exposure in order to stop chains of transmission.

Homebound Instruction: means offering instruction to a student that is at home or hospitalized for more than one week due to injury or illness. W.S. 21-4-402.

Remote Education: means classes delivered by a teacher located in a physical classroom with students present while also providing simultaneous remote instruction. Remote education instruction is delivered through interactive, synchronous technology which allows the student receiving the remote education to ask questions, make comments, and interact in real-time with the teacher, classroom students, and other remote students. W.S.21-13-330(m)(n)

Tier I: In-person classes and activities, as appropriate. Minimal adapted learning on a limited, as-needed basis. Most students in school at the same time under the provisions of current health orders. Social distancing and face coverings to the greatest extent possible. Buildings open to all students.

Tier II: Combination of in-person and adapted learning is required due to local or state health directives. Social distancing and face coverings to the greatest extent possible for those attending in person. Buildings open to some students.

Tier III: School buildings closed to students due to local or state health directives or orders. School districts will follow provisions in the approved adapted learning plan. Buildings not open to students.

Virtual Education: means school district programs and classes approved by the agency pursuant to W.S. 21-2-202(a)(xxxi), 21-13-330(f-k), and the Chapter 41 Virtual Education Rules for delivery when the teacher and student are in separate locations. Virtual education instruction is primarily delivered through technology and can be asynchronous or synchronous.

LINKS:

American Academy of Pediatrics: COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry

CDC - Activities and initiatives Supporting the COVID-19 Response and the President’s Plan for Opening America Up Again

CDC: Checklist for Coaches

CDC: Considerations for Schools

CDC Coronavirus Posters

Employee Flowchart

National Academy of Sciences: Identifying airborne transmission as the dominate route for the spread of COVID-19

UCSD #1 Communication Plan - 2020-21

Uinta County Public Health: Recommendations/Requirements for Uinta County School Districts

UCSD #1 Strategic Plan - 2020-21

WDE Smart Start Guidance

WHSAA Smart Start Fall Sports Guidance

WDE Smart Start Plan Review Rubric

UCSD#1 Reopening Plan