TSMS RE-OPENING PLAN
SCHOOL HEALTH
When students report to campus, a temperature check will be done before entering the classroom, students may not arrive before 7:30am.
With a focus on prevention, TSMS will have in place:
- A new 72-hour fever free return to school procedure
- Separation of desks in classrooms to accomplish social distancing as feasible
- Encourage outdoor socialization areas with social distancing
- Prohibit large group meetings, orientations, Open Houses, field trips, pep rallies, etc. during the first semester
- Visitors/Guests will have a single point of entry, social distancing, and face mask use
- Posting signage and educate and promote preventative measures Providing Hygiene Kits for every classroom for daily cleaning
- Hand Sanitizer stations placed at entrances/exits of buildings
Sickness Protocol for becoming ill at school:
If a student is showing symptoms or signs of sickness, students will be directed for a wellness check. Any student with a temperature at or above 100.4 will be sent to our media center to wait for parents to pick-up. The student will remain in their mask. The student may not return until they have been fever-free, without the use of fever-reducing medication, for 72 hours. Mask will be required for all students in the media center.
If there is no improvement or symptoms appear, the student may see a physician who may advise a COVID-19 test. (Illness may be from another ailment and a COVID-19 test would not be needed). Once a COVID-19 test is administered the physician or Department of Health must provide a release to return to school for either a positive or negative test.
(SEE CHART)
Sickness Protocol for becoming ill at home:
TSMS asks all parents to check child's health before bringing them to campus each day. Do not send your child to school if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms (within the last 72 hours)
Temperature at or over 100.4 (symptoms of fever or chills)
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
Sore throat
New loss of smell
Severe headache
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Other key components included:
Spacing and Social Distancing will be done to the safest extent possible. Social distancing is defined as being 6 feet apart. TSMS will determine additional areas to accommodate classroom instruction as is feasible.
Masks will be required of students during transportation (riding the bus), during class transitions, and whenever social distancing is not possible regardless of class or activity. Understanding it is difficult to wear a mask for an entire school day, mask breaks will be developed and incorporated in classes throughout the day. Masks will not be worn during PE, recess or lunch, allowing additional mask free time. Mask breaks will be a creative component in returning to school. Cloth mask should be washed regularly. Individual considerations will be given to students who are unable to wear a mask. Consideration will also be given to educate parents and students on the importance of wearing a mask and mask cleanliness.
Rationale: EVERYONE on campus always has a shared responsibility and expectation to protect the safety and health of ALL occupants. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, cloth face coverings have been proven to reduce the spread of Covid-19 when used by people in public settings. Cloth face coverings worn over the nose and mouth, serve as a protective barrier to prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when a person wearing the cloth covering coughs, sneezes, talk or raises their voice. To protect the SAFETY and HEALTH of ALL students, faculty and staff on campus, face coverings will be required, and the following Covid-19 Face Covering Policy will be implemented and enforced during the 2020-2021 school year.
Students and staff are expected to wear face coverings during school hours whenever social distancing is not possible. THIS REQUIREMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON RELEASE OF NEW CDC GUIDELEINES. Face coverings include non-medical grade disposable face masks and cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth). Full-face shields are not a replacement for face masks or coverings but can be used as an additional barrier.
- Students will not be required to wear face coverings while eating.
- It may be impractical for students to wear face covering while participating in some athletic activities.
- Mask storage procedures will be developed by their teacher to ensure that masks stay clean and separate when not on the student.
- Individual needs regarding face coverings will be addressed on a case by case basis. Requests for accommodations should be submitted to school administration.
Classroom Policy
Face coverings will be required in all classrooms. Face covering breaks will be determined and supervised by teachers. Face Covering Breaks will be conducted as per current CDC physical distancing guidelines.
Breakfast & Lunch Policy
Face coverings may be removed for the consumption of food and beverages during breakfast and lunch. Face coverings will be placed back on when food consumption is complete.
Handwashing will be promoted throughout the school day. We will ask all students to wash their hands before lunch. Hand sanitizer stations will be set up throughout campus. Signs will be posted around campus to promote proper hand washing and signs/symptoms of sickness to be aware of.
Water Fountains: Students will be encouraged to bring their own water bottles to fill up and use throughout the day. Please make sure water bottle is properly labeled with student first and last name. Our new middle school building is upgrading to touchless filling stations.
Visitors: At this time, TSMS will not have any visitors on campus to enter the classrooms. We will revisit this in the spring. This include parents eating with their students during lunch.
Morning Campus Drop-off: No parents or family members will be allowed to walk students to class.
Student Dividers: In any classroom where students cannot be 6-feet apart, they will have a divider on their desk. Dividers will be used in the computer labs. Dividers currently are scheduled to be delivered the first week of school.
Sanitation Bins
Each classroom will have sanitation bins that include the following:
- Infrared Thermometer/ batteries
- Teacher Face-shield
- Disposable face mask
- Disinfectant Spray & Wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Paper towels
- Box of gloves
How to help your TSMS Cheetah
- Practice wearing a mask
- Be patient to new routines in place on campus- drop off/ pick-up may take more time. Please work with TSMS staff
- Reiterate proper hand washing, mask wearing, and covering cough/sneeze
- Lost & Found items that are not labeled with student name will be discarded
- Keep student home if they are exhibiting signs/symptoms of sickness
- Send in a labeled water bottle to use throughout the day
- All student items should be labeled with student name
- Follow 72-hour protocol for students who are sick
- Speak to your students about COVID-19 (please visit for age appropriate information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/talkingwith-children.html )
COVID 19 Protocol:
A large concern is the spread of the virus once a confirmed case appears in a classroom. The health department protocol comes into play once a positive case arises, whether at school or at a home. Key components in identifying contacts who may have been exposed to COVID-19 from the infected individual are if social distancing within 6’ occurred and whether there was more than 15 minutes of direct contact without a mask. The Leon County Health Department, in conjunction with the district and TSMS, will work together to interview and direct those who may have been exposed to Covid-19 to provide information and direction and will advise if and when a child or staff member can return. TSMS families will be notified when the potential exposure of student/staff in their classroom test positive for COVID-19. The name of the person who tested positive will not be specifically identified.
Screening for COVID-19 Symptoms: Students:
- Parents must ensure they do not send a child to a school campus if their child has COVID-19 symptoms or is lab confirmed with COVID-19.
- Teachers will monitor students and refer them to the appropriate COVID location for screening if symptoms are suspected or are present.
- Any student who is determined by the school to have COVID-19 symptoms while at TSMS will be immediately placed in a supervised isolation room until the student can be picked up by a parent or guardian.
COVID-19 Reporting and Testing Protocol for Students:
When a student or parent informs school administration of having positive Covid-19 test or possible exposure the following protocol will be used:
STEP 1. School Administrator directs the student to go or stay home until contacted by the health department.
STEP 2. The Health Department conducts an investigative interview to determine exposure of any others.
STEP 3. The Health Department contacts anyone potentially exposed and advises their course of action.
STEP 4. Based on the Health Department determinations the student will stay out the prescribed length of time or until released by the health department or physician to return to school.
Teacher Protocol
If a TSMS staff member tests positive, students who have had potential exposure will be notified. The staff member may not return until confirmed negative results, or doctors note of release. Teachers are eligible for The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was signed into law on March 18, 2020. Effective April 1, 2020 employees may request sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“E-FMLA”). These Acts terminate on December 31, 2020.
Employees may only request leave under these Acts if he/she is unable to work or telework due to COVID-19 related issues. All current employees who fit into one of the categories listed may be eligible for up to 80 hours of paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act. However, employees requesting more than two weeks leave under the emergency FMLA provision due to the closure of their son or daughter’s school or daycare must have been employed by the school at least 30 days prior to receiving the initial leave.
Department of Labor official poster: FFCRA Poster
COVID-19 Protocol for Employees (chart below)
Screening for COVID 19 Symptoms: Staff
All TSMS staff will be advised to self-screen for COVID 19 symptoms including performing a temperature check, prior to reporting to work each day. Teachers and staff must report to their supervisor if they themselves have COVID 19 symptoms or are lab confirmed with COVID 19 and must remain off campus until they meet the re-entry criteria.
COVID-19 Reporting and Testing Protocol for Employees:
STEP 1. If an employee is sick or has been contacted by the Department of Health to quarantine, they took a COVID-19 test on their own and are awating test results, or they suspect they have come into close contact with someone such as family member, friend or co-worker that has tested positive for COVID-19 then they should not report to work. Before going for COVID-19 testing, an employee needs to contact their supervisor.
STEP 2. The employee's supervisor will ask questions to determine if any other employees or students may be affected. That information will be forwarded to the Health Department who will then contact the employee for contact tracing and investigation. The employee will need to remain at home while awaiting contact by the Health Department.
STEP 3. The Health Department will contact the employee and determine their level of potential exposure and with whom, and advise the employee of their length of self-quarantine and whether testing is needed. If testing is advised by the Health Department, the supervisor will provide information about how to obtain testing. The Health Department will provide a letter explaining if quarantine is required or a release to return to work, which should be immediately shared with the employee's supervisor.
STEP 4. An employee is responsible for keeping their supervisor informed of the outcome and dates provided by the Health Department for his/her return to work.
Teacher Protocol
If a TSMS staff member tests positive, students who have had potential exposure will be notified. The staff member may not return until confirmed negative results, or doctors note of release. Teachers are eligible for The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which was signed into law on March 18, 2020. Effective April 1, 2020 employees may request sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (“EPSLA”) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (“E-FMLA”). These Acts terminate on December 31, 2020.
Employees may only request leave under these Acts if he/she is unable to work or telework due to COVID-19 related issues. All current employees who fit into one of the categories listed may be eligible for up to 80 hours of paid sick leave under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act. However, employees requesting more than two weeks leave under the emergency FMLA provision due to the closure of their son or daughter’s school or daycare must have been employed by the school at least 30 days prior to receiving the initial leave.
Department of Labor official poster: FFCRA Poster
COVID-19 Protocol for Employees (chart below)
Screening for COVID 19 Symptoms: Staff
All TSMS staff will be advised to self-screen for COVID 19 symptoms including performing a temperature check, prior to reporting to work each day. Teachers and staff must report to their supervisor if they themselves have COVID 19 symptoms or are lab confirmed with COVID 19 and must remain off campus until they meet the re-entry criteria.
COVID-19 Reporting and Testing Protocol for Employees:
STEP 1. If an employee is sick or has been contacted by the Department of Health to quarantine, they took a COVID-19 test on their own and are awating test results, or they suspect they have come into close contact with someone such as family member, friend or co-worker that has tested positive for COVID-19 then they should not report to work. Before going for COVID-19 testing, an employee needs to contact their supervisor.
STEP 2. The employee's supervisor will ask questions to determine if any other employees or students may be affected. That information will be forwarded to the Health Department who will then contact the employee for contact tracing and investigation. The employee will need to remain at home while awaiting contact by the Health Department.
STEP 3. The Health Department will contact the employee and determine their level of potential exposure and with whom, and advise the employee of their length of self-quarantine and whether testing is needed. If testing is advised by the Health Department, the supervisor will provide information about how to obtain testing. The Health Department will provide a letter explaining if quarantine is required or a release to return to work, which should be immediately shared with the employee's supervisor.
STEP 4. An employee is responsible for keeping their supervisor informed of the outcome and dates provided by the Health Department for his/her return to work.
Sanitation Bins
Each classroom will have sanitation bins that include the following:
Infrared Thermometer/ batteries
Teacher Face-shield
Disposable face mask
Disinfectant Spray & Wipes
Hand sanitizer
Paper towels
Box of gloves
How to help your TSMS Cheetah
Practice wearing a mask
Be patient to new routines in place on campus- drop off/ pick-up may take more time. Please work with TSMS staff
Reiterate proper hand washing, mask wearing, and covering cough/sneeze
Lost & Found items that are not labeled with student name will be discarded
Keep student home if they are exhibiting signs/symptoms of sickness
Send in a labeled water bottle to use throughout the day
All student items should be labeled with student name
Follow 72-hour protocol for students who are sick
Speak to your students about COVID-19
FOOD SERVICES
TSMS will continue to be a CEP school during 2020-21, which means all students are eligible for meals at no charge. SLA Management will continue to prepare our meals.
Meal periods may need to be longer to deliver and serve meals and may vary depending on grade level.
Some students may have meals delivered to their classroom and eat in the classroom. Some students may eat in the cafeteria practicing social distancing or at an outside location.
To accommodate these considerations, the number of meal entree choices may be less than in previous years.
To ensure the safety of students and staff, everyone will practice social distancing and wear masks while picking up meals in the cafeteria.
Custodial staff will clean and sanitize all high touch areas after each meal service.
The cafeteria staff will have their temperatures taken daily when they arrive at work. All cafeteria staff will wear face masks.
TRANSPORTATION
It will be mandatory for all bus drivers and bus assistants to wear masks and have their temperatures checked each morning and afternoon before runs. Additionally, it will be mandatory for students to wear masks. Each bus will have a supply of masks for students that may have forgotten their masks at home. No student will be left at a bus stop because they do not have a mask. If a student refuses to wear a mask, a referral will be issued for that student. All route buses will have hand sanitizer available at the entrance of the bus, and buses will be sanitized and disinfected on frequently touched surfaces between runs. Windows will be opened when buses are not in use to enhance air ventilation.
Signage will be posted at all our sites and on the buses indicating that masks are required. Signage posted on the school bus will not be placed on the windshield, service door glass, or passenger windows.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Regular mental health screenings should be available to all students, faculty, and staff and re-open plans should include for an extension of and increased need for mental health services.
Students who are identified as needing additional supports and/or exhibit social, emotional, and/or perceived psychological deficits are referred to the school level MTSS (multidisciplinary) problem-solving teams to determine the level of interventions in accordance with identified student needs. Interventions may include referrals for intensive service provided by community-based mental health and/or substance abuse treatment professionals.
Additionally, to improve the provision of early intervention services, with the guidance from LCS, TSMS employs a universal screening tool that is administered to all students as a method for early identification of students who may be in need of mental health supports within the MTSS model. Early in the school year, teachers complete a universal screening for all students using the Internalizing Screening Scale (Cook) and Externalizing Screening Scale (Drummond) to identify at-risk students.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
• Sanford Harmony (Online Learning Portal) - A social emotional learning program for Pre-K-6 grade students designed to foster communication and understanding, connection, and community both in and outside the classroom and develop boys and girls into compassionate and caring adults.
Required Instruction for Students
(face-to-face, and/or distance learning).
• Mental and Emotional Health Education
• Substance Use and Abuse Prevention Education
• Human Trafficking Prevention Education
SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY
Due to COVID- 19, LCS Safety & Security procedures will be enhanced and/or amended as we return to school in the Fall. Every effort will be made in order to support social distancing and promoting learning environments that make every effort to implement CDC guidelines. Notable changes will occur in the areas of emergency drills, training and visitor access to school facilities. As the District moves to implementing a one-to-one digital device learning platform, internet safety, anonymous reporting applications and social media monitoring will be expanded. Although the pandemic will create many challenges for our schools, we must continue to meet the requirements of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school safety act, which requires comprehensive school safety measures. An SRO will be on campus each school day.
Extended Day Program
TSMS plans to still offer the opportunity for students to participate in the Extended Day Program from the hours of 3-5:45pm each afternoon. Please visit our website for fee payment information.
Clubs/Tutoring
At this time there will be no afterschool clubs or tutoring. We will revisit this in the spring.
Resources
FLDOE Emergency Response to COVID19
http://www.fldoe.org/em-response/
FLDOE Reopening Florida Schools and the CARES ACT
http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/19861/urlt/FLDOEReopeningCARESAct.pdf
Florida Association of District of School Superintendents k12 Return to School Recommendation Guidelines
http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/19887/urlt/K-12Guide.pdf
Leon County Schools
https://www.leonschools.net/ReOpenLeon
OPTION 2: TSMS E-Learning Academy
TSMS will now be implementing a hybrid model of instruction. TSMS teachers will offer instruction in every grade level through the TSMS E- Learning Academy. Students will follow the same pacing and curriculum at home, as those who are on campus: All coursework must be completed at the same pacing, and daily attendance will be taken through TSMS Connect. This option allows students to stay connected with TSMS alongside the flexibility of working from home.
**Chromebooks are currently on backorder. Please secure technology for your students in the E-Learning Academy. Families who need to apply for a Chromebook when they arrive can find eligibility here: Chromebook FORM
What will a day in the TSMS E-Learning Academy look like?
Participating in courses through TSMS Connect at home
Pacing the same as those who are on campus
Use of all digital platforms used by students on campus
Blended model of both online instruction and live instruction
Daily Attendance on TSMS Connect
Daily Assignments and Weekly Assessments
Use of Online Programs connected to TSMS Connect (Study Island, Reflex, IXL, etc...)
Receiving both synchronous(live) and asynchronous (pre-recorded) instruction
Peer interaction through small group instruction
Receiving necessary accommodations and supports
Engaging for developmentally appropriate lengths of time
Communicating regularly with peers and the teacher
Having the same schedule, they would have if they were on-campus. All elective courses are offered.
Pros to Hybrid Model
• Small class sizes for all grade levels
• Less of a disruption if students need to switch between on-campus and e-learning academy.
• Continuity in class members, class rosters stay the same at school or in e-learning academy.
• More room in the classroom to spread out.
• Students can watch instructional videos as many times as needed. Parents can use the videos to support student learning at home.
Tentative Elementary Schedule:
8:15-9:45 ELA Instruction and Assignment (Live lesson and Independent Work)
9:45- 10:15 Science Assignment
10:15- 11:15 Electives
11:15-11:45 Lunch
11:45-12:05 Recess
12:05-1:15 Math Instruction and Assignment (Live lesson and Independent Work)
1:15-1:45 Social Studies Assignment
1:45-2:15 Small Group/Interventions/Writing
2:15-3:00 Computer Assignments (Study Island, Reflex, Success Maker, Moby Max)
All Elementary students will receive assignments through TSMS Connect.
Tentative Middle School Schedule:
Middle School students will be able to access assignments and virtual instruction via TSMS Connect.
8:00 - 9:00 ELA Instruction & Assignment
9:00 - 10:00 Math Instruction & Assignment
10:00 – 11:00 Science Instruction & Assignment
11:00 -12:00 LUNCH
12:00 - 1:00 Social Studies Instruction & Assignment
1:00 - 2:00 Electives (Foreign Language, PE, etc..,)
2:00-3:00 Electives (Foreign Language, PE, etc..,)
Elementary Live Lessons
E-learning students will join in-person students through a Zoom session. Students will listen to the live instruction provided by the teacher. Live lessons will occur at the same time each day to build consistency.
Language Arts- 20 minutes- 1 hour each day
Math- 20 minutes- 1 hour each day
Social Studies- 20 minutes once a week
Science- 20 minutes once a week
Group- 20 minutes- 1 hour per week
Middle Live Lessons
E-learning students will join in-person students through a Zoom session. Students will listen to the live instruction provided by the teacher. Live lessons will occur at the same time each day to build consistency.
Language Arts- 20- 30 minute session per day
Math- 20-30 minute session per day
Social Studies- 20-30 minute session per day
Science- 20-30 minute session per day
Electives- 20-30 minute session per day
Live Lessons will need to cover more work on each day. Face-to-face includes daily incorporation of group, independent, and whole class instruction. The Live Lesson would primarily focus on the whole class instruction.
Lessons will take place in three different ways:
1. Online Component Teachers will choose an online component:
• Pre-recorded Teacher Videos-For students who may not have watched at home
• Uploaded Lesson Videos-For students who may not have watched at home
2. Teachers will pull small groups:
• Teacher-Led Lesson with Virtual Learners
• Teacher-Led Lesson with Brick and Mortar Students
3. Teachers will assign pencil and paper tasks or other assignments for all students to complete.
Assignments
Assignments will be uploaded by 8:00 AM on Monday through TSMS Connect within each subject (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies).
An Elementary weekly schedule will be sent out via Class Dojo (and email) containing daily assignments for each subject. (See above)
Assignments will be on the schedule as “daily assignments,” but need to be completed by Friday of the current week. Example: Monday, July 13th assignment can be submitted from July 13th through July 17th. Exception would be for testing.
Assignment types:
Worksheets from curriculum
Spelling/vocabulary practice
Study Island
Success Maker Math and Reading
Curriculum/Resources: Wonders, Everyday Math, Studies Weekly, Scholastic News, and Interactive Science Workbooks.
Elementary Testing
Students may be required to report to campus for benchmark testing.
Students will complete Wonders Reading, spelling, and/or vocabulary tests on Friday each week through Zoom and the curriculum online program. The test must be taken during the “Live” class time to ensure fidelity.
Math tests will be assigned at the end of each chapter through Zoom and the curriculum online program.
Science and Social Studies tests will be assigned through the curriculum online program.
All tests could have any of the following:
Randomized questions and answers to avoid sharing with peers
Questions answered one at a time to avoid backtracking
Time limits per question
Open response answers to provide support or details for answers
Middle School Testing
Students use sign-up genius to select a time to participate in a “zoom” or “Teams” session. During this session, teachers could monitor that students were not receiving help from parents, looking up answers, etc. The groups would be small, and the students would be muted. Also, if a student has a question, they can message only the teacher and receive a response. Students with accommodations can receive with through zoom or teams.
Communication
Virtual conferences will be scheduled with the parent and student during the first 9-weeks.
Class Dojo will be utilized for weekly assignments, calendars, and reminders.
Parents may send messages through Class Dojo and email.
Teachers will have a 24-hour window to respond to messages sent after 4 pm Monday through Friday.
QUESTIONS?
Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We will be updating a Q & A section as questions roll in.
FAQ:
- My family needs a device for my child to commit to the distance learning program, can technology be provided by the school? Yes, Chromebooks may be assigned to families who in financial need. There will be an agreement between the family and the school. We will update this site on how to become eligible.
- Do students in the distance program need to purchase uniforms? No, if you are selecting the distance learning program you do not have to purchase uniforms. They are only required for students who are on-campus. If you student comes to campus for Semester 2, it is expected they will be in uniform.
- Will school meals continue to be free? Yes, TSMS will continue to be a CEP school during 2020-21, which means all students are eligible for meals at no charge. SLA Management will continue to prepare our meals
- Are mask required on the school bus? Yes, it will be mandatory for students to wear masks while riding the school bus. Additionally, bus drivers will also be required to wear masks and gloves while operating the school bus.
- What does the Daily Health Screening entail and when will it take place? The screening consists of a temperature check and visual assessment (signs and symptoms) and will be done as early in the day as feasibly possible
- What do I do if my child has a fever? New procedures are that a child must be fever free for 72 hours before returning to school.
- What will happen if a child appears ill at school? The student will be sent to a clinical area for assessment. If the student has a fever or appears ill, they will be placed in a safe, distanced area to await parent pickup.
- Will my child need a doctor’s note to return to school after having a fever? No. A doctor’s note is only required for return after a diagnosis of being Covid-19 positive.
- Will I be notified if another student tests positive for COVID-19 in my child’s class or school? Not necessarily. Due to HIPPA regulations, the health department or school official will notify only those who were determined by an interview to self-quarantine.
- Can I volunteer at my child’s school? Not during the first semester. However, there will be virtual opportunities to volunteer.
- How often will my child’s classroom be cleaned? Daily cleaning will occur with deep cleaning as needed. Each classroom will be provided a Hygiene Kit of cleaning and sanitation supplies for daily use.
- Will there be safety and well-being education? Yes. There will be education that empowers students to learn about the role they play to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. This education will be ongoing online and in the classroom.
- Are field trips going to take place? No, not at this time for the first semester.
- Will any significant Safety & Security procedures be altered in the Fall due to Covid 19? Safety drills will be altered to maintain social distancing and access to school campuses will be restricted with enhanced protocols.
- If we choose the TSMS E-Learning Academy, can we decide to come back to physical campus during Semester 1? We are doing the staffing, classroom assignments and classroom arrangements based off the commitment survey. Contact TSMS Administration in writing for extenuating circumstances.
- Will there be mask breaks? Yes, we are looking to schedule time for mask breaks for all throughout the day. Lunch, and outside breaks will be a mask free time as well.
- Will the TSMS E-Learning Academy look different than it did last Spring 2020? Yes, the program has been revamped. Assessments will be given, there will be both live and recorded lessons, and students are required to complete task daily.
- If my student is in the TSMS E-Learning Academy, will they interact with their other peers? Yes, teachers will facilitate time for small group instruction, which allow students to work together to complete a task.
- If my child gets sick, or must stay home, who will provide instruction and assignments? The teacher assigned to your student will provide online work during any time missed that is consistent with their peers on campus.
- How will attendance be taken in the TSMS E-Learning Academy? Students will be required to login to TSMS Connect, instructions will be given and reviewed during the virtual Orientation in August.
- How often will staff be tested?
All staff will be administered the Daily Health Screening. If they do not pass screening, they will be sent home. "Schools and childcare programs are not expected to screen children, students, or staff to identify cases of COVID-19. If a community (or more specifically, a school) has cases of COVID-19, local health officials will help identify those individuals and follow up on the next steps." Please see CDC Guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/FAQ-schools-child-care.pdf - Is TSMS confident that they can social distance desks appropriately? Yes
- What is the protocol for if a student tests positive? What about if they Simply have had another recent illness non-covid? Please see CDC Guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/FAQ-schools-child-care.pdf . TSMS will Immediately notify local health officials. These officials will help administrators determine a course of action for the school. There may be a need to dismiss students and staff for 2-5 days. This initial short-term dismissal allows time for the local health officials to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation impacting the school and for custodial staff to clean and disinfect the affected facilities. Work with the local health officials to determine appropriate next steps, including whether an extended dismissal duration is needed to stop or slow the further spread of COVID-19.
- Process for drop-off and pick up? Especially for 1st day (Kindergarten)? TSMS is working on a plan to help walk younger students to their assigned classroom, students will not report to the cafeteria during 1st Semester. Dismissal may be staggered by grade level.
- What will the threshold/tipping point be for school closures throughout the year? In correlation with LCS and the local health department, if a decision is made to close schools, we will notify all families. "Any decision about school dismissal or cancellation of school events should be made in coordination with your local health officials. Schools are not expected to make decisions about dismissals on their own. " Please see CDC Guidelines here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/FAQ-schools-child-care.pdf
- What if we get “stuck” in one option that’s not working for us and the school can’t accommodate our request to switch options. What could be done to avoid unenrolling and going to LCS virtual?TSMS will work with families to accommodate all students, exhaust all options to prevent students from having to unenroll.
- What will the virtual day actually look like? Will they need to be at the computer the entire 8:00-3:00? Since it will correlate with those on campus, it is vital they have access to a computer during the school hours. Please see the example schedule here: https://schoolofmathandscience.org/index.php/latest-news/item/178-option-2-tsms-distance-learning-program
- What do you anticipate the average in-person class size will be? This depends on the size of the classroom. This varies from 13-17 per class for social distancing.
- Are the in-person teachers also doing the virtual lessons? Or will there be a teacher specifically assigned to virtual for each grade? Teachers will have both in-person and virtual students each class.
- Will there be clubs or tutoring during 1st semester? No, not at this time. We will revisit this in the Spring.
- Will mask be required to be certain colors? No, the student may wear any color mask. If they want to match the uniform, the colors are red, white, and blue.
- How will our student receive their schedules if Orientation will be done virtually? Each family will be emailed their student's class schedule, as well as other detailed information at the beginning of the school year.
- Will breakfast still be served? Breakfast will still be served.
- Can students still bring packed lunch and/or snacks from home? Students can bring a packed lunch or snack from home.
- Will students be allowed to bring bottled water from home to avoid use of communal water fountains? Students are encouraged to bring bottled water from home.
- It has been answered that there will be 13-17 students per class in order to the social distance to 6 feet. If this is accomplished, will masks still be required? Masks will be required in areas where social distancing is not possible. All classrooms in the new and old building will have an average class size of 13-17 students per class.
- Are there any plans to create additional classrooms from existing non-classroom space, adding more space through additional portables, etc.? At this time, there are not any plans to create additional classrooms.
- Will there be social distancing in the computer labs and media center (in school and EDP)? Students in the computer lab and media center will follow the same social distancing measures.
- Will instructions be provided to parents on the digital platform for the online option? Yes, instructions will be provided to parents for our TSMS E-Learning Academy. Teachers will provide virtual help sessions to guide parents through the online programs.
- What hours of the day will the student be required to be logged in and participating live with the teacher/other students? What hours will be flexible? Students will need access to a computer between 8:00 am - 3:00 pm each day to receive synchronous (live) and asynchronous (pre-recorded) instruction.
- What supplies other than a computer will be needed for the online option? The supplies needed for the E-Learning Academy will depend on the student's grade level. Teachers will provide adjusted supply lists for online students.
- Will the online option have special area classes? Yes, all classes are offered at this time.
- Can students in the online option come to school for specific events? What about special area classes such as PE? Students participating in the E-Learning Academy are not able to come to school for special events during school hours, including special area classes like PE.
- Can you give us more specifics on when masks will be worn? Masks will be worn when students are unable to social distance by 6 feet. Instances, when masks are worn, may include classrooms, transitions in the hallway, riding on the bus, and standing in line for lunch.
