Teaneck Public School District Return to School Plan
2020-2021

Dr. Christopher Irving, Superintendent Updated August 10, 2020

The Road Back: NJDOE Guidelines

• The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) convened approximately 50 education and community organizations, met with over 300 superintendents, and surveyed nearly 300,000 parents/guardians to inform the development of the reopening plan
• The NJDOE Plan presents guidance to NJ Districts related to four key functional areas:

– Conditions for Learning – Leadership and Planning – Policy and Funding
– Continuity of Learning https://www.nj.gov/education/reopening/NJDOETheRoadBack.pdf

NJDOE Requirements

The guidance describes several health and safety standards to be prioritized in school reopening:

Social distancing: Schools and districts must allow for social distancing within the classroom. This can be achieved by ensuring students are seated at least six feet apart. If schools are not able to maintain this physical distance, additional modifications should be considered. These include physical barriers between desks and turning desks to face the same direction (rather than facing each other)or having students sit on only one side of a table and spaced apart.

Face coverings: School staff and visitors are required to wear face coverings unless doing so would inhibit the individual’s health or the individual is under two years of age. Students are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and are required to do so when social distancing cannot be maintained, unless doing so would inhibit the student’s health. It is necessary to acknowledge that enforcing the use of face coverings may be impractical for young children or certain individuals with disabilities.

NJDOE Requirements

The guidance describes several health and safety standards to be prioritized in school reopening:

Limited capacity: It is recommended that students and staff be seated at least six feet apart in class when practicable. When weather allows, windows should be opened to allow for greater air circulation.

Cleaning/disinfecting: Procedures must be implemented by each school district for the sanitization of school buildings and school buses. Increased handwashing measures are also important for students and staff.

NJDOE Requirements Other provisions in the guidance include:
1. Cafeteria directors should consider staggering meal times to allow for social distancing; discontinuing self-serve or buffet lines; having students eat meals outside or in their classrooms; and requiring staff to disinfect eating areas between groups.
2. Recess should also be held in staggered shifts, with efforts to promote social distancing and hygiene protocols.
3. Cohorting: Schools may wish to identify small groups of students and keep them together (cohorting) to ensure that student and staff groupings are as static as possible, thereby limiting exposure to large groups of students.
4. School bus operators should encourage social distancing. CDC guidelines recommend seating on a school bus such that there is one student seated per row, skipping a row between each child, if possible. Barriers separating rows of bus seats may also be considered. If social distancing is not feasible, face coverings must be worn by students who are able to do so. Increased ventilation (i.e. opening windows) is also recommended in the guidelines.

Teaneck Parent Survey Recap

Purpose: To gain insight on parents/guardians thoughts of the 2020-2021 School Year

Method: Survey was distributed to families via email in English and Spanish on June 1. The survey closed June 10.

Inquires: 23 questions ranging from access to technology, communication, delivery of instruction, ways to improve instruction
Respondents: 486
THS- 26.3%	TJMS- 14.8% BFMS- 10.3% Bryant- 13.4% Hawthorne- 13.8% Lowell- 9.7% Whittier-11.7%
Key Points:
• 80% of children engaged in remote learning moderately to a great deal • Social distancing in classroom was noted as a concern
• Social emotional well-being was noted as a concern
• 58% would like weekly communication from the Office of the Superintendent • 30% of families leaning towards not sending their children back to school

Parent Focus Group Recap

● Superintendent conducted 4 focus groups in mid-July: Pre-k - Grade 4, Middle Schools, High School & Special Services
● Parents expressed concerns pertaining to: –	Wearing of masks throughout the day
–	Remote learning - what will it look like?
–	Frequency of movement in the school building (exposure to more students & staff)
–	Safety precautions - cleaning, arrival & departures, buses –	COVID-19 reporting and impact on school closures
● Parents favored Hybrid/Blended Learning Model (two days in school per week over every other week) although several noted they will be keeping their children home this fall
● Can parents Opt-in or Opt-Out after schools open?

NJ’s Multi-Stage Plan

Stage 1: From maximum restrictions to some relaxed restrictions

Stages 2 & 3: Additional Activities with Significant Safe-Guarding

Stage 4: Back to “New Normal”

Teaneck Public Schools

Stage 1: All Virtual/Remote Learning

Stages 2 & 3: Hybrid/Blended Learning Model

Stage 4: In-school Full-time

Multi-Stage Approach

Districtwide Model: General Education

● Teaneck Public Schools will be using the A/B model (alternating four-day hybrid model) whereby students will attend school in-person for the full day, for two days per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday).
● Students placed in cohorts to allow for half the school population to participate in face-to-face instruction, while other half will learn from home virtually (“live” instruction).
● Fridays will be used for Google Classroom assignments or assessments

Go-Forward Instructional Plan Model

Preschool Instructional Model

The A/B alternating four-day hybrid model will allow students to attend school for the full day, for two days per week. Students will be placed in cohorts to allow for half the school population to participate in face-to-face instruction, while the second group of students will learn from home virtually. Students will alternate learning environments based on the designated day of rotation.

Explanation of the Instructional Model: Preschool Students In-District Learners
Preschool students will follow the regular class schedule with additional time allotted for handwashing in between activities. Activities will be modified, using suggestions from the curriculum developers, to meet the needs of social distancing and sanitizing protocols, while also addressing the preschool learning standards.

Remote, Virtual Learners

Preschool students will be provided assignments to support their learning on the days in which they do not report to school. This could include paper, pencil, extended learning lessons or a combination. Hands-on activities and materials will be supplied to the families for at-home learning. Teachers will hold small group virtual meetings to instruct students in literacy and math activities.

Go-Forward Instructional Plan Model Elementary Instructional Model

The A/B alternating four-day hybrid model will allow students to attend school for the full day, for two days per week. Students will be placed in cohorts to allow for half the school population to participate in face-to-face instruction, while the second group of students will learn from home virtually. Students will alternate learning environments based on the designated day of rotation.

Explanation of the Instructional Model: Elementary School In-District Learners
Elementary learners will remain in their respective classrooms where they will receive instruction in the core content areas (e.g., language arts, mathematics, science and social studies). When possible, elective teachers such as music, art and world language will travel into the students’ classrooms to decrease the amount movement throughout the buildings. Students will be able to interact with peers using social distancing protocols with CDC guidelines in place.

Remote, Virtual Learners

Students who are learning remotely participate in synchronous, asynchronous and/or project-based learning experiences which will be aligned to grade-level standards. These learning experiences may include: live-stream instruction via Google Meets, collaborative conversations or projects with peers using technology and/ or independent learning activities aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Go-Forward Instructional Plan Model Middle School Instructional Model
The A/B alternating four-day hybrid model will allow students to attend school for the full day, for two days per week. Students will be placed in cohorts to allow for half the school population to participate in face-to-face instruction, while the second group of students will learn from home virtually. Students will alternate learning environments based on the designated day of rotation.

Explanation of the Instructional Model In-District Learners
Middle school learners, including seventh and eighth graders, will remain in their respective classrooms where they will receive instruction in the core content areas (e.g., language arts, mathematics, science and social studies). When possible, elective teachers such as music, art and world language will travel into the students’ classrooms to decrease the amount movement throughout the buildings. Students will be able to interact with peers using social distancing protocols with CDC guidelines in place.

Remote, Virtual Learners

Students who are learning remotely participate in synchronous, asynchronous and/or project-based learning experiences which will be aligned to grade-level standards. These learning experiences may include: live-stream instruction via Google Meets, collaborative conversations or projects with peers using technology and/ or independent learning activities aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Go-Forward Instructional Plan Model High School Instructional Model

The A/B alternating four-day hybrid model will allow students to attend school for the full day, for two days per week. Students will be placed in cohorts to allow for half the school population to participate in face-to-face instruction, while the second group of students will learn from home virtually. Students will alternate learning environments based on the designated day of rotation.

Explanation of the Instructional Model

In-District Learners: High school students will travel from classroom to classroom. Stairwells will be identified as up and down stairwells in order to limit interaction among students. High school classrooms will utilize checkerboard seating and all students will receive personalized desk guards/barriers in accordance with the CDC and NJDOE recommendations.

Remote, Virtual Learners: Students who are learning remotely participate in synchronous, asynchronous and/or project-based learning experiences which will be aligned to grade-level standards. These learning experiences may include: live-stream instruction via Google Meets, collaborative conversations or projects with peers using technology and/ or independent learning activities aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Districtwide Model: Special Education/Special Services

In accordance with the student's Individual Education Program (IEP) and to the greatest extent possible, instruction will be a mix of traditional in-person instruction and remote learning opportunities.
●	Students in self-contained (PSD, MD, LLD, BD, & MD) programs (grades preschool through post graduate) will receive in-person instruction, full-time, four (4) days with social distancing protocols in place
●	Students in practical programs (grades 9 through 12) will receive in-person instruction, full-time, four (4) days with social distancing protocols in place
●	Students in the in-class support, pull-out resource support, or replacement programs (preschool through grade 12) will receive instruction by the A/B Model
●	Paraprofessionals will assist students via in-person instruction with social distancing protocols in place and/or remotely, through the Google Classroom
●	Related Service Providers will arrange a schedule within the normal school hours for services as per the student’s IEP and communicate this schedule to teachers and families
●	Fridays will be used for Google Classroom assignments, assessments or Related Services

Special Assistance for Families IEP-Related Services

Ongoing Communication and Support:

•	The Department of Special Education will hold monthly Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) meetings and/or Town Hall Meetings.
•	Parent/Guardian Workshops will be arranged to support families in reopening of schools, instructional methods and/or other topics of interest.
•	Teaching Staff, Child Study Team Members and Related Service Providers will be available during normal school hours to support the students and families they serve.
•	Service providers will contact parents and guardians to ensure that services are implemented in accordance with each student’s IEP to the greatest extent possible.
•	Updated Special Education Department information and initiatives can be found at Specialized Education Webpage

IEP Meetings:

•	New or standing IEP meetings with Child Study Team members, parents/guardians and other participants will be conducted via conferencing software such as Google Meet within the normal school hours.

English Language Learners

• The district’s English learners will have the option of opting in for full-time, in-district instruction or adhering to the hybrid schedule in place
• Irrespective of schedule, all English language learners will be provided with at least one period of instruction every day by a certified ESL teacher, and receive an additional period of high-intensity support, as per the Bilingual Waiver
• Language instruction will be allocated in conjunction with the school's schedule for instruction in core subject areas; and services will be designed to improve English language acquisition in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• Parental and community input will continue to be provided about the district’s English language learner programs
• Content area teachers will receive district-provided ELL professional development to support language instruction

After School Tutoring Program

● In order to ensure equity with instruction, the district will work with faculty to facilitate after school tutoring groups
● Sessions will range from 60 -75 minutes of fully virtual instruction which will take place in the late afternoon/early evening (Exploring Saturday Option)
● Students will be cohorted in learning communities of no more than five students over the course of 30 weeks
● Faculty will be paid a stipend to facilitate the aforementioned groups
● Sign-up for the after school tutoring program will be facilitated by the school’s Tutor Program Coordinator

Summer Bridge Program 2021

● Teaneck School District will offer a district-wide Summer Bridge Program utilizing a virtual or in-person learning model during the month of July 2021
● This program is open to incoming first through incoming twelfth grade students
● The Elementary School Summer Bridge Program will focus on language arts, mathematics, STEM, social studies and character education
● The Middle School Summer Bridge Program will focus on essay writing, mathematics, exploring controversies in science and social studies
● The High School Summer Bridge Program will focus on writing the academic essay, topics in high school mathematics, current events and principles for interactive electronic objects
● Student must currently be enrolled in the Teaneck Public Schools

Go-Forward Instructional Plan Model

● Technology Support
○ All staff and students (Pre-K to Grade 12) will have Chromebooks provided to them
○ Providing hotspots to families without reliable internet access at home
○ Web cameras provided to teaching staff to deliver virtual instruction (web cameras can be used in fully virtual model)
○ Increased internet bandwidth to ensure our staff and students can access internet resources while in the district
○ Hiring of additional technology staff to assist teachers with any technical issues
○ For any issues, parents/guardians, students and staff can email techhelp@teaneckschools.org to reach the technology department for technical assistance

Safety Protocols: Schools

● Moratorium on all fall and winter sports, in-school assemblies, and afterschool activities (except SACC)
● Safety Officer assigned to each school to ensure adherence to protocol implementation
● Mask/face covering required at all times, except when eating in the cafeteria or participating in Phys. Ed.
● ID’s for ALL students, staff, and visitors, to be readily identifiable while face is covered

Safety Protocols: Schools

● Throughout buildings, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) instructions will be visible to all staff and students indicating:
○ Social Distancing ○ Wash Your Hands ○ Wear Face Masks
● Cleaning protocols will be implemented daily to ensure disinfections of surfaces throughout the building

Safety Protocols: In-School Requirements

Social Distancing although recommended is not always practical. In order to limit exposure to COVID-19, the following measures will be required:
• Face masks or face shields for all
• Frequent washing and disinfecting of hands (Hand sanitizing stations have been added in each school building)
• Face shields for teachers
• Portable Desk Guards for students
• Limit sharing of books, papers, documents or tangible items • Lockers will not be used for Middle & High Schools
• Limit travel of students to different classrooms

Safety Protocols: Student Personal Safety Box & Desk Shields

Social Distancing Practices

Social Distancing: Student Line-Up

Social Distancing In Classroom Where Possible

The classroom limits would average of 9-12 students per class.

Safety Protocols: Schools Decals to be located throughout the schools

PPE Starter Kits for Staff

● (1) Personal Size Hand Sanitizer Gel (75%) Alcohol

● (1) Adjustable, Washable, Reusable Face Masks

● (1) Face Shield

●	5 pair - Nitrile Disposable Gloves

● Safety Flyer: Social Distancing, Washing Hands, etc.

PPE Starter Kits for Students

● (1) Individual Transportable Barrier

● (1) Adjustable, Washable, Reusable Face Mask

● Safety Flyer: Social Distancing, Washing Hands, etc.

NOTE: Parents must also provide PPE for their child/children

Safety Protocols: Busing

● Masks/face coverings must be worn by all drivers, aides and students upon entering the bus
● Students will board the school bus by filling the back rows first, and then progressing forward
● Assigned seating for students will assist in ensuring that such practices are followed consistently
● Windows will be cracked open to provide better ventilation ● School buses will be cleaned and disinfected between routes ● Drivers and Aides will have daily health checks
● Signs posted to reinforce social distancing and hygiene rules ● Siblings will be assigned to sit together

Safety Protocols: Food Distribution

● Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily
● Breakfast and lunch will be a Grab & Go to the classrooms for students or depending upon the number of students in school, could be served in socially-distanced cafeteria
● Daily Grab & Go breakfast and lunch will available for students to take home for the next at home day
● Daily Grab & Go meals will be available for fully virtual students to pick-up at 2 designated locations in the district (Bryant & High School are likely locations)

Safety Protocols: COVID-19 Reporting

● Establish dedicated “Isolation Area” for students/staff who exhibit symptoms during day
● In the event that a school or district office has a case/s of COVID-19, the district will notify Teaneck Township Health Officer: Ken Katter and will follow his direction for quarantining, cleaning, isolation or closure.
● District policies will be finalized to address COVID-19 reporting and procedures for staff and students

Safety Protocols:
Visitors to Schools & District Office

● All visitors must have prior appointment approval from Building Principal / Head of Department being visited
● All visitors must display government issued ID & process ID through visitor management system
● All visitors will be required to wear a mask and observe social-distancing protocols
● Virtual meetings will be recommended for meeting with school-based and district staff when possible

Human Resource Management Considerations & Policies

The Department of Human Resource Management and Compliance has reviewed and will continue to address the following critical areas in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year:
• The Center for Disease Control Guidelines for Community, Work and Schools
• Policies and Regulations regarding the Rights of Staff Members • Reasonable Accommodations for Essential Job Functions
• Screening Processes for both Staff and Students
• Leave Requests and Documentation related to COVID-19 • Staff Procurement

Human Resource Management Considerations & Policies:
Returning to School Buildings
●	Adhere to guidelines set forth by The Center for Disease Control as we reopen schools in September. These guidelines include recommendations for implementing mitigation strategies such as social distancing, cloth face coverings, hand hygiene and maintaining healthy work environments.

●	Update Current Visitor Policy: The revised policy will identify acceptable visitors in district buildings during the pandemic. Language may include temporarily suspending visitation of student teachers, interns and college students who would like to conduct clinical practicums with our schools during this pandemic period.

●	Designate an Isolation Zone/Space: Establishment of a designated “Isolation Zone” at each school for students and/or staff with symptoms related to COVID-19

●	Create Contact Tracing Policy: The Contact Tracing Guidelines will be consistent with policies set forth by The Department of Health. The policy will also include 2 appointed staff liaisons who will interface between the district and the Department of Health to provide relative information on staff and students.

THE ABOVE WILL REQUIRE TEANECK BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVAL

Human Resource Management Considerations & Policies:
Returning to School Buildings

Provide professional development trainings and staff tutorials on the following COVID-19 related topics:
○ Planning, Preparing and Responding for Educational Models ○ Workplace Guidelines
○ Hand Washing & Hand Sanitizing ○ OSHA Mask Guide

Timeline for trainings:
○ 10-month staff will complete during first week of return to school ○ 12-month staff will complete by September 1

Implement an Employee Health Tracking System: Staff will be required to regularly monitor their own health related to COVID-19 symptoms and possible exposure including, but not limited to: travel to high risk states and countries and contact with people who have COVID-19.

Human Resource Management Considerations & Policies:
Virtual Instruction & Friday Expectations

On Fridays, in accordance with the district’s hybrid schedule, all students will learn remotely.
School staff will:
•	Report to their respective school buildings on Fridays
•	Continue to meet with and teach students remotely via small-group instruction if needed; •	Participate in vertical articulation and grade-level meetings if needed;
•	Engage in professional development sessions related to PDPs and district initiatives if needed; and
•	Meet as subject area departments with content-area supervisors to address curricular issues if needed.
To accommodate the virtual learning schedule, the following policies will be reviewed: •	Policies related to camera use in the classroom
•	Instructional time allotments and teaching responsibilities as agreed upon in the TTEA bargaining agreement
•	20-hour professional development requirement for teachers as per administrative code

Human Resource Management Considerations & Policies:

● Negative COVID-19 Test Results: The District will require a negative COVID-19 test result for all employees prior to returning. New hires will be required to submit medical documentation as part of the onboarding process.

● Staff Members Who May Be at Higher Risk: The Teaneck Public School District is committed to supporting employees who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If a staff member falls into any of the categories listed by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they are considered to be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection. This generally includes all individuals over the age of 65 and anyone with an underlying medical condition. Employees may request a reasonable accommodation, which includes assistance or changes to a position or workplace that will enable an employee to do his or her job despite having a disability.

Human Resource Management Considerations & Policies:

● Positive COVID-19 Test Results: Employees who test positive for COVID-19 will need to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days from the positive test. Human Resource Management should be notified by the employee. Under the CARES Act, employees will be eligible for the COVID-19 FMLA 14 day paid provision. In order to return to work, the employee will need to provide clearance from a medical professional to Human Resource Management prior to returning to work.

● Exposure to COVID-19: Employees who have been informed they have been exposed to COVID-19 and are advised to self-quarantine should consult their healthcare provider and notify Human Resource Management immediately. Employees will be expected to work remotely. Additionally, they should self-quarantine for a period of 14 days from the last exposure, be monitored by a health care professional and cleared by medical documentation to return to normal work duties.

Student Mental Health Services

Counseling Support Services are available to students and families: ● School Based Supports
○ Outreach Workers (elementary)
○ School Counselors (middle and high school)
○ FORUM Counselors - counseling support at the THS, programs for middle and high school students
○ Student Assistance Coordinator ○ CarePlus
● Mental Health Initiative Clinicians via School Climate Transformation Grant - Counseling sessions provided virtually via Google Meets
○ Elementary and Middle School students and families
● Webinars to provide resources and support to families
● Exploring student peer support groups for various grade levels

After School Care for Families

District SACC Program

– Follow District Model Monday - Thursday (no Fridays); parents can opt to bring child to and from program on days “home” (no transportation provided)

– Must Follow State Daycare Requirements: No more than 10 students per group; groups cannot co-mingle and must have two staff members for every 10 students

– New District-run Locations
• Lacey, Whittier & Lowell
• State Licensing process has begun for Theodora Smiley Lacey School. Will need to do same for Whittier & Lowell.

– New Online Registration (via MySchoolBucks) scheduled to begin August 19 for first half of school year. Rates will be higher to meet new needs of program.

– Staff Hiring in Progress (Board approved on August 26 pending background checks)

– SACC will reopen on Sept. 14 and run through Dec. 22. We will re-evaluate SACC options for second half of school year in November.

All Remote Learning Option

• Per Governor’s guidance on July 24, all NJ school districts must offer an “All Remote Learning Option” for families: https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/approved/20200724a.shtml

• The District is currently working on the process for families interested in selecting this option and will release information to parents in mid-August

All Remote Learning Option Updated August 10, 2020
All Remote Learning: Blended learning platform whereby asynchronous and synchronous experiences, tasks and assignments are

provided. Schedules
●	All students opting for this model will engage in learning activities five days a week for the full duration of the school day.

○	Students will follow an instructional schedule to ensure that they form and maintain instructional routines as per their marking period schedule.
○	Schedules will vary and will be based upon the school and grade.

Synchronous Instruction

●	Google Meets, the video conferencing tool within Google, will be used to provide the following: ○	synchronous live instruction to explain and teach concepts;
○	small and whole group discussion opportunities; and

○	individual conferences between teachers and students.

Assignments and Tasks

●	Google Classroom will be the platform that will be utilized to house assignments, meeting links, learning resources and tasks. ●	Assignments and tasks will be a blend of individual, group or collaborative assignments where teachers utilize interactive,
multimedia content to support learning objectives.

○	Students will be expected to turn in assignments utilizing Google classroom in order to demonstrate mastery of the content and material.
●	Materials/Resources needed for instruction will be disseminated within the first week of school. Additional information will be forthcoming.

All Remote Learning Option Updated August 10, 2020

Remote Learning and Special Education

●	Special Education will follow the district remote learning plan and specific needs of our students by:
○	Providing instruction via Google Classroom in accordance with a student’s schedule and as per their IEP. This will be a combination of live-instruction, recorded lessons, and small group instruction based on the needs and levels of the students.
○	IEP mandated related services will be provided throughout the school day.

■	Service providers will contact parents and guardians to set schedules and ensure that services are implemented in accordance with each student’s IEP to the greatest extent possible.
■	Paraprofessionals will assist students remotely, through Google Classroom platform. ○	Special education teachers, staff, child study team members and related service
providers will be available during normal school hours to support the students and families they serve.
○	New or standing IEP meetings with Child Study Team members, parents/guardians and other participants will be conducted via conferencing software such as Google Meet within the normal school hours.

Moving Forward

• Working Faculty Group to discuss reopening, policies and procedures (throughout August)
• Upcoming Superintendent Town Hall Meetings –	For Staff - August 10
–	For Parents/Guardians - August 13 –	For Students - August 18
–	All Virtual - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

• Preparing Frequently Asked Questions Documents

• Release Public Service Announcement (PSA) Video being prepared by students for students (for start of school)

• Revised School District Calendar (for Board approval on tonight’s/July 29 agenda; move first day of school to Sept. 8)

Moving Forward

• New Teacher Orientation

– New teacher orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2020 through Thursday, August 27, 2020

– In light of the health-related closure, training topics will include: social and emotional wellness, culturally relevant and sustainable instruction, pedagogical practices for online instruction and differentiated learning strategies

• Central Registration

– Contact the registrar through email (registrar@teaneckschools.org) or by phone (201-833-5512) to complete registration remotely

Outstanding Issues

● All Remote Learning “Opt-in & Opt-out” process for students
● Health-related guidance faculty & staff who have pre-existing conditions
● Future of Athletics & extra-curricular activities for 2020-2021
● Completion and approval of COVID-19 related Board Policies

QUESTIONS?