West Babylon Reopening Plan
A Message from the Superintendent
Dear West Babylon Families and Colleagues,
The health and safety of our students, staff and faculty is of utmost importance. In accordance with the Governor’s office, schools will OPEN if the region (Nassau/ Suffolk) is in Phase IV and daily COVID-19 infection rate remains below 5 percent or lower using a 14-day average. Utilizing the guidance documents from the CDC, NYS Dept of Health and State Education Department, we have been preparing to reopen our school buildings for the 2020-2021 school year.
We have developed communications plans to support all facets of our reopening plan. We recognize that through effective, regular and frequent two-way communication, we can help make the adjustment back to school an easier experience for our students and their families.
Communication with the families in our district and the ability to engage our community is vital to the success of all of our students. We thank you for participating and sharing your thoughts via surveys or building meetings. Please rest assured that we will inform our students, families, staff and faculty about all of the important information regarding changes to the delivery of instruction, scheduling, health and safety protocols, transportation and nutrition, and ways to support social emotional well-being.
As a West Babylon family, we will soar and get through these challenging, unprecedented times. We are all working together to address countless reopening procedures. No solution we develop will meet the expectations of all or guarantee 100% success. If we miss an area or if the best laid plans do not provide desired outcomes, rest assured we will change direction as needed.
I am confident that together we will get through these times and ensure that health, safety, teaching and learning, equity and social-emotional well-being remain at the forefront of all decisions made for our school district.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly
Superintendent of Schools
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Introduction
Our primary commitment is to the students, families, staff and faculty. When the 2020-2021 school year begins, on-campus school will look much different than previous years due to COVID-19 and the health and safety measures that continue to evolve. This School Reopening Plan will define clear guidance for the reopening of our seven (7) schools and aligns with the regulations developed in collaboration with NYSDOH and the NYS Education Department.
The areas outlined in this plan represent the myriad considerations West Babylon UFSD will address to reopen schools safely and to sustain our safe operation. It is important to note that our plan retains a strong focus on academic instruction to enhance student performance and address learning loss. An emphasis on the social-emotional needs of our students is a priority and therefore have addressed this within our plan.
This plan includes procedures that will be followed in the following West Babylon Schools:
Forest Avenue Elementary School
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Santapogue Elementary School
South Bay Elementary School
Tooker Avenue Elementary School
West Babylon Junior High School
West Babylon Senior High School
To be clear, the health and safety of our students, our staff, and their families is our top priority. Our reopening plan incorporates recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
It is possible that we may need to alternate between in-person and remote learning throughout the year due to recommendations and guidance from our partnering agencies, and stay-at-home orders from the Governor. The level of infection, the spread of the virus and response to the disease in our community will be at the forefront of decision making as we move to open our schools.
Dr. Yiendhy Farrelly, Superintendent of Schools will serve as the District’s COVID-19 Coordinator. She will serve as a central contact for school principals and will ensure the district is in compliance and following the best practices per state and federal guidelines. The Building principals will serve as the Building District COVID-19 Coordinators. They will work with their building teams (nurse, head/ chief custodian etc.) on COVID-19 matters and implement these reopening plans.
Forest Avenue Elementary School
Gayle Manchisi, Principal 631-376-7300http://www.wbschools.org/Schools/forest_avenue_elementary_school
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Denisha Van Liew, Principal 631-376-7801
/http://www.wbschools.org/Schools/john_f_kennedy_elementary_school
Santapogue Elementary School
Jennifer Carere, Principal - 631-376-7401
http://www.wbschools.org/Schools/santapogue_elementary_school
South Bay Elementary School
Christina Cotter, Principal - 631-376-7501
http://www.wbschools.org/Schools/south_bay_elementary_school
Tooker Avenue Elementary School
Charles Germano, Principal - 631-376-7601
http://www.wbschools.org/Schools/tooker_avenue_elementary_school
West Babylon Junior High School
Jessica Yawney-Kohler, Principal - 631-376-7200
http://wbschools.org/Schools/west_babylon_junior_high_school
West Babylon Senior High School
Stephen O’Leary, Principal - 631-376-7100
http://www.wbschools.org/Schools/west_babylon_senior_high_school
Of course, as with every plan being developed throughout New York State, this document is fluid and will change as necessary based on guidance from the NYS Department of Health, CDC, and NYSED and in consideration of our families and our staff. We strongly believe the services described throughout this plan are in the best interests of our students, families, staff, and community.
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Guiding Principles
The development of this plan was guided by and grounded in the following principles:
1. Safeguarding the health and safety of students and staff;
2. Providing the opportunity for all students to access education in the fall;
3. Monitoring schools, students, and staff. When necessary, modifying schedules to appropriately contain COVID-19 spread;
4. Emphasizing equity, access, and support to the students and communities that are emerging from this historic disruption;
5. Fostering strong two-way communication with partners, such as families, educators, and staff;
6. Factoring into decision making the challenges to the physical safety, social emotional well-being, and the mental health needs of our students caused by school closure; and
7. Considering and supporting diversity in our schools and school districts as we provide education is essential.
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Communication/Family and Community Engagement
To help inform our reopening plan, the West Babylon administration team has sought feedback and input from stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians of students, local health department officials and health care providers, employee unions and community groups. Engagement efforts included online surveys, virtual forums/meetings/ subcommittees and one-on-one conversations.
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Superintendent’s Management Team Meetings (June and July Meeting Dates)
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Sub-Committee Meetings based on Topic - (June and July Meeting Dates)
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Health and Safety, Human Resources, Teaching and Learning, Transportation, Nutrition, and
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Facilities
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Parent Meetings Facilitated by Building Principals
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Faculty Meetings Facilitated by Building Principals
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Parent Surveys (Friday, June 20, 2020 & Wednesday, July 22, 2020)
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WBTA Teacher Survey (Thursday, July 23, 2020)
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CSEA Survey (Wednesday, July 22, 2020)
Paraprofessional Survey (Thursday, July 23, 2020)
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Labor Management Council Meeting (July 28, 2020)
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July 21, 2020 Board of Education Meeting
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July 28, 2020 Board of Education Meeting
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Student Meetings
The district remains committed to communicating all elements of this reopening plan to students, parents and guardians, staff and visitors. The plan is available to all stakeholders via the district website at [insert district-specific URL], and will be updated throughout the school year, as necessary, to respond to local circumstances.
As part of its planning for the reopening of schools and the new academic year, the district has developed a plan for communicating all necessary information to district staff, students, parents/guardians, visitors and education partners and vendors. The district will use its existing communication modes – including School Messenger emails, texts and phone calls, US mail, video messages, social media, webpages, building virtual meetings as well as appropriate signage and training opportunities to support the dissemination of consistent messaging regarding new protocols and procedures, expectations, requirements and options related to school operations throughout the pandemic.
West Babylon Communication Goals:
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To encourage all students, faculty, staff, and visitors through verbal and written communication (e.g., signage) to adhere to NYSED, CDC, and DOH guidance regarding the use of acceptable face coverings (a face mask covering the nose and mouth, particularly when a 6 ftsocial distance cannot be maintained).
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To provide regular updates regarding health and safety, scheduling, teaching and learning and all other information faculty, staff and families should be aware of.
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To provide information to families through a wide array of platforms including mail, email, telephone calls, text messaging, social media and website postings.
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To provide information on how families can access technology and receive technical support to assist with utilization and maintenance of equipment.
West Babylon will utilize communication methods used by the district to inform the school community. Information will be dispersed in a variety of platforms that include:
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District website
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School Messenger emails, phone calls and text messages
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Online training sessions
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Correspondence mailed home
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Social media accounts used by District
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Parent/Faculty Meetings (Zoom, Google Classroom, etc.) as needed
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Board Meetings
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Professional Development Days
Clear messaging will be prepared and consistently communicated before re-entry, on the first day, during the first week, throughout the first month, and continuously throughout the year. Minimum monthly communication will provide information on the following topics:
positive difference and communicate the expectation for them to do so.
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The facts as we currently know them (NYSDOH, CDC, NYSED).
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The importance of social distancing, monitoring symptoms of COVID-19 and when to
stay home.
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Set protocols for entrance (screening) and the review process for staff calling in sick.
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Reminders for all to stay home if they feel sick.
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Encourage and implement social distancing throughout our schools.
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Practice proper hand hygiene. Staff is allowed to use hand sanitizer, but hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still more effective. Hand sanitizer works best on clean hands.
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Encourage and practice proper respiratory etiquette (i.e., coughing or sneezing into your elbow if a tissue is not available).
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Encouraging personal responsibility for yourself and your work area.
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Educating the school community on district policies/procedures, including how to properly wear and dispose of a face mask/respirator.
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Health and Safety
The health and safety of our students, our staff and their families is our top priority. We want students and employees to feel comfortable and safe returning to school campuses. Our reopening plan incorporates recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
The following protocols and procedures will be in place in all district schools for the 2020-21 school year should in-person instruction resume. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact our COVID-19 Safety Coordinator (Your Building Principal) at:
Forest Avenue Elementary School - Gayle Manchisi, Principal (631) 376-7300 gmanchisi@wbschools.org
John F Kennedy Elementary School - Denisha VanLiew, Principal (631) 376-7801 dvanliew@wbschools.org
Santapogue Elementary School, Jennifer Carere, Principal (631) 376-7401 jcarere@wbschools.org
South Bay Elementary School, Christina Cotter, Principal (631)376-7501 ccotter@wbschools.org
Tooker Avenue Elementary School - Charles Germano, Principal(631) 376-7601 cgermano@wbschools.org
West Babylon JHS - Jessica Yawney-Kohler, Principal 631-376-7204 jyawney@wbschools.org
West Babylon Senior High School - Stephen O’Leary Principal - 631-376-7100 soleary@wbschools.org
For more information please visit our website at www.wbschools.org - Quick Link - Reopening Plan.
To ensure employees and students comply with communication requirements, West Babylon will:
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Post signage throughout the buildings to remind personnel to adhere to proper hygiene, social distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning/disinfecting protocols.
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Maintain a continuous log of every person, including staff, workers, and visitors, who may have close contact with other individuals at the work site, school, or area; excluding deliveries that are performed with appropriate PPE or through contactless means.
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If a worker or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the school district must immediately notify state and local health departments and cooperate with contact tracing efforts, including notification of potential contacts, such as workers or visitors who had close contact with the individual, while maintaining confidentiality required by state and federal law and regulations.
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Facility Entry
To ensure all faculty, staff, students, and visitors comply with physical distancing requirements, anyone within West Babylon facilities will practice social distancing expectations:
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Where feasible, entry and egress in and out of all buildings will be limited to a single location. If applicable, a single point entry and single point egress will be identified to minimize cross traffic. All entry to the buildings will occur through the main entrance to a check-in point at the security station.
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A face covering must be worn by all individuals, students, staff, and visitors on West Babylon property - particularly when social distancing cannot be maintained.
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Proper face covering includes, but is not limited to, a surgical mask or cloth mask and must completely cover the individual's mouth and nose.
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A plastic face shield alone is not an acceptable face covering.
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All individuals may choose to utilize their own face covering, however face coverings will be provided by West Babylon if a student, staff or faculty member does have one on a particular day.
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Daily Health Screening
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Prior to entering all West Babylon School District locations, individuals must complete a medical screening questionnaire. This questionnaire is accessible through the West Babylon School District website at www.wbschools.org or the QR code that has been posted at all main entrances that provides a direct link to the survey using an iPhone or android phone.
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Staff should complete this screening prior to arriving at work via the electronic submission form.
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Staff will be required to monitor their own temperatures prior to arrival on campus and throughout the day. Anyone whose symptoms response changes from a NO to YES during the day, must contact their supervisor immediately and await further instruction.
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Students and visitors will be screened for temperature at arrival.
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Parents are encouraged to monitor for temperatures and symptoms prior to sending their student on a bus, however students will be screened at arrival for temperatures.
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Visitors will have their temperatures taken upon arrival.
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All staff must continue to sign in and out using TimePiece when they enter and exit the building.
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Students will be signed in and accounted for as without fever/symptoms and able to attend school through attendance roll.
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For multiple individuals entering the building simultaneously, they will be required to stand at the marked out locations on the floor, maintaining social distance until they can be signed in and screened.
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Only after all individuals have been accounted for, cleared through the medical screening and wearing proper face coverings, will access to the building be granted.
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Should a person fail the medical screening, specific procedures should be followed. Please reference the Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19 Case section for guidance.
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Social Distancing
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All individuals on West Babylon School District premises must maintain social distancing and face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
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Proper social distancing is defined as a six (6) foot separation between individuals. When social distancing is practiced, such as in an isolated office or large meeting space, the individuals may remove their face covering. However in common areas, such as breakrooms, hallways or bathrooms, the face covering must be worn.
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Ensure six (6) foot distance between personnel, unless safety or core function of the work activity requires a shorter distance. Any time personnel are less than six (6) feet apart from one another, personnel must wear acceptable face coverings.
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Social distance separation will be outlined using tape or signs that denote six (6) feet of spacing in commonly used and other applicable areas on the site (e.g., clock in/out TimePiece stations, health screening stations, reception areas).
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In-person gatherings will be limited as much as possible and we will use video-conferencing whenever possible. Essential in-person gatherings, such as meetings, will be held in open, well-ventilated spaces with appropriate social distancing among participants or via video conferencing.
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Personal Hygiene
Hand washing - Students and staff must practice good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Schools should plan time in the school day schedule to allow for hand hygiene.
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Hand hygiene includes:
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Signage encouraging hand washing and correct techniques;
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Traditional hand washing (with soap and warm water, lathering for a minimum of 20 seconds), which is the preferred method. This can be accomplished by singing or humming the happy birthday song twice;
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Adequate facilities and supplies for hand washing including soap and water;
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Use of paper towels or touch-free paper towel dispensers where feasible (hand dryers are not recommended as they can aerolize germs);
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Use of no-touch/foot pedal trash can where feasible;
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Time in the day to encourage frequent hand washing.
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Students and staff should wash hands as follows
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Upon entering the building and classrooms;
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Before and after snacks and lunch;
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After using the bathroom;
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After helping a student with toileting;
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After sneezing, wiping, or blowing nose or coughing into hands;
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Anytime hands are visibly soiled;
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When handwashing is not available use a hand sanitizer;
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Hand Sanitizer - At times when hand washing is not available students and staff may use a hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizing stations will be placed in various parts of the building. In order for the sanitizer to be effective it must contain a minimum of 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. It should be noted the sanitizers are flammable and students must be monitored and supervised when using these.
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Visitor and Vendor Practices
No outside visitors or volunteers will be allowed on school campuses, except for the safety and well-being of students. Meetings will be encouraged using virtual platforms. Parents/guardians will report to the front office and not go beyond unless it is for the safety or well-being of their child. Essential visitors to facilities and parent/guardian visitors will be required to wear face coverings and will have restricted access to our school buildings. Drop off of items such as lunch will occur within the double door vestibule of our school buildings.
Visitors
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All visitors must be wearing proper face covering prior to entering any building and it must be worn at all times when a six (6) foot social distance cannot be maintained.
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All visitors check in at Security for temperature screening and to fill out the COVID-19 CHECK-IN SCREENING which can be found by scanning the QR Code posted on all doors. The visitors must sign in with their identification with our Security Guard through the Raptor system for a visitor badge. This will indicate to all other Security locations that the visitor has been screened.
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No visitor should enter a building unless absolutely necessary. All meetings will be held outside, via double door system or virtual meetings when possible.
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All visitors must sign in and out with the security guard of each building stating their destination at that building for contact tracing. All visitors should be accompanied by a staff member.
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Should a visitor become ill while on campus, they must alert the staff member they are visiting to report the issue and then immediately seek medical attention.
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At the end of each day, the security guard must submit the sign-in/out documents (utilizing RAPTOR visitor management system) to the building principal via email. Each document must be named indicating the location and date, following this format: LOCATIONMMDDYYYY.pdf (example: SouthBay09252020).
Vendor
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All vendors must be wearing proper face covering prior to entering any building and it must be worn at all times when six (6) foot social distance cannot be maintained.
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All vendors must report first to the Visitor’s Desk at each entrance for temperature screening and to fill out the COVID-19 CHECK-IN SCREENING which can be found by scanning the QR Code posted on all doors. The vendors must sign in with their identification through the Raptor system for a visitor badge. This will indicate to all other Security locations that the vendor has been screened.
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No vendor should enter a building unless necessary for completion of their job. All meetings should be held outside or via Google Meet or zoom when possible.
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All vendors must sign in and out at the main entrance of each building stating their destination at that building for contact tracing. All vendors should be accompanied by a staff member.
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Should a vendor become ill while on campus, they must alert the staff member they’re visiting to report the issue and then immediately seek medical attention.
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Training
West Babylon School District will train all personnel on new protocols and frequently communicate safety guidelines. Training on the precautions listed below will be conducted either remotely or in person. Social distancing and face coverings will be required for all participants if training is conducted in person. Training material is designed to be easy to understand and available in the appropriate language and literacy level for all workers.
West Babylon School District will ensure all students are taught or trained how to follow new COVID-19 protocols safely and correctly, including but not limited to hand hygiene, proper face covering wearing, social distancing, and respiratory hygiene. Additional training will be provided in:
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Prevention of disease spreads by staying home when they are sick.
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Proper respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
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Avoiding the use of communal objects. If communal objects must be used, provide information on proper disinfection procedures between use. Examples of communal objects include, but are not limited to, other workers’ phones, desks, offices, computers or other devices, other work tools and equipment.
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Provide employees and students with up-to-date education and training on COVID-19.
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Risk factors and protective behaviors (i.e., cough etiquette and care of PPE).
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html
Training for Screeners
West Babylon School District will identify individuals familiar with CDC, OSHA protocols, and DOH guidelines in each building who will be a trained screener. Screeners will wear appropriate employer-provided PPE, including at a minimum, a face covering, temperature screenings and social distancing. If social distancing or barrier/partition controls cannot be implemented during screening, PPE should be used when within six (6) feet of a student.
Training topics for all staff and substitutes
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Proper hand washing: proper hand hygiene. Promote frequent and thorough hand washing by providing employees, the school community, and visitors with a place to wash their hands. If soap and running water are not immediately available, provide alcohol-based hand rubs containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Provide training on proper handwashing and hand sanitizer use https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
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Proper cough and sneeze etiquette
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Social Distancing
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/clean-disinfect/index.html
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Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/pdf/Reopening_America_Guidance.pdf
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Hazard Communication – Right-To-Know
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Proper use of chemicals and Safety Data sheets
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No chemicals from home
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Transfer of hand sanitizer in smaller containers
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List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
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Exposure Control Plan – with a focus on Pandemic/COVID-19
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Personal Protective Equipment - PPE
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Update Hazard Assessment and PPE Selection Worksheet for all identified employees
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Proper type, use, and size
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Cleaning and sanitizing of the face covering (if applicable)
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Provide training for staff and students on wearing, putting on, removing and discarding PPE, including in the context of their current and potential duties
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
https://oshareview.com/2020/04/osha-requirements-for-occupational-use-of-n95-respirators-in-healthcare/
Signs and Messages
Signs will be posted in highly visible locations (e.g., school entrances, restrooms) that promote everyday protective measures pdf icon and describe how to stop the spread pdf iconof germs (such as by properly washing hands and properly wearing a cloth face cover image icon).
When Students Eat in Classrooms
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Inform relevant personnel such as classroom teachers of students with allergies.
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Train teachers on food allergies, including symptoms of allergic reactions to food.
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Train all non-food service staff on any meal service-related activities they will be responsible for.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/pdf/13_243135_A_Food_Allergy_Web_508.pdf
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Facilities/Space Design and Capacities
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in the district, facilities operations will be geared toward meeting social distancing requirements and cleaning frequently touched spaces regularly. In carrying out projects or tasks supporting infection control, requirements will be met for changes associated with building spaces. Plans for changes or additions to facilities that require review by the Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), will be submitted to comply with the requirements of the 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (BC) and the State Energy Conservation Code.
The function, position and operation of stairs and corridor doors, which have closers with automatic hold opens (and are automatically released by the fire alarm system), will remain unchanged.
The West Babylon School District plans to meet the deadline for submission of Building Condition Survey or Visual Inspections on time. In addition, lead in water sampling will be carried out upon the reopening of school under conditions consistent with when the building is “normally occupied.” This information will be posted on our website www.wbschools.org.
The following actions will be taken as needed:
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Work with engineers to establish sufficient fresh air exchange.
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Alterations to the configuration of existing classrooms or spaces or the introduction of temporary and/or movable partitions, will be submitted to OFP and/or code enforcement officials for review.
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If we determine we need tents, we will submit this for a building permit as both temporary and permanent are regulated by code and must be submitted for a building permit.
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Maintain adequate, code required ventilation (natural or mechanical) as designed.
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If other air cleaning equipment (e.g. new technology) is needed in a particular area, submit to OFP for review and approval.
General Office Area
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All offices will be limited to 50% the rated occupancy for the space.
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Where applicable small spaces will be limited to one (1) individual at a time.
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In a multiple occupant office, we will maintain at least 6ft of separation between individuals.
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Additional protective barriers such as polycarbonate screens in the main office of each building will be utilized to create a physical separation without hindrance.
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Workstations will be reconfigured so that employees do not face each other, or establish partitions if facing each other cannot be avoided
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Face coverings should be worn in these multiple use office settings.
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Additional breaks may be allotted to allow individuals time to leave the space to remove their masks. Specific determination of these conditions will be determined by the individual’s program supervisor.
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Where possible and if necessary, West Babylon will work with LMC to establish additional shifts to reduce the number of employees in the worksite at one time. We may need to stagger shift start and end times greater than normal when possible (while still ensuring safe operations), to eliminate employees from congregating during the shift change-over, and from overcrowding at entrances and exits
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Will reduce tasks requiring large amounts of people to be in one area
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Employees will be encouraged to use virtual meeting tools, including phone and virtual teleconference, in lieu of in-person meetings, whenever possible
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If in-person meetings are essential, West Babylon schools will consider limiting meetings to 10 people or less depending on local, state, and federal guidelines.
Conference Rooms
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Will limit in-person meetings, if virtual meetings are not feasible
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If meetings are to occur in person, they will be conducted in a quick manner
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Social distancing and PPE among participants will be required
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Lingering and socializing before and after meetings will be discouraged
Break Rooms and Lunch Rooms
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Breakroom use must have a minimum of 6 ft. separation
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Staff are encouraged to take their lunch and breaks in their private offices or classrooms instead of break rooms or if weather permits outside
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Staggered break schedules may be utilized to assist with separation concerns of various employee groups.
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If staff wish to take breaks together they must do such in a large space or outside, where at minimum 6ft. of separation must occur.
Copier Rooms/Areas
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Congregating in copier rooms/areas is discouraged.
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Cleaning supplies will be available.
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Staff are encouraged to wipe down highly touched surfaces.
Elevators
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One person in an elevator at a time.
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Personnel must wear acceptable face coverings when in common use areas.
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Elevators will be frequently disinfected.
Restrooms
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We will encourage all bathrooms regardless of size to be limited to one person at a time (we understand this may not be possible at all times).
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In special circumstances where a student must be assisted in the use of the lavatory, the adult present must be wearing all applicable personal protective equipment including a face covering and when medically applicable, the student will be wearing a proper face covering as well.
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Signage will be posted in bathrooms.
Hallways/Stairwells
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Where feasible hallway traffic may be limited to single flow direction.
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Where single flow is not applicable, bi-direction traffic will be permitted.
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Directional flow will be identified by indications on the floor/stairs
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All individuals must also allow for adequate space between when traveling in the same direction.
Classrooms
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Occupancy in each classroom is specific and was determined based off of the overall square footage of the space.
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Each student, teacher and support staff will receive not less than 6 ft. of separation from others.
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Overall class sizes have been reduced to accommodate all safety parameters.
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Desks are facing in the same direction.
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Students, teachers and support staff will be required to wear a proper face covering. If there are health conditions that prohibit the use of a traditional face mask, families and employees must notify the building administrator so that needs could be discussed and necessary plans developed.
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Where possible special teachers and PPS staff will travel to the classroom to provide instruction.
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Restrict items in the classroom to that of obvious use.
Nurse Stations
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All students and staff are required to wear appropriate face coverings.
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Where applicable, nurse stations will be reconfigured to:
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Isolation Room/s
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Individuals presenting with symptoms representative of COVID-19 should be immediately isolated to reduce risk of transmission.
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A separate room will be utilized where applicable.
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Reference the Isolation Room/s section for additional information.
Isolation Rooms
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Where applicable, separate, independent room/s with a door in close proximity to the exterior will be utilized for quarantining individuals who present with symptoms representative of COVID-19.
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Where excess space is not available. Nurse stations will be equipped with dividing curtains allowing for both a physical divide and at minimum 6ft of separation.
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These rooms have been identified in each building
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South Bay School - Psychologist’s Office
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JFK - Nurse’s Office Internal Room
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Santapogue - Nurse’s Office Internal Room
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Tooker - Nurse’s Office Internal Room
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Forest Nurse’s Office
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Junior High School- Nurses’ back office and A-11 (overflow isolation room)
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SHS Room 121
Security Vestibule/Reception areas
Security Stations will remain at all entrances of each building.
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Where a multi- entrance design is used, additional security posts will be instituted.
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They will serve as the primary location for accounting for all individuals entering and exiting the building.
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Floor demarcations have been installed to indicate where visitors shall stand to maintain social distance.
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Reception areas have had seating removed or adequately spaced to provide at minimum of 6ft of separation.
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Frequently touched materials such as magazines have been removed.
Computer Labs
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The use of shared space and equipment use will not be used or will be significantly limited where feasible.
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Blocks of computers will be sectioned off to ensure social distancing is maintained.
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Tables of computers were removed from classrooms.
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Cleaning and disinfection of computer labs and keyboard will be frequent
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Students should be instructed to wash hands prior to and after touching the keyboards along with other frequently touched surfaces.
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We are in the process of analyzing the cost and ability to secure a chromebook for each student and teacher.
Library Spaces
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The majority of soft covered surfaces that cannot be properly cleaned and disinfected will be removed.
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Reconfiguring space to ensure social distancing.
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Tables will be limited to one individual at a time where applicable.
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Desks / seating will be arranged so as to not face each other.
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Small reading nook use may be discontinued at times… If used we will
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Borrowing of materials such as books may need to be discontinued if adequate disinfection or enough time in between borrowing cannot be achieved.
Engineering Controls
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Alcohol based hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
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Bathrooms
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Limited to one occupant at a time.
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Automatic hand dryer use will be discontinued in some bathrooms
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Entry doors to gang bathrooms will be left open where applicable to reduce the need to handle
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Water Fountains
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As required by New York State Code a potable water supply will be provided per 150 occupants, but not less than one source per floor.
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These appliances will be routinely cleaned and disinfected as described in the Cleaning and Disinfection Section.
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Floor Demarcations
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All entrances or areas of static wait have floor signage installed allotting for a minimum of six(6) feet of separation between all individuals
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Many corridor floors and stairway treading have been fitted with stripping to indicate directional traffic flow and social distancing.
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Corridor doors will all be affixed open using electromagnetic hold-open devices to minimize the need to touch doors.
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Temperature Screening Equipment has been ordered
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Exterior Tenting may be purchased if needed
Ventilation
West Babylon School District will ensure sufficient ventilation and fresh air to all spaces of occupancy by means of:
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Air handling systems have been inspected for function with higher MERV rated filters.
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Filters have been replaced.
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Spaces where fresh air is limited due to original building systems, fresh air will be introduced through open windows and doors (as allowable by Fire Marshall).
Cleaning and Disinfection
The West Babylon School District will ensure adherence to hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised by the CDC and DOH, including “Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19,” and the “STOP THE SPREAD” poster, as applicable. Cleaning and disinfection logs will be maintained that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection.
Examples of facility types where cleaning and disinfection frequency will be distinguished include
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Bathrooms
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Athletic training rooms, locker rooms
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Health offices, isolation rooms
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Administrative offices (main office, reception area)
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Frequently touched surfaces in common areas (door handles, elevator buttons, copy machine keypads, etc.)
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Breakrooms
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Cafeterias/Kitchens
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Science labs
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Classrooms
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Maintenance offices and work areas
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Bus Garage
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Buses, school vehicles
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Libraries
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Large meeting areas (auditoriums, gymnasiums, music rooms)
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Playgrounds (cleaning only)
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Outdoor seating areas (plastic or metal)
Students, faculty, and staff will be trained on proper hand and respiratory hygiene, and such information will be provided to parents and/or legal guardians on ways to reinforce this at home.
The district will provide and maintain hand hygiene stations around the school, as follows:
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For handwashing: soap, running warm water, and disposable paper towels.
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For hand sanitizing: an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol for areas where handwashing facilities may not be available or practical.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities will occur, including more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high-risk and frequently touched surfaces. This will include desks and cafeteria tables, which should be cleaned and disinfected between each individual’s use. Cleaning and disinfection will be rigorous and ongoing and will occur at least daily, or more frequently as needed.
The district will ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of restrooms. Restrooms should be cleaned and disinfected more often depending on frequency of use.
Disinfectants must be products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and be appropriate for the surface.
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Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Case
Emergency Response - Students and staff with symptoms of illness must be sent to the health office. A school nurse will be available to assess individuals as chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies or chronic gastrointestinal conditions may present the same symptoms as COVID-19 but are neither contagious nor pose a public health threat. Proper PPE will be required anytime a nurse may be in contact with a potential COVID-19 patient.
Isolation - Students suspected of having COVID-19 awaiting transport home by the parent/guardian will be isolated in a room or area separate from others, with a supervising adult present utilizing appropriate PPE. Multiple students suspected of COVID-19 may also be in this isolation room if they can be separated by at least 6 feet. If they cannot be isolated in a separate room from others, facemasks (e.g., cloth or surgical mask) will be provided to the student if the ill person can tolerate wearing it and does not have difficulty breathing, to prevent the possible transmission of the virus to others while waiting for transportation home. Students will be escorted from the isolation area to the parent/guardian. The parent or guardian will be instructed to call their health care provider, or if they do not have a health care provider, to follow up with a local clinic or urgent care center; Other considerations include:
Notification - the NYS and local health departments will be notified immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result by an individual in school facilities or on school grounds, including students, faculty,staff and visitors.
Contact Tracing
Public Health Officials assume the task of contact tracing, once notified. As President-Elect of the SCSSA, Dr. Farrelly participates in weekly calls with the Superintendents, Suffolk County and Department of Health representatives.To ensure the school district and its employees comply with contact tracing and disinfection requirements, the West Babylon School District will do the following:
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Close off areas used by the person who is sick.
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Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
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Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible.
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Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote controls, and copier machines.
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Vacuum the space if needed. Use vacuum equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if available.
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Consider temporarily turning off room fans and the central HVAC system that services the room or space, so that particles that escape from vacuuming will not circulate throughout the facility.
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Workers without close contact with the person who is sick can return to work immediately after disinfection.
Return to School after Illness
The West Babylon School District is establishing protocols and procedures, in consultation with the local health department(s), about the requirements for determining when individuals, particularly students, who screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms can return to the in-person learning environment at school. This protocol includes:
1. Documentation from a health care provider following evaluation
2. Negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result
3. Symptom resolution, or if COVID-19 positive, release from isolation document
The district will refer to DOH’s “Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure” regarding protocols and policies for faculty and staff seeking to return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or after the faculty or staff member had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19.
The district requires that individuals who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus complete quarantine and have not developed symptoms before returning to in-person learning. The discharge of an individual from quarantine and return to school will be conducted in coordination with the local health department.
Superintendent meetings are taking place with Suffolk County and Department of Health regarding protocols for communicating information, quarantine process and contact tracing.
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If a staff member or student comes into direct contact for an extended period of time (within 6 feet) with a person with COVID-19, they must report such to the school district.
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This will be immediately reported to the Department of Health.
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Direction will be provided by the Department of Health (Possible self-quarantine for 14 days).
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District will request a clearance to return letter from the staff member or family.
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If they entered a school or school building, said building would be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before students and staff would be permitted to return.
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If a staff member or student with COVID-19 enters a school facility:
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This will be immediately reported to the Department of Health. The school building(s) may be required to close until the DOH assesses the situation and makes appropriate recommendations re: cleaning, disinfecting, contact tracing and possible self-quarantine of others.
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Closure Considerations
When a person has been identified (confirmed) or suspected to be COVID-19 positive; the process In West Babylon School District will include:
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Establish a plan to close schools again for physical attendance of students, if necessary, based on public health guidance and in coordination with the local DOH. Establishing a decision-making tree at the district level.
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Develop a plan for continuity of education, medical and social services, and meal programs and establish alternate mechanisms for these to continue.
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Implement as needed short-term closure procedures regardless of community spread if an infected person has been in a school building. If this happens, CDC recommends the following procedures:
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Closing off areas used by ill person(s) and locking off area(s), signage can also be used to ensure no one enters the area. If possible, wait 24 hours before you clean and disinfect. If it is not possible to wait 24 hours, wait as long as possible. Do not use the area(s) until cleaning and disinfection has taken place.
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Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
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Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the ill person(s), focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
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Communicating as soon as possible with staff, parents, and students.
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Using DOH guidance/procedures for when someone tests positive.
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In consultation with the local DOH, a school official may consider whether school closure is warranted and period of time (prior to re-opening) based on the risk level within the specific community as determined by the local DOH.
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In accordance with guidance for quarantine at home after close contact, the classroom or office where the COVID-19-positive individual was based will typically need to close temporarily as students or staff quarantine.
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Additional close contacts at school outside of a classroom should also quarantine at home.
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Thresholds will be determined on a case-by-case basis dependent on the numbers (school closures may be a response).
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Buildings may consider closing if required cleaning products and PPE are not available.
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Emergency Response Protocols & Drills
The 2020-2021 school year may include hybrid models of the traditional school day. Emergency response drills, including evacuation and lockdown drills, may be spread across the different student populations dependent on the day each population is present the day the drills are scheduled.
Emergency Response Protocols
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Shelter-In-Place
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Hold-In-Place
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Evacuation
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Lockout
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Lockdown
Shelter-In-Place
Areas will be identified in each school that will be used for the Shelter-in-Place along with areas that cannot be used for due to certain types of environmental hazards (i.e.: high winds, tornado, etc.). Shelter-In-Place protocols will be the same with the following changes:
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Provide 6 feet of space between students and staff during the Shelter-In-Place
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Use of face coverings throughout the event
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If 6 feet between staff and students cannot be achieved, face coverings will be worn at all times during the event
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Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
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Listen for updates and respond accordingly
Hold-In-Place
Hold-In-Place protocols will be the same the following changes:
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If 6 feet between people cannot be achieved, face coverings will be worn at all times during the event
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Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
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Listen for updates and respond accordingly
Evacuate
Evacuation protocols will be routinely the same with some minor adjustments:
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Identify areas outside of the building in advance that will allow 6 feet of separation of students and staff. Verify that students and staff will not impede emergency responders
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In effort to get all staff and students out of the building as quickly and efficiently as possible, face coverings should be worn at all times
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Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
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If needed - by building - identify, in advance, who will be holding the door to get out of the building, therefore reducing the amount of people touching the door hardware when leaving the building. Personnel that will be conducting this task may be assigned to holding the door for one or more classrooms or until confirmation that everyone has vacated the building
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As written in the established protocols, bring all necessary items needed and consider adding the following items: extra face coverings, in the event a face covering becomes unusable and hand sanitizer
Lockout
Lockout protocols will be the same, besides maintaining six (6) feet of space between students and staff in the area.
Lockdown
During a Lockdown, there will be a violation of the six (6) foot recommendation between people. In order to protect life safety, lockdown protocols will be mostly the same process as they have been conducted in the past.
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Face coverings should be worn during the event at all times
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Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
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Instruct anyone that does not have a face covering to use their shirt to cover their nose and mouth during the event.
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Child Nutrition
All schools in the West Babylon School District will follow district policies and procedures when communicating about school meal services, eligibility for free and reduced lunch, options and changes in operations. All communications will be provided through a variety of communication methods including website, social media, emails, robocalls, newsletters, and regular mail and translated into the languages spoken by families.
West Babylon School District has identified Jeannette Frabizio as the contact person to receive and respond to communications from families and to school staff regarding our school lunch program. Families will be reminded in food service communications during the summer and periodically that they can submit a new application for free and reduced-price meals any time during the school year. Applications are available in each school building, on our website and through email or regular mail as needed. If you have any questions, please contact Jeannette Frabizio at jfrabizio@wbschools.org, or 631-376-7750.
School meals will continue to be available to all students, including those attending school in-person and those learning remotely.
Meals Onsite
For students onsite, meals will be provided while maintaining appropriate social distancing between students. Students do not need to wear face coverings when seated and eating so long as they are appropriately socially distanced.
The district will ensure social distancing between individuals while eating in the school cafeteria. If not feasible, meals may be served in alternate areas (e.g., classrooms) (this may vary by building) or in staggered meal periods to ensure social distancing and proper cleaning and disinfection between students.
The sharing of food and beverages (e.g., buffet style meals, snacks) is prohibited, unless individuals are members of the same household. Adequate space will be reserved for students, faculty, and staff to observe social distancing while eating meals.
Schools will:
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Establish hand washing times before and after meals
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Deliver lunch to students in designated classrooms
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Building protocols for students with allergies will be discussed and shared with appropriate staff and faculty
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Post signs regarding hand hygiene and discouraging sharing of food/ beverages
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Social Distancing signage will be displayed
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Where appropriate (if approved by the State), physical barriers will be utilized
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If meals are served in the cafeteria at the secondary level, social distancing will be required and cleaning/ disinfecting protocols will be followed between cohorts of students
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Comply with Child Nutrition Program requirements
Meals offsite/remote
Designated pick up times for breakfast and lunch will be provided to families.
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Transportation
West Babylon School District will conduct transportation activities that are consistent with state-issued public transit guidance and NYSED School Reopening guidelines. Students and school staff must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school buses (e.g., entering, exiting, and seated) and should maintain appropriate social distancing to the extent practicable.
Students will be required to wear masks and social distance on the bus to the extent practicable; however, students whose physical or mental health would be impaired must share this with the building principal. If determined a face covering poses a health risk, these students will not be required to wear a face covering, but must be appropriately socially distanced. Members of the same household may be seated together. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to drop off or walk students to school to reduce density on buses. We are asking families to communicate and commit to transportation plans four times throughout the school year.
All buses that are used every day by districts and contract carriers will be cleaned/ disinfected at least once a day. High contact spots will be disinfected after the morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) run depending upon the disinfection schedule.
School buses shall not be equipped with hand sanitizer due to its combustible composition and potential liability to the carrier or district.
Wheelchair school buses will configure wheelchair placement to ensure social distancing of 6 feet.
Whether school is in session remotely or otherwise, pupil transportation will be provided to nonpublic, parochial, private, charter schools or students whose Individualized Education Plans have placed them out of district whose schools are meeting in in-person sessions.
All students are entitled to transportation by the district to the extent required by law. Transportation departments do not have the ability or the right to deny transportation for children who are in foster care, homeless or attend private or charter schools. We ask parents to communicate with our Transportation Director, Bryan Velez by responding to the Transportation Letter and communicating with Bryan Velez at 631-376-7785 or bvelez@wbschools.org. Transportation opt in requests will be processed four times a year (August , November 1, January 1 and April 1). Day to day transportation location change requests for playdates or other reasons will not be approved for this school year.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Refer to the cleaning standard operating procedures guidance for further information.
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Bus seats and seat backs
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Seat belts
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Door handles, handrails
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Driver operator area
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Cleaning and disinfecting products approved by the EPA will be used according to instructions.
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Eating and drinking will be prohibited on the bus
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Buses will be inspected to ensure cleaning/disinfecting protocols are followed on district owned and contracted buses
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All cleanings/inspections will be documented (via trackable log on each bus)
Bus protocols for a reported case of Covid -19 on a school bus
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The district will notify Bryan Velez and building administration.
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A plan will be implemented by the building principal to contact parents of students on that bus.
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Bus will be taken out of service for 24 hours before the bus can be used again after a report of COVID-19. Bus will be disinfected following CDC guidelines.
Students on Transportation
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As was outlined in the Health and Safety section of this guidance, all parents/guardians will be required to ensure their child/children are not experiencing any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a fever of 100 degrees or more prior to them boarding their method of transportation to school;
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Students must social distance to the extent practicable and wear a facial covering (unless they have a health concern that prohibits them from doing so) on the bus;
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Students who do not have a mask can NOT be denied transportation;
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Students who do not have masks will be provided one by the district driver or monitor;
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Students with a disability or health matter which would prevent them from wearing a mask/facial covering will not be compelled to do so or denied transportation.
The Following Training will be Provided (Office Personnel, Drivers, Mechanics, Aides)
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Hazard Communication/Right-To-Know (annual)
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Exposure Control/Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP)
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COVID Awareness
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New cleaning Protocols (buses, transportation center)
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Handwashing
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Face Covering (sizing, use, wear & care)
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Personal Health and Hygiene
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Special working conditions with face coverings (strenuous activity)
Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Transportation Communication
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West Babylon School District will emphasize to parents and students prior to reopening schools that the District has thoroughly disinfected all buses and student transportation vehicles
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West Babylon School District will communicate with parents and students that student transportation vehicles are included in the district’s COVID-19 plans and what part students and parents will play in ensuring safety and minimizing infection while utilizing District transportation services
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Advise parents not to send their children to school or board the bus if sick or with an elevated temperature
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Survey parents regarding transportation including an “opt-out” option
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Remind students/parents/guardians that social distancing requirements extend to the bus stop
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Multiple routing scenarios for different instructional scheduling options are being explored (split session, alternating days, hybrid option)
Density Reduction, Social Distancing, Bus Capacity
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Seat one child per row, skip rows. This results in approximately six students on a 66-passenger bus. (90% capacity reduction)
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Consider these restrictions when planning transportation routes
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Allow siblings or those that live in the same household to sit together
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Based on family opt out of transportation, we will need to make a decision on the bus capacity.
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Floor decals, tape or signage to indicate where students should sit will be in place
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Students shall wear face masks (if required) while in transit when social distancing is not possible
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Student attendance/screening on every route, every day, to and from school will be taken. The attendance sheets should be documented in writing and retained for contact tracing
Routing
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Alternating days
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Hybrid schedules – some grade levels in person learning at school buildings, other grade levels virtual remote learning
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Utilize computerized routing programs to provide different routing scenarios and analyze cost/feasibility
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Discontinue allowing students to ride different buses on different days of the week unless there are custodial arrangements
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If possible, mirror AM and PM routes, so bus riders are the same group each day
Loading/Unloading & Pickup/Drop-off
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Students shall be loaded in sequential route order.
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Dismissal times will be staggered to best suit building needs and to promote social distancing
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Adjustments will be made by building principals:
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For unloading and entry, and loading and departure
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Route timing which will be affected by delayed loading/unloading processes
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Arrival and departure activities shall be supervised to ensure social distancing
Transporting to BOCES
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West Babylon School District will be transporting to BOCES and will follow similar protocols as previously described
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West Babylon School District will keep a log of attendees on the trip in both directions from the BOCES building. Upon request, schools may need to supply the log of passengers in addition to cleaning logs in the event BOCES must assist in contact tracing due to exposures either at the BOCES buildings, or during transportation.
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Social-Emotional Well-Being
In planning for our re-entry in September, the District has formed teams to examine the guidance provided by the Department of Health and NYSED for our re-entry in the Fall. Our work is grounded in our beliefs the most equitable opportunities for educational success relies upon the comprehensive support for students and families provided in our schools with our professionals and the systems of support we have built. These supports include academics as well as the social and emotional well-being of our students. We are committed to prioritizing social emotional well-being in order to create the mental, social and emotional space to access rigorous academic content with confidence. Our district social emotional learning committee will continue with this charge. This team consists of certified teachers, certified school counselors, licensed mental health professionals, community members and school administrators. This SEL team will shift to discuss and implement how to support students upon start of the 2020-2021 school year.
Research shows the importance of mental and emotional well-being for students and staff, which has both psychological and ultimately academic outcomes. We know, after this prolonged closure, many of our students and staff will require social-emotional supports to help them re-engage and re-enter work and school.
As a District, we are committed to creating emotionally and physically safe, supportive and engaging learning environments promoting all students’ social and emotional well-being and development. The pandemic has elevated the role of all school officials to create conditions helping students practice empathy, create social bonds across distance and adapt to new learning experiences. Counselors, social workers and psychologists will play an extremely important role in the adjustment period when buildings reopen. Access to school counselors and school-based health programs will be invaluable supports to our students.
Before school resumes, school administrators, teacher reps and mental health practitioners (school counselors, school psychologists and/or school social workers) will meet to develop support plans. School counselors and administrators will be equipped with tools and information needed to see each child through a social emotional lens. We remain committed to supporting all students and maintain our whole child commitment as well as equipping all staff to connect, heal, and build capacity to support our students. Supports will include resources from our guidance counselors, student services department, social workers and psychologists. Individual and group counseling sessions will be coordinated as needed. If you feel your child requires emotional support from school officials, please contact us. Our Director of Guidance, Gina Curcio can be reached at 631-376-7090 and/or Gcurcio@wbschools.org. Our counselor contact information is below.
Our Student Services Director, Michael Mack can be reached at 631-376-7031 or mmack@wbschools.org.
Other support staff can be reached as follows:
Additionally, all West Babylon employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which offers many free services including face-to-face and virtual counseling. Information about all social-emotional supports will be made widely available to the West Babylon community through the District’s Reopening Webpage www.wbschools.org - Quick Links - Reopening Plans.
Transitions are important every year, and they will be even more important this fall returning from continuous remote learning to in-person instruction in buildings. We will support transitions in a culturally responsive manner and engage students, families, and communities in the process of identifying needs and supports. Transitions take many forms and include returning to school in the fall, moving from one grade band to another, or dealing with the varying emotional needs as a result of the health pandemic.
The following considerations guided our building level planning:
Emotional reactions to coming out of quarantine may include
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Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine
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Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
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Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of COVID-19
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Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to be contagious
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Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine
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Other emotional or mental health changes
Addressing Social-Emotional Health
What Mental Health Professionals will do in schools
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Promote social emotional learning competency and build resilience
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Help ensure a positive, safe school environment
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Teach and reinforce positive behaviors and decision-making
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Encourage good physical health
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Help ensure access to school-based mental health supports; facilitate the expansion of school-based mental health supports.
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School Schedules
Thank you for your input throughout our meetings and various surveys. 984 Elementary parents responded to the Survey. Approximately 12% would prefer 100% virtual instruction for their child. 411 JHS parents responded to the parent survey. Approximately 20% would prefer 100% virtual instruction for their child. 560 SHS parent responses to the survey. Approximately 17% would prefer 100% virtual instruction for their child.
Elementary Schools - Grades K - 5:
Junior High School - Grades 6-8:
Senior High School - Grades 9-12:
If allowed by the state, desk shields may be ordered for some classrooms.
Full Remote Teaching and Learning
If our school buildings are closed, we will resume 100% virtual teaching and learning. A daily remote schedule and general class syllabus (explaining virtual class set-up, grading, and participation) will be provided to students and families by the building principal and classroom teachers. We will ensure that this plan provides consistent daily teaching for our students.
All Models:
All in person, hybrid and remote student, staff and faculty scheduling information will be sent home via school messenger and posted on the school and district website as well as being provided to , and reviewed with, all students during our in-person class sessions in Sept. In accordance with the State Education Department, all models will provide clear opportunities for equitable instruction for all students; ensure continuity of learning regardless of the instructional model used; provide for standards based instruction; ensure substantive daily interaction between teachers and students; and clearly communicate information about instructional plans with parents and guardians.
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Attendance, Attendance Reporting and Chronic Absenteeism
Attendance and Attendance Reporting
All schools in the West Babylon School District will take daily attendance whether school opens in September in-person, hybrid, or remote. Attendance policies and procedures will be communicated with families and students prior to the start of the school year or if the instructional model changes during the year by the building principal. Communication will take the form of building-level parent letters/newsletters, robocalls, emails, text messaging, and social media. Teachers will record daily period-by-period attendance in eSchool for all modes of instruction (live, hybrid or remote). Attendance in our student management system will be based on the required daily scheduled student contact and engagement as determined by the district and shared with all stakeholders. Schools will also transition to utilizing Google Enterprise to assist with hybrid and/or remote instructional schedules. Daily reports will be generated to identify students who are absent and/or chronically absent. Contact with the families will be made daily to determine the reasons for absences.
Chronic Absenteeism
While there is no one-size-fits all approach to addressing chronic absenteeism, West Babylon School District is committed to providing interventions to prevent and address health-related and mental health chronic absenteeism. We recognize that many factors will influence student attendance, and may be greatly impacted by the instructional models provided; in-person, hybrid, and remote.
The West Babylon School District addresses chronic absenteeism as follows.
1. Nurture a culture of attendance
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Communicate clearly to families and students what the attendance policy is and expectations for participating based on the model of instruction
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Explain the importance of attendance to the entire school community
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Track daily attendance, tardies, and student engagement in one central, secure location with a tool that helps you can quickly see how these data points impact student behavior.
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Explain the importance of not sending students to school if they have a fever or are displaying COVID-19 symptoms
2. Early Identification and Intervention
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Each school regularly monitors attendance data and communicates with parents about issues as they arise.
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Use data to identify which students are at risk, so you can intervene before isolated absences become chronic absenteeism.
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Establish intervention plans; parent phone call, home visit, counseling, instructional modifications, engage community partners, etc.
3. Create a more positive school culture regardless of scheduling model (in person, hybrid or remote) and a focus on engaging instruction
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Evaluate and address your students’ engagement in learning
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Provide teachers and school leaders with professional development so they can help students stay more engaged and act positively in virtual environments.
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Help students achieve positive social and emotional character development, while reinforcing the behaviors that make up your ideal school culture.
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Technology and Connectivity
Access to technology is essential for the successful roll-out of this plan. The West Babylon School District has been committed to ongoing planning and implementation of district technologies to ensure equitable access for staff and students. The team has initiated plans that are mindful of student home access to reliable internet and computers.
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The West Babylon School District will continue to assess the ongoing needs of our families for technology and connectivity (survey, interviews, school outreach, etc.) In the event, students and/or teachers do not have access, the district will take the necessary steps to meet their needs where plausible.
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Conduct and/or maintain an inventory of equipment and other assets.
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Identify which students, families, and staff have district assets in their possession.
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Procure, manage and/or maintain hardware, software, licenses, learning management systems, etc. to support and improve virtual instruction and student engagement.
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Identify professional learning needs for teachers and continue to support their development of skills and pedagogy in a virtual learning environment.
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Assess and address infrastructure needs to support the additional technology and connectivity needed for hybrid and remote teaching and learning.
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If possible, purchase additional chromebooks and cameras
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Encourage the use of the technology “Helpdesk” system for parents/students/teachers to report technical issues that might be experienced during remote learning. Communicate protocols to these stakeholders to inform them in advance of how to gain assistance in such cases. Emails can be sent to wbhelp@wbschools.org for assistance.
West Babylon School District will provide all students with access to learning materials and resources in multiple formats, wherever possible. Further, the district will support teachers through professional development and coaching on pedagogical methods that enable students to participate in multiple ways, so that they can demonstrate mastery of Learning Standards in remote or blended models through the use of both synchronous (i.e. Google Meet or other web conferencing tool) and asynchronous technologies (i.e. Google Classroom lesson recording). In the event students do not have sufficient access to devices and/or high-speed internet, the district will provide the students with devices or alternate methods to access materials and instruction. The district will also provide families with educational resources on how to use the technologies and connect to the instructional activities.
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Teaching and Learning
In an effort to assure high-quality teaching and learning a continuity of learning plan has been developed for the 2020-21 school year. This plan considers and plans for teaching and learning in-person, remotely, and through hybrid models of instruction. Our plan assures that instruction is aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and assures equity as well as quality for all learners.
Equity is at the heart of all school instructional decisions. All instruction in our district will be designed so that whether it is delivered in-person, remotely, or through a hybrid model due to a local or state school closure, there are clear, comprehensive, and accessible learning opportunities for all students. Such opportunities will be aligned with state standards. Our teaching and instructional plan outlines routine, scheduled times for students to interact and seek feedback and support from their teachers. Our plan is centered on instruction and academic programming that includes regular and substantive interaction with an appropriately certified teacher regardless of the delivery method (e.g., in person, remote or hybrid). Our teaching and learning plan will include a clear communication plan for how students and their families/caregivers can contact the school and teachers with questions about their instruction and/or technology. This information will be accessible to all, available in multiple languages, widely disseminated, and include clear and multiple ways for students and families to contact schools and teachers (e.g., email, online platform, and/or by phone) in an effort to assure learning for all.
The school calendar typically includes one staff-only day before students arrive at school. Acknowledging the challenges that our teachers and staff have faced this spring delivering remote instruction under stressful circumstances, the district will shift our school calendar to allow for 3 full professional days prior to the start of school with students. The focus these superintendent conference days will be providing support to staff and faculty in the areas of health and safety, social-emotional health, technology integration, standards based instruction and assessment.
As we enter the new school year, teachers will be encouraged to spend time building relationships, supporting students with the transition back to school, and teaching social distancing etiquette at developmentally appropriate levels.
When a remote or hybrid learning model is necessary, certain groups of students will be prioritized for in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. This includes, but is not limited to, special education students, homeless students and English language learners.
Assessing student learning gaps or areas of need will be critical. Formative assessment before a unit of instruction to assess student understanding of pre-requisite skills will be common practice.
Acknowledging that the typical content in a given grade level or course may need to be adjusted, content will be prioritized to ensure that students receive instruction for the prioritized learning standards, key understandings, and skills necessary for students’ success in future study.
Grading practices will follow a standards-based framework designed to provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content.
For information relating to teaching and learning in BOCES special education and Career and Technical Education programs, can be found at each BOCES’ program website.
*Parents who will not be sending their child to school for any in person instruction, must contact the building principal directly.
In-person Instruction
Upon reopening, the number of students in each of our classrooms will be reduced to adhere to CDC guidance regarding proper social distancing. Class size will reflect the need to ensure that students’ desks/seats are positioned six feet apart.
Accommodating a six-foot radius around students will necessitate the identification of additional rooms and common-area spaces that will be converted into classrooms (i.e. cafeteria). The use of such common larger spaces will allow us to bring K - 5th grade students in person - every day.
Current staffing levels and square footage in classrooms are insufficient to accommodate the number of classrooms needed to ensure social distancing. As a result, a hybrid model will be in place at the JHS and SHS.
All instruction regardless of model (fully in person, hybrid or completely remote) will be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards.
Our schools will minimize the movement of students. This potentially means having most students eat lunch in their classroom instead of the cafeteria.
Large assemblies, field trips and other large-group activities will not be scheduled for this school year. Special-area subjects (e.g., art, music, physical education) may be pushed into the classroom. Whenever possible students will utilize outside space for physical education instruction. We will adhere to 12 feet between students when engaging in physical activity and possible exhalation activities associated with musical performing groups. Remote special area instruction that meet the standards will be provided and supervised by certificated music, art and PE teachers.
To the extent possible, students will remain in small cohorts if/when leaving the classroom, such as for recess or any necessary transition, so as to reduce their exposure to additional students.
School scheduleswill be posted on our district and school Reopening Tab on every website. Student specific schedules will be provided to families.
Remote/Hybrid Instruction
Given the possibility that communities may experience spikes in COVID-19 cases at any point during the school year, which may prompt short or long-term school closures, our district has developed a hybrid/blended learning model and schedule that can continue as is in a fully remote environment. A hybrid model will be required at this point for our JHS and SHS buildings.
All instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards.
As noted previously, student schedules will remain the same whether instruction is in person or remote so that students do not encounter conflicts wherein synchronous lessons for different subjects are offered simultaneously.
Remote learning opportunities for secondary students will include a greater emphasis on synchronous instruction, with teachers finding ways to provide live instruction and/or recorded lessons that are sent to students throughout designated times in the day.
To ensure high-quality remote learning experiences, we will standardize the use of a single online learning platform, to the extent possible, and develop a common, coordinated set of guidelines for teachers to follow when using the platform with students.
In an in person, hybrid model or complete remote setting, students will have a specific schedule that allows for consistency for families and teaching and learning to continue in accordance to the NYS standards and district SEL priorities.
Grading practices will follow a standards-based framework designed to provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content. Specific district grading information will be provided by our Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Scott Payne.
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Career and Technical Education (CTE)
While planning for CTE instruction, whether in-person, remote or hybrid models, West Babylon School District has collaborated with WS BOCES to ensure high school instructional plans are aligned. WS BOCES has developed models that ensure NYS learning Standards, applicable industry certification requirements, clinical and work based learning hours have been met. In addition, their plans follow all NYS/DOH health and safety guidelines and social distancing.
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Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Interscholastic Athletics
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, districts have delayed the Fall sports start date until Monday, September 21. With NYS approval for the opening of schools in September and with appropriate social distancing, PPE usage, and cleaning and disinfection of equipment, the following will be implemented:
participation
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Maintain current practice requirements
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Encourage geographic scheduling for games & contests
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Schools would have the option, if permitted by state officials, to offer off-season
conditioning workouts.
If the Fall sports season is interrupted or impacted by COVID-19 crisis (i.e. state official guidance, school closings, cancelation of high-risk sports, etc.) then a condensed seasons plan will be implemented. This plan takes into consideration the competitive and interactive aspects of each sport and would include the following, with the stipulated dates being tentative.
Extracurricular After School Programs
During the fall, select clubs and co-curricular activities will be offered virtually. We will phase in in-person clubs/ co-curricular programs throughout the school year.
SHS Night School and Alternative Evening Program
These programs will be offered virtually in the evening. Student schedules will be sent by the SHS administration.
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Special Education
West Babylon School District reopening plan provides a framework to ensure that all students with disabilities continue to have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living in the least restrictive environment (LRE). In consideration of the health, safety, and well-being of students, families, and staff, our plan is designed to enable transitioning between in-person, remote, and hybrid learning environments to ensure the provision of FAPE consistent with the changing health and safety conditions that exist.
Special education programs and services of the West Babylon School District provide equity and access for students with disabilities to be involved in and to participate and progress in the general education curriculum with access to the necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, and technology (including assistive technology) to meet the unique disability related needs of students. While not all formats allow for maximum benefit to students, these programs and services can be provided in all formats (live-person, hybrid, or remote).
The West Babylon School Districtwill document the programs and services offered to families and provided to students with disabilities as well as to the communications with parents in their preferred language and mode of communication (eg. Related Services Log). The district will ensure access to the necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, and technology (including assistive technology) to meet the unique disability related needs of students. It is essential that families communicate special needs with our Director of Student Services, Michael Mack.
The West Babylon School District is committed to providing meaningful parent engagement in the parent’s preferred language or mode of communication regarding the provision of services to his/her child to meet the requirements of the IDEA. Further, we will maintain regular communication with the parents/guardians and other family members of to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education during the reopening process
The West Babylon School District will plan and support collaboration between the committees on preschool special education (CPSE) and committees on special education (CSE) and program providers representing the variety of settings where students are served to ensure there is an understanding of the provision of services consistent with the recommendations on individualized education programs (IEPs), plans for monitoring and communicating student progress, and commitment to sharing resources.
Mr. Mack and/or our psychologists will schedule CSE meetings with families and school officials to review student needs and educational plans as needed. These meetings will be encouraged to occur virtually to allow for appropriate social distancing.
For information regarding the provision of services to a child to meet the requirements of the IDEA, please contact The Director of Student Services, Mike Mack, at 631-376-7031 or mmack@wbschools.org
Students in K - 12 Self Contained Settings will be onsite Monday - Friday. Additional high needs may also be onsite Monday - Friday.
Bilingual Education and World Languages
West Babylon School District provides world language instruction in Spanish, Italian and English as a New Language (ENL) instruction for ELLs K-12. We utilize School Messenger, language line and several staff/ faculty members to assist us in translations.
West Babylon School District provides world language instruction in Spanish, Italian and English as a New Language (ENL) instruction for ELLs K-12. We utilize School Messenger, language line and several staff/ faculty members to assist us in translations. Support of English language learners (ELLs) will be comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally responsive. If we reopen using in-person or hybrid instruction we will complete the ELL identification process within 30 school days of the start of the school year for all students who enrolled during COVID-19 school closures in 2019-20, as well as all students who enroll during summer of 2020 and during the first 20 school days of the 2020-21 school year. After this 20 day flexibility period, identification of ELLs will resume for all students within the required 10 school days of initial enrollment as required by Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154. As part of this identification process the ENL teacher will administer the NYSITELL providing approved testing accommodations to SWD per the student’s IEP or 504 plan based on LPT’s determination. They will also administer the SIFE questionnaire and diagnostic tool to determine SIFE status. Within 10 school days of identification, parents/guardians will be sent the Entitlement Letter and Parent’s Bill of Rights in parent/guardian’s indicated preferred language. Copies of letters will be placed in the student's cumulative record folder.
West Babylon School District is committed to comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally responsive instruction for ENL students, we will provide the required instructional Units of Study to all ELLs based on 2019 NYSESLAT scores or new entrant NYSITELL proficiency score level during in-person or hybrid instruction. Further, we will maintain regular communication with the parents/guardians and other family members of ELLs to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education during the reopening process which includes telephone contact, text messages, social media, emails and regular mail in their preferred language. We will provide all communications for parents/guardians of ELLs in their preferred language and mode of communication. We utilize regional translation services such as Language Line with translation services. This service can translate live conversations as well as documents.
West Babylon School District will provide professional learning opportunities for our district that support best practices and equitable instruction for ELLs as well as general education students to help address learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 school closures.
In order to assure that students have opportunities to study world languages our teachers are prepared to teach Spanish and Italian in the live in-person, hybrid, or remote format upon reopening. With the support of in house curriculum specialists and BOCES, we will provide professional learning opportunities to our district that supports best practices in all three formats of instruction and cover equitable instruction for our ELLs, SWDs, and general education students who are studying world languages.
Through using our district and BOCES resources, we are well prepared to reopen our schools and serve ELLs, MLLs, and students learning world languages as they expand their skills, knowledge, and facilities with languages.
Concerns or questions can be sent to Scott Payne 631-376-7020 spayne@wbschools.org.
Field Trips/ Large Assemblies
Virtual field trips will be encouraged. Off school groups trips will be phased in throughout the school year (based on county and state health and safety requirements).
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Staffing
Teacher and Principal Evaluation System
In accordance to the state requirements, all teachers and principals will continue to be evaluated pursuant to the district’s approved APPR plan. West Babylon School District will consider whether their currently approved APPR plans may need to be revised in order to be consistent with their plans for re-opening under an in-person, remote or hybrid instructional model. School leaders will continue to attend annually required Lead Evaluator training. This training will occur via a virtual platform.
Certification, Incidental Teaching and Substitute Teaching
All teachers will hold valid and appropriate certificates for teaching assignment, except where otherwise allowable under the Commissioner’s regulations (e.g., incidental teaching) or education law.
Student Teachers
Student teachers from NYSED registered college or university programs can serve under the supervision of fully certified teachers in the West Babylon School District. Student teachers will follow all of the social distancing, mask wearing, health status reporting, and other COVID-19 procedures that the teachers follow. Student teachers will serve under the supervision of our full time certified teachers only. At no time will a student teacher be used as a teacher of record.
Security Guards
Security guard posts will be changed based on building needs. As an example, in an effort to allow for windows to be open, we will adjust guard assignments so that there is ongoing oversight of our grounds.
Employees with Health Concerns
Employees with health concerns have been encouraged to schedule a meeting with Mr. Shawn Hanley, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
Adult Education Program
Throughout the fall, some adult education offerings may be offered virtually. The adult education in-person program offerings will be evaluated in the spring semester.
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Key References
Additional References
*Our School District is required to:
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Post finalized reopening plans on the district’s website.
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Complete a survey through the Portal, by July 31, 2020, providing NYSED with:
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NOTE: Information submitted through the Portal will not include detailed narratives or descriptions of specific actions to be taken by a school or district as part of their reopening Plan; those details must be articulated in the materials that are publicly posted on the school/district website.
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Complete a short companionDepartment of Health survey that includes a link to the publicly posted plan on the district/school website, also by July 31, 2020.