Find the Comprehensive SPS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan here. It provides additional details and information for each area of the plan.
Executive Summary from Stamford Public Schools
Find the original document here.
After much thought and consideration, I want to share with you our recommendation that Stamford Public Schools return to school in September following a Hybrid Model, allowing for approximately half the number of students to attend school in- person every other day. Please note that additional days may be provided to students who require extra support, including our special education students, English learning population and others who require further interventions and support.
Families will also have the option to select a 100% Distance Teaching and Learning Model for students with underlying health conditions or who simply prefer this educational model at this time. A process will also be put in place to allow families to adjust their preference when circumstances change.
I am sure that many of you are asking, “Is it Safe?” At the moment, the answer is “yes”. Given the current public health data in Connecticut, schools can reopen if we are able to mitigate the risk of transmission; through social distancing, the wearing of a mask and practicing a regular hand washing and sanitizing routine.
Many of you know that since late May Stamford has had eight different committees diligently working to plan the reopening of our schools. Our committee members include parents, teachers, staff, city board members, administrators, paraeducators, business leaders and community members. The committees are looking at health and safety, teaching and learning, food service, transportation, family and community engagement, technology, facilities, and childcare.
We have been reviewing and evaluating procedures, standards and best practices from across the state and country, while developing the best solutions for our school community and individual buildings. After listening to families and conferring with Dr. Henry Yoon, Medical Advisor for City of Stamford, medical professionals from the Stamford Health Department and Stamford Hospital made the decision to recommend moving to a Hybrid Model based solely on the health and safety of our staff and students.
Moving forward, we will continue to work closely with the Stamford Department of Health, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), and The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) to determine if or when offering in-person classes is no longer safe. If this occurs, we will transition to a robust 100% Distance Teaching and Learning Model that will include asynchronous (recorded) and synchronous (live) learning.
One of the main reasons that I believe that we need to announce this decision now is that I recognize how complicated it can be for many families and staff to manage the fluid scheduling associated with a hybrid model, including arrangements for childcare and transportation. While families begin their planning, we will continue to finalize the details to reopen our schools. The attached document provides insights into key highlights of the plan. Further details, including policies, procedures and training materials will shared beginning early next week. We will be hosting a Parent Pop-up Webinar on Monday, August 17, 2020, to answer your questions. In addition, in the coming weeks you will be receiving school, grade level and class specific details from your building administration.
In closing, please know that the entire Stamford Public School community is working together to create a solution that will work for our students. I am confident that by working together and embracing the opportunities presented by the Hybrid Model we will provide all students with a safe and successful school year.
Hybrid
The goal of the Stamford Public Schools Hybrid Model is to have 50% of the students in our buildings and classrooms each day. This model will reduce building capacity and enable us to adhere to all social distancing guidelines.
All students in grades K-12 (pre-k will have a slightly altered schedule) will be divided into two groups; the blue group and the green group, and attend school in-person every other day. On the distance teaching and learning day, the student may still participate in scheduled instruction in their classroom virtually.
Health and Safety
SPS will work in collaboration with the Stamford Health Department to identify health and safety processes, procedures, professional development, and training for staff and students.
• 6 ft. Social Distancing (Level 1 – Required)
• Wear Mask (Level 2 – Required)
• Increased hand washing and sanitizing (increased number of locations at each
site)
• Face shield or protections ( (Level 3 – Available)
• Students and Staff complete health self-assessment in morning before leaving
home
• Access and protocol for exposure testing for staff and families • Process for reporting illness or positive test
Childcare
SPS will work to identify childcare options for families and staff as well as attempt to identify funding to subsidize the added expense.
Nutrition
SPS will offer meals for students participating in a Hybrid or Distance Teaching and Learning Model.
• Lunch served in classrooms as much as possible
Technology
SPS will ensure all students have access to technology and are able to access learning from home.
• Provide access to technology devices and Wi-Fi hotspots for all students, as needed
Transportation
SPS will implement safety protocols to transport students in need of transportation. • Implement a cleaning and sanitizing protocol for buses
• Implement mask wearing and other on-bus safety protocols
• Implement a specific procedure for loading and unloading buses
Facilities
SPS will create a safe and healthy learning environment. In addition, buildings will have an isolation room for students or others who exhibit symptoms after arriving at school.
• Implement a cleaning and sanitizing protocol for during the day and evening • Post Health and Safety signage and provide training
• Implement improved ventilation with State Technical Support
• Properly space furniture within learning environments
• No visitors in building and limited approved building use forms
Teaching and Learning
SPS will implement a schedule and educational model that allows for students to be educated, and teachers and staff to work in a safe and healthy environment.
• All teachers will teach from their classrooms (unless approved by HR) • Schedules will include synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded)
requirements by grade level
• Students will remain in cohorts in grades Pre-K-8 when possible
• Staff will prepare, and train for a transition to a robust 100% Distance Teaching
and Learning plan
Family Engagement and Community
SPS will engage with our families and communities and foster opportunities for regular two-way communication.
• Host Parent Pop-up Webinars on reopening procedures and other important topics.
• Encourage all to abide by mitigating risk practice at home and in the community
Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Supports
SPS will work to engage and reengage all students, staff and families with the goal of supporting positive development in social emotional and mental health needs.
• Create safe, supportive, and equitable learning environments that promote all students’ social and emotional development.