Elmwood Park Public Schools - UPDATED: January 2021 Reopening Plan Contingency Plan
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Elmwood Park Public Schools
UPDATED: January 2021
Reopening Plan Contingency Plan
District Website:
http://www.elmwoodparkschools.org/
Board of Education Approval Date: January 26, 2021
COVID-19 Regional Risk Matrix
Elmwood Park Administration
Mr. Anthony Iachetti, Superintendent of Schools Special Services
Ms. Jillian Torrento, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Kathleen Gesumaria, Director of Special Services
Mr. John DiPaola, Business Administrator/ Board Secretary Mr. Steven Serra, Supervisor of Special Services
Central Office Elementary Administration
Mr. Vincent Benenati, Director of Facilities Mrs. Allison Jackter, Gantner Avenue Principal
Mr. Mohammed Saadeh, Director of Pupil Personnel Services & Mrs. Karen Fasouletos, Gilbert Avenue Principal
Assessment Mr. Dominick Silla, Sixteenth Avenue Principal
Mr. Michael Wartel, Director of Public Safety and Operations
Mr. Moises Cordero, Director of Technology High School
Mr. David Warner, Memorial High School Principal
Curriculum Department Mr. Leon Samuels, High School Assistant Principal
Mrs. Monica N. Brown, Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Mr. Daniel Basile High School Assistant Principal/ Athletic Director
Evaluation
Ms. Lara Schmitt, Supervisor of Instruction Middle School
Mrs. Courtney Risoli, Supervisor of Instruction Mrs. Corinne DiMartino, Memorial Middle School Principal
Mrs. Danielle Sharples, Middle School Assistant Principal
Elmwood Park Board of Education
George Luke, President
Louise Gerardi, Vice President
Dorin Aspras
Keith Cannizzo
Doug DeMatteo
Elizabeth Mierzejewski
Carrie Paretti
Karen Pena
Daniel ZoltekTable of Contents
Amendment to the Reopening Plan Page 4
District Pandemic Response Team & Restart Committees Pages 5-6
Questions for Consideration Page 6
Timeline for Reentry Plan & Information Regarding the Spread of COVID-19 Pages 7-8
Conditions for Learning Pages 9-42
General Health & Safety Concerns Pages 9-15
Classrooms, Testing and Therapy Room Pages 16-19
Transportation Pages 20-21
Student Flow, Entry, Exit and Common Areas Pages 22-26
Screening, PPE, and Response to Students and Staff Presenting Symptoms Pages 26-30
Contact Tracing Pages 31-33
Facilities and Cleaning Practices Page 34
Meals Pages 35-37
Recess and Physical Education Pages 37-41
Extra-Curricular Activities, & Use of Facilities Outside of School Hours Pages 41-42
Additional Areas of Concern Pages 42-60
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Pages 42-52
Support for Staff & Faculty Pages 53-54
Wraparound Supports Pages 54-57
Food Service & Distribution Pages 58-59
Quality Childcare Page 60
Leadership &Planning Pages 61-79
Pandemic Response Teams Page 61
Scheduling Pages 62-71
Educator Roles Pages 72-73
Mentoring, Evaluations and Certifications Pages 73-74
Student Teachers Pages 75-76
Athletics Pages 76-77
Policy & Funding Pages 77-82
CARES Funding/ Federal Emergency Management Agency Pages 79-80
State School Aide, Purchasing, Reserve Accounts, Costs & Contracting Pages 81-82
Continuity of Learning Pages 83-99
Delivery of Special Education and Related Services Pages 83-86
ESL/ ELL Learners Pages 87-89
Technology and Connectivity Pages 90-91
Learning Environment: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessments Pages 92-98
Additional COVID-19 Resources Page 99
2Amendment to the Reopening Plan
Health and Safety Concerns (UPDATED October 2020)
As per EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 175, dated August 13, 2020, the Elmwood Park School District requested approval to delay in-person instruction
until October 19, 2020. All students have begun the school year virtually as of September 8, 2020. To date, the district has addressed the
specific health and safety concerns outlined below, and plans to transition to hybrid learning on October 19, 2020.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The items that are mandatory to open schools safely and maintain CDC guidelines have been substantially
delivered. This includes the delivery of gloves, antiseptic wipes, masks for students and staff, PPE designated specially for the nursing staff.
Hand Sanitizer/ Hand Washing Stations: All hand sanitizing stations have been installed to each classroom, main office and lobby area.
Classroom Climate: Air units have been installed in the three elementary schools to ensure a climate that is conducive to learning in the warmer months.
Additional Safety Precautions: The district and school pandemic response teams have continued to meet during remote learning to review all of the
safety measures to be put into place to receive students in October. Student desk guards have been delivered and placed in each classroom. Additional
barriers have been installed (e.g., Plexiglass, etc.) in offices and other specific areas.
Professional Development (PD): The district utilized September 1- 4, 2020 to be used for staff professional development which addressed remote
learning, reviewed the newly implemented procedures in the COVID environment and to plan to assist students and their families on proper PPE, the
wearing of face coverings and other new safety procedures, and reviewed the new SEL program for PK-12 students.
In addition, the district has once again modified the school calendar to add in a fourth day of PD on October 16, 2020 to review quality remote
instruction, as well as preparing for a hybrid instructional model. Staff will be provided with rolling PD on video conferencing programs, new remote
learning programs, virtual assessments, expectations for remote and hybrid settings, supporting struggling learners be needed, and continued data
analysis to support student achievement.
High Risk Students and Staff
Staff medical leave submissions and requests for accommodations have continued to be received due to health concerns and other specific personal
situations. Each request has been, or will continue to be reviewed as it is received. The students identified as higher risk for severe illnesses from
COVID-19 will continue properly accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
3District Pandemic Awareness Team
Name Role Name Role Name Role
Anthony Iachetti Superintendent Mohammed Saadeh Dir. of Pupil Personnel Lara Schmitt Supervisor of
Services & Assessment Instruction
John DiPaola Business Admin/ Board Monica Brown* Dir. of Curriculum, Courtney Risoli Supervisor of
Secretary Instruction & Eval. Instruction
Jillian Torrento Assistant Superintendent Kathleen Dir. of Special Services Steve Serra Supervisor of Special
Gesumaria Services
Vincent Benenati Director of Facilities Moises Cordero Dir. of Technology Maria Kittaneh EPEA Union President
David Warner High School Principal Leon Samuels High School Assistant Kathy Arose EPEA Union
Principal Representative
Corinne DiMartino Middle School Principal Daniel Basile High School Assistant Dr. Bottiglieri School Physician
Principal/ Athletic Director
Dominick Silla Sixteenth Avenue Principal Danielle Sharples Middle School Assistant Jasmine School Nurse
Principal Santillan-Jimenez
Karen Fasouletos Gilbert Avenue Principal Michael Wartel Dir. of Security & Danielle Athletic Trainer
Operations LaBianco
Allison Jackter Gantner Avenue Principal George Luke EPPS BOE President
Restart Committees *Committee Chair
Scheduling Health/PPE Curriculum Special Education Transportation/ Technology
Athletics/ECA
David Warner* Danielle Sharples* Monica Brown* Kathleen Gesumaria* Daniel Basile* Mohammed Saadeh*
Corinne DiMartino Jasmine Santillian- Lara Schmitt Steve Serra Tommy Mulligan Moises Cordero
Jimenez
Dominick Silla Danielle LaBianco Courtney Risoli Stephanie Pontidis Kevin Tuohey James Stankus
Karen Fasouletos Marie Corrigan Melissa Cutrali Melissa Schweitzer Matt Borchers Leon Samuels
Allison Jackter Jennifer Schweigert Michele Constanzo Tara Kunkel Kadian Nelson Kathy Arose
Mohammed Saadeh Stefanie Berliner Maria Kittaneh Jennifer Surniak Keith Cannizzo Dan Zoltek
Maria Kittaneh Michelle Stark Laura Livelli Dorin Aspras
Michael Coughlin Delores Gale Carrie Parretti
Dorin Aspras Louise Gerardi
4School Pandemic Committees *Committee Chair
High School Middle School Gilbert Avenue Gantner Avenue Sixteenth
David Warner*, Principal Corinne DiMartino*, Principal Karen Fasouletos*, Principal Allison Jackter*, Principal Dominick Silla*, Principal
Leon Samuels, AP Danielle Sharples, AP M. N. Brown, Dir. of Curric. K. Gesumaria, Dir. of SS Toni Clark, Teacher
Daniel Basile, AP/AD Courtney Risoli, Supervisor Michael Calissi, Teacher Maria Kittaneh, Teacher V. Benenati, Dir. of Facilities
Lara Schmitt, Supervisor Mike Wartel, Dir of Safety Melissa Cutrali, Teacher Kathy Arose, Teacher Jennifer Surniak, CST
Joe Palandino, CST Aneta Sutowska, Teacher Lynn Kassai, Teacher Stefanie Berliner, Nurse Deanna Palmiere, Counselor
Tim Aldrich, Teacher Lisa Acinapura, CST Orlando LaCap, Custodian Jennifer Gjokaj J. Drummond, Custodian
Kristin Lehansky, Teacher Lisa Fierro, Teacher Deanna Mileski, CST Mike Sproviero, Custodian Tara Kunkel, Teacher
Leena Fadel, Counselor Stephanie Ponditis Jennifer Murphy, Teacher Erminia Severini, Counselor Daniela Buscio, Teacher
Mike Wartel, Dir. of Safety J. Santillan- Jimenez, Nurse Haneen Saleh, Counselor Shannon Lucas, CST J. Schweighardt, Nurse
Danielle LaBianco, Trainer Mike Coughlin, Custodian M. Schweitzer-Rivera, Teacher Mike Wartel, Dir. of Safety Mike Wartel, Dir. of Safety
J. Santillan-Jimenez, Nurse Tanisha Dennis, Parent Mike Wartel, Dir. of Safety Jennifer Moody, Parent Cher Pressler, Parent
VJ Shridat, Custodian Marie Corrigan, Nurse
Kelly Spinosa, Parent Tanisha Dennis, Parent
Committee Questions for Consideration
5Timeline for Re-Evaluation of EPPS Reentry Plan
Revised, due to a transition to a remote start in September 2020.
● Phase I ● Items for Consideration
○ District Requested to start the school year
remotely. ○ Date for restart of in-person instruction
○ August 2020- Approval from County DOE and ○ Increase or Decrease of Confirmed COVID
NJDOE Cases in Elmwood Park, Bergen County, and
○ August- Implementation of Plan New Jersey.
○ September 1, 2020- Professional Development ○ Process of Contact Tracing process
and Training for Staff Members ○ Status of Social Distancing Regulations
○ Vaccinations
● Phase II- October 19, 2020 ○ Student attendance
○ October 15, 2020 Re-Evaluation of Reentry Plan ○ Staff attendance
○ Modifications made to plan ○ Efficiency of current schedules
○ Reapproval by Board of Education at the ○ Efficacy of current instructional model(s)
October 27, 2020 BOE Meeting ○ Academic progress of students
○ SEL progress of students
Revised, due to a transition remote learning in December 2020 and
January 2021. ○ SEL progress of staff
● Phase III ○ Professional Development Needs
○ December 2020 Re-evaluation of Reentry Plan ○ Disinfecting schedule/ process modifications
○ Modifications made to plan ○ Evaluate policies and procedures
○ Reapproval by Board of Education at the ○ Efficacy of Communication
January 2021 BOE Meeting
6Transmission of COVID-19
Information regarding the Spread of Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/
In all stages and phases of pandemic response and recovery, schools must comply with Center for Disease Control (CDC), state, and local
guidelines. The district will provide reasonable accommodations for staff and students at higher risk for severe illness and promote behaviors that
reduce spread, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the use of face coverings. NJDOE Guidance (Pages 15-18)
NJDOH COVID Information
Public Health Recommendations for Local Health Departments for K-12 Schools (January 2021)
Contact with Others Contact with Surfaces Contact with Animals
The COVID-19 virus can spread from person-to- The COVID-19 virus can spread by Although low, there are cases world-wide
person by: touching the surface or object that has where the COVID-19 virus has spread from
● Staying in close contact with another (less than 6 the virus on it and then touching their person to animal and vice versa.
ft). own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
● Through respiratory droplets produced when an This is thought to be the main way the CDC Guidelines:
infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. virus spreads. ● COVID-19 and Pets
● When droplets land in the mouths or noses of ● If You Have Pets
others and can be inhaled into the lungs.
● COVID-19 symptoms may spread by people who
do not show symptoms
Face Masks/ Coverings Hand Washing/ Sanitizer Recommended Signage
Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where • How to Protect Yourself and Others
other social distancing measures are difficult to CDC recommends using ABHR with • CDC Printable Resources
maintain. Cloth face coverings may slow the spread of greater than 60% ethanol or 70% • Stop the Spread of Germs
the virus and help people who may have the virus and isopropanol. Unless hands are visibly • How to Properly Wash Your Hands
do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth soiled, an alcohol-based hand rub is • The Do's and Don’ts of Face
face Covering can be made from household items. preferred over soap and water. Coverings
• COVID-19 Videos
Face Coverings- CDC Hand Sanitizer-CDC • Checklist for Visitors
• Warning Signs for Visitors
7Conditions for Learning
The NJDOE has identified ten (10) Critical Areas of Operation that schools must address in their restart plans:
1. General Health and Safety Guidelines
In all stages and phases of pandemic response and recovery, schools must comply with Center for Disease Control (CDC), state, and local
guidelines. Schools must also provide reasonable accommodations for staff and students at higher risk for severe illness and promote behaviors
that reduce spread, such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the use of face coverings. NJDOE Guidance (Pages 15-18)
NJDOH COVID Information
Public Health Recommendations for Local Health Departments for K-12 Schools (January 2021)
COVID- Instructions-Persons Who Test Positive
COVID-When to Get Tested
COVID-Cannot Test Out of Quarantine
COVID-How Long to Isolate-Quarantine
COVID-Instructions Persons Who Test Negative
Virtual/ Remote Instruction Hybrid/ Blended Learning Traditional School Day
The school administration • Teach and reinforce good hygiene measures such as ● Teach and reinforce good hygiene measures
will provide daily updates on handwashing, covering coughs and face coverings. such as handwashing, covering coughs and
the district/ school websites, • Provide hand soap and hand sanitizer in every face coverings (For early childhood care,
social media and through bathroom, classrooms and large, congregated areas. please see page 19-20 of NJDOE: The Road
Real Time to provide the • Post signage in classrooms, hallways, and entrances to Back).
most up to date information communicate how to stop the spread of COVID-19. ● Provide hand soap and hand sanitizer in every
to parents, students, faculty • Materials will not be shared (i.e. writing utensils, bathroom, classrooms and large, congregated
and other community handouts, computers/laptops, etc.) areas, and at each entrance and exits of
stakeholders about the impact • Clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. buildings and near bathrooms.
of COVID-19. • Provide masks and other appropriate PPE to students ● Post signage in classrooms, hallways, and
and staff members entrances to communicate how to stop the
The district will share o All students will be provided face masks, face spread of COVID-19. Other signage includes
information from the CDC, shields, and a personal student divider. In the event how to stop the spread of germs, how to
8NJ Department of Health and accommodations are needed for special education properly wear face coverings, visitors
the NJ Department of students, young students, or students with specific entering the building.
Education about, but not health restrictions, they will not be required to wear ● Clean/disinfect frequently touched surfaces
limited to: symptoms, a face mask pending approval from the school nurse, daily.
preventative measures, principal, and Superintendent of Schools. ● Provide masks and other appropriate PPE to
recommended hygiene, and • Allow students to bring in hand sanitizer and face masks students and staff members
updated school/district from home. ○ All students will be provided face masks,
specific protocols. • Schools will provide students with water, if needed. face shields, and a personal student
Students and staff will only be allowed to bring water divider. In the event accommodations are
bottles from home. needed for special education students,
• Allow for the circulation of outdoor air as much as young students, or students with specific
possible, as long as it does not impose health risk to health restrictions, they will not be
students and staff. Windows and doors should be left required to wear a face mask pending
open. approval from the school nurse, principal,
• Dress code policy may be revisited to accommodate and Superintendent of Schools.
students ● Allow students to bring in hand sanitizer and
• Allow instruction in outdoor areas to maximize social face masks from home.
distancing measures. ● Take proper measures to ensure that water
• Conduct deep cleaning of schools prior to student/staff fountains are safe.
returning; schedule additional cleaning during weekends ● Allow for the circulation of outdoor air as
and holidays/breaks. much as possible, as long as it does not
impose health risk to students and staff.
• Students who do not comply with preventative practices
Windows and doors should be left open.
will be sent home.
● Allow instruction in outdoor areas to
• Consider keeping classes together to include the same
maximize social distancing measures.
group of students each day (cohorts)
● Conduct deep cleaning of schools prior to
• Add time to lunch and recess periods to ensure students
student/staff returning; schedule additional
have time to wash hands
cleaning during weekends and
• Practice hand washing throughout the day, especially for holidays/breaks.
younger children. ● Students who do not comply with
preventative practices will be sent home.
● Consider keeping classes together to include
the same group of students each day (cohorts)
● Allow minimal mixing between
groups/cohorts
● Practice hand washing throughout the day,
9especially for younger children
• Protocol for High Risk Staff
The superintendent, medical professionals, and/or district administrators will be in contact with local and state authorities to learn current
mitigation levels within the district and surrounding areas. Reasonable accommodations that are ADA compliant will be provided for individuals
that the Centers for Disease Control identifies as having a higher risk for severe illness from COVID -19, including older adults (aged 65 years
and older) and individuals with disabilities or serious underlying medical conditions, which may include:
● Chronic lung disease or asthma (moderate to severe)
● Serious heart conditions
● Immunocompromised
● Severe obesity (body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher)
● Diabetes
● Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
● Liver disease
All staff members must present medical documentation to the Superintendent if they require reasonable accommodations. Reasonable
accommodations may include but are not limited to specific PPE, plexiglass barriers, tables or other barriers.
• Protocol for High Risk Students
Reasonable accommodations that are ADA compliant, will be provided for individuals that the Centers for Disease Control identifies as having a
higher risk for severe illness from COVID -19, including individuals with disabilities or serious underlying medical conditions, which may
include:
● Chronic lung disease or asthma (moderate to severe)
● Serious heart conditions
● Immunocompromised
● Severe obesity (body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher)
● Diabetes
● Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
● Liver disease
● Medically fragile students with IEPs
● Students with complex disabilities with IEPs
● Students who require accommodations under a Plan in accordance with the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504 Plan)
10Parents or legal guardians must present medical documentation to the building principal if they require a reasonable accommodation for their
child or children. Documentation will be reviewed by the 504 team, CST, medical staff, and/or school physician. Reasonable accommodations
may include but are not limited to the wearing of masks and plexiglass barriers. All students will be provided face masks, face shields, and a
personal student divider. In the event accommodations are needed for special education students, young students, or students with specific health
restrictions, they will not be required to wear a face mask pending approval from the school nurse, principal, and Superintendent of Schools.
• Protocol for Students, Staff and Community Members that do not comply with preventative measures
• Staff will provide Human Resources with proper medical documentation. Staff will be working remotely until proper medical
documentation can be provided. This can be attained through the school doctor upon request.
• The district will continue to follow
• guidelines of Policy 1649 Federal Families First Coronavirus (Covid-19) Response Act
• Parents will provide school nurse with proper medical documentation, that includes clearance to return to school.
• During time of quarantine and until medical documentation is provided, students will continue to work remotely. They will not be marked
absent unless they do not log into the Remote Learning Platforms
• During any quarantine, the staff and students will continue to perform duties via remote learning.
• Should a staff member disregard the mandated travel restrictions as per the Governor’s Executive order, or does not comply with COVID
restrictions, testing or guidance may have disciplinary/ remedial consequences.
• Protocols for Symptomatic Students and Staff
NJDOH COVID Information
Public Health Recommendations for Local Health Departments for K-12 Schools (January 2021)
COVID- Instructions-Persons Who Test Positive
COVID-When to Get Tested
COVID-Cannot Test Out of Quarantine
COVID-How Long to Isolate-Quarantine
COVID-Instructions Persons Who Test Negative
Individuals with symptoms related to COVID-19 will be safely and respectfully isolated from others. Each building nurse will work with the
building administrator to provide a safe area for isolation of individuals. Individuals in isolation will be supervised by the nurse or designee (staff
members including an aide can supervise) donning appropriate PPE and maintaining a safe distance of no less than 6 feet from the individual in
isolation. It is preferred that the individual is isolated in a room and that the person supervising is outside the door with a view of the individual.
The parent or guardian of the student will be contacted to pick up the child. If the parent or guardian cannot pick up the child in a timely manner,
the parent will be required to send an authorized adult to pick up the child. The child will be excluded from school until medical clearance from a
11physician is obtained as per Policy #8451 Control of Communicable Disease. Staff members will be excluded from school until medical
clearance from a physician is obtained as per Policy #8451 Control of Communicable Disease.
If the school district becomes aware that an individual who has spent time in a school district facility tests positive for COVID-19, district
officials (school nurse or administrator) will immediately notify local health officials, staff, and families of a confirmed case while maintaining
confidentiality. Staff, students and families may self-report symptoms and or suspected exposure. The individual will be excluded from returning
to school until medical clearance is obtained from a physician as described in Policy 8451- Control of Communicable Disease. A teacher or
principal has the ability to send a student to the nurse who appears to be ill or has been exposed to a communicable disease, as described in Policy
8451. A child presenting with COVID-19 symptoms that has already been admitted to school will be identified, asked to don a face covering as
tolerated and isolated. The nurse will be notified. The parent will be contacted immediately to pick up the child. The school will contact the
superintendent’s office who will contact the County Superintendent and Department of Health for further guidance.
Any pupil retained at home or excluded from school by reason of having or being suspected of having a communicable disease shall not be
readmitted to his/her classroom until he/she presents written evidence of being free of communicable disease. That evidence may be supplied by
the school medical inspector or another qualified physician who has examined the pupil.
Link to CDC: What is the role of schools in responding to COVID-19?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-schools.html
In accordance with CDC guidelines a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be handled as follows:
● Local health officials’ recommendations for the scope (e.g., a single school, multiple schools, the full district) and duration of school
dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis using the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific cases in the
community.
● During school dismissals, also cancel extracurricular group activities, school-based afterschool programs, and large events (e.g., assemblies,
spirit nights, field trips, and sporting events).
● Discourage staff, students, and their families from gathering or socializing anywhere.
The school district will provide an adequate amount of personal protective equipment, (PPE) and have a supply available and accessible for
individuals that are in need. It is expected that each individual that enters the school will have their own face covering that fits appropriately so as
to cover the nose and mouth of the individual. The district will provide each staff member with one cloth face mask; however, the staff member is
permitted to wear their own face mask. If an individual does not have a face covering, the school will provide a disposable face covering that is to
12be used for one day. All face coverings should be appropriate for school, adhering to the standards that the NJDOH has in place and without
inappropriate language, symbols or characters. The district will work with students and staff to provide any other reasonable accommodations.
Each individual school will keep accurate records of attendance of staff and students including groups/cohorts to assist with contact tracing. The
Real Time system will be used to track student attendance. The AESOP system will be used to track staff attendance. Parents will be encouraged
to be on the alert for signs of illness in their children and to keep them home when they are sick. Nurses, administrators and/or the Superintendent
will communicate with families about health-related issues on a regular basis.
Protocol for Symptomatic Students/ family members
• Parents will contact school nurse explaining the issue
• Parent will be notified to stay at home for 14 days
• Student will be expected to perform classwork via remote learning platforms
• Student will have to have a doctor’s note providing proper clearing to return to school.
• Siblings of symptomatic student, especially those that reside in the same household, will follow the protocol according to the BDDOH,
NJDOH, School Nurse or School Physician
• All symptomatic students sent home from school are required to test negative prior to returning to district.
Temperature Checks with Touchless Thermometers:
At assigned entrances, staff members will be present to check the temperature. Temperature is not to exceed 100. Though COVID-19 temperature
is 100 the district feels it is in the best interest not to permit a student demonstrating any type of illness within the school buildings at this time.
Assigned staff will report to school 20-45 minutes before student arrival time to screen (and to supervise students). If the district implements the
above:
● The temperature will be taken of all employees and students each day of the week, or based on BCDOH, NJDOH, and CDC guidelines.
● Staff members will be trained and utilized to take temperatures of individuals using district purchased, no-contact thermometers.
● Each school building will designate areas for entrance, ensuring privacy, and no touch thermometers for temperature checks.
● Temperature checks will be administered to all visitors that plan to enter the school building.
Attestation Forms (Access to Form through the Parent Portal)
This form attests that the student and the family has not shown symptoms of COVID-19 and of their travel. This will ensure students do not need
to be quarantined. All parents/guardians will be required to complete a DAILY COVID-19 Attestation Form through the Parent Portal
on Real Time. This also includes total remote learners who will not come to the school buildings for in-person instruction. (More
Information is found on the district website.)
If the attestation form is not complete by the time the child arrives to the building:
13• A paper form may be collected upon entrance, if the parent is present.
• The parent/guardian will be contacted to complete the form in Real Time.
• Any students who do not have a completed form will be allowed into the building, but will not attend their regularly scheduled classes.
Instead they will attend remote instruction until the form is signed.
• The district may implement the following protocol if deemed appropriate or necessary:
o Individual will submit to a temperature check and a visual screening by school nurse or designee
o If one (1) COVID-19 symptom is identified by the school nurse, the student will be sent directly to the isolation area
Any individual that is coughing, has shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, will be referred to the nurse for further evaluation.
Random temperature checks and visual screening, may be implemented. Any individual with a temperature of 100 degrees F or above will be
sent home. Additionally, any individual that tests positive for COVID-19 or exhibits one or more of the following symptoms of COVID-19,
based on CDC guidance, that is not otherwise explained, will be sent home.
Parents should not send students to school when they are feeling sick or demonstrating any of the following symptoms:
● A Fever of 100 F or greater ● Sore throat
● Cough ● New loss of taste or smell
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing ● Fatigue
● Repeated shaking with chills ● Congestion or runny nose
● Muscle pain ● Nausea or vomiting
● Headache ● Diarrhea
All screenings will be conducted with respect. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be given as needed and may include but not
limited to, providing extra time for screening, involving a familiar staff member to assist with the screening process such as an assigned aide or
teacher, or enlisting the assistance of a family member.
Travel Restrictions: Under the travel advisory announced by the Governor of New Jersey, any individuals traveling to or returning to New
Jersey from any location other than NY, DE, CT, or PA are to self-quarantine for 10 days. This includes travel by train, bus, car, plane and any
other method of transportation.
https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/travel-and-transportation/are-there-travel-restrictions-to-or-from-new-jersey
142. Classrooms, Testing, and Therapy Rooms
Schools and districts must allow for social distancing to the maximum extent possible. When social distancing is difficult or impossible, face
coverings are required, and face coverings are always required for visitors and staff unless it will inhibit the individual’s health. School districts
must also minimize use of shared objects, ensure indoor facilities have adequate ventilation, prepare and maintain hand sanitizing stations, and
ensure students wash hands frequently. (NJDOE Guidance (Pages 18-21)
Virtual/ Remote Hybrid/ Blended Learning Traditional School Day
Instruction
While attending school for in-person instruction, students During a traditional school instruction, students will
Classrooms will review specific social distancing and established safety review specific social distancing and established safety
During an measures (see above.) measures (see above), Students will continue to follow
emergency school specific CDC guidelines and school protocol in reference
closure, due to the All students will sit six feet a part in all rooms, while to PPE and social distancing regulations.
COVID-19 wearing face masks. Face shields may be worn with face
Pandemic, all school masks (unless approved by the district physician). A personal All buildings have proper ventilation that in compliance
buildings will be student divider will be provided to all students. with MERV-13 filtration.
closed and classes
will meet virtually. Face masks, face shields will be made available for all Classroom Arrangement
students in the event that one is needed. A personal student • Larger rooms (i.e. auditorium, cafeteria, gym) can be
divider will be provided for each student. In the event used as classrooms to allow for social distancing.
accommodations are needed for special education students, • Turn desks to face in the same direction (rather than
Therapies young students, or students with specific health restrictions, facing each other) or have students sit on only one
During an they will not be required to wear a face mask pending side of tables, spaced apart.
emergency school approval from the School Nurse, Principal, School • No literacy corners
closure, due to the Physician, and Superintendent of Schools. • No small-group instruction
COVID-19 • Partitions will be placed in appropriate locations
Pandemic, all school Materials will be limited in sharing. Elementary students • Each desk will be equipped with the divider
buildings will be will keep their materials at/in their desk. All items will be • Classes will be placed in cohorts or kept together to
closed and all related disinfected (see “Facilities, Cleaning Practices” page 34.) include the same group of children each day.
services will be
• Minimal mixing between groups/cohorts.
provided through Classroom Arrangement
synchronous and • Larger rooms (i.e. auditorium, cafeteria, gym) can be
asynchronous used as classrooms to allow for social distancing. Classroom Furniture (below artifacts)
instruction.
15• Turn desks to face in the same direction (rather than • Student Desks
facing each other) or have students sit on only one side of • High School/Middle School Classroom Exhibit B
tables, spaced apart. • High School/Middle School Classroom Exhibit C
• No literacy corners • Elementary School Classroom Exhibit D
• No small-group instruction, until Superintendent • Elementary School Classroom Exhibit E
authorizes the staff to do so. • 1 Teacher Desk
• Partitions will be placed in appropriate locations • School provided teacher chair
• Each student desk will be equipped with a student divider • Science lab classes will not be provided a desk.
• Classes will be placed in cohorts or kept together to • 1 File Cabinet
include the same group of children each day. • Due to limited space the following will not be
• Minimal mixing between groups/cohorts. permitted:
o Rugs
Classroom Furniture (below artifacts) o Avoid close group learning activities like
• Cloth materials should be avoided: Eliminate the use of reading circles.
rugs, pillows and/or cushions. o Book shelves
o Student Projects
Student Desks o Rainbow tables
• High School/Middle School Classroom Exhibit B o Couches
• High School/Middle School Classroom Exhibit C o Personal items
• Elementary School Classroom Exhibit D
• Elementary School Classroom Exhibit E Testing
• 1 Teacher Desk • Specific safety measures will be put into place
• School provided teacher chair including:
• Science lab classes will be provided with desks. o Designated locations for all evaluations
• 1 File Cabinet o Staff will have professional development
• Due to limited space the following will not be permitted: regarding COVID-19, prior to testing.
o Rugs o Hand Sanitizer will be located at entrances and
o Avoid close group learning activities like reading exits of buildings, near bathrooms and in all
circles. classes for student use as they enter and exit
o Book shelves class
o Student Projects o Individual student dividers will be provided to
o Rainbow tables each student.
o Couches o Staff will be provided with a proper PPE
o Personal items (masks, gloves, face shields).
16Testing o Plexiglass dividers will be provided so that the
• Specific safety measures will be put into place including: staff member can see the child complete the
o Designated locations for all evaluations test.
o Staff will have professional development • Testing protocol will also include:
regarding COVID-19. o Specific testing times will be arranged by the
o Hand Sanitizer will be located at entrances and Director of Special Services and the CST team.
exits of buildings, near bathrooms and in all o Students will be provided with a mask if they
classes for student use as they enter and exit class do not come with one.
o Individual student dividers will be provided to • Proper disinfection will be arranged by the Director of
each student. Facilities after each test.
o Staff will be provided with a proper PPE masks,
gloves, face shields, and gowns if needed. Therapy Rooms
o Plexiglass/ Plastic dividers will be provided in • Related services will be provided in-person and will
appropriate locations so that the staff member can require specific safety measures will be put into place
see the child complete the test. including:
• Testing protocol will also include: o Designated locations for all evaluations
o Parent will drop off their child (they will not be o Staff will have professional development
allowed in a facility) and will wait in the parking regarding COVID-19, prior to testing.
lot until the child is walked out by a staff o Hand Sanitizer will be located at entrances and
member. exits of buildings, near bathrooms and in all
o Parents will be required to complete a contact classes for student use as they enter and exit
tracing form prior to the evaluation class
o Students will be provided with a mask if they do o Individual student dividers will be provided to
not come with one. each student
• Proper disinfection will be arranged by the Director of o Staff members will be provided with a proper
Facilities after each test. PPE (masks, gloves, face shields).
o Plexiglass dividers will be provided so that the
staff member can see the child complete the
Therapy Rooms test.
• With a hybrid model related services will be provided • Proper disinfection will be arranged by the Head
through in-person and virtual (synchronous and Custodian of each building through the Director of
asynchronous) instruction. Facilities after each test.
• In-person instruction will require specific safety
measures will be put into place including: • Parents will also be encouraged to provide students
o Designated locations for all evaluations with the following:
17o Staff will have professional development o Hand Sanitizer for use at their desk
regarding COVID-19, prior to testing. o Tissues
o Hand Sanitizer will be located at entrances and o Writing Utensils not to be shared
exits of buildings, near bathrooms and in all Crayons not to be shared
classes for student use as they enter and exit
class.
o Individual student dividers will be provided to
each student.
o Staff members will be provided with a proper
PPE (masks, gloves, face shields, and gowns, if
needed).
o Plexiglass or plastic dividers will be provided so
that the staff member can see the child complete
the test.
• Proper disinfection will be arranged by the Head
Custodian of each building through the Director of
Facilities after each test.
• Parents will also be encouraged to provide students with
the following:
o Hand Sanitizer for use at their desk
o Tissues
o Writing Utensils not to be shared
o Crayons not to be shared
183. Transportation
School districts should maintain social distancing practices on buses to the maximum extent practicable and adopt best practices for cleaning and
disinfecting all vehicles used for transporting students. If maintaining social distancing is not possible, all students who are able must wear face
coverings while on busses. NJDOE Guidance (Pages 21-23)
Virtual/ Remote Hybrid/ Blended Learning Traditional School Day
Instruction ● The district has contracted with South Bergen Jointure ● The district has contracted with South Bergen
Commission (SBJC), and will follow guidelines that are Jointure Commission, and will follow guidelines
During an emergency laid out by the Jointure. that are laid out by the Jointure.
school closure, due to the
COVID-19 Pandemic, ● Modified bus routes and schedules may be implemented ● Bus routes and schedules will resume a normal
district school buses will depending on the hybrid schedule. schedule and will implement specific safety
not be in use for any measures for all individuals riding on a bus.
reason. ● The district will work with parents if they choose to waive
transportation for the school year. Accordingly, families ● Hand sanitizer stations will be provided on the
The district will work of eligible bus students would receive a payment to waive bus for students, staff and bus drivers.
with the contracted bus transportation services in accordance with 18A:39-1c. ● Face coverings will be mandated for bus drivers
companies to ensure a and staff.
thorough and deep clean As per SBJC and CDC Guidelines: ● Plexiglass barriers will be installed around the
buses before reopening. ● 54-passenger will have no more than 11 students/plus one bus driver.
bus aide, when an aide is required ● Students must wear face covering, when social
● 29-passenger (those available) will have no more than 6 distancing is impossible.
students/plus one bus aide, when an aide is required ● Parents are to notify the district if a child is sick
● 24-passenger will have no more than 5 students/plus one and is not sending them to school (which
bus aide, when an aide is required includes siblings.)
● 16-passenger will have no more than 4 students/plus one ○ Siblings of symptomatic student, especially
bus aide, when an aide is required those that reside in the same household, will
● 7-passenger no more than 1 student/plus one bus aide, follow the protocol according to the BDDOH,
when required NJDOH, School Nurse or School Physician
● SBJC Attestation Form is needed (SEPARATE FORM ● Spaced seating will be employed:
THE DISTRICT FORM) ○ One (1) student per seat, alternating left and
● Hand sanitizer stations will be provided on the bus for right positions.
students, staff and bus drivers. ○ Siblings may sit together to maximize space.
● Face coverings will be mandated for bus drivers and staff. ○ Students filling the bus will bill the back row
19● Plexiglass barriers will be installed around the bus driver. first and then progress forward.
● Students must wear face covering, when social distancing ○ Mark seats to show students where to sit.
is impossible. ● Establish protocols for entering and exiting to
● Parents are to notify the district if a child is sick and is not avoid the congregation of
sending them to school (which includes siblings.) ● Students must be lined up 6ft apart when
○ Siblings of symptomatic student, especially those that entering or exiting the bus.
reside in the same household, will follow the protocol ● Open windows, when possible.
according to the BDDOH, NJDOH, School Nurse or ● All surfaces will be frequently cleaned and
School Physician disinfected after each use.
● Spaced seating will be employed:
○ One (1) student per seat, alternating left and right
positions.
○ Siblings may sit together to maximize space.
○ Students filling the bus will bill the back row first and
then progress forward.
○ Mark seats to show students where to sit.
● Establish protocols for entering and exiting to avoid the
congregation of
● Students must be lined up 6ft apart when entering or
exiting the bus.
● Open windows, when possible.
● All surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected
after each use.
CDC Guidance: Guidance on Bus Transit Operators
ED Week: Guidance for Social Distancing on Buses
204. Student Flow, Entry, Exit, and Common Areas
School district reopening plans should establish the process and location for student and staff health screenings. This should include providing
physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, to help ensure that staff and students remain at least six feet apart. When
it is not possible to maintain physical distancing, schools must require the use of face coverings. NJDOE Guidance (Pages 23-24)
Policy 1648: Restart and Recovery
Virtual/ Remote Instruction Hybrid/ Blended Learning Traditional School Day
During an emergency school ● The temperature will be taken of all employees ● The temperature will be taken of all employees
closure, due to the COVID-19 and students each day of the week, or based on and students each day of the week, or based
Pandemic all school buildings BCDOH, NJDOH and CDC guidelines. on BCDOH, NJDOH and CDC guidelines.
will be closed and total
● Parents will be required to complete a daily ● Parents will be required to complete a daily
virtual/remote learning will be
employed. COVID-19 Attestation Form through Real COVID-19 Attestation Form through Real
Time. Time.
Essential personnel, Temperature Checks: Temperature Checks:
designated by the ○ Consider all HIPAA and FERPA laws and ○ Consider all HIPAA and FERPA laws and
Superintendent of Schools, will regulations regulations
be allowed to enter the school ○ Students and staff that test negative will be ○ Students and staff that test negative will be
building. allowed to walk the school with a mask at all allowed to walk the school with a mask at
times. all times.
District leaders will use one- ○ All students, staff and visitors are required to ○ All students, staff and visitors are required
way and two-way wear face coverings unless doing so would to wear face coverings unless doing so would
communication platforms in inhibit the individual’s health, the individual is inhibit the individual’s health, the individual is
order to operate and conduct under two years of age, or other exceptions under two years of age, or other exceptions
essential business. outlined in NJDOE’s guidance apply pending outlined in NJDOE’s guidance apply pending
approval from the school nurse, principal, and approval from the school nurse, principal,
Virtual meetings will be Superintendent of Schools. and Superintendent of Schools.
employed; in-person meetings ○ All students, staff and visitors are required to ○ All students, staff and visitors are required
will only be conducted when wear face coverings unless doing so would to wear face coverings unless doing so would
necessary. inhibit the individual’s health, the individual is inhibit the individual’s health, the individual is
under two years of age, or other exceptions under two years of age, or other exceptions
outlined in NJDOE’s guidance apply pending outlined in NJDOE’s guidance apply pending
21approval from the school nurse, principal, and approval from the school nurse, principal,
Superintendent of Schools. and Superintendent of Schools.
○ Those who test positive will be asked to stay ○ Those who test positive will be asked to
home for 14 days. stay home for 14 days.
■ This will include all siblings in district. ■ This will include all siblings in district.
○ Siblings of symptomatic student, especially ○ Siblings of symptomatic student, especially
those that reside in the same household, will those that reside in the same household, will
follow the protocol according to the BDDOH, follow the protocol according to the
NJDOH, School Nurse or School Physician BDDOH, NJDOH, School Nurse or School
Physician
● The staff will be provided with training to review
screening protocols. ● The staff will be provided with professional
● Parents/ Guardians will also be provided with development to review screening protocols.
screening information prior to the start of school. ● Parents/ Guardians will also be provided with
They will also be informed of the protocol. This screening information prior to the start of
information will be share on the district website, school. They will also be informed of the
social media and through correspondence form protocol. This information will be share on the
the administration. district website, social media and through
● Hand sanitizer stations will be provided at every correspondence form the administration.
entrance, exit, near bathrooms, in every ● Hand sanitizer stations will be provided at
classroom, lobby areas and all offices. entrance, exit, near bathrooms, in every
● All students will be provided face masks, face classroom, lobby areas and all offices.
shields, and a personal student divider. In the ● All students will be provided face masks, face
event accommodations are needed for special shields, and a personal student divider. In the
education students, young students, or students event accommodations are needed for special
with specific health restrictions, they will not be education students, young students, or students
required to wear a face mask pending approval with specific health restrictions, they will not be
from the school nurse, principal, and required to wear a face mask pending approval
Superintendent of Schools. from the school nurse, principal, and
● Face masks and shields will be provided for all Superintendent of Schools.
staff members. ● Face masks and shields will be provided for all
● Students and staff must wear face covering at all staff members.
times when social distancing is not permitted. ● Students and staff must wear face covering at
all times when social distancing is not
Signage permitted.
● Signage will be posted in classrooms, hallways,
22and entrances to communicate how to stop the Signage
spread of COVID-19. Other signage includes how ● Signage will be posted in classrooms, hallways,
to stop the spread of germs, how to properly wear and entrances to communicate how to stop the
face coverings, visitors entering the building, spread of COVID-19. Other signage includes
amongst others. how to stop the spread of germs, how to
● Specific signage will be placed on the ground for properly wear face coverings, visitors entering
students to follow to avoid large crowds and the building, amongst others.
congregation. ● Specific signage will be placed on the ground
for students to follow to avoid large crowds and
Special Accommodations congregation.
● Additional signage, entrance and exiting
procedures will be modified and accommodations Special Accommodations
will be made for students with disabilities will ● Additional signage, entrance and exiting
made, if and when it is needed. procedures will be modified and
accommodations will be made for students with
● Protocols for students/staff who feel ill and/or disabilities will made, if and when it is needed.
experience symptoms when they come to school
(see above #1 for more information)
○ Share this information with parents, students, ● Protocols for students/staff who feel ill and/or
and staff. experience symptoms when they come to
○ Establish a room, separate from the nurse’s school (see above #1 for more information)
office, where students who have symptoms
wait to be picked up by a parent and/or Transitioning
guardian. ● Pk-5 Students will not transition throughout the
school day.
● Nonessential visitors and volunteers will not be ○ Pk-5 students will be in session 8:45-11:15
allowed in school buildings. and then released for lunch.
○ Staff will be limited in their transitions
● Student pick up and drop off: ● 6-8/ 9-12 Students and staff will transition from
○ staggered entry and release (by grade, class) class to class and will be required to follow the
○ marked spacing for pick up. below parameters:
○ Parents will not be permitted in the buildings ○ Students and staff will wear face
for early dismissal/pick up unless they have coverings/masks while they are
provided the administration with written transitioning through the hallways
correspondence 48 hours in advance, and ○ The cleaning of hallways and high-touch
approval has been granted by the principal. surfaces will be conducted throughout the
23school day
Transitioning ○ Additional time for transitions will be
● Pk-5 Students will not transition throughout the provided (if needed.)
school day. ○ Flow paths will be identified through
○ Staff will be limited in their transitions signage to keep students separated and to
● 6-8/ 9-12 Students and staff will transition from minimize congregation of students. This
class to class and will be required to follow the may include:
below parameters: ■ Designate ‘one-way’ hallways.
○ Students and staff will wear face ■ Designate ‘up’ and ‘down’ stairwells
coverings/masks while they are transitioning ■ Plan staggered class (i.e. by hall,
through the hallways odd/even classroom numbers, grade,
○ The cleaning of hallways and high-touch discipline) changes to decrease the
surfaces will be conducted throughout the number of students in the hallway at
school day one time.
○ Additional time for transitions will be ■ Have the same group of students stay
provided (if needed.) with the same staff (all day for
○ Flow paths will be identified through signage elementary students and as much as
to keep students separated and to minimize possible for middle and high school
congregation of students. This may include: students).
■ Designate ‘one-way’ hallways.
■ Designate ‘up’ and ‘down’ stairwells Common Areas/ Large Groups
■ Walking “lanes” may be identified The district will continue to abide by the maximum
■ Plan staggered class (i.e. by hall, number of people allowed to congregate as defined
odd/even classroom numbers, grade, by the Governor's current statewide Executive
discipline) changes to decrease the Order.
number of students in the hallway at one ● Assemblies will be suspended.
time. ● Field trips will be suspended.
■ Have the same group of students stay ● Congregation of students in common areas will
with the same staff (all day for be monitored and discouraged.
elementary students and as much as ● Stagger the schedule for large group gatherings
possible for middle and high school (recess in the elementary and during school
students). meals- see below #8.)
● Providing hand sanitizer for students and staff
Common Areas/ Large Groups at every entrance, exit, near bathrooms, in every
The district will continue to abide by the maximum classroom, lobby areas and all offices
number of people allowed to congregate as defined by ● Post signage in hallways and cafeteria to
24the Governor's current statewide Executive Order. communicate how to stop the spread of
● Assemblies will be suspended. COVID-19. Other signage includes how to stop
● Field trips will be suspended. the spread of germs, how to properly wear face
● Congregation of students in common areas will coverings, visitors entering the building,
be monitored and discouraged. amongst others
● Stagger the schedule for large group gatherings ● Allowing students and staff to wear face
(recess in the elementary and during school masks/coverings while in large group
meals- see below #8.) gatherings
● Limit unnecessary congregation of students and
staff.
5. Screening, PPE, Response to Students & Staff Presenting Symptoms
School districts must adopt a policy for safely and respectfully screening students and employees for symptoms of and history of exposure to
COVID-19. Students and staff with symptoms related to COVID-19 must be safely and respectfully isolated from others. If a school district
becomes aware that an individual who has spent time in a district facility tests positive for COVID-19, district officials must immediately notify
local health officials, staff, and families of a confirmed case while maintaining confidentiality. NJDOE Guidance (Pages 24-27)
NJDOH COVID Information
Public Health Recommendations for Local Health Departments for K-12 Schools (January 2021)
COVID- Instructions-Persons Who Test Positive
COVID-When to Get Tested
COVID-Cannot Test Out of Quarantine
COVID-How Long to Isolate-Quarantine
COVID-Instructions Persons Who Test Negative
Virtual/ Remote Hybrid/ Blended Learning Traditional School Day
Instruction
● All persons entering the buildings must wear a ● All persons entering the buildings must wear a face
During an emergency face covering, unless it would inhibit an covering, unless it would inhibit an individual’s
school closure, due to the individual’s health (medical documentation health (medical documentation needed.)
COVID-19 Pandemic, all needed.)
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