National Trail Local Schools Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ's
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
National Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
Arrival and Dismissal
1. Where does my student go when they arrive at school each day?
2. How will transportation be handled this year?
3. Will drop-off and pick-up spots be modified this year?
Classroom and Building Operations
1. Are there visual directions posted in common areas?
2. When will school start for the 2020-2021 school year?
3. Does National Trail Local Schools have a Fall 2020 Reopening Plan?
4. What is National Trail Local Schools’ policy regarding face coverings? (UPDATED)
5. Will National Trail Local Schools be hosting open houses and orientations at the beginning of the school year?
6. Will the water fountains be turned off?
7. Have you prepared and communicated to staff and students the plans for fire, tornado, and lock-down drills?
8. Will there be more instruction occurring outside of the school building, on school grounds, especially during the warmer months?
9. Will students be able to have recess?
10. What happens to students who do not comply with safety procedures?
11. How will everyday disciplinary issues/office referrals be handled?
12. Will I need to quarantine my student if we visit one of the states on Ohio’s travel advisory list?
Visitors
1. Will visitors be allowed in the building?
2. What procedures will be expected of visitors?
Breakfast and Lunch
1. Will NT provide breakfast and lunch to students?
2. Will microwaves be available for students to use during lunch?
3. Will visitors be allowed to eat lunch with students?
4. Will students have assigned seats at lunch?
5. How will breakfast and lunch be served?
6. What will be the cleaning procedures for the areas where food is eaten by students and/or staff?
Cleaning & Disinfecting
1. Are there cleaning protocols in place for the general building and grounds, classrooms/offices/large gathering spaces, materials, etc?
2. Will additional hand sanitizing stations be available to students and staff?
3. Will students be able to bring their own hand sanitizer?
4. What measures have been taken to assess our ventilation systems?
Health Care
1. Will the school be checking my child’s temperature and/or other symptoms?
2. What if a student or staff member becomes ill?
3. How will students who are not sick but need medical attention in another way be treated? (e.g. medicine distribution, injury, cut, etc.
4. Will medication administration happen in a site other than the clinic?
5. What is the protocol if a student in the same classroom as my child tests positive for COVID-19? (UPDATED)
6. Where will sick students or staff be held until they leave the school?
7. What if my child’s teacher or another staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
8. What if my child comes in contact with someone who came in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19?
9. Will a student be separated if he/she shows symptoms of COVID-19 while at school?
Remote Learning Options
1. Will National Trail Local Schools be providing a remote learning option?
2. What supports is National Trail Local Schools providing for parents assisting students with remote learning?
3. What is the commitment for the remote learning option?
4. Who is providing the remote learning option?
5. What are the expectations for remote learners? (UPDATED)
6. What will the attendance responsibility be for remote learners? (UPDATED)
7. What is the Code of Conduct for remote leaners? (UPDATED)
8. What should we contact if our school technology is not working? (UPDATED)
Arrival and DismissalNational Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
1. Where does my student go when they arrive at school each day?
5th - 12th Grade Students:
Upon arrival students who eat breakfast will report to the K-6 Cafeteria. All other students will report
directly to the MS Gym (5-8) or HS Gym (9-12).
To help maintain safety and proper social distancing measures 5th - 12th students who are dropped-off or ride
with an older sibling will not be able to enter the building until 7:15 A.M. and should not be dropped off
early.
K - 4th Grade Students:
Upon arrival students who eat breakfast will grab their breakfast and report to their classroom. All other
students will report directly to their classrooms as they have in the past.
To help maintain safety and proper social distancing measures K - 4th students who are dropped-off will not
be able to enter the building until 8:30 A.M. and should not be dropped off early.
2. How will transportation be handled this year?
Students who ride buses will have assigned seats with no more than two to a seat. Students and drivers must
wear face coverings at all times when on a school bus. In order to maintain proper transportation protocols,
NO daily bus passes will be given for the 2020-2021 school year.
3. Will drop-off and pick-up spots be modified this year?
Yes. Drop off and pick-up procedures for the 2020-2021 school year will be different from years past.
Family members will not be able to enter the building in order to pick-up or drop off their students as we
have allowed in the past. Car riders will be escorted outside by staff and we ask that families remain in their
cars and wait for their students to come to them. More information will be sent to families during the week
of August 17th.
Classroom & Building Operations
1. Are there visual directions posted in common areas?
Yes. We have placed social distancing, handwashing, and other safety reminders throughout the district. In
addition, we will include reminders as part of daily announcements to help reinforce our protocols.
2. When will school start for the 2020-2021 school year?
The first day for students in grades 1-12 has been changed to Monday, August 24, 2020.
The first day for Kindergarten students has been changed to Friday, August 28th.
The last day for students will still be Thursday, May 27, 2021 for grades K-11 and Monday, May 24, 2021
for Seniors.
3. Does National Trail Local Schools have a Fall 2020 Reopening Plan?
Yes. The National Trail Local Schools' Fall 2020 Reopening Plan can be found on the district’s website at
www.nationaltrail.us
This plan includes expectations for parents/caregivers, students, teachers/assistants, custodians,
administration, bus drivers, nurses, office staff, visitors, etc. related to classrooms, hallways, lockers,
common areas, drop off, pick-up, transportation, health services, restrooms, lunches and cafeteria, and
offices.National Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
4. What is National Trail Local Schools’ policy regarding face coverings? (UPDATED)
We understand the variety of thoughts regarding face coverings. The National Trail Local Schools plan
reflects the guidance of the Preble County Department of Health and the recommendations stated in the
Ohio Health Department COVID-19 Health and Prevention Guidance.
National Trail is requiring that face coverings be worn by all students, staff, and visitors to our building in
all common areas. If students and staff are unable to socially distance, a face covering must be worn. Face
coverings will be required on buses, while entering and exiting the school building, while picking up food in
the cafeteria line, in the hallways, restrooms, and other common areas. Face coverings may be required in
the classroom when social distancing is not possible or when health concerns deem them necessary.
National Trail will be providing reusable cloth masks for all students and staff. We will also be providing
disposable face coverings for students and staff who forget to bring their own face covering to school or on
the bus.
National Trail Schools believe our students need to be in school to maximize their learning and benefit their
physical and mental health. National Trail Schools may not be able to continue in-person education if
we have a spread of the virus. This plan reflects the measures National Trail believes will optimize our
chances of continuing in-person education throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year. We will all need to
work together while understanding all of us are experiencing a different school year.
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Interim Director, Lance D. Himes issued a DIRECTOR’s ORDER
on August 13 regarding The Use of Facial Coverings in Child Education Settings. On August 15, Governor
DeWine and Director Himes clarified that the August 13 Director’s Order disallowed Face Shields as a face
covering in place of a cloth mask. The requirement to wear a mask does not apply with the following
exemptions:
1. The individual has a medical condition including respiratory conditions that restricts breathing,
mental health conditions, or a disability that contraindicates the wearing of a facial covering; or
2. The individual is communicating or seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing impaired
or has another disability, where an accommodation is appropriate or necessary;
3. The individual is actively participating in outdoor recess and/or physical activity where students are
able to maintain a distance of six feet or more or athletic practice, scrimmage, or competition that is
permitted under a separate Department Health Order;
4. The individual is seated and actively consuming food or beverage;
5. Where students and staff can maintain distancing of at least six feet and removal of the facial
covering is necessary for instructional purposes, including instruction in foreign language, English
Language for non-native speakers, and other subjects where wearing a facial covering would
prohibit participation in normal classroom activities, such as playing an instrument;
6. Students are able to maintain a distance of six feet or more and a mask break is deemed necessary
by the educator supervising the educational setting;
7. The individual is alone in an enclosed space, such as an office; or
8. When an established sincerely held religious requirement exists that does not permit a facial
covering.
5. Will National Trail Local Schools be hosting open houses and orientation at the beginning of the
school year?
National Trail Local WILL NOT be hosting open houses and orientations in the traditional manner. More
information will be provided shortly.National Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
6. Will the water fountains be turned off?
Yes, the water fountains will be turned off until further notice with the exception of water bottle filling
stations in each building. Students will be provided a water bottle and should plan on having it filled as they
come to school each day.
7. Have you prepared and communicated to staff and students the plans for fire, tornado, and lock-
down drills?
Based on recent guidance from the state of Ohio, School Districts across the state will still be required to run
their typical drills. When drills are run, students will be required to wear their masks and we will implement
social distancing when applicable.
8. Will there be more instruction occurring outside of the school building, especially during the warmer
months?
Yes. Staff will be encouraged to use outside spaces for instruction to every extent possible.
9. Will students be able to have recess?
Yes. We will restrict access to certain high touch pieces of playground equipment but our intention is to
still let kids be kids. Students will wash their hands before and after being on the playground. In addition,
playground equipment will be sanitized between each play session
10. What happens to students who do not comply with safety procedures?
Students who fail to comply with safety procedures may be disciplined or placed in remote learning. It is
important that all safety measures, as determined by the state, are followed for the benefit of every
individual in the building.
11. How will everyday disciplinary issues/office referrals be handled?
There will be no change to disciplinary office referrals. Students and staff will practice safety protocols
when handling disciplinary issues to every extent possible.
12. Will I need to quarantine my student if we visit one of the states on Ohio’s travel advisory list?
Yes. Because we are a government agency, we must follow the recommendations that the State of Ohio. If
a student visits a state that is currently on the travel advisory list, a student will need to quarantine for 14
days after leaving that location.
Visitors
1. Will visitors be allowed in the building?
Visitors will only be permitted in the building in the event of an emergency, to enroll a student, for a scheduled
meeting or as an approved volunteer.
2. What procedures will be expected of visitors?
Visitors must check into the office, have their temperatures checked, wear a face covering, and wear a visitor’s
badge before entering the building.
Breakfast and Lunch
1. Will NT provide breakfast and lunch to students?
Yes. Depending on the grade level, students will have either a grab and go or cafeteria option for breakfast.
Lunch times have been expanded to allow for a staggered release of students to lunch to avoid overcrowding
in the halls and permit time for cleaning chairs and tables in between lunches. We encourage you to use the
online meal payment system, so your child can avoid exchanging money with the cashier.National Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
When in the cafeteria, students will be seated in the cafeteria and other locations, if needed, so that
recommended distancing requirements are met since students cannot wear face coverings during this time.
2. Will microwaves be available for students to use during lunch?
Until further notice, microwaves will not be available.
3. Will visitors be allowed to eat lunch with students?
Until further notice, visitors will not be permitted to eat lunch with students.
4. Will students have assigned seats at lunch?
It is recommended by the county health department that we have assigned seating for the students during the
2020-2021 school year in order to allow for contact tracing.
5. How will breakfast and lunch be served?
Students will be served their food and will not be able to serve themselves. Condiments will be individual
packets.
6. What will be the cleaning procedures for the areas where food is eaten by students and/or staff?
Students and staff will still be expected to generally clean up after themselves. Once the table is cleared, the
table and seats will be cleaned and sanitized by custodians and lunchroom personnel
Cleaning & Disinfecting
1. Are there cleaning protocols in place for the general building and grounds, classrooms/offices/large
gathering spaces, materials, etc?
Students will be provided multiple opportunities to practice handwashing throughout the day. We are
securing all supplies needed for daily cleaning and sanitizing. Daily cleaning, which includes disinfecting
high touch surfaces, will be performed by our custodial staff.
In addition, desks, chairs, doors, and other high touch surfaces in classrooms will be cleaned between each
class period or as appropriate based on building needs. Students and staff will work together to ensure our
classroom surfaces remain clean throughout the day.
2. Will additional hand sanitizing stations be available to students and staff?
Yes. Additional hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom and available in various locations
throughout the buildings.
3. Will students be able to bring their own hand sanitizer?
As required by the Governor, National Trail Local Schools will be providing hand sanitizer. Due to the US
Food and Drug Administration’s concerns with hand sanitizers that contain potentially harmful chemicals,
we strongly discourage students from bringing their own hand sanitizer.
Students will be provided ample opportunities to wash their hands throughout the day.
4. What measures have been taken to assess our ventilation systems?
Through consultation with our HVAC contractor, we will continue to assess our HVAC equipment to
maintain proper airflow to each space and provide high-efficiency filtration.National Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
Health Care
The response to an individual case will depend largely on the circumstances surrounding the case and
contact(s) the individual had within the school setting. Please keep in mind that any time a student or staff
member tests positive, National Trail Local Schools Administration will be in contact with the Preble County
Health Department. We realize this is a very fluid situation and these answers may change based on additional
information or guidance.
1. Will the school be checking my child’s temperature and/or other symptoms?
National Trail Local Schools will be checking student temperature each morning as they arrive to school.
We also ask that parents conduct a student wellness check, including temperature, prior to sending their
child/children to school. Students with a temperature of 100° F or higher and/or other COVID related
symptoms must stay home.
2. What if a student or staff member becomes ill?
These procedures will be followed when a student or staff member becomes ill:
Health issues that are NOT diagnosed as COVID-19
• Any other illnesses should be handled in a routine manner according to district policies.
• Schools shall send home any child or employee who has a temperature of 100 degrees or higher. This
individual may not return until they are fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing
medication.
• If the individual has had contact with someone confirmed or probable to have COVID-19, he or she
must complete isolation or quarantine procedures in coordination with PCHD prior to returning to
school. These procedures can be found by visiting the PCHD’s website at preblecountyhealth.org
• Students that only have a fever and no other symptoms and have not had any contact with an individual
that has COVID-19 may return to school after they are fever-free for 24 hours without using any fever-
reducing medications.
Returning to School After Confirmed or Probable COVID-19 Diagnosis
If a student is diagnosed as having COVID-19, they must meet the following criteria to return to school:
• Complete isolation or quarantine procedures in coordination with PCHD, AND
• 3 days with no fever (without using fever-reducing medication), AND
• Other symptoms improved, AND
• 10 days since symptoms first appeared
3. How will students who are not sick but need medical attention in another way be treated? (e.g.
medicine distribution, injury, cut, etc.
Students who are sick or injured, not related to COVID-19, will be treated by the school nurse in the same
manner we are accustomed to in the past.
4. Will medication administration happen in a site other than the clinic?
At this point, medication will still be administered by the school nurse or nurse aide but locations may
change due to exposure circumstances.
5. What is the protocol if a student in the same classroom as my child tests positive for COVID-19?
(UDATED)
The response to an individual case will depend largely on the circumstances surrounding the case and
contact(s) the individual had within the school setting.National Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
Based on guidance from the Preble County Health Department
(PCHD), students who are reasonably distanced and/or wearing a
face covering may remain in school. The student who tests
positive will need to quarantine as determined by the PCHD.
Students who were not wearing a mask or face covering, and
were in exposure proximity* with the person who tests positive,
would be required to quarantine for 14 days, as directed by the
PCHD.
*NOTE: Exposure is defined as being within 6 feet for 15 minutes
or more of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 within
the last 10 days OR living with someone who has tested positive
within the last 10 days.
6. Where will sick students or staff be held until they leave the school?
Quarantined students will be held in an area other than the clinic.
7. What if my child’s teacher or another staff member tests positive for COVID-19?
The response to an individual case will depend largely on the circumstances surrounding the case and
contact(s) the individual had within the school setting. If it is determined there is exposure to a student, the
parents will be notified.
8. What if my child comes in contact with someone who came in contact with someone who tested
positive for COVID-19?
Based on guidance from the Preble County Health Department (PCHD), your child would not be required to
quarantine but should continue to monitor for symptoms.
9. Will students be separated if he/she shows symptoms of COVID-19 while at school?
Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent to the clinic. If necessary, the student will stay in
the designated area until the parent arrives to pick-up the student.
Remote Learning Options
1. Will National Tail Local Schools be providing a remote learning option?
Yes. National Trail will be providing a remote learning option. The remote learning option this fall will be
significantly different than it was in the spring. All remote learning students will be held accountable for
their school work in a timely manner, similar to those students who are in the buildings. There will also be
an attendance requirement.
2. What supports are we providing for parents assisting students with remote learning?
The National Trail Schools’ website (www.nationaltrail.us) will provide resources for parents and students
as well as other important information related to the 2020-2021 school year.
3. What is the commitment for the remote learning option?
Students and families who choose the online option, will have a two-week window at the start of the year to
decide if this option is right for each family. Students who are enrolled in the online program after Labor
Day, will not be able to return to a “traditional format” until the start of the second semester.National Trail Local Schools
Return to School 2020-2021 FAQ’s
8/7/2020
4. Who is providing the remote learning option?
National Trail is partnering with Edmentum Learning to provide the online platform for the students that
choose this option. All Instruction, assessment, student support and grades will be planned and provided by
online instructors who are NOT National Trail staff.
5. What are the expectations for remote learners? (UPDATED)
Students must log in on a daily basis and complete assignments in order to be counted as attending.
Attendance will be taken each day the same as students who are physically present.
The expectations and accountability for classwork and grading will follow district policy for On-
campus instruction. Courses taken by students participating in remote learning will be included in
calculating GPA and class rank in accordance with district policy and the same as if the student was
physically present.
Some elective courses may not be an option for remote learning. Students may be required to take electives
they did not previously register for, in order to obtain the minimum required credits. Some courses may
require a student to obtain equipment from campus in order to complete coursework virtually, i.e. Family &
Consumer Science, Art, etc. Remote learners in grades 6-12 will receive their schedules at a later date than
in-person learners.
Students in grades K-8 may not be able to participate in some or all specials, i.e., Art, Music, Gym,
Technology, and Library.
Students enrolled in remote learning will be required to remain in the program for a minimum of a semester.
If a written request to change to In-Person learning is not made before the end of the current grading period
the student will be automatically continued to be enrolled in remote learning education. This written request
must be made at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the last day of the nine (9) week grading period and
sent to the building principal.
Students must have access to reliable internet service and/or the means to provide consistent access to the
internet. Remote learning during the 2020-2021 school year will require additional data than what was used
during the 2019-2020 remote learning.
Parents will be responsible for maintaining communication with their child's/children's teacher to create a
learning partnership.
6. What will the attendance responsibility be for remote learners? (UPDATED)
Remote learners must log in on a daily basis and complete assignments in order to be counted as attending.
Attendance will be taken each day the same as students who are physically present. Remote learners are
responsible for the attendance policy as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbooks.
7. What is the Code of Conduct for remote learners? (UPDATED)
All school rules as indicated in the Student/Parent Handbooks apply to remote learners.
8. Who should we contact if our Chromebook is not working? (UPDATED)
If your Chromebook is not functioning properly, please contact the building where your child attends. Please
notify your teachers so they are aware of the issue.You can also read
