On the Road Back: Berlin Township School District 2020-2021 Restart, Recovery and Reopening Plan
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Berlin Township School District
On the Road Back:
2020-2021 Restart, Recovery and Reopening Plan
Edythe B. Austermuhl, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Submitted to the Board of Education for approval on Thursday, August 20, 2020Guiding Consideration for the District Reopening Plan
• Provide for the health and safety of students and staff to the greatest extent possible
• Resume in-person instruction to the extent possible in accordance with social distancing guidelines and requirements of governing bodies
listed above
• Offer accommodations for those at higher risk for severe disease including remote learning
It should be noted that the guidance provided may be at odds with each other and other agency requirements (ex. NJMVC, Fire Safety, Office of
School Preparedness) and that the full plan is currently under development for submission to the NJ Department of Education, Camden County
Office for review and approval. Due to the COVID-19 virus, the Pandemic situation is ever changing and highly fluid due to the constant flow of
information and changing guidelines. Alterations in the plan and information contained in this document are subject to change upon receipt of
updated guidelines. The intent is to provide the Berlin Township Board of Education and community with a current overview of the instructional
plan in order to assist all parties in planning appropriately for a smooth transition to the 2020-2021 school year
This plan is based on based upon the current guidance and guidelines of the entities listed below and subject to change at their diirection:
• Executive Orders of the Governor of New Jersey
• New Jersey Department of Education (DOE)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP)
• New Jersey and Camden County Departments of Health
Additional guidance has been provided by:
• Capehart Scatchart for Legal Guidance
• New Jersey School Boards Association
• New Jersey Association of School Administrators
Berlin Township Board of Education Members: District Administrators:
Gerard Petersen, President Edythe Austermuhl, Superintendent
Jeff Souza, Vice President Megan Stoddart, Business Administrator
Brian Davis Marilyn Bright, DDE Principal
Cynthia Mozee Michael Murphy, JFK Principal
Kimberly Reed Kristin Braidwood, Supervisor of Special Services
Sol Cohen Dina Bottley, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction
Lisa Hill-Muff Chuck Pfluger, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds
Domonic Balducci Amy Berth, Technology Coordinator
Holly MurrenburkeReopening Planning Committee Members:
Cleaning and Sanitization:
Chuck Pfluger, Mike Schaffer, Marilyn Bright, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl
Transportation:
Chuck Pfluger, Marilyn Bright, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl, Antoinette Pearson, Megan Stoddart, Jeff Souza
CARE:
Chuck Pfluger, Megan Stoddart, Tracey Richards, Tara Fields, Holly Murrenburke, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl
Building and Classroom Practices:
Chuck Pfluger, Dina Bottley, Marilyn Bright, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl, Amy Berth, Tara Corbett, Jennifer Virelli,
Trish Sebastiano, Jessica Wright, Renee Borgstrom, Molly Kwelty, Laura Burke, Domonic Balducci, Kris Beers, Kelly Mitchell, Lisa
Hill-Muff
Instructional Practices:
Chuck Pfluger, Dina Bottley, Marilyn Bright, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl, Amy Berth, Nancy Sims, Patty Tideman,
Jennifer Virelli, Renee Borgstrom, Molly Kwelty, Laura Burke, Kris Beers, Kelly Mitchell, Kristin Braidwood, Cynthia Mozee
Food Service:
Megan Stoddart, Lucia Henry, Marilyn Bright, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl, Chuck Pfluger
Health and Safety:
Chuck Pfluger, Dina Bottley, Marilyn Bright, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl, Amy Berth, Lisa Gillespie, Brian Martino,
Heather Pack, Lauren Campisi, Sonia Ramos, Barb Kirk, Mike Schaffer, Gerard Petersen
Social Emotional:
Kristin Braidwood, Tierra King, Ryan Rollins, Ashley Episcopo, Heather Pach, Rosemarie Patrzio, Sara Zimmerman, Dina
Bottley, Marilyn Bright, Michael Murphy, Edythe Austermuhl, Amy Berth, Lisa Gillespie, Kim Reed, Cynthia MozeeDISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT
The slogan of the Berlin Township School District of “Educating Today for Tomorrow’s Success” is meant to focus the educational community on
the broad goal of giving ALL of our children the necessary skills to be successful in all future endeavors. Student achievement is the major priority;
the district prides itself on its creative approach to learning and its emphasis upon helping each student to discover his or her potential. Teachers
use a variety of teaching methods to reach students with a wide range of abilities. Student engagement as volunteers in the learning process is
our primary focus. It is our responsibility to create structures and systems where students are totally engaged in the instruction, which will then
leads to deeper learning and understanding.
The Berlin Township School District commits itself to all children by creating a standards-based school district in which all students receive the
very best educational opportunities possible. Each and every student will surpass the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. To achieve
this, the members of the district will focus on:
Establishing high standards of excellence for both staff and students
Communicating openly and frequently within the district and with the community to foster a trusting relationship
Ensuring a safe and orderly environment for staff and students
Recognizing that a school district serves as a role model and has the responsibility to encourage high quality character behaviorThe Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for Education
School District: Berlin Township
Conditions for Learning
Health and Safety: Standards for Establishing Safe and Healthy Conditions for Learning
Critical Area District Actions and Person(s) Responsible
Bold indicates person responsible
General Health and Safety Guidelines Superintendent, Building Principal, School Nurses
● Establishing and maintaining ● The superintendent will respond to any outreach from the Camden County Health
communication with Health Dept; Department in order to address positive cases of COVID-19 that impacts the
track local conditions
district/school community that may have been reported to them to commence
contact tracing and case investigation. Should the district/school report to the
health officer about staff, students, or any person with a close relationship to the
school that tested positive, that information will be verified by the health
department before it commences contact tracing and case investigation. All
positive persons will undergo contact tracing and case investigation whether the
information was first passed through the school or came automatically through
the health department communicable disease surveillance system. The Camden
County Health Department will handle all contact tracing and have staff available
● Develop “high risk” criteria and to perform contact tracing and case investigation.share with staff and families
● Use CDC documentation for High Risk concerns- see Appendix and poster with list of
● Reasonable accommodations for symptoms
students and staff at higher risk ● Use of NJ Dept of Health document “COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for
Local Health Dept for K-12 Schools”
● Promote behaviors that reduce ● Accommodations for high risk students and staff will be made on case by case basis;
these include work/learn from home; provide technology devices; provide supplies for
spread
completion of tasks; arrange for “zoom” type meeting
● Screening protocols established for visitors, students, staff upon arrival
○ Bus procedures - Statement of assurance for parents to complete before
students use the bus; cleaning between runs, deep cleaning after AM and PM
runs;
○ School: Social distancing; students work in cohorts; 2 days in person & 3 days
remote; increased cleaning, students/staff wear masks; personal items = no
sharing
○ Hand sanitizing stations, wipes, cleaning frequently touched items; no
sharing;
● Staff
○ Safe schools training for staff members; CDC videos for staff members; staff
● Training
will have training for protocols
○ students will have in person training by nurse, guidance, teachers re: wearing
masks, washing hands; social distancing, moving in the hallways, cafeteria
procedures, using materials; Health related lessons by Health/PE teachers
Classrooms, Testing and Therapy Rooms Supervisor of Building and Grounds, Building Principals
● Student desks, workspaces, and ● Classrooms- desks 6’ apart, use of larger rooms as needed to accommodate
eating spaces separated by 6’ larger classes; classrooms are sparse-no extra furniture 1:1 ratio, few additional
tables to keep clutter under control. Eating = APR with at least 6’ apart and
additional room for students; Recess areas will be marked for cohorts to remain
in the same general area, spacing on fields with paint.
● Physical barriers ● Physical barriers as needed in classrooms between desks - # of students to
remain small, students wear masks; Secretary stations have plexiglass, staff usemasks and shields, taping on the floor to designate where to stand for 6’
distance.. Bathroom sinks and stalls will be block off or water turned off to
● Face coverings when social decrease number of people using the restroom at one time.
distancing not possible ● Staff and students are required to wear face coverings when in side; students
mask breaks highly supervised at recess in designated spaces, PE with teacher
supervision
● Students will have individual supplies in bags or bins. Supply lists will be
● Limit use of shared objects and distributed to families stating what is needed and permitted, Students will be
supplies provided with items as necessary which will remain theirs and placed in their
bin/baggie. Items that can be sanitized easily may be shared after cleaned and
thoroughly dried--usually after 15-20 minutes as per disinfectant directions.
Ventilation ● All district buildings are air-conditioned
● Outside air flow will be increased into each classroom
● High quality filters are used and will be replaced according to manufacturer and CDC
guidelines
● Some windows may be opened if they do not present a safety and security risk
● District buses are all air conditioned. Windows may be opened to increase air flow
based on current weather conditions to insure the integrity of the HVAC system
● Hand sanitizer is available in all classrooms, entrances to buildings, offices, at lease
● Hand Sanitizer 60% alcohol solution (check the list for non-compliant products) used for wash-in
/wash-out protocol; in the cafeteria, nurses office, various locations in the hallways.
Sanitizing wipes are also available in each classroom, office and bathrooms.
● Hand-washing stations ● Most classrooms have sinks with running water and will have soap for traditional soap
and water washing
● Early Childhood Considerations ● PSD and Gen ed pr-school will have separate desks, no tables, no circle time,
individual activities, small cohort groups to maintain social distance, students may wear
face shields as needed with Doctor note and IEP modifications.
● Google meets for remote days, parent how-to videos, activity bins for home, guided
practice for parents to follow.● Medically Fragile Students
● Nurses will reach out to medically fragile students to determine specific needs in
school and out of school; nurse will work with family doctor as needed; students may
opt for fully remote instruction based on individual needs.
● Students and staff will not be permitted to bring items from home without approval of
● Belongings from home the district & building administration. Must be reasonable request.
● Use of larger spaces (gyms, cafeteria, ● Larger areas will be used for larger in-person homeroom classes (such as art room,
music room, gymnasium). Cafeteria/APR will be used for breakfast service at both
auditorium) schools for Free/reduced students. Social distancing will be observed, students will
● Scheduling/Movement have assigned seats and need to pre-order meal in order to accommodate the seating
arrangement.
● JFK APR will be used before and after school for the CARE childcare program. This
program will be limited to 25 students who will be socially distanced, have separate
bins for materials and personal items. 2-3 staff will be overseeing these students based
on enrollment needs. AM CARE may be moved to a different location based on the
breakfast needs of JFK students.
● All PE classes will be outside except on inclement weather days and then the
specialist, as with all other special area teachers and changing subject teachers in the
middle school will move from homeroom to homeroom for instruction.
● Staff will be trained on all new district protocols relative to COVID -19 mitigation and
containment at the beginning of the school year orientation. Safe Schools training
● Training modules will be used as well as district administration via “Google Meets” meetings
and training by the school nurse for staff, students and parents via “google meets” and
other recorded videos.
Transportation Business Administrator , Supervisor of Building and Grounds
● Social distancing on buses ● Screening protocol has been developed by the Camden County Dept of Health and
states “ School districts may choose to perform symptom screening before children get
on the bus by having a parent/guardian conduct screening at home each morning before
the school day and report to the school if there are any symptoms. No children with
symptoms should be sent on a bus.” A statement of assurance will be sent to parents
/guardians stating this requirement by the Department of Health along with a symptomchecklist and guidance that face coverings must be worn by all students while on the
bus, unless they provide a doctor's note for an exemption.
● Drivers will disinfect buses (seats, windows, handrails) after morning and afternoon runs.
● Cleaning
Handrails will be wiped down between routes. Deep cleaning after all AM and all PM runs
● Board buses ● Students will be spaced apart to maintain social distance, one on each side (22
passengers on a 54 passenger bus). Capacity may be increased if household members
sit together.
● Signage will be added to the bus for reminding of Social Distance and the need to wear
Face Coverings
● Buses are air-conditioned and windows may be open, based on current weather
● Windows conditions, to increase air flow.
● Drivers are required to wear face coverings.
● Non-alcohol hand sanitizer will be available upon entering the bus as per NJMVC
● Drivers
regulations
● Aides
● Aide in Lieu
● Bus waiver forms will be available as per NJ Dept of Education guidelines for parents
● Waive busing who do not want to use services for the year. A form will be sent out prior to creating
routes to determine expected capacity along with the bus Waiver information.
● Staff will be trained on all new district protocols relative to COVID -19 mitigation and
containment at the beginning of the school year orientation. Safe Schools training
modules will be used as well as district administration via “Google Meets” meetings and
training by the school nurse for staff, students and parents via “google meets” and other
recorded videos.
● Training
Student Flow, Entry, Exit, Common Areas Building Principals, Nurses
● Student and Staff Self-Check ● Staff will use a self-checklist to assure that when signing in they are fever free,
symptom free, and have not knowingly been around anyone with COVID-19● Designated door for each grade level to enter and dismiss
● Face coverings must be worn by all when entering the building
● Grade level teacher/staff member assigned to bus pick-up/drop off, parent drop off,
● Location and Process for student
hallway monitoring for visual check of students
and staff health screenings
● Students will be visually checked for COVID-19 symptoms upon entering the building.
● Temperature checks and additional health screenings of each student will be
conducted in a student’s homeroom by designated person per classroom/grade level
(use of symptom checklist) See also Policy 5141.3
● Parents will be provided a symptom checklist to use at home before sending their child
● Procedures for symptomatic to school. Students who do not feel well should remain home.
students or staff ● Symptomatic students or staff will be taken to the isolation area. Nurse will wait
for transport home. See Dr. Nwako’s chart for additional guidance (Camden
County Health Department.) See also Policy 5141.3; NJ DOH “COVID-19 Public
● Policy for when person tests positive Health Recommendations” document
● Positive test results will be discussed with Dr. Nwako at the Camden County
Dept. of Health. Clearing of the area, 24-72 hours out of the space, as guided,
District will assist with contact tracing as requested. Person can not return
● Parent Education without a doctor’s note clearing the patient to return. See also Policy 5141.3
● Information on district website, links to CDC website resources, Nurses to reach
out as needed, updates to Nurse’s website and provide training videos and links
to the most up to date information.
● Face Coverings: School Staff and
Visitors
● Everyone is required to wear face covering while in the building. A doctor’s
● Students (above age 2) note is required for an exemption. If visitors are required to enter the building,
he/she must have a face covering or will be provided with one. It is suggested
Visitors without masks that persons bring their own face covering, but disposable masks will be
available, if needed.
● TrainingContact Tracing Superintendent, Nurses, Building Administrators(as requested)
● Educate staff, families, and the ● The superintendent and any designee(s) will work closely with the Camden
broader community on the role of County Health Department to support any efforts towards identifying
contact tracing in keeping students/staff necessary to facilitate contact tracing for confirmed COVID-19
communities safe. cases that impact the district/school community.
● Develop policies with Dept of ■ See guidance documents from Dr. Nwako
Health, including triggers to activate ■ The district will provide support information as requested by the
and notification protocols Camden County Dept of Health in their efforts to complete
● Identify how district can help contract tracing.
w/contact tracing ■ Building administration will keep daily schedules for each class
● Identify staff member who will be in and teachers will be responsible for documenting and notifying
charge of notifications and carrying the building administration of any changes to their movement.
out contact tracing policy, ensuring This includes individual students who may need to leave the
compliance with FERPA and HIPAA room for a specific purpose, including using the restroom. Sign
● Communications system to allow out sheets must be used to track student movement to the
staff and families to self-report greatest extent possible.
symptoms/suspected exposure ■ Staff, students and parents will be encourage to report all health
concerns to building administrator, nurse or any staff member in
a confidential manner.
Facilities Cleaning Practices Supervisor of Building and Grounds, Building Principals
● Develop a procedures manual to ● Building- We are currently in the process of removing furniture from classrooms in
order to space out student desks= social distancing, decrease of items to be cleaned
establish cleaning/disinfecting
○ Hand sanitizers will be in classrooms, cafeteria, hallways, entrance/exit to
schedules for routine and post-
buildings
positive case instances ● Classrooms- Nightly cleaning/disinfecting of high touch surfaces- i.e., desks, chairs,
pencil sharpeners, computer keyboards and mice, sink areas, and door handles.
○ Wash in / wash out for students and staff
○ Students will not share most items; bins for individual items
○ Classrooms will have hand sanitizer and wipes for use to clean some surfaces
● Increase cleaning high-touch and for small individualized needs
surfaces ○ Sinks with soap and water within most classrooms○ Classrooms will have hand sanitizer and wipes to use Bathrooms-
● Bathrooms
○ Entrance doors propped open to monitor number of students in the area;
○ Block off one sink (based on number in each area)
○ increased cleaning of high touch areas such as stall handles, towel
dispensers, increased wipedown for hallway bathrooms
○ Classroom and staff bathrooms- have wipes for users to clean touched
● Bathrooms surfaces before leaving the room
● Hallways-
○ In addition to nightly cleaning, dayshift custodians will clean high touch
● Water fountains surfaces more often during student instructional time. Areas concentrated on
include: door handles, sanitizer stations. Hallway drinking fountains will be
turned off and water bottles will be encouraged for students and staff. Limited
traffic in the hallway and highly monitored by staff to decrease the
contamination.
● Hand Sanitizer ● Cafeteria-
○ Cleaning will occur after Breakfast is completed and custodial staff can wipe
down all tables and chairs.
● Provide sanitizing wipes to staff, ○ If full day in person schedule is utilized at some point and lunch is required, 20
cleaner and disinfectant to minutes will be scheduled between groups (grade level cohorts) to allow for
custodians and staff cleaning of all services
● Bus cleaning/sanitizing procedures ○ Additional tables will be in cafeteria and additional large classroom for overflow
group to allow for adequate social distancing, as needed
● Staffing / Scheduling-
○ No changes at the moment. Will be hiring one part time custodian to replace
● Add physical barriers in schools, someone who resigned this past winter. Consideration will be given to altering
where needed night shift staff as needed. Based on the number of students in the building,
evening shift may come in early
● Training ○ Deeper cleaning will be done on the remote day for all students and on Friday
afternoon/evening in preparation for the next week
● Transportation Cleaning:○ Drivers will disinfect buses (seats, windows, handrails) after morning and
afternoon runs. Handrails will be wiped down between routes. Deep cleaning
after all AM and all PM runs
● Training will be provided by the Supervisor of Building and grounds using Safe
schools training modules and review of updated protocols for cleaning.
Meals/Food Service Business Administrator, Cafeteria Manager/Nutri-Serve Representative
● Develop cafeteria schedule and ● Grab and Go Breakfast and lunch are available to all students who pre-order and pay.
● Breakfast will be available in the cafeteria for students who qualify for Free/reduced
procedures for students
meals and pre-order
○ Students will be assigned seats and socially distanced—DDE
○ JFK students will have breakfast delivered to the classroom
○ Grab and go packaging will be used - all disposable items will be used
● Early dismissal day schedule does not include lunch; snacks will be eaten in the
● Develop cafeteria procedures for classroom .
food service staff
● Nutri-Serve will develop procedures for making grab and go meals for in person days,
and for remote learning days. Those who are fully remote will have the opportunity to
pick up lunch and breakfast at a designated time coordinated with the building
principals.
● Types of meals to be served
● F/R lunch will be grab and go and sent home with students for the current day and their
remote days
● Students who wish to purchase Breakfast or lunch must pre-order and pre-pay.
Recess/Physical Education Building Principals
● Groups: If groups are at recess ● Cohorts will not be mixed for PE class. During recess, each “homeroom/class”
simultaneously create 6’ separation will have a designated area to use so that cohorts are not mixed. These areas
will be marked off and clearly monitored by staff and building administrators.
● Hygiene ● Little if any equipment will be used and not shared for hygiene purposes.
● Wash in-wash out for all students and staff as they move out of their room.
● Playground equipment Activities will be individual, no group games; mostly skill based
● Playground equipment will not be used.● Lockers and locker rooms at the DDE middle School will not be used. Students
will not change for PE class.
● Locker Rooms ● Equipment will be individual items and not shared. All items will be sanitized
● Equipment before they are used by another group.
● Cohorts will not be mixed for PE class. During recess, each “homeroom/class” will
● Mixing cohorts have a designated area to use so that cohorts are not mixed.
Field Trips, Extra-Curricular Activities, Use Superintendent, Building Principals, Supervisor of Building and Grounds
of Facilities by Outside Groups ● Fall sports have be postponed until further notice; winter sports will be evaluated
● Social distancing in Nov./Dec.
● Field trips and off campus activities are suspended until further notice
● In-person extra-curricular activities, including athletics, band, chorus, are cancelled until
further notice.
● Some clubs may take place remotely at the middle school based on administrative
discretion and ability to be held remotely.
● DDE Beyond the Classroom may take place remotely based on administrative discretion
● Visitors and or volunteers are not permitted at this time.
● Access to the building by outside individuals, including parents/guardians will be limited
to essential visits and controlled times only - parents will be asked to drop off any
● Field Trips supplies in the security vestibule.
● Assemblies, Large Group Gathering ● When access to the building is required, protective barriers have been installed in
office/reception areas and a visitor screening protocol will be used.
● Events such as Back to School Night and Parent/Teacher Conferences will be virtual.
● Use of Facilities by Outside Groups ● Staff are required to socially distance and meetings/ trainings will be virtual.
● Staff are required to maintain social distance in all areas of the building at all times,
● In-Person Gatherings Outside School including their lunch and prep times.
Hours ● No outside organizations will be permitted to use district facilities during the Pandemic
Crisis until further notice.
● Picture Day (sponsored by the Parent Teacher Group) may be held after hours based
on current County situation, ability to work with vendor, and interest of parents. All
visitor protocols would be followed as previously established.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and School Culture and Climate
Educator Well-Being BUILDING PRINCIPALS, SUPERVISOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES
● Support educator well-being so they ● Provide space (maybe virtual groups, intra-net) to process traumatic events,may best support students receive supports and connect with colleagues
● Guidance counselors, social worker, nurses, school psychologist, administrative
team will work together to provide supportive activities and resources for staff.
● Create Resource List for mindfulness, relaxation, yoga, exercise opportunities
● Staff Wellness Program both virtual and in person
Trauma-Informed SEL- Before September ● Create Resource file/folder for mindfulness, relaxation, yoga, exercise
● Staff and Student Trauma opportunities both virtual and in person
● Importance of SEL to student ● Investigate various wellness programs for staff in the area or online
success ● Guidance counselors, social worker, nurses, school psychologist, administrative
team will work together to provide supportive activities and resources for staff.
● Staffing for SEL needs ● Provide space (maybe virtual groups, intra-net) to process traumatic events,
receive supports and connect with colleagues
● Deliberate Opportunities to Connect
● Topic of SEL will be included in the district and school level professional
● Professional Development development plans. Possible PLC creation in the area based on staff interest
and student need.
● School Guidance counselors, social worker, nurses, school psychologist,
● Establish system of check-ins with administrative team and teaching staff will work together to create a priority list
students and families for weekly check-ins for students and families. This will include academic
support and encouragement, as well as family and individual physical and
● Prepare/Review agreements with emotional needs.
mental health service providers ● Social worker is creating a list of resources online and paper-based with
literature and links to share with relevant staff and parents on an as needed
targeted basis, as well as updating website and links to community resources.
Trauma-Informed SEL- School Year
● Create opportunities for staff and
students to reflect on SEL ● Guidance counselors and social worker will work with Health and PE teachers to
competencies address the SEL competencies. Classroom and school wide activities will be● Careful Conversations around created to include all staff and students with a focus on improving the school
impacts of COVID-19 climate and individual mental health.
● The school nurse will work to support lessons directly related to anxiety and
mis -information about COVID -19 in conjunction with guidance staff, social
● Training worker, school psychologist and Health and PE teacher in order to further
support the NJSLS standards in Health. Use of staff meeting time, Professional
development days along with individual personal time.
School Culture and Climate ● Promote health and emotional well being using the School Safety Team,
● Positive School Culture Guidance personnel, Principal, CST supervisor.
● DDE working with Rutgers Univ. on school climate program. Principal will share
information with the Administrative team as relevant.
Utilizing the Strengths of Staff ● Under the direction of building and district administrators, the school guidance
● School Leaders counselors, social worker, nurses, school psychologist, administrative team and
teaching staff will work together to create a priority list for weekly check-ins for
students and families. This will include academic support and encouragement,
as well as family and individual physical and emotional needs.
● Instructional aides will be utilized to support students by being part of the
● Student Support Staff check-in team to support academic needs to assist the teachers.
● Teachers ● The school nurse, guidance, social worker, and psychologist will work to
support SEL lessons within the classroom providing models for teachers to use .
The Supervisor of Curr and Instructional will also assist by determining places
within the academic lessons that could further support the NJSLS standards in
Health.
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Building Principals, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, Supervisor of
Special Services
● Universal Screening ● Screening tools in ELA and Math (Star Literacy and Star Math), use data toinform instruction and supports,
● Collaborative Problem-Solving
Teams ● Use of data (benchmark, grades, anecdotal notes, summer program work) to
inform instruction and intervention decisions. Use of RTI staff, classroom
teachers, LDTC, Sup of Curr & Instruction, building principals. I & RS team and
behavior team will work in this area. Principals will schedule I & RS/RTI, I & E
meetings with grade level staff as needed in virtual format
● Families will be included in the decision making process relative to the
● Family Engagement experience of last spring and remote learning and how best parents feel their
child learns. This will help with the interventions selected and staff to assist.
● Use of data (benchmark, grades, anecdotal notes, summer program work) to
inform instruction and intervention decisions. Use of RTI staff, classroom
● Data-based Decision Making teachers, LDTC, Sup of Curr & Instruction, building principals. I & RS team and
behavior team will work in this area.
Wraparound Supports
Building Principals, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, Supervisor of
Special Services
● Mental Health Supports ● School guidance counselors, district social worker and school psychologist along with
the school nurse and teachers will work together to provide emotional and academic
support to students and families as needed. (In person and remote learners)
○ Resources for students and families (virtual portal, hard copies)
○ Checking in with students and parents - create a priority list for weekly checks
● Primary Health and Dental Care○ Create parent tutorials and resource library of “ How to’s” for remote learning
● Family Engagement materials, etc. so parents can better support students at home learning needs
○ Social stories (JFK students)
○ Positive reinforcement & clear expectations
○ School guidance counselors, district social worker and school psychologist
along with the school nurse and teachers will work together to provide
emotional and academic support to students and families as needed. (In
person and remote learners)
○ Resources include NJ Family Care, NJSNAP, NJ Helps, local food banks,
● Academic Enrichment/Expanded community agencies, hospitals, clinics, Camden Count Dept of Health, DCPP,
After-School Learning ● Teachers will utilize the fully remote day to address individual student needs,
including enrichment projects. Unique student abilities and interests will be
highlighted in order to encourage students to become more independent
learners. Ways to share “projects” are also being explored.
● BTC at DDE may be started if students are in need of additional help beyond
the small group remote time
Food Service and Distribution
Honor our moral imperative to feed BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR & NUTRI-SERVE PERSONNEL
students ● Breakfast will be available in the cafeteria and or classroom for students who qualify for
Free/reduced meals and pre-order
○ Students will be assigned seats and socially distanced-DDE
○ JFK students will have breakfast delvered to the classroom
○ Grab and go packaging will be used - all disposable items will be used
● Early dismissal day schedule does not include lunch; snacks will be eaten in the
classroom .
● Nutri-Serve will develop procedures for making grab and go meals for in person days,
and for remote learning days. Those who are fully remote will have the opportunity to
pick up lunch and breakfast at a designated time coordinated with the building
principals.
● F/R lunch will be grab and go and sent home with students for the current day and their
remote days
● All students may purchase breakfast and or lunch but must pre-order and pre-pay.● Arrangements will be made for fully remote students/families who qualify for
Free/reduced meals to pick up lunch & breakfast
● Keep additional lists of Food Banks and other agencies that may be able to assist
those in need
Quality Child Care
More families may need childcare CARE STAFF AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR will determine the needs of the program
● Eligibility
○ Current credits available; ask those parents first - limit of 25 students
○ Student may only attend on the days that the student is in school
● Arrival/dismissal
○ Parents must call when they arrive; CARE staff will meet the student upon
arrival and bring the student outside for dismissal
○ AM students will be screened for temperature and symptoms upon arrival
○ CARE will end at 5:00 so that staff have time to clean materials for the next
day.
○ Custodians will clean the entire area used during evening cleaning
● Set-up
○ Use of JFK all purpose room to socially distance; 4 students per cafeteria
table; siblings may sit at same table in closer proximity
○ Students will have an assigned seat and staff member
○ individual tubs for each student’s materials
■ Items will be sanitized daily
■ Cleaning materials will be provided by Facilities Manager
○ Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available for use as needed
○ Face coverings must be worn
● Staffing
○ 2-3 adults based on number of students (about 8 students per adult)
● Activities
○ Individual play areas assigned
○ Socially distanced at all times
○ Items from home will be discouraged○ Materials from CARE will be distributed for individual student use on a weekly
basis and will be cleaned
● Snack/Playing outside
○ Weather permitting snack time will be outside and there will be an opportunity
to be outside for individualized activities
○ Students will be assigned an individual area and individual items for recreation
○ Lunch will be available for students who are eligible for Free/reduced meals
and for purchase if pre-ordered by others.
Leadership and Planning
Requirements to Re-Open
Critical Area District Actions and Person(s) Responsible
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM & School Reopening Planning sub-
What We Know committees; SCIP committees
● Public Health Trends Support School ● The administrative team will develop comprehensive plans to reopen schools
Re-Opening based on guidance from all governing agencies and the data available at the
time
● Schools Must Reopen for In-Person
Instruction Start of School Year ● As per guidelines from the Dept. of Education and the Governor of NJ, the
● Many Schools Will Operate on district reopening plan will include in person instruction in a hybrid model as
Reduced Capacity well as the choice for parents to select a fully remote instructional model.
● The administrative team will develop an instructional model for teachers clearly
stating the requirements for instruction based on the models offered.● Districts Need to Prepare to Pivot to
Remote Instruction ● Thought will be given to improving the remote component of the models so as
to better engage students, address their academic needs in a timely manner,
and encourage intrinsic motivation to become independent learners. The
administrative team is working on this document as well as training
opportunities, and time for collaboration with input from the SCIP committees.
SUPERINTENDENT, SUPERVISOR OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS, BUSINESS
Operational Requirements ADMINISTRATOR
● Prepare Buildings and Grounds ● All cleaning routines have been reviewed and policy 3510 has been updated to
stay consistent with CDC and local, state and federal guidelines.
● Building- removal of furniture from classrooms in order to space out student desks=
social distancing, decrease of items to be cleaned
● Classrooms- Nightly cleaning/disinfecting of high touch surfaces- i.e., desks, chairs,
pencil sharpeners, computer keyboards and mice, sink areas, and door handles.
● Form Pandemic Response team in
○ Wash in / wash out for students and staff
the District ○ Students will not share most items; bins for individual items
● Clear Communications Protocols ○ Classrooms will have hand sanitizer and wipes for use to clean some surfaces
and for small individualized needs
● Adopt Contingency Plans in Event ○ Sinks with soap and water within most classrooms
Schools Must Close ○ Classrooms will have hand sanitizer and wipes to use Bathrooms-
● Collect Feedback from Stakeholders ○ Entrance doors propped open to monitor number of students in the area;
○ Block off one sink;
○ increased cleaning of high touch areas such as stall handles, towel
dispensers, increased wipedown for hallway bathrooms
○ Classroom and staff bathrooms- have wipes for users to clean touched
● Key Considerations re: Policy and
surfaces before leaving the room
Practice Changes ● Hallways-
○ In addition to nightly cleaning, dayshift custodians will clean high touch
surfaces more often during student instructional time. Areas concentrated on
include: door handles, sanitizer stations. Hallway drinking fountains will beturned off and water bottles will be encouraged. Limited traffic in the hallway
and highly monitored by staff to decrease the contamination.
● Cafeteria-
○ Cleaning will occur after Breakfast is completed and custodial staff can wipe
down all tables and chairs.
○ If full day in person schedule is utilized at some point and lunch is required, 20
minutes will be scheduled between groups (grade level cohorts) to allow for
cleaning of all services
○ Additional tables will be in cafeteria and additional large classroom for overflow
group to allow for adequate social distancing, as needed
● Staffing / Scheduling-
○ No changes at the moment. Will be hiring one part time custodian to replace
someone who resigned this past winter. Consideration will be given to altering
night shift staff as needed. Based on the number of students in the building,
evening shift may come in early
○ Deeper cleaning will be done on the remote day for all students and on Friday
afternoon/evening in preparation for the next week
● Communication protocols are being established in conjunction with the County
Dept of Health. Nurses will be in contact with the Health Department, the
school physician, building and district administration, parents and staff on an as
needed basis as outlined by Dr. Nwako from the Camden County Dept. of
Health. The Office of Emergency local commander is in contact with the
Superintendent and Supervisor of Building and Grounds and will assist with
contact to local EMS if needed, as well as the Police Chief.
● Feedback from stakeholders has been collected via parent surveys, participants
in the sub-committee meetings, and by public comment at recent board of
education meetings.
● Classroom and building procedures for staff and students will change and this
must be deliberately shared with all involved so that expectations and
guidelines are clear. Use of the building administrators, nurses, teachers, OEM,
SROs will be needed to show examples and to guide all towards compliance for
the sake of health and safety. Guidance counselors can address this as a way tobe kind and through other pillars of character in their lessons.
School-Level Pandemic Response Teams
Establish School-Level Pandemic ● JFK PRT = Michael Murphy, Brian Martino, Dorothy Micale, Debra Wash, Gena
Response Teams (PRT) Clark, Jacklyn Lawlor, Tara Corbett,J annett Masterson
● Identify PRT in Each School
● DDE PRT =Ashley Episcopo, Molly Olcese, Ryan Rollins, Rosemarie Patrizio,
Marilyn Bright
● Identify Responsibilities of PRT
● Teams will assist with coordinated actions related to COVID-19 response and
implementation of the district reopening plan.
Scheduling
SUPERINTENDENT, BUILDING PRINCIPALS, SUPERVISOR OF SPECIAL
SERVICES, SUPERVISOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
What Counts?
● School Year, School Day ● School day shall consist of not less than four (4) hours which may include
synchronous and asynchronous instruction. “Hours of instructional time” is
defined as a student engaged in standards-based learning under the guidance
of a teacher. The school year shall consist of 180 student days.
○ A/B in person cohorts = 2 days in person, 3 days remote (M/Th & T/F)
○ C cohort = 5 days remote
○ Teachers will use afternoon time (may be flexible to meet
parent/student needs but remain within the contractual obligations to
Association members) to reach out to the C cohort and then the A/B
group of students who were on remote learning that day.
○ Wednesdays will be used for C cohort and for small groups as needed
● Recommendations as well.● Beginning of the school year will be used to establish relationships between
students and teacher groups
● Parent how-to videos and material will be provided, as well as designated staff
to check in with parents to assess their needs re: student academics or family
support
● The district is prepared to PIVOT to full Remote Learning mode as the need
arises. This model has been established as a choice for parents to select at the
beginning of the 2020-2021 school year..
● Hybrid Guidelines
● Teachers will establish simple and clear work expectations for students and
parents to assist and guide learning
● Students must demonstrate participate and keeping up with work, or reaching
out for assistance
● Exploring synchronous opportunities for remote learners along with recorded
lessons for all to use as reference. Gr. 2-8 will have Chromebook so
synchronous opportunities will be more feasible for this group than the
younger students in Sept.
Implementation Strategies ● Plans are sent to parents/staff via SENDIT notification and posted on Website
● Communication
● Attendance Attendance is flexible regarding excused absences and synchronous vs
asynchronous delivery of instruction. Participation and communication
between teacher/parent/student is towards assisting in progress and effort of
student. See Policy 5113.
● Access to Technology Surveys were conducted at the end of 2019-2020 to determine status of access.
Chromebooks will be issued to students in gr 2-8, additional machines are on
order to cover grade 1. Use of CARES 2 grant for machines for gr. K. Staff
working to determine which households for gr. PK -1 have older sibling with
school machine to see how access for these students can be enhanced.
● Professional Development District and school PD plans are developed to include online learning in theareas of blended learning, online learning, online apps, social emotional and
trauma related information, and racism and tolerance. Staff are also
encouraged to share best practices in grade level and staff meetings as well as
informally. Resource folders of professional information are also being created
and shared with the entire staff.
● Feedback Loops Admin team to check in with staff/parents/students to see what is working and
enhance those practices and to abandon or discard practices that are not
working. Staff and parents surveys from June on positives and negatives of
remote learning have been reviewed and considered in order to improve
practices for September.
● Contingency Planning District administration will remain flexible regarding instructional needs and
models and will alter instructional models as needed. Parent request to change
Instructional Model form has been created so that parents have the
opportunity to change selected model at each Interim and end of Marking
● School Personnel Period as indicated on the district approved school calendar.
Requests for leave, telework and accommodations will be made on a case by
case basis according to current regulations including but not limited to FFCRA,
EFLMA, FMLA, and ADA. Forms and information has been disseminated to staff
and remain in a shared folder accessible to all staff members.
● Access to Supports Student needs will be assessed and support will be provided as indicated in IEP,
504 plans and medical needs as per doctor’s orders.
o Guidance counselors, CST members, nurses, RTI staff, teachers, and
Administrators will work together to assess needs of student to
determine who is best assist student and family
● Class Schedules
Building principals, supported by Supervisor of Cur. and Instruction and
Supervisor of Special Services will work to determine a schedule based on the
early dismissal time frame that addresses core subjects, special areas, and
student developmental needs. This includes the hybrid instructional model as
well as the fully remote model in order to address in-person instruction while
giving consideration to those who are learning from home 5 or 3 days a week.Daily Instructional Expectations are being developed to guide each staff
● Accommodations member and support accountability.
Student needs will be assessed and support will be provided as indicated in IEP,
504 plans and medical needs as per doctor’s orders.
o Guidance counselors, CST members, nurses, RTI staff, teachers, and
Administrators will work together to assess needs of student to
determine who is best assist student and family
o Accommodations for staff needs will also be reviewed and implemented
● Learning Management System according to current regulations including but not limited to FFCRA,
EFLMA, FMLA, and ADA.
Daily Instructional Expectations are being developed to guide each staff
member and support accountability. These expectations will also guide student
expectations and staff will be creating Weekly Agenda documents to include in
their Google Classroom or work packet for parents/guardians to assist with the
completion of work and grade level expectations.
Staffing
Guidance SUPERINTENDENT, BUILDING PRINCIPALS
● Mentoring ● https://www.nj.gov/education/covid19/teacherresources/mentguidance.shtml
● Educator Evaluation ● https://www.nj.gov/education/covid19/teacherresources/edevaluation.shtml
EdTPA
https://www.nj.gov/education/covid19/teacherresources/edtpaguidance.shtml
● Certification Certification
https://www.nj.gov/education/covid19/teacherresources/eppcert.shtml
Instructional Staff ○ Daily self-checklist for symptoms has been disseminated for staff use
● School Operations prior to sign-in
○ Building protocols/ procedures developed, shared with staff and will be
reviewed by Administrative team with staff at New Year Orientationmeetings.
○ Reopening plan posted on website for staff and community review.
○ Staff participation in Board meeting re: questions
● Instructional Contributions ● Staff are also encouraged to share best practices in grade level and staff
meetings as well as informally. Resource folders of professional information
are also being created and shared with the entire staff.
○ District and school PD plans are developed to include online learning in
the areas of blended learning, online learning, online apps, social
emotional and trauma related information, and racism and tolerance.
○ Supervisor of Curr and Instruction has reviewed anchor standards with
grade and subject area teams in order to prioritize teaching points
○ RTI staff to support students as well as instructional aides reaching out
to students on remote learning days to assist with work
● Wellness ● Staff and student daily health screenings based on CDC and Camden County
Dept of Health guidelines
○ School nurses and Health /PE teachers to support healthy living
practices and hygiene practices. In-class and recorded lessons.
Guidance and primary grade teachers will use Social Stories to
emphasize the need for proper hygiene and social distancing and use of
● Feedback and Assessment masks.
● Staff will provide regular feedback to assess progress and to make adjustments
● Materials as needed to support student learning.
● Student “Back to School” lists will be created with the idea of a hybrid model of
learning. Supplies for in-school as well as at home. Principal are developing a
system of securing materials in school to protect for hygiene considerations.
Schools supplies will not be shared. Emphasis will be placed on using
technology for as much written work as possible to decrease the use of paper
and transporting “books” to and from school.
○ Primary grades (PK and K) will create with activity packets that can
remain home and be used for a variety of needs. Teachers will be
creating how to videos to assist parents and guardians with creatingthese kits as well as how to use them.
Administrators DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
● School Operations ● Participate and monitor below:
○ Daily self-checklist for symptoms has been disseminated for staff use
prior to sign-in
○ Building protocols/ procedures developed, shared with staff and will be
reviewed by Administrative team with staff at New Year Orientation
meetings.
○ Reopening plan posted on website for staff and community review.
○ Staff participation in Board meeting re: questions
● Instructional Contributions ● Support staff to continuously improve virtual learning environment by working
with individually to ensure teaching & learning, assessment, support and IEP
services are planned and implemented to the greatest extent possible; provide
examples of high quality instructional models for teachers to review and
implement as appropriate.
○ Supervisor of Curr and Instruction has reviewed anchor standards with
grade and subject area teams in order to prioritize teaching points
○ RTI staff to support students as well as instructional aides reaching out
to students on remote learning days to assist with work
○ Resource folders of professional information are also being created and
shared with the entire staff.
○ District and school PD plans are developed to include online learning in
the areas of blended learning, online learning, online apps, social
● Wellness emotional and trauma related information, and racism and tolerance.
● Staff and student daily health screenings based on CDC and Camden County
Dept of Health guidelines
○ School nurses and Health /PE teachers to support healthy living
practices and hygiene practices. In-class and recorded lessons.
Guidance and primary grade teachers will use Social Stories to
emphasize the need for proper hygiene and social distancing and use of● Staff w/ Health Concerns masks.
○ Additional supports and information will be available by Guidance,
Social Worker, for staff as needed.
● Requests for leave, telework and accommodations will be made on a case by
● Evaluation case basis according to current regulations including but not limited to FFCRA,
EFLMA, FMLA, and ADA. Forms and information has been disseminated to staff
and remain in a shared folder accessible to all staff members.
● Scheduling As per NJ Dept of Education guidelines. Instructional Expectations document is
being created to. Daily Instructional Expectations are being developed to
guide each staff member and support accountability.
● Building principals, supported by Supervisor of Cur. and Instruction and
Supervisor of Special Services will work to determine a schedule based on the
early dismissal time frame that addresses core subjects, special areas, and
student developmental needs. This includes the hybrid instructional model as
well as the fully remote model in order to address in-person instruction while
giving consideration to those who are learning from home 5 or 3 days a week.
○ Staff requests for telework and accommodations will be made on a case
by case basis according to current regulations including but not limited
to FFCRA, EFLMA, FMLA, and ADA.
Educational Services Staff ● SUPERVISOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES, BUILDING PRINCIPALS,
● School Operations SUERINTENDENT
○ Daily self-checklist for symptoms has been disseminated for staff use
prior to sign-in
○ Building protocols/ procedures developed, shared with staff and will be
reviewed by Administrative team with staff at New Year Orientation
● Support Teaching meetings.
○ Reopening plan posted on website for staff and community review.
● RTI staff to support students as well as instructional aides reaching out to
students on remote learning days to assist with work● School guidance counselors, district social worker and school psychologist along with
the school nurse and teachers will work together to provide emotional and academic
support to students and families as needed. (In person and remote learners)
○ Resources for students and families (virtual portal, hard copies)
○ Checking in with students and parents - create a priority list for weekly checks
○ Create parent tutorials and resource library of “ How to’s” for remote learning
materials, etc. so parents can better support students at home learning needs
○ Social stories (JFK students)
○ Positive reinforcement & clear expectations
○ School guidance counselors, district social worker and school psychologist
along with the school nurse and teachers will work together to provide
emotional and academic support to students and families as needed. (In
person and remote learners)
● Staff and student daily health screenings based on CDC and Camden County
● Wellness Dept of Health guidelines
○ School nurses and Health /PE teachers to support healthy living
practices and hygiene practices. In-class and recorded lessons.
Guidance and primary grade teachers will use Social Stories to
emphasize the need for proper hygiene and social distancing and use of
masks.
○ Additional supports and information will be available by Guidance,
Social Worker, for staff as needed.
Support Staff SUPERVISOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES, BUILDING PRINCIPALS, SUERINTENDENT
● School Operations
● Instructional Aides
○ Daily self-checklist for symptoms has been disseminated for staff use
prior to sign-in
○ Building protocols/ procedures developed, shared with staff and will be
● Instructional Contributions reviewed by Administrative team with staff at New Year Orientation
meetings.○ Reopening plan posted on website for staff and community review.
● RTI staff to support students as well as instructional aides reaching out to
students on remote learning days to assist with work
● School guidance counselors, district social worker and school psychologist along with
the school nurse and teachers will work together to provide emotional and academic
support to students and families as needed. (In person and remote learners)
○ Resources for students and families (virtual portal, hard copies)
○ Checking in with students and parents - create a priority list for weekly checks
○ Create parent tutorials and resource library of “ How to’s” for remote learning
materials, etc. so parents can better support students at home learning needs
○ Social stories (JFK students)
○ Positive reinforcement & clear expectations
○ School guidance counselors, district social worker and school psychologist
along with the school nurse and teachers will work together to provide
emotional and academic support to students and families as needed. (In
● Wellness person and remote learners)
● Staff and student daily health screenings based on CDC and Camden County
Dept of Health guidelines
○ School nurses and Health /PE teachers to support healthy living
practices and hygiene practices. In-class and recorded lessons.
Guidance and primary grade teachers will use Social Stories to
emphasize the need for proper hygiene and social distancing and use of
masks.
○ Additional supports and information will be available by Guidance,
Social Worker, for staff as needed.
Educator Roles Related to School Technology Needs
Preparation TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR, IT CLERK, SUPERVISOR OF CURRICULUM
● Support AND INSTRUCTION, BUILDING PRINCIPALS
Help ticket system will be used for reporting tech problems for staff, students,You can also read
