Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan

Page created by Todd Dennis
 
CONTINUE READING
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Our Lady of Lourdes High School
     COVID-19 2021-2022
       Reopening Plan
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Our Lady of Lourdes High School
131 Boardman Road
Poughkeepsie, New York 12603

   COVID-19 2021-2022 OLLHS
   Reopening Plan
   OBJECTIVE:

   The objective of the 2021/2022 Our Lady of Lourdes High School
   Reopening Plan is a continuation of the guidelines that were in place
   for the 2020/2021 school year. This document is an extension of the
   initial work produced by two strategic planning committees made
   up of our teachers, administrators, doctors, school nurse, athletic
   trainer, support staff, facilities operations staff, alumni, parents and
   Board of Trustee executives.

   Adjustments and amendments have been made to this document
   and it is updated to reflect a safe shift to five day in person
   instruction.

   This revised Reopening Plan is a result of guidance from the CDC,
   New York State Education Department, Dutchess County
   Department of Health, and the Archdiocese of New York. All
   recommendations from these entities have been carefully
   evaluated.

   The academic, emotional, spiritual and social well being of our
   community was the greatest priority in the decisions directing this
   plan. It is with great confidence that if the regulations outlined in
   this plan are followed that we will be able to provide our students
   with the best possible all around Lourdean experience. As we
   continue to work diligently in preparing the school building for the
   upcoming school year, our Catholic identity and tradition inspires us
   to assist our students in habits that bring about a disciplined and
   virtuous life.

                                                                              1
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
The CDC states that, "Vaccination is the leading public health pre-
vention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting vac-
cination can help schools safely return to in-person learning as
well as extra curricular activities and sports”.

As stated so beautifully in the guidance from the Archdiocese of
New York, we trust that Our Lord Jesus Christ will “calm the anxi-
ety and uncertainty of His followers”. He calms the storm and en-
courages us to work together towards safe havens. Pope Francis
has stated that it is morally acceptable to take any of the vaccines
and that we have the moral responsibility to get vaccinated. Car-
dinal Dolan has said the same.

“And we know that for those who
love God all things work together
for good, for those who are called
according to His purpose.”
(Romans 8:28)

                                                                       2

                                                                           2
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Focus

Health and Safety of school facilities, students, and employees focused on the prevention and
spread of the coronavirus.

   Concrete design for in person instruction that ensures a teaching and learning environment
    that prevents the spread of the virus while maintaining fluid and rigorous academic
    instruction.

   An instructional and operational plan to adapt to social distancing guidelines and provide
    opportunities for all students such that they may reach their highest learning potential and
    develop necessary skills for college and career readiness.

   Implement policy and procedure for an increase in the need for student support services
    and mental health counseling related to changes in instructional methods and school
    climate.

   Plan for Academic continuity that prepare students and parents for in person instruction
    and the possibility of periods of remote learning without instructional interruptions.

   Orientate and instruct students and parents for policy and procedures related to health and
    hygiene guidelines for reopening.

   Instruct and inform students, parents and employees of school protocols in the event there
    is a need to change plans for in-person instruction to remote instruction.

   Communicate updated and mandatory daily policies and procedures for students and
    teachers to ensure the prevention of the spread of disease while addressing individual
    needs and abilities.

                                                                                                   3
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
2021-2022 Amended
                        INSIDE        Scheduling Plan
                               STORY HEADLINE

    Remote Learning
Our Lady of Lourdes High School will not be providing a remote learning option for students
during the 2021/2022 school year. As stated by Dr. Betty A. Rosa, Commissioner of Education
“So long as allowed by public health officials, schools should be open for in-person teaching
and learning, and students should be in school”.

    Instructional Models

Plan A - Traditional Model/ Initial School Opening September 8, 2021

   Full time face-to-face instruction 5 days a week (beginning Sept. 8, 2021 with grade level
    orientations)

   Regular Schedule, all students in the building

Plan B - if and when necessary

   Alternating Attendance schedule (If transmission rate in the area warrants a shift back to
    hybrid instruction)

   Cohort schedule with ½ the student body physically in the building (based alphabetically on
    last name)

   Remote learning for the other ½ that are not in the building (Combination of synchronous
    and asynchronous instruction)

Plan C - if and when necessary

   Full time remote learning (If transmission rate within the school building causes for a pause
    in in-person learning)

   All students remain working remotely (Combination of synchronous and asynchronous
    instruction)

                                                                                            4
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Amended COVID-19 Emergency Building Procedures

    Mask Protocol
    The CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend universal indoor masking. All
     students, faculty and staff will be required to wear masks while in the building when Our
     Lady of Lourdes High School Reopens on September 7, 2021.

    This protocol will be in place for every person in the building regardless of vaccination
     status. This layer of precaution will assist in ensuring all members of the OLLL Community
     are provided with the safest and most productive academic, social, and spiritual experience
     for the 2021/2022 school year.

    This recommendation from the CDC, NYS, and the Archdiocese will limit disruptions to
     academic instruction, pauses in athletic practices and games, and cancelations of important
     social events.

    Quarantine Protocol (according to NYS)

    As of August 7, 2021, according to page 16 of the New York State Department of Education
     Health and Safety Guide, “The CDC guidance document defines a close contact in the K–12
     indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were within
     3 to 6 feet of an infected student (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness)
     if both the infected student and the exposed student(s) correctly and consistently wore
     well-fitting masks the entire time”.

    Our local health department has advised that the quarantine protocol may change if they
     see a drastic increase in transmission rates within our county. We will continue to
     monitor transmission rates of our local districts and counties and comply with our local
     health department mandates.

                                                                                      5
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Academic Support for Students in Quarantine

   Quarantine for students at OLL will be unlikely due to masking protocol and social distance.

   In the event that students have to quarantine, the following academic service plan will be
    put in place:

          Students will work closely with their School Counselor to ensure the least amount of
           disruption to their academic experience.

          Students will be provided with classwork, in-class notes, in-class assignments, and
           homework through the Canvas LMS. Students will be provided tutoring sessions if
           necessary through Google Meet.

          In the event that students require additional academic support, after-school or
           lunch sessions can be provided when released from quarantine.

Professional Development and Training

   All faculty and staff will be provided with an informational module with a variety of
    resources from important healthcare entities.

   Prior to re-opening the school building, the OLL Administration will communicate critical
    information to parents and students, including but not limited to:

          The importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distance in the school
           building.

          The importance of maintaining proper health and hygiene techniques, as well as
           monitoring personal health to identify when it is safe to attend school and when
           students should stay home.

                                                                                                6
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Classrooms

   Classrooms are prepared for 3-6 ft social distancing as recommended by the CDC.

   Each classroom teacher will be provided with a fold up door stopper (FatIvan) for maximum
    ventilation.

   Each classroom is equipped with an air conditioner, air purifier, and box fan to maximize
    ventilation.

   Faculty will continue to minimize paper in classrooms to decrease transmission risk.

   Students' desks will remain socially distanced, 3-6 feet apart.

   Teachers will maintain an appropriate 3-6 feet distance from students.

   All desks will be facing the same way.

   Teachers will wear a combination of masks and face shields at all times while lecturing to
    accommodate academic needs.

   Students will avoid sharing communal supplies including textbooks, pens, pencils and paper.

   Teachers and students will sanitize and disinfect student desks and classroom touch points
    throughout the school day.

   All collaborative/group work will be conducted via socially distant methods.

   All classrooms will include small, sanitized, charging stations for Chromebooks.

                                                                                                 7
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Students with Accommodations
                       INSIDE STORY HEADLINE

        In the event that we need to shift to Plan B, the Director of the Champagnat Learning
         Center will determine if a student should attend for 5 day in-person instruction.

        Meeting Social/Emotional Needs for students
       A comprehensive school counseling program will continue to be utilized to address and
        meet the current needs of the students.

       Differentiated counseling including Mental Health and Trauma Informed Counseling
        Techniques, Resilience Counseling, as well as Restorative Practice Techniques will be
        deployed.

       The School Counseling Department and Administration will review and revise the plan and
        develop and implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) if necessary.

       School Counselors will frequently meet with students in person in a social distanced
        fashion, as well as virtually to address specific mental, behavioral, and emotional health
        needs regarding the transition back to school and the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

       At risk students will be identified and met with more frequently to address their specific
        needs.

       School Counselors will check in with parents to identify behaviors occurring at home to
        address specific mental, behavioral, and emotional health needs regarding the transition
        back to school and the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

       Our Google Form- Referral Tool will be utilized for all Emotional Support Service referrals
        from teachers, staff, etc.

       Teachers will be encouraged to reach out to the School Counselors on a regular basis with
        any concern whether it be Academic or Social/Emotional so that a more proactive approach
        can be taken and the implementation of appropriate support services occurs.

       Resources will be available to all stakeholders via the school website, canvas page and
        weekly School Counseling newsletter.

       Campus Ministry Office/ School Chaplain will provide emotional support for faculty and staff
        as needed.

                                                                                                       8
Our Lady of Lourdes High School - COVID-19 2021-2022 Reopening Plan
Student MovementINSIDE STORY HEADLINE
       Students will wear masks at all times when moving throughout the building including
        movement to bathrooms, busses, health office, cafeteria, school counseling appointments,
        etc.

       Students will refrain from loitering throughout the building.

       All student movements will be supervised.

       Stairwells will be labeled for one way movement and will be strictly enforced.

       Students will be permitted to use bathroom two at a time. Monitors will regulate student
        movement to and from the bathrooms. (Students will wear masks to, from, and while using
        bathroom facilities)

       In the event of emergency evacuations, all individuals within the school building will be
        required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing during the entire process.
        Emergency evacuation drills and procedures will be supervised by faculty and staff at all

    Cafeteria/Food Service

        The school will resume cafeteria service provided by C&C Pasta Inc.

        C&C Pasta will be responsible for instituting all food service health regulations as dictated
         by Dutchess County DOH.

        Juniors and Seniors will eat outdoors (weather permitting)

        Faculty will monitor student movement to, from and inside the cafeteria.

        Faculty will monitor mask wearing and social distancing during lunch periods.

        Students are permitted to bring a refillable water bottle labeled with name and grade.
         Touch less water stations are located throughout the building.

                                                                                                    9
Personal PropertyINSIDE STORY HEADLINE
   Students, faculty, and staff will limit the amount of personal property brought into the
    building.

   If students choose to wear cold-weather outerwear to school, it must be stored in their
    locker.

   Lockers will be distributed and utilized during the 2021/2022 school year.

   Physical Education clothing should be stored in locker.

    Physical Education/Art Classes
   Physical Education and Art Classes will return to traditional instruction. In the event that we
    move to either Plan B or C this will change.

          Masks will not need to be worn during Physical Education if they are outside.

                                                                                                  10
Drop Off/Pickup/ INSIDE
                      Transportation
                            STORY HEADLINE
   Students must enter and exit the building with a mask, displaying their OLL identification
    card.

   All local school districts in the area have determined that students will have to wear masks
    on the bus.

   Plans and protocols for daily school activities, attendance policies, and procedures as
    outlined in student handbooks.

   Students do not have specific assigned entry points. They may use any of the following
    entrances.

                  North West entrance (ramp near the AAC)

                  South East entrance (main office entrance)

                  South West entrance (Pontez science entrance)

   Parents will not be permitted to enter the building during drop off or dismissal.

   Paper notes will not be accepted by the attendance office. (notes from parents will be
    submitted by email)

   In the event that a student arrives late to school or needs to be dismissed early, one
    designated employee will be responsible for signing the student in and out of the building.

   All arrival and dismissal student movement will be monitored by faculty to ensure use of
    masks and distancing.

   Students should refrain from congregating in large groups before and after school. (should
    maintain 3-6ft of social distance)

                                                                                                   11
Daily AttendanceINSIDE
                      and Return to School
                           STORY HEADLINE

   Though daily attendance is essential to student success, a student should stay home when
    the have any of the following active symptoms:

                      When to Stay Home: Symptoms of Coronavirus

                         Fever (100.00 F or above) or chills

                         Cough

                         Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

                         Fatigue

                         Muscle or body aches

                         Headache

                         New loss of taste or smell

                         Sore throat

                         Congestion or runny nose

                         Nausea or vomiting

                         Diarrhea

                                                                                               12
Return to School Protocol
                         INSIDE STORY HEADLINE
       If a student exhibits symptoms related to the COVID-19 virus, they should contact their
        general practitioner for direction. If their primary doctor is concerned that the student
        has COVID-19 and suggests they should be tested, a student should not return to school
        until they have tested negative for the COVID-19 virus. Subsequently, if a student tests
        negative for the COVID-19 Virus they should not return to school until they have been
        symptom free for 24 hours without the use of medication.

       If a student tests positive for the COVID-19 virus, they should not return to school until we
        have received notification from a doctor that it is safe for them to return to school safely
        and a quarantine release from the Department of Health.

        Symptoms in School and Isolation
        If a student begins to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 at school, a parent will be notified
         and will need to pick their child up immediately. Please arrange for an emergency family
         plan if this issue should arise.

        Students will be asked to remain in a small isolation room in the nurse's office if they
         develop symptoms of COVID-19.

        Emergency Drills and Lockdowns
        Director of School Safety and Dean of Student Affairs will schedule and execute all state
         required drills safely.

                                                                                            13
After School Program
                        INSIDE STORY HEADLINE
       Students should only stay after school in the event they require extra help with a teacher or
        are staying for an athletic practice or game.

       The supervised after school program will run on each typical school day from 2:15-4:45.

       Those students who are staying for an athletic practice or are participating in an athletic
        competition will report to the cafeteria and will sign in with the supervisor (students must
        be on an athletic roster).

       Those students who are staying after school for academic reasons or to participate in a club
        will report to a classroom TBD.

       Students in the after school program will occupy a faculty-supervised common space in
        which they will be required to maintain social distance. (outdoor patio weather permitting)

       Paper and pen sign in and sign out sheets will be utilized.

       The Supervisor of the after school program will be responsible to sign in and sign out the
        students.

        Sports/Field Trips/ Extracurricular Activities

        Field trips will resume for the 2021/2022 school year with proper health and safety protocol
         in place.

        Extracurricular activities will meet virtually or in person at the convenience of all involved.

        The 2021/2022 sport season is in session with guidance from NYSPHSAA, Section 1, and the
         Athletic Director of Our Lady of Lourdes High School.

        Spectator regulations at athletic events will be determined by the section and the OLL
         Athletic Director

                                                                                                    14
Social Distancing in the Workplace
                          INSIDE STORY HEADLINE
       Photocopying will be limited to only necessary materials and will be completed by a
        designated faculty or staff member.

       Requests for photocopies will need to be made in advance.

       3 ft of social distancing will be maintained in the following common places, Faculty Room,
        Media Center, Chapel, Main Office, etc.

    School Liturgies

        School wide liturgies will be both live-streamed and in person monthly or on Holy Days into
         classrooms.

        School wide liturgies may also take place in the Arts and Athletic Center, maintaining 3 ft of
         social distancing.

        Masses during the school day could be offered for in the school chapel while maintaining
         3ft social distancing.

                                                                                                     15
Instructional Program
                     INSIDEConsiderations
                           STORY HEADLINE
   If a transition needs to occur to Plan B or C during the school year, students should be
    equipped with chromebooks and access to wifi from home.

   A combination of synchronous and asynchronous will be utilized if Plan B or C is warranted.

   The Director of Technology will be available for all troubleshooting situations with devices
    and software.

    Faculty and Staff Return to School after Illness protocol

   If a faculty or staff member exhibits symptoms related to the COVID -19 virus, they should
    not return to school until they have tested negative for COVID-19. Subsequently, if he or
    she tests negative for the COVID-19 virus he or she should not return to school until they
    have been symptom free for 24 hours without the use of medication.

   Faculty or staff members will present a doctor’s note upon return to work indicating either
    an alternate diagnosis or a COVID-19 negative test.

                                                                                               16
Visitors to the School/Meetings
                      INSIDE STORY HEADLINE

   Communicate COVID-19 health and safety requirements to all outside vendors and facilities
    maintenance with primary sanitation responsibilities.

   Limit all parent and non essential school third party school visitors.

   Parent/ teacher or parent/ school counselor communication will be conducted virtually.

   Main office monitored by staff and school security.

                                                                                                17
PPE and Daily Prevention Procedures
    All employees and students are to wear face masks/coverings in school and/or in all
     communal spaces and indoor settings. This includes both vaccinated and unvaccinated
     individuals.

    Ensure cleaning protocol and products meet current CDC and DOH guidelines.

    School purchased and planned for providing masks for all employees in the event they do
     not have one.

    Students are asked to provide their own masks and wear them to school each day.

    The School will provide students with masks in the event that they do not have one.

    Gloves purchased for all employees for periodic use while conducting periodic touch point
     disinfecting classroom areas.

    Required daily parental thermometer checks for all students.

    OLL School Nurse @ ext 1131 will be responsible party for all communication regarding
     parent and employee reporting a positive test for coronavirus, guidance for returning to
     work and school, and reporting to confirmed cases to Dutchess County Department of
     Health.

    School facilities common areas upgraded for necessary sanitary upgrades in resources,
     products and equipment.

    Maintain handless faucets, soap dispensers, alcohol based hand sanitizing stations.

    Evaluated and renegotiated new & existing contracts with facilities cleaning vendors.
     (Sterile Med)

    Added a day porter to make daily rounds to disinfect touch points, bathrooms and common
     areas throughout the day.

    Purchased multiple Hydro Blast disinfectors to ensure workplace common areas and/or
     students areas stairwells etc. Receive additional cleaning on a regular basis with hydro
     disinfectant.

    Make cleaning/sanitizing supplies available to students and teachers and any essential third
     parties. (i.e., school visitors)

                                                                                                    18
Communication of Health
                      INSIDE    andHEADLINE
                             STORY  Safety Standards Health

       Signage outside the building alerting all who enter to guidelines and expectations.

       Signage in bathroom for proper hand washing procedure and social distancing.

       Communicate heightened cleaning requirements and expectations for students and
        teacher/staff.

        Financing Upgrades, Materials and Resources

        Seek out opportunities for grants and any available reimbursement protocol to offset
         financial expenses to school. The President and Director of Finance will investigate and
         secure.

                                                                                                    19
Communication INSIDE
                  for Related
                         STORYto Redesigned Employee
                               HEADLINE

   Employee orientation and health and safety training will take place on September 7th,
    2021.

   Communication to all stakeholders related to continuous facility upgrades, ventilation,
    sanitization and daily cleaning for the prevention of the spread of the virus.

   Require employees to take personal responsibility for sanitation.

   Communicate protocols for shared areas, tools, and equipment.

   Enforce sanitation and cleaning protocols.

   Prepare common areas, such as conference and break rooms and public spaces for limited
    capacity.

   Continuous analysis and evaluation of plan as guidance evolves and to maintain consistency
    with federal (OSHA, CDC, Arch NYSDEDetc.) and DC DOH.

   Evaluate unvaccinated employees’ duties and the physical positioning of work locations.

                                                                                                 20
Supplies and Vendors
                      INSIDE STORY HEADLINE

     Purchased and planned for potential supply shortages, Director of Finance created accounts
      with vendors for PPE and Cleaning Supplies.

     Reevaluated contract with Sterile Med to included additional summer cleaning and
      sanitization.

     OLL Facilities Management staff ventilated classrooms, heighten sanitization and renovated
      all athletic locker rooms, upgraded PE locker rooms, and student and faculty bathrooms.

     Air conditioning, air purifiers, and box fans have been supplied to each classroom.

     Create and display signage reminding employees and third parties of the importance of
      regular and proper hand washing.

     Resources

    CDC Guidance for Schools

    NYSED Guidance for Schools

    Archdiocese Guidance for Schools

                                                                                        21
Conclusion

Due to the ever evolving nature of the Covid-19 Global Pandemic Our Lady of Lourdes High
School is committed to constant communication with all stakeholders. In an effort to be clear,
concise and committed to excellence in Catholic Education the administration, faculty and staff
will provide students and parents continued support and information via email communication,
Constant Contacts, virtual grade level orientations , virtual meetings, and the school website
under the Parent section.

                                                                                           22
You can also read