School Reopening Plan 2020 2021 - School Reopening Plan 2020 2021 - Venerini Academy
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
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Table of Contents
OPERATING PROCEDURES LEARNING PLANS
What to Expect Upon Students’ Return to School………………..…………….3 In School Learning Plan...……………………..…………………………...16
Uniform Policy………………………………………………………….………..………………..3 Overview………………………….……………………………………………………………16
Substitute Teachers……………………………………………...…….………………………..4 Classroom Protocols……………………………………………………………………..16
Student Travel Regulations…………………………………..….………………………….4 Specials Protocols…………………………………………………………………………16
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)………………….…….………….……………..4 Pre-K (Preschool)…………………….……………………………………………………16
Personal Hygiene/Handwashing………………………..………………..………………4 Masks and Protective Equipment…………………………………………………17
Playground Use/Recess………………………………….…………………...……………….5 Field Trips……………………………………………………………………………………..17
Bathroom Use…………………………………….………….………………………..…………..5 Before and After School…………….………………………………………………….17
Screening Students………………………………………..………………….………..……….5 Recess and Lunch…………………….……………………………………………………18
Health Office Procedures…………………………………………………………………….6 Hallways………………………………….…………………………………………………….18
Social Emotional Health………………………………………………………………………6 Facilities and Cleaning…………….…………………………………………………….19
Visitors and Volunteers………………………………………………………………………..7 Health Office…………………………………………………………………………………19
Events…………………………………………………………………………………………………..7 Needed Teacher Preparation………………..………………………………………19
Cleaning and Disinfecting……………………………………………………………………7 Technologies to Be Utilized………………………………………………………….19
COVID Cases in the School Community………………………………………………7 Hybrid Learning Plan………………………………………………………..20
Symptomatic Students or Staff……………………………………………………………8 Overview………………………………………………………………………………………20
Before and After School………………………………………………………………………8 Individual Students Needing to Be Home……………………………………21
Arrival and Departure Procedures…………...…………………………………………..9 In Case of Prolonged Absence……………………………………………………..21
In the Event A School Closing Decision is Necessary……………...…………13 “Live” Class Times…………………………………………………………………………21
Technology……………………………………….…………………………………………..22
SCHOOL REOPENING TIMELINE Distance Learning Plan……………………………………………………...22
Teachers Back to School…………………………………………………………………….14 Overview………………………………………………………………………………………22
Students Back to School…………………………………………………………………….14 Long Term Closure…………………………………………………………...………….22
Parents/Guardian Info.………………………………………………………………………14 “Live” Classes and Check-ins…………………………………………………………23
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
OPERATING PROCEDURES
These procedures are put into place in order to keep our students with state and local health orders and physical distancing
and staff as safe as we can during the current pandemic. They are and other safety protocols can be adhered to.
subject to change depending on the needs of the community and • Some curriculum, particularly in science, physical education,
the severity of the pandemic. These operating procedures were and the unified arts, will be modified to promote physical
developed using guidance from the MA Dept. of Public Health and distancing and minimize sharing of materials.
DESE. These guidelines are written with the information we have • Students and staff will be trained and reminded, through
signage and verbal reminders, to wash their hands
at this time and are subject to change.
frequently throughout the day and to practice physical
What to Expect Upon Students’ Return to School distancing.
• Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of illness,
This uncertain time is bringing a lot of changes for the 2020 school particularly those symptoms that have been associated with
year. Our Venerini family has been working hard to put important, COVID-19, must stay home.
essential, and health related safety protocols in place. One thing • Creative scheduling of students into cohorts whenever
that will not change, however, is how much we care for, love, and feasible
want the best for your children. Regretfully, school will not look the • Reduced movement of students between classes
same at Venerini Academy this fall. However, keep in mind this is • Students will be greeted by multiple staff members every
not forever! day to help all students feel welcomed and supported. This
These are some of the changes you can expect to encounter upon will also help facilitate them to their classrooms.
the reopening of schools: • More time will be spent, particularly at the beginning of the
year, building relationships among students and between
• Staff and students (Pre-K – Grade 8) will be wearing students and staff.
masks/face coverings throughout the day to prevent the • The school will train students in proper physical distancing
spread of COVID-19. and hygiene practices to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• Visitor access to school (including that of parents, • Staff will make a concerted effort to maintain a school
consultants, and volunteers) will be extremely limited. culture that validates and affirms the way students are
• Furniture in classrooms and other school spaces will be feeling and acknowledges they are processing the
arranged to promote social distancing. experience they’re having with COVID-19.
• Desk shields will also be in place.
Uniform Policy
• Recess will be scheduled for longer periods than typical in
order to give adequate fresh air and mask breaks. Student’s summer uniforms will remain the same. Winter uniforms
• Additional and more frequent cleaning and disinfecting will include the option to wear a Venerini polo shirt in lieu of
measures will be in place. sweaters. An exception will be if a class is in charge of a mass or
• Events, gatherings, and meetings that require large groups prayer service. For the time that the class is in the Chapel, they will
of people to congregate will be scheduled only if aligned be in full uniform. They will be allowed to change after the service.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Substitute Teachers • Parents/guardians will be responsible for providing students
with face coverings or masks. Venerini will provide backup
Venerini will identify a set of substitute teachers to be present disposable masks available for students who need them.
during professional development before school starts in order to Staff may choose to wear their own mask or one provided
ensure that they are knowledgeable of all the new safety by the school. Students and staff will be provided training on
procedures. If anyone is hired after the start of the school year they how to wear and care for the masks/face coverings.
must go through a comprehensive orientation before beginning • Staff who are in contact with students who are not wearing a
work. mask will be given eye protection to wear.
Student Travel Regulations • Time will be provided throughout the day for “mask breaks”
where students and staff do not have to wear masks.
All students must comply with the MA Travel Guidelines. If a Ideally, these breaks will occur outside or in a classroom
student spends time in a state that is not exempt from the MA with the windows open where 6-foot physical distancing can
quarantine law, they must quarantine at home for 14-days before be maintained.
returning to school or obtain a negative test no more than 72-hours • In the case of a classroom in which there is a student with a
prior to arrival back to MA. If they have not received their results by hearing impairment, Venerini will provide all students and
the time they return to MA they must quarantine until the test staff in the designated classroom with clear face coverings
results arrive. that facilitate lip reading. There may be other circumstances
where the use of clear face coverings or other adaptive PPE
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are indicated. Those circumstances will be considered on a
Face coverings/Masks are the single most important risk case-by-case basis. Pre-K teachers will be provided with
management measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. face shields for when distancing is not possible.
• Additional safety precautions are required for school nurses
• Students and staff will wear face masks as much as and any staff supporting students with disabilities when
possible throughout the day (NO gaiters or bandanas), physical distancing protocols cannot be maintained. These
especially when in hallways or bathrooms or in proximity to precautions must include eye protection (face shield or
students from other classes and in circumstances when goggles) and a facemask. The PPE needs of these
physical distancing cannot be maintained with exceptions individuals will be determined on a case-by-case basis and
only for those students or staff for whom it is not safe to do the appropriate supplies will be provided by Venerini
so due to age, medical conditions, or other considerations. Academy.
Those who cannot wear a mask must submit a medical note
from their doctor and wear a face shield. Grades K-8 will Personal Hygiene/Handwashing
wear masks all day with the exception of lunch and several
mask breaks. Pre-K will wear masks when moving around All students and staff are expected to practice frequent
the building and during key free play opportunities. handwashing. Washing hands frequently with soap and water for
at least 20-seconds is a simple but effective precaution that can
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
OPERATING PROCEDURES
prevent virus transmission. Hand sanitizer units will be provided in - Mandatory student handwashing before and immediately
classrooms, the building entrance, and other common areas. Hand after outdoor playground time
sanitizer should be used when handwashing with soap and water - Students maintaining 6-foot physical distancing when
is not possible. Regular opportunities for students to wash hands outside (no congregating allowed)
or use hand sanitizer will be incorporated into the school day. - Students playing mask-free as long as 6-foot physical
distancing can be maintained
Wash hands immediately before:
- Staggered playground/recess space use
- Leaving home - Keeping cohorts of students together
- Leaving the classroom - Offering structured activities
- Eating *See also: Recess and Lunch section on p. 18 for further information.
- Touching shared objects
- Touching one’s face Bathroom Use
- Playing on the playground
- Leaving school To enforce physical and group distancing and to minimize
- Arriving at school crowding and long lines, it may be useful to: close bathrooms
- Entering the classroom during transition periods and promote bathroom breaks during
- Finishing lunch class time instead, to assign classrooms to use specific
- Touching shared objects bathrooms, or to stagger the timing of scheduled bathroom breaks
- After contact with mask/face covering
by class.
- Using the bathroom
- Coughing, sneezing, blowing one’s nose Screening Students
- Arriving at home
Venerini Academy is working diligently to establish and reinforce a
Playground Use/Recess culture of health, safety, and shared responsibility. All families
Regular outside recess will be an important component of must assess their child’s state of wellness each day before leaving
supporting our students’ physical and mental health. We will home for school, including daily temperature taking. If the child has
implement infection prevention measures to protect children and a temperature greater than 100° and/or any symptoms of COVID-
staff health during recess, physical activity, and playground use 19, they should not go to school. The family should notify the
during community transmission of COVID-19. When the school secretary to indicate that the child will be absent and the
playground is in use high touch surfaces like grab bars and railings reason for the absence. The school nurse will follow-up with the
will be cleaned by staff after each use. family regarding the child’s symptoms and check if the child was
seen by a healthcare provider and if COVID testing was done. The
Health promotion strategies for students will include:
child can return to school once cleared by the school nurse, the
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
OPERATING PROCEDURES
health care provider, and/or the Worcester Board of Health. (Refer Health Office Procedures
to Protocols for responding to COVID-19 scenarios in school, on
The school Health Office will consist of two rooms: the first
the bus, or in community settings July 17, 2020 for specific
designated for first aid and routine medical care, the second for
protocols.) It is important to know that the symptoms of COVID-19
students who are feeling ill or have COVID symptoms. The goal of
mimic the symptoms of many other illnesses. To protect all
having two rooms is to separate the healthy from the sick. The
students and staff, any symptoms of COVID-19 displayed by a
school nurse will adhere to CDC required PPE recommendations.
member of the school community will be treated as a suspected
Staff will be presented a chart for when students need to visit the
case until determined otherwise. When a child becomes ill at
Health Office. During the pandemic it is crucial to keep students in
their class as much as possible to avoid mixing with other
students. Classrooms will be provided with first aid kits. See the
chart (left) on when a student will be sent to the Health Office.
Social Emotional Health
In these stressful and unusual times, students and adults are
facing situations they are not used to. This means that everyone’s
mental wellbeing should be monitored and attention paid to signs
of stress. Venerini Academy will share any and all concerns in this
area with parents. The library will begin to acquire resources to
help students and teachers support our community. We will be
providing professional development books for teachers to help with
social emotional issues, as well as picture books for students to
help them process issues such as fear, anxiety, illness, and loss.
Venerini will have professional development for teachers to help
students with social emotional issues, and keep it as a focus all
year. The school nurse will act as a liaison for teachers. She needs
to limit her direct exposure to physically-healthy students as she
will be most at risk of exposure.
school, families will be notified. To assure everyone’s safety, the
family will be required to pick up the child within one-hour.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
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Visitors and Volunteers Cleaning and Disinfecting
Visitors to the school, including volunteers, will be minimized as Cleaning and disinfecting are now regular parts of the school day
much as possible. Visitors must make an appointment. Visitors will from the classroom to the custodial level. We recognize that a
be held to the same standards as staff and will be required to wear clean building has a much better chance of being a healthy
a facemask and to follow hand sanitizing and physical distancing building. Venerini Academy has instituted regular housekeeping
requirements. Visitors will be encouraged to leave personal practices, which include cleaning and disinfecting frequently used
belongings in the car or to keep such items with them during their areas and equipment, and other elements of the work
visit. If a parent needs to pick up their child early from school environment, where possible. Teachers and staff will regularly do
either due to illness or other reasons that parent/guardian must call the same in their assigned classroom or work areas. Common
the front desk from their car upon arrival. When possible, the child rooms and break/lunchroom areas will be cleaned and disinfected
will be escorted outside to meet their parent/guardian. Substitute daily. Employees performing cleaning will be issued proper PPE as
teachers will be assigned to a designated area of the building recommended by the CDC. All bathrooms will be cleaned and
whenever possible to prevent exposure to multiple sites. The disinfected frequently and regularly throughout the day; this
proper use of masks/face coverings and physical distancing includes cleaning all frequently touched fixtures, stalls, and
protocols will be followed at all times. mopping of the floors. Custodians will be disinfecting all high-touch
surfaces such as doors, handles, push plates etc. several times a
Events day. Trash will be collected and removed from the school
frequently by someone wearing nitrile or vinyl gloves. Custodial
Per this writing, MA revised gathering orders August 7, 2020,
staff will ensure that hand sanitizer dispensers are always filled.
indoor gatherings are limited to eight people per 1,000 square feet
Venerini Academy has an additional custodian to come in the early
but should not include more than twenty-five people. Gatherings in
afternoon to collect trash, thoroughly clean restrooms, and make
enclosed outdoor spaces are limited to 25-percent capacity or 50
sure that common areas are ready for the next day.
people. In-person gatherings, such as performances, celebrations,
fundraisers, etc. meeting these criteria must be planned well in
COVID Cases in the School Community
advance and submitted to the Worcester Department of Public
Health (DPH) for review and consultation if deemed necessary. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, that student and any
Any approved gatherings must strictly adhere to physical siblings must remain at home for a minimum of 10-days from the
distancing and other safety protocols as outlined in this plan. date they tested positive. Additionally, they must be with no fever
for 24-hours and have a reduction in symptoms. A negative test is
not required for readmittance.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
OPERATING PROCEDURES
If a student or staff member tests positive for COID-19, their close Symptomatic Students or Staff
contacts will be defined as those who have been within 6-feet of
If any students or staff develop ANY of the following symptoms
distance of the individual for at least fifteen minutes, while the
while in school or at home, their primary care doctor should be
person was infectious. The infectious period begins 2-days prior
contacted, and they should be tested. If they are in school when
to symptom onset. If someone is asymptomatic, the infectious
they develop any of these symptoms they will be sent home.
period is considered to begin 2-days prior to the collection of their
positive test. Below is the full list of symptoms for which caregivers should
All close contacts should be tested but must self-quarantine for monitor their children, and staff should monitor themselves:
14-days after the last exposure to the person who tested Fever (100° Fahrenheit or higher), chills, or shaking chills
positive, regardless of the test result. Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic
cough)
A Venerini staff member will be assigned as a contact tracer within
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
the school.
New loss of taste or smell
All positive test results should be reported to DPH, and parents Sore throat
and staff are strongly encouraged to answer any calls from contact Headache when in combination with other symptoms
tracers. Muscle aches or body aches
If a student or staff member’s immediate family member, who lives Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
in the same house, tests positive, that student or teacher must self- Fatigue, when in combination with other symptoms
quarantine for 14-days from the date that person tested positive. Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known
causes, such as allergies) when in combination with other
If a student, faculty member or staff person has been diagnosed symptoms
with COVID and has been in the school, the local department of
Parents will be given the above list of symptoms that they must
public health will be notified for further guidance. While maintaining
use to assess their child each morning. If they check ‘yes’ to any
confidentiality, families will be notified. Depending on guidance
of the symptoms, that child must stay home and consult with their
from the Department of Public Health, school may need to close
doctor.
for a period of time as determined by local authorities.
These are all strong but necessary measures to help the school Before and After School
remain open as much as we possibly can this year.
The Before and After School Programs will be offered during this
time to families who have the need due to work or scheduling
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021
OPERATING PROCEDURES
constraints. However, we do understand that the occasional All students from Pre-K - Grade 8 are required to wear face masks
emergency may occur. There is a weekly sign-up sheet to be prior to entering the building and during the Before and After
submitted on the Thursday prior to the requested week. Each child School Programs. Please enter every family member that will be
will need their own sign-up sheet as it will be forwarded to the dropping off or picking up your child on the FACTS site. An email
designated cohort. will be sent to each family with a list of assigned codes for every
family member to sign in and sign out their child/children.
The Before and After School Programs fees and weekly sign-up
can be found on the Venerini Academy website under the
Arrival and Departure Procedures
“Admissions” drop down entitled “Extended Day Program”. Please
notify Mrs. Atamian in the office upon an emergency or traffic Car Line protocols have been established for the safety and well-
issue. being of each student. Please follow all of the procedures listed
Pre-K below. We have established a separate drop-off and pick-up
Before and After School Program will be held in the Pre-K Media location for each “area” of the school (PreK, K-2, 3-5, 6-8) in order
Room. All Pre-K students will be dropped off and picked up at the to conform with social distancing protocols. We understand that
carport entrance. Please ring the bell and a staff member will this may be an inconvenience. However, the safety of our
greet them. students, faculty, and staff is our top priority.
Kindergarten – Grade 8 Please be advised that these protocols are subject to change.
The Before and After School Program for these grades will differ to
maintain proper social distancing requirements in response to the Arrival
submitted surveys. The Before School Program for Grades K - 8 *A diagram of each car line is included at the end of this section*
will be held in the Cafeteria. All students from Grades K- 8 will be
dropped off at the Elizabeth Street door and a staff member will The following protocols are to be followed by all car lines:
greet them. • Please DO NOT arrive prior to 8:15 A.M. (unless attending
There are usually more families in need of the After School Before School).
Program than the Before School Program. Therefore, Grades K - • Please be respectful of our Venerini neighbors. Be careful
2 will remain in their area utilizing the first-floor Art Room. Grades not to block any driveways or entrances to parking lots.
3 - 5 will be escorted to the Cafeteria by a staff member upon • Please make sure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a
dismissal. Grades 6 - 8 will remain in a Middle School classroom. mask.
These cohorts allow for proper social distancing per COVID-19 • All students are required to wear a mask as they leave their
requirements. car.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021OPERATING PROCEDURES
• Grades K-8: Parents should only exit their vehicle to aid
The Following Protocol is to be followed by all Car Lines:
their child in unfastening their car seat. Pull forward to the
designated area for drop-off. Please wear a mask at all • Please make a large, easy to read sign with your child’s last
times. name and grade to put in the windshield for pick up.
• Please see below for preschool drop-off protocol. • Please DO NOT arrive at the designated car line earlier
• Grades K-8: Faculty will assist in removing your than 15-minutes prior to dismissal.
child/children from the vehicle and escort them to class (if • Please be respectful of our Venerini neighbors - be careful
needed). not to block any driveways or entrances to parking lots.
• Parents are not allowed to accompany their child/children • Please make sure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a
into the building. mask.
• Pre-K Only - If you have more than one child, parents • Grades K-8: Parents should only exit their vehicle if they
should drop off their oldest child/children first (each child need to aid their child in fastening their car seat. If so,
should be dropped off at their respective individual areas). please pull forward to buckle any car seats or seat belts.
• The youngest child is picked up first (unless you are using
Pre-K 2.9 - Pre-K 4: GYM CAR LINE (back of the school) the Family Car Line).
Please pull into the Gym parking lot. Park your car and walk your • If you are picking up your child/children in the Elizabeth St.
child to the designated door outside of their classroom. Only one Car Line please do not block the entrance to the Gym Car
parent will be allowed to accompany each child to their classroom Line.
door, and please allow space for just one family at a time at the
door. Parents/ guardians, please remember to wear your masks. Pre-K 2.9 - Pre-K 4: GYM CAR LINE - back of school (2:20 P.M.)
Pick-up will start at 2:20 P.M. for any students who do not have
Kindergarten - Grade 2: EDWARD ST. CAR LINE older siblings at the school. We ask that you pull into the Gym lot
Drop off in the morning will be in the Edward St. Parking Lot. This and stop at the Gym door. Please do not exit your vehicle. Your
will be a drop off only. child will be placed in your vehicle. Please stay in the line and
move forward to the end of the lot where you can park and buckle
Grade 3 - Grade 8: ELIZABETH ST. CAR LINE in your child.
Drop off in the morning will be at the Elizabeth St. entrance. This
will be a drop off only. Dismissal for students with older siblings will begin at 2:35 P.M.
Please be prompt for this. Please pull into the back-Gym lot and
Dismissal stop at the Gym door. Please do not exit your vehicle. Your child
*A diagram of each car line is attached below* will be placed in your vehicle. Then, move forward to the end of the
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021OPERATING PROCEDURES
lot where you can park and buckle in your child. Please be patient **If the youngest child is in Pre-K please pick up your Pre-K child
as the line moves forward. Once you have buckled in your child first, at 2:35 P.M., then proceed to the car line of the next youngest
please proceed to the designated car line for any siblings. Your child. The Gym Car Line is for preschool only.
child will become familiar with the schedule and will adjust quickly
Families with 2 or More Children
to a smooth routine. Please inform all individuals who are listed on
your transportation form (particularly grandparents) about this Families with 2 or more children have the option to pick up all of
procedure. This procedure is for the safety of your child. If their children in one car line instead of multiple (This option is
someone other than a parent is picking your child up please currently not available for drop off). Dismissal for this car line will
communicate this with us and make sure they have identification be in the GYM PARKING LOT at 3:00 P.M. (Pre-K children must
with them. be picked up in the Pre-K car line at their original designated time)
All of these students will be brought to the Gym by a staff member
Kindergarten - Grade 2: EDWARD ST. CAR LINE (2:45 P.M.) in their designated area. At this time switching between car lines is
You will be picking up your child in front of the school. If you need not an option.
to buckle your child/children please proceed under the carport to
pull over. Please stay in your car until that time. • Please do not arrive before 2:45 P.M.
Grade 3 - Grade 5: ELIZABETH ST. CAR LINE (2:55 P.M.) • Please make a large, easy to read, sign with your family’s
If you need to buckle your child/children please drive forward and last name and grade to put in the windshield for pick up.
pull over. **If you are picking up in the Elizabeth St. Car Line you • Please pull up to the Gym door.
must make a left-hand turn onto Reservoir Street to avoid any • Please make sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a
traffic back-ups with the Edward St. Car Line. mask.
• Grades K-8: Parents should only exit their vehicle if they
Grade 6 – Grade 8: CHAPEL CAR LINE (2:55 P.M.) need to aid their child in fastening their car seat. If so,
You will be picking your child up at the Chapel entrance on Edward please pull forward to buckle any car seats or seat belts.
St. This is closer to UMASS Memorial than the main entrance to
• Again, please wear a mask at all times.
the school. Middle School students will be escorted to the Chapel
entrance by their teachers. Please do not block the main entrance
to the school. Like everyone else, have your last name and grade
number on some sort of placard to make it easier to identify you
and move the line smoothly.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021OPERATING PROCEDURES
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021OPERATING PROCEDURES
In the Event A School Closing Decision is Necessary
Venerini will make all attempts to remain open, but will comply with
any local health department or state guidelines from Gov. Baker
regarding the closing of schools.
All cases of COVID in school will be reported to the local Dept. of
Health. In the event that there is more than one case at school at a
time, the Dept. of Health will be consulted to determine the
appropriate course of action which could be a short term closure
for deep cleaning, a 14-day period of home isolation for the entire
school, or a longer-term closure if community spread is
determined. If the City of Worcester or the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts close due to increasing cases, then Venerini
Academy will transition to all remote learning.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021SCHOOL REOPENING TIMELINE
Return to School Timeline (September 2020)
Wednesday, September 16:
Teachers Back to School Grades 3 – Grade 5 return to school on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
All Venerini teachers and staff members reported back to school This will give us a chance to continue our phased roll out into the
on September 1, 2020. school year with a larger group of students. They will move directly
into the dynamics of the school day, and we will continue to check
September 1-3: on procedures to ensure student and staff safety.
During these three days, teachers received their planned
professional development for: Friday, September 18:
- Using the new student information system
- Making better use of Google Classroom tools On September 18, we will welcome Grade 6 – Grade 8 and have
- The use of SeeSaw (Kindergarten – Grade 2) all students in the building. The strategy of staggering the start of
school in this manner will provide us the ability to welcome all
September 8-11: students – safely.
Staff received training in the use of PPE equipment for themselves.
They received the standard, required training in both general
Parents and Guardians
health and COVID-related protocols for their classrooms. Staff
participated in planned “dry runs” of: This is all new for everyone, and there are a lot of questions for all
- Starting and ending the school day members of the Venerini community. To help get us all on the
- Running classrooms
same page, Venerini Academy has held two Virtual Town Halls for
- Planning bathroom and lunch breaks
- Clean up parents and stakeholders to hear about our school reopening plan
- Remote teaching as applicable from Board members, administration, the school nurse, the COVID
Committee and health professionals. These were also forums to
Monday, September 14: ask questions.
Pre-K – Grade 2 will return to school on Sept. 14! These are our We will make it a point throughout this process to be actively
youngest students and having them in early will allow us to engaged with our families and involve all relevant stakeholders.
acclimate them to the school and classrooms and allow us to help
them get into routines that enhance community and learning. This
will also allow us to make sure that drop off and pick up
procedures work for these students.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021SCHOOL REOPENING TIMELINE
We want you to have the most up to date information and just as
importantly, we want to hear from you.
As we have said, this is all new to everyone. There are no
templates for us to follow. We are working with state health
guidelines, the Department of Education, the CDC, health
professionals and other schools to develop what we believe are
best practices for a safe opening with students in school.
Also, be aware that this is a plan that is subject to change if
circumstances dictate that it would be prudent to make
changes for the safety of students and staff.
15
School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021LEARNING PLANS
In School Learning Plan Library books will be collected from classrooms each morning and
held for 24-hours before shelving or recirculation. Better use of the
This plan will go into effect during the time period that students are online catalogue will be made in order to limit the touching of
physically in the building during times of heightened awareness of materials when browsing. Students at tables will sit four to a table,
COVID-19 - taking into account recommendations from the CDC, with plexiglass dividers. Excess furniture has been removed to
DESE, and Department of Public Health. provide ample distanced seating.
Art
Overview Students will sit 3-ft. apart in the Art Room, and the sharing of
Venerini Academy is committed to continuing the full academic, materials will be limited.
social, and enrichment curriculum in the best manner that we can - Gym
regardless of being in or out of school. All learning material, There will be no gym class to start the year. When/if they resume,
including specials, will continue to be delivered. We are also one class at a time will be in the gym. Activities that limit contact
committed to a seamless transition from in-school to out if the need will be carefully selected. Stations may be utilized during periods of
arises for any all-school, long-term closure. high community spread in order to effectively distance. Care will be
taken to limit other students entering the gym during a class’
Classroom Protocol assigned time.
Desks will be forward facing whenever possible and placed Music
between 3- and 6-feet apart as recommended by DESE. If Activities will be chosen to limit contact and exposure. No
students are using common tables there will be plexiglass or woodwind instruments will be used, and singing may be limited to
plastic partitions. All students will have plastic desk shields. outside only.
Windows will be open whenever possible. Students will bring their
own supplies (there will be no sharing of supplies within the Pre-K (Preschool)
classroom). The Art teachers have sent notification of art supplies
Pre-K students will primarily spend the day in the Preschool Wing
and how to get them.
with their own classmates and teachers in order to limit exposure
to other students. Specials teachers will provide remote instruction
Specials Protocol
or deliver lessons to be facilitated by the classroom teacher. All
(All specials will have at least 10-min in between classes to clean)
preschoolers will eat in the Preschool Wing. An additional room as
Library
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021LEARNING PLANS
well as the preschool foyer will be used in the preschool wing to coverings as gaiters/gators and bandanas do not meet
give students the opportunity to move around while still keeping these recommendations and may not be worn in school.
them self-contained. Teachers will rearrange classrooms in order • Parents/guardians will be responsible for ensuring students
to provide more space between students while still maintaining a have masks that cover their nose and mouth and that they
welcoming, comfortable environment. Pre-K will be required to are with their child every day. We will provide backup
wear masks when entering and exiting the building and when disposable masks for students who need them.
moving through the building. While they will not be wearing them • Staff will also be offered a face shield. Students and staff
all day, there may be times that they are worn in order to allow for will be provided training on how to wear and care for the
more natural play while maintaining safety. masks/face coverings.
• Time will be provided throughout the day for “mask breaks”
Masks and Protective Equipment where students and staff do not have to wear masks.
Ideally, these breaks will occur outside.
All students in Kindergarten – Grade 8 are required to wear face
• Additional safety precautions are required for the school
masks as provided by parents. Venerini will keep a supply on hand
nurse. These precautions must include eye protection (face
for emergencies. Pre-K will wear masks when entering and exiting
shield or goggles) and a face covering. Additional
the building and during certain points of the day. If a student has a
precautions may be deemed necessary, based on the type
medical reason for not wearing a mask, they must wear a face
of tasks being performed. The PPE needs of these
shield instead. A doctor's note is required.
individuals will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Face Masks
Face coverings/masks are the single most important risk Field Trips
management measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. Dept. of Field trips will be decided based on local health department
Public Health COVID-19 protocols will be carefully observed. recommendations.
• All students and staff members are required to wear masks
that adequately cover both their nose and mouth throughout
Before and After School
the day, especially when in hallways or bathrooms or in
proximity to students from other classes and in The Before and After School Program will be offered beginning on
circumstances when physical distancing cannot be September 14, 2020.
maintained. Face masks must be consistent with DPH and
CDC recommendations. At the current time such face
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021LEARNING PLANS
Cohorts have been created to comply with safety standards in - Gr. 2: Lunch in classroom (12:15 P.M.- 12:45 P.M.)
response to the number of students attending the Before and After Recess in the back lot (11:50 A.M.-12:15 P.M.)
School Program. (see OPERATING PROCEDURES: Before and - Gr. 3: Lunch in the Gym (11:10 A.M.-11:30 A.M.)
After School) Currently, the children will not be allowed to bring Recess in the back lot (11:30 A.M.-11:50 A.M.)
toys, crayons, or other items to the Before and After School - Gr. 4: Lunch in classroom (11:10 A.M.- 11:30 A.M.)
Program. They will practice social distancing and wear face masks Recess in the front yard (11:30 A.M.- 11:50 A.M.)
in accordance with current DESE guidelines. There will be - Gr. 5: Lunch in the Gym (11:30 A.M.-11:50 A.M.)
periodic face mask breaks outside contingent upon the weather. Recess in the back lot (11:10 A.M.- 11:30 A.M.)
- Gr. 6 & Gr. 7: Lunch in classroom (12:20 P.M.- 12:45 P.M.)
Recess and Lunch Recess in the front yard (12:45 P.M.- 1:10 P.M.)
- Gr. 8: Lunch in the Cafeteria (12:20 P.M.- 12:45 P.M.)
We will do our best at appropriate times throughout the day to be Recess in the front yard (12:45 P.M.- 1:10 P.M.)
outside as much as possible. Also, for times when we are utilizing
the Gym, we will be purchasing mobile dividers to safely separate All students in Kindergarten, Gr. 1, Gr. 3, and Gr. 5 will be required
the gymnasium into smaller, safer quadrants. to bring in a beach towel or yoga mat properly labeled with their
name and grade. The children will use these towels/yoga mats to
Below is the current recess schedule:
eat their lunch picnic style. Each child will have their own 6x6 area
Morning Recess in which to eat their lunch. Once lunch is finished the children will
- Kindergarten: Front Grass Area (10:15 A.M.) be dismissed to the recess yard wearing their masks. Lunch
- Grades 1 & 2: Rear Playground Area (10:15 A.M.) recess will be masked.
- Grades 3 & 4: Rear Playground Area (9:50 A.M.)
- Grade 5: Front Grass Area (9:50 A.M.) Hallways
- Middle School: No morning recess. Instead, they will have Teachers will take care to only bring one class into a hallway or
a morning break from 10:20 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. in their stairwell at a time. Middle School will use opposite sides of the
classroom. hallway in a directional manner when they do need to change
Lunch/Afternoon Recess classes. Middle School teachers are currently planning when
- Kindergarten: Lunch in the Gym (11:55 A.M.- 12:15 P.M.)
Recess in the back lot (12:15 A.M.-12:40 P.M.)
- Gr. 1: Lunch in the Gym (12:20 P.M.-12:40 P.M.)
Recess in the back lot (12:40 P.M.- 1:00 P.M.)
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021LEARNING PLANS
movement will be necessary. They are also working on creative If a student or student's family member is diagnosed with COVID-
and block scheduling to give students as much time on learning 19, Venerini Academy will be in contact with the Department of
within the same spaces as possible. Public Health and follow their guidelines and procedures.
See also: Operational Procedures for details on testing
Facilities and Cleaning requirements and quarantine procedures.
Classroom teachers will clean and sanitize their own rooms
throughout the day. Specials will have at least 10-minutes between Needed Teacher Preparation
classes to clean and sanitize. The lunch room will be cleaned and Pre-K and Kindergarten
sanitized in between groups. The building will be cleaned at the All Preschool and Kindergarten teachers will have Seesaw set up,
end of each day. Additional cleaning staff have been hired in order students enrolled, and will be using this platform even during in-
to comply with recommended cleaning schedules. Bubblers have school times, so that the transition is seamless should the need
been covered and replaced with water refilling stations. arise for distance learning.
Grade 1 – Grade 8
Health Office All teachers in Grade 1 – Grade 8, and specials, will have Google
Classrooms set up, students enrolled, and will be using this
The Nurse’s Office will have a second room for students or staff
platform even during in-school times, so that the transition is
presenting potential COVID symptoms.
seamless should a need arise for distance learning.
One student will be allowed into the Health Office at a time. The
Specials
health office is made up of three separate areas. This includes a
In preparation for shutdowns or students needing to be home,
triage area where the needs of a student are assessed. From there
specials teachers will have online activities or lessons prepared
they will either be sent back to class, sent to the first aid room/non-
ahead of time and loaded into Google Classroom so that students
sick room, or to the sick room.
can easily access them from home with no gap in enrichment
If a child is sick and needs to be sent home there is an expectation opportunities.
that a parent or other adult will pick up the student within 30-
minutes. If the child is suspected to have symptoms similar to Technologies to Be Utilized
COVID-19, the student will be isolated in the sick room of the
health office. The school nurse along with anyone in contact with Technology will continue to be used and taught in preparation for
that student will wear full PPE. potential school shut downs. Primary platforms will be Google
Classroom for Grades 1-8, and Seesaw for Pre-K – Grade 2.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021LEARNING PLANS
Grades 1-2 will be using Google Classroom as their main platform
but will have Seesaw activities linked within Google Classroom in
order to promote more independence from parental help. The
following apps and programs will be taught in school and used to
deliver activities and lessons within Google Classroom. Not all will
be used by every classroom and will be chosen for developmental
appropriateness.
This list is not exhaustive, and as new needs arise additional skills
will be taught:
- Flip Grid
- Padlet
- Wakelet
- ThingLink
- Kahoot Hybrid Learning Plan
- EdPuzzle
This plan accommodates students who are unable to physically be
- Quizlet
in school, while the majority of students are able. Given our
- Book Creator
standard of small class sizes we do not believe we will need to
- PearDeck
implement an alternate day schedule even if Worcester decides to
- Tinkercad
do so.
- Everfi
- Screencast O'Matic Overview
- KAMI
- IXL Venerini Academy is committed to accommodating students who
have a documented medical need to be home for extended periods
of time due to medical concerns for them or their parents. All
learning material, including all specials will continue to be
delivered. We are also committed to a seamless transition from in-
school to out, if the need arises for any all-school, short-term
closures.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021LEARNING PLANS
Individual Students Needing to Be Home
This plan will also help bring consistency across all Specials and
As classrooms will be using Google Classroom (1-8) and Seesaw all grades, as to how material is delivered, as to not be
(PK-2), students will already be set up for a seamless transition to overwhelming or be confusing to parents dealing with a home
distance learning. They will continue to receive material and learner.
assignments through these platforms as they have been while in
school. In Case of Prolonged Absence
Students at home will connect “in person” with teachers and As classroom teachers (Grades 1-8) will be using Google
students on a regular basis through a set schedule of Google Meet Classroom as a base platform during the regular in session school
sessions. year for material and assignment delivery, they will continue to do
Specials so in a more robust manner in the case of prolonged absence.
Remote Learner Plan for Art, Music, Library, and French Google Meet will be used for at least one 30-minute check-in per
day for Grades 1-5. For Middle School, there will be a minimum of
• Each Special will set up Google Classrooms for each grade one Google Meet check-in per subject, per week. Additional
level 1-8. Google Meet’s may be scheduled depending on the needs of
• These will be the same Classrooms used for all school students. In applicable situations, the teacher may use Zoom as
remote learning should that become necessary. the platform to meet with Middle School students. Grades Pre-K
• There will be a “Topic” within each Google Classroom titled and K will continue to use Seesaw, as they have been during in-
“Remote Learners”. school times. Pre-K and K will have one 30-minute Google Meet
• Asynchronous enrichment activities will be posted by date, session per day. All specials will be delivered each week through
one for each week. Google Classroom or Seesaw in an asynchronous manner.
• For PK and K, until Seesaw is in effect, Specials teachers
will email the parents weekly with the activity or resource. “Live” Class Times
• Activities will begin on Sept 28th and continue indefinitely, All teachers will be using Google Meet. Each Google Classroom
or until a need to have the whole school remote arises. will have a link to the class Meet on the front page of the individual
classroom. For Pre-K - Grade 5, each class that has one or more
Remote learner activities and enrichment may be different from
students at home for an extended period of time will have a
exact lessons that are taught live in school, but this plan ensures
regularly scheduled, daily 30-minute Meet session with their class
that our home learner students will be included, and will have
access to enrichment activities at their leisure.
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School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021LEARNING PLANS
and teacher. For Middle School, teachers will establish with Classrooms. Using this method, the link never changes and is
students and parents their meeting times and whether Zoom may easily accessible. Also, students cannot enter a Meet until the
be more applicable to their teaching. (Pre-K may also use teacher arrives. Scheduled Meet times will be clearly
Facebook Live) communicated on the Monday of each week and will be put on the
Google Classroom Calendar (it will remain the same each week if
Technology at all possible).
See above list from In School Plan for technology utilized.
Grades Pre-K - Kindergarten will continue to use Seesaw as their
main lesson and material delivery platform. Pre-K and
Kindergarten will use Google Meet or Facebook Live for regularly
Distance Learning Plan scheduled “live” classes each week. They will use a single class
This plan will go into effect if school closes due to coronavirus. It login and the Meet link will be under the classroom heading.
assumes all students and teachers will be learning from home. Specials
If the necessity for all school remote learning arises, the students
Overview
who had already been learning remotely will be transitioned to the
Venerini Academy is committed to continuing the full academic, following plan with the rest of their class, and Phase 1 will end.
social, and enrichment curriculum in the best manner that we can, Weekly delivery of Library, Art, Music and French classes will be
regardless of being in or out of school. All learning material, provided. Plans will maintain consistency with the delivery of
including all specials, will continue to be delivered. We are also material from classroom teachers.
committed to a seamless transition from in-school to out, if the
need arises for any all school long-term closure. • Specials teachers will transition to a full use of online
learning platforms to deliver materials, along with recorded
Long Term Closure or live “in person” instruction or activities.
As classroom teachers (1-8) will have been using Google • For Pre-K and K, Specials teachers will use Seesaw or
Classroom as a base platform during the regular in session school class Facebook pages.
year for material and assignment delivery, they will continue to do • For Grades 1 and 2, Specials teachers will use Google
so in a more robust manner. Classroom as the primary platform with the option to use
Seesaw as linked activities within Google Classroom.
Google Meet will be used for any “live” classes or check-in. Google
• For Grades 3-8, Specials teachers will use Google
Meet links will be posted on the front page of all Google
Classroom.
22
School Reopening Plan 2020 - 2021You can also read
