BETTER TOGETHER
RE-OPENING PLAN, SEPTEMBER 2020
Table of Contents Introduction – We are “Better Together”.......................................................................... 3 Letter from Head of School.................................................................................................4 Mission Statement.................................................................................................................5 Guiding Principles..................................................................................................................5 The Park Street School Community Covenant................................................................6 Health and Safety................................................................................................................... 7 Establishing New Healthy Habits......................................................................... 7-10 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning..........................................................................11 Chart 1: PSS’ Response Strategy to Positive COVID Case.................................12 Chart 2: If A Student/Staff Person has Symptoms.............................................12 Academic Program: A Love for Learning...................................................................13-16 Three Scenarios .........................................................................................................14 Attendance & Assessment........................................................................................14 Well Positioned for Flexibility and Consistency...................................................15 Remote Learning .......................................................................................................16 Community Life.....................................................................................................................17 Returning to Campus: A Few Expectations.....................................................................18 Sources for Guidance and Best Practices........................................................................19 All School FAQs......................................................................................................................21 Preschool FAQs.....................................................................................................................22 Elementary School FAQs....................................................................................................23 In Closing................................................................................................................................23
DEFINITION>> COHORTS – BUILDING COHORT COMMUNITIES A cohort is a small group of students and faculty members that will remain together throughout the course of the school day to minimize the risk of exposure across the community.
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Park Street School will
Interact Safely. Park Street School will
Engage Learners. Park Street School will
Equip Students. Our Goal
We Are Better Together!
To bring back every child, in-person, five days a week, when circumstances allow.
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Dear Park Street School Parents, As we embark on the 2020-2021 school year, we are doing so with three priorities:
1. Park Street School will Interact Safely It is often said around Park Street School (PSS) that the care of each student is a sacred trust. This year, I would also include our whole community: our staff and faculty, parents, partners in education, grandparents, nannies, vendors and neighbors. The well-being of our students, both their health and safety, as well as their social and emotional care, is our highest priority as we move forward to open school. All of our decisions and policies reflect that priority. For Park Street School to remain a safe place for all of us, we must work together. We firmly believe we are “Better Together!”
2. Park Street School will Engage Learners Whether students join us online or in the classroom, we remain committed to continuous learning and putting into place best practices to maintain our high academic standards AND our love of learning with flexibility, creativity and innovation.
3. Park Street School will Equip Students Equipping our students goes beyond new fiber optics and online platforms (which we have!) and extends to building resilience, character and growth as individuals – especially in the midst of this pandemic. We will provide tools and teaching skills necessary for students to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. While a spike of those testing positive for COVID-19 could change our course, we are
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preparing to open in person, while simultaneously providing a remote learning option for those unable to attend in person. Our mission drives us forward – that we would strive to empower and equip each child with a love of learning, a passion for truth, a heart for others, and an understanding of God’s love and grace for us in Jesus Christ.And that growth mindset – that heart for others – starts with each administrator, faculty member, board member and parent. We are being called to a challenging season, yes, but we do not move forward alone. We move forward first in an understanding of God’s love and grace for us in Jesus Christ. And we move forward together as a community. One of the distinctives that sets us apart is the love and affection we demonstrate – child to child, teacher to student, administrator to child! Let’s be honest – we hug a lot! While we might not be able to hug as much this year, let’s commit together to make sure we keep our distinctive of creating a warm and nurturing environment! Let’s be supportive and understanding of all of our community, no matter the learning option chosen, or the health diagnosis received. Let’s be creative – and faithful in how we show love to one another. We can’t wait to see the children and enjoy time with them! Let’s work together to inspire our students to discover who they will become – especially during this pandemic. Let’s commit to one another in this challenging season, to wear the masks, to socially distance, to protect our children in cohorts, to clean and disinfect faithfully – so that we can be together as securely as possible - because yes, we are, truly better together! Sincerely, Tracy Bradley
“We are being called to a challenging season, yes, but we do not move forward alone.” – TRACY BRADLEY
Principles that Guide Us 1
To remain a nurturing and warm community – EVEN with masks, with distancing
2 To be mindful of the whole child – and
seek to the best of our ability to meet each of those needs – intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual To grow in our own understand of God’s
3 love and grace for us through Jesus Christ – and share that with the students To be mindful of the whole community
4 and how we work together: to seek to have a heart for others first
5 To build upon our own love for learning to inspire students to discover who they are to become!
Our Mission Strategically located in historic Beacon Hill, Park Street School is a neighborhood school that seeks to unite children of diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds from Greater Boston in a nurturing school of the highest academic standards. Through an engaging, content-rich curriculum, we strive to empower and equip each child with a love of learning, a passion for truth, a heart for others, and an understanding of God’s love and grace for us in Jesus Christ.
6 To model a growth mindset – defined
by our curiosity for life, our ability (and growth) to adapt and be flexible, and demonstrate resilience To seek and rely on experts in our
7 decision-making
To trust in God during this time and lean
8 on one another.
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THE PARK STREET SCHOOL COMMUNITY COVENANT
A Heart for Others Park Street School calls upon staff and faculty, parents and students to commit to supporting the collective health and well-being of our community. We truly believe we are “Better Together.” Interacting safely is a shared responsibility between school and home. As we navigate the COVID-19 crisis, each of us bears a responsibility to not only comply with federal, state, and local health measures as adopted and implemented by the school, but also to care for one another. We commit to following safe habits, and measures and procedures, such as mask wearing, social distancing, “cohorting,” practicing good hygiene (a.k.a. hand-washing/sanitizing ALL the time!), disinfecting, cleaning, NOT coming to school or venturing out when sick, testing unless unable, quarantining when necessary, self-reporting and contact tracing. We commit to being supportive and showing grace to each community member, no matter the learning option chosen, or the health diagnosis received. As we work together, demonstrating kindness, exhibiting patience, and showing one another respect, may we be able to stay Better Together. Let’s be creative – and faithful - in how we show love to one another.
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HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES As we prepare to return to school, one of the most important areas of focus is health and safety. We will all need to develop new habits in order to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to protect our families, our friends, and all those within the PSS community. In addition to working together to learn new habits, you’ll notice we’ve made some changes to our buildings – including some new rules about how we go in and out and move around in the buildings. We want our classrooms and common areas to be safe spaces where we can learn and grow!
Establishing New Healthy Habits • Students and staff may wear either disposable or re-usable face masks. – Disposable masks must be three-ply. – Cloth masks must have two (or more) layers of fabric. – Gaiters and bandanas will not be permitted. • Masks may be in any color and may have small patterns, but logos, slogans, or large/bold images are not permitted.
WEARING MASKS PSS EXPECTATIONS:
• All students and staff will be required to wear masks at all times (except during lunch/snack and designated mask breaks) when on campus (in any of our buildings and when walking to/ from any building or outside activity).
• Masks must cover the nose and mouth at all times. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
• Students will be trained in how to safely take off and put on their masks in order to avoid transmission and cross contamination. • We encourage students to have extra masks with them each day in case theirs becomes soiled or they want to change into a different mask.
INTERACT SAFELY: PAGE 7
• Extra disposable masks will be available in adult and child sizes for those who need them. • Mask breaks will take place throughout the day (Staff will ensure students are six (6) feet or more apart). • PSS will provide face shields and goggles for staff. These items are optional for students and parents may provide them for their child(ren) if they would like.
PRACTICING PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND CREATING COHORTS PSS EXPECTATIONS:
• Whenever possible, students and staff will be spaced six (6) feet apart when seated in class, with the state minimum of three (3) feet being used in some cases. • Families will be assigned a drop-off and pick-up time and location. This will allow us to stagger entrances/exits into the building, allow ample time for safely checking students in/out, and minimize risk of exposure and cross contamination. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
• We will be utilizing outdoor spaces as much as possible for snacks, teaching, and mask breaks. • Students will have assigned seats in class.
INTERACT SAFELY: PAGE 8
PREVENTION STRATEGIES ARE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
• Training will be conducted, and signage will be posted to remind individuals of proper handwashing and hand sanitizing techniques and frequency. • At the Elementary School, students will be given individual hand sanitizing bottles
STAYING HOME WHEN SICK REINFORCING RIGOROUS HYGIENE HABITS PSS EXPECTATIONS:
• When entering and exiting a campus building, all individuals will wash/sanitize their hands
• Staff will have their temperature taken as they enter their building each day.
• Hand sanitizers must have at least 60 percent Ethanol or 70 percent Isopropanol
• Any staff or students with symptoms related to COVID-19 will be sent home.
• At a minimum, handwashing and hand sanitizing will be conducted:
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
– – – – – –
Before and after recess Before and after each meal After using the bathroom Before taking off and putting on a mask In a shared activity space Before and after using shared materials (which will be limited) – Before and after any physical activity
As we hear repeatedly from health experts, the best ways to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 are: Use of masks/face coverings
PSS EXPECTATIONS:
• All students and staff will complete a health questionnaire via MyMedBot prior to entering school each day. You will receive an invitation, via email, to register for MyMedBot, the week of August 24.
Better Together!
Cleaning and disinfecting Physical distancing Rigorous hygiene and handwashing Staying home when sick Reducing interaction between groups
• Protocols have been established regarding individuals displaying symptoms, exposure to COVID-19 (including possible exposure) and confirmed cases. These protocols will be reviewed regularly and updated based on recommendations by the CDC, DESE, the EEC, and MDPH.
There is not one single strategy that will work by itself, but a combination of these strategies – when used together – will substantially reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
• Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health will be contacted anytime there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 among our staff or student population.
Our goal is to create a culture of health and safety by consistently using each of these strategies.
Be sure to join us via Zoom for Parent Orientation on August 27 to get all the latest information.
Please help us provide the safest possible environment for our students and staff by using these prevention strategies at home and at school!
INTERACT SAFELY: PAGE 9
• Students who need to quarantine at home, but who are feeling well, may log in to their classes remotely. • Students who have a doctor’s note and need to miss classes because they are not feeling well (related to COVID-19 or any other illness) will have an excused absence and can make up the work when they return. We will support students in catching up on missed assignments and will work with the family on a re-entry plan if students are out of school for an extended period of time. • In addition to relying on associate teachers, specialists, and administrators to help cover classes during times when a teacher may be out sick, PSS will have regular subs who are trained in our health and safety procedures. • In situations where teachers are required to quarantine but are not sick, they will teach remotely and be streamed into the classroom for in-person students. The associate teachers, and administrator or a substitute will be assigned to join that cohort for the duration of the teacher’s quarantine to help supervise and support the students in the classroom.
STAYING LOCAL ADHERING TO STATE GUIDELINES WHEN TRAVEL IS NEEDED PSS EXPECTATIONS:
• We will comply with the Massachusetts Travel Guidelines set forth by Governor Baker. At this point, a 14-day quarantine or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of returning from a state that is not deemed “low risk” is required. • If any member of a household travels to a nonlow-risk state and/or out of the country, any staff or students living in the house must quarantine for 14 days unless the family member who traveled has tested negative for COVID-19 72 hours prior to returning to the state. (This is an exception to the state travel guidelines.) IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES:
• All staff and students will be required to complete a short questionnaire each day, via the MyMedBot app. This will include questions about travel and compliance with the state’s travel guidelines.
Be sure to review the updated Parent Handbook for more extensive information on our health and safety protocols and procedures. INTERACT SAFELY: PAGE 10
CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR LEARNING HELPING US MAINTAIN PHYSICAL DISTANCE
• Signage will be added on the floors, hallways, and stairwells to help remind us which direction to go and where to stand • Desks will be separated by a minimum of three (3) feet, per the state guidelines, and up to six (6) feet when space allows. • We will identifying an “up” stairwell and a “down” stairwell in our buildings, will limit the number of people in our elevators, and will ask all students and staff to follow arrows on the floors and keep to one side of the hallways. HELPING US BREATH EASIER AIR CIRCULATION AND VENTILATION
• The HVAC system at 67 Brimmer Street was: – Examined by third party to make sure it is running at full capacity; – Thoroughly cleaned and had filters changed; – Set to increase/maximize the flow of outdoor air; – Set to run continuously during the day and offhours, as well as holidays and weekends • Windows will be open in 67 and 28 Brimmer to increase ventilation (including bathrooms, hallways and stairways) • Air purifiers have been purchased for each class at the Preschool as well as our spaces for Kindergarten at The Advent INCREASING OUR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING PROCEDURES
• Increased frequency! – Shared spaces and furniture will be cleaned and disinfected multiple times daily;
– High touch surfaces (e.g. door handles, light switches, water fountains, toilet seats) will be cleaned a minimum of 3-4 times daily; – Student desks will be cleaned: + Before and after snacks and meals; + Between classes; + At the end of each day. • Disinfectant solutions used will be EPA approved; • Staff will be trained on disinfectant protocols, including proper dwell time (the minimum time the cleaning solution must remain on the surface before being wiped off in order to be effective) for disinfectants; • Our cleaning company will use electrostatic misting to disinfect the classrooms, hallways, and public spaces each evening. MONITORING SYMPTOMS IN DESIGNATED SPACES
A medical waiting room (isolation room) will be used when a student or staff is presenting COVID-19 symptoms and needs to separated from others: • When a student is in the medical waiting room, a staff member will monitor his/her symptoms; • Masks are required in this space for students. If a student is not able to wear a mask, no other students will be allowed in this space. • The supervising staff must always maintain at least six (6) feet of physical distance, wear a surgical mask, face shield or goggles, and gloves when working with a student(s) in the medical waiting room. • Hand-washing or hand-sanitizing needs to be done before entering or leaving this space.
• If anyone needs food or drink while in the medical waiting room, it is recommended the individual be taken outside to eat or drink. If this is not possible, food or drink can only be consumed if all others remain at least six (6) feet away. • We’ve ensured there is good ventilation in these rooms. LIMITING VISITORS TO OUR BUILDINGS
• Only visitors and volunteers providing contracted services for the purpose of educational support and/ or other required support services will be allowed entry to the building. • All visitors will be required to wear a mask which always covers their nose and mouth. • Visitors will be informed of the school’s health and safety protocols and expected to comply. • All visitors will be required to complete the health survey, have their temperature checked, and sign into a log kept for visitors before continuing into the building. • A log of all visitors will be kept and maintained for at least 30 days, with the date, contact phone number, arrival/departure times, and areas visited within the building during each visit. This will allow for contact tracing, if needed. • Visitors’ times will be restricted to limited time when classes are in sessions (i.e. not during drop-off and pick-up). • Parent visits should be limited to the school office or outside spaces, and only if necessary. Parents will not be allowed to gather in the lobby to wait for their children or enter the building during drop-off or pick-up.
INTERACT SAFELY: PAGE 11
IF POSITIVE COVID-19 CASE ... In case of a confirmed positive COVID test, Park Street School will …
1
NOTIFY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
If there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at PSS, the School will notify the Department of Public Health, and if at the Preschool, the Early Education and Care (EEC) as well.
IF A STUDENT/STAFF PERSON HAS SYMPTOMS 1
Students/staff who are symptomatic on campus will be isolated, and sent home to be tested (or if no testing, to quarantine for 14 days).
Meanwhile, that individual’s cohort will remain at school, in person. The School will strictly reinforce all safety protocols of mask-wearing, handwashing, disinfecting, and maintaining social distances while the rest of the cohort is in class, following all health and safety protocols.
2
If the individual tests negative for COVID, or is given an alternative diagnosis by a doctor, is fever-free for 24 hours (without the help of medicinal aids) with improved symptoms, he or she is allowed to return to class.
3
2
NOTIFY, QUARANTINE, HELP TRACE AND DISINFECT
PSS will communicate with all families in the individual’s cohort, as well as others in close contact of the positive case. Those individuals and the cohort will quarantine for 14 days, regardless of negative test results. Remote learning will begin for the cohort. We will assist the Department of Health with contact tracing, close off (for 12 hours), deep clean and disinfect all known physical spaces visited by that individual.
If a person tests positive for COVID-19, the School will notify the Department of Public Health, and if at the Preschool, the Early Education and Care (EEC) as well. The School will communicate with all families in the individual’s cohort, as well as others in close contact of the positive case. Those individuals and the cohort will then quarantine for 14 days, regardless of negative test results. Remote learning will begin for the cohort and close contacts. The School will assist the Department of Health with contact tracing, close off (for 12 hours), deep clean and disinfect all known physical spaces visited by that individual.
4
5 3
MONITOR, COMMUNICATE AND REINFORCE PROTOCOLS
If the school is notified about the original COVID-19 positive test result in the middle of the school day, PSS will closely monitor all students for symptoms. The school will inform all families in the individual’s cohort, as well as close contacts and encourage the pick-up of children. The School will strictly reinforce all safety protocols of mask-wearing, handwashing, disinfecting, and maintaining social distances while the rest of the cohort is in class.
INTERACT SAFELY: PAGE 12
Park Street School will communicate with the larger community in the case of a confirmed, positive COVID-19 test.
If a PSS student or staff person is exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 outside of the school, he or she will need to contact the school, stay home and quarantine for 14 days from exposure, getting tested no sooner than 4-5 days after the last known exposure for best test results. Remote learning will be made available.
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Academic Program: A Love for Learning Park Street School (PSS) is a “nurturing school of the highest academic standards.” One way we realize this is through an engaging, content-rich curriculum. High academic standards are expected and delivered at Park Street School. But what does that mean? And, how is that possible in a world now governed by measuring the distance between students and disinfecting regularly along with regular lessons and school life? We believe it is possible by identifying core goals and values: prioritizing the needs of students; seeking to adapt learning methods; and creating new modes of learning so that it remains engaging and consistent between grades. As we select the core developmental and academic standards/goals, and plan around the relevant content in our curriculum, we look to familiar tools and ideas as we incorporate new ones. This means collaborating and playing together in new ways. It means leaning on familiar as well as new technology. It looks to measured outcomes as we focus on content and skills in our grade-level classrooms.
FRIDAY STAFF COLLABORATIVE PLANNING – HALF-DAY (SCHOOL CLOSES AT NOON)
With our faculty remaining consistently with their particular cohort, thus allowing us to maintain five-day-a week, in-person programming, we will close at noon on Friday afternoons across the campuses in order to provide our faculty time to collaborate and plan. **
Technology is our strong partner this year. Students who are at home will engage in content, collaboration and instruction via robust technology. All students and families will have access to lessons and assignments and teacher feedback through shared platforms all year. Our amazing teachers are the heart of our program! As they focus on building meaningful relationships with students, care, compassion, and understanding will lead the way in forming classroom communities that will thrive both academically and socially and emotionally. Our teachers recognize and reinforce the belief that each child is unique and of great worth in God’s eyes. They will encourage and support the students to learn and adapt in this new time that provides unique opportunities for growth. Although much will be different this school year, much more remains the same. Our stellar, content-rich, spiraling curriculum continues to inform our teaching. Our connected community supports one another and enriches our school. Our commitment to strong interactive, relevant instruction remains unchanged, and we seek to have a heart for others because we know first a great God loves us completely and offers us grace through Jesus Christ.
** This also allows us to provide a format on Friday for Elementary School students that will offer families greater flexibility and enhance learning opportunities. See page 18 for more information
ENGAGE LEARNERS: PAGE 13
Three Scenarios
WE ARE WELL POSITIONED FOR FLEXIBILITY AND CONSISTENCY CORE ACADEMIC STANDARDS
OUR LEARNING TOOLS
Students return for “in-person” learning, with adjustments
This summer we worked with an educational consultant to review our core academic standards. The consultant will be working with our teachers this year to ensure core standards are identified and met at each grade level. Activities and schedules will be adjusted to meet standards and maximize student engagement.
Each child will have individually labeled storage containers, shelves, or a separate, designated area where he or she can find materials to engage in individual play that will promote fine motor, literacy/language, math and cognitive development.
SCENARIO 2:
OUR SCHOOL-WIDE ONLINE INTERACTIVE PLATFORMS FOR 2020-2021
To be ready in the event that we need to move to our remote platform, Take Home Packets with materials needed for home learning will have been created and sent home ready to go!
SCENARIO 1:
On-Campus Learning
Hybrid Learning Offer both “in-person” and remote learning
We have selected the following online platforms for use throughout the school year, and across the whole school: • G Suite for Education (for collaboration, communication, and Google suite of applications)
Remote Learning
• SeeSaw (to create a powerful learning loop between students, teachers, and families)
All students shift to off-campus, fully remote learning
• Padlet (Preschool)
SCENARIO 3:
Our technology has been enhanced to support all three scenarios.
• Zoom (for videoconferencing)
• PSS Parent Portal (for report cards and progress reports, calendar, parent communications, management of pickup/drop-off contacts, parent resources) BANDWIDTH, FIBER OPTICS AND CLASSROOM INTERACTIVE TVS
Our Internet speed and bandwidth has increased with fiber optic installation to support the use of live video in the classrooms as well as increased Internet use throughout the buildings. Classrooms are equipped with Touchview Interactive TVs, cameras, and wireless microphones. TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Training and support will be available for staff and parents. Teachers and staff will receive professional development and training over the summer. STREAMLINED COMMUNICATION FOR SUBMITTING WORK/GAINING TEACHER FEEDBACK
Our digital platforms support daily streamlined communication, and the ability to submit work and receive teacher feedback. ENGAGE LEARNERS: PAGE 14
TAKE HOME PACKETS
SUPPORT FOR THE COHORT
We are committed to a model which provides classroom support and offers low teacher/student ratios. We will have substitutes as necessary should a teacher not be able to provide instruction. They will not be in multiple classes in the same day. Specialists will have a month-long “residency” with a class or cohort, teaching that particular class in person, and virtually teaching his or her other classes. SPECIALS
Specialists will have a rotation of in-person “residencies” with a class or cohort, teaching a particular class in person, and virtually teaching his or her other classes. The goal is for the students to have a more immersed experience in that discipline during that time, with additional teaching blocks in that subject area for those weeks. During the rest of the year, students would have that subject fewer times, and the teacher would remote-in from his or her current cohort or class. MIDDLE SCHOOL MODEL
We are committed to preserving the benefits and spirit of the Middle School model, while creatively making physical adjustments to the program. It is our goal that students would still have the benefit of receiving teaching from multiple faculty (combination of virtual and in-person), while maintaining cohort safety.
Flexible Fridays To offer families greater flexibility and to enhance students’ learning opportunities, all elementary students will have the choice to join remotely on Fridays. Families who have opted for the in-person program may, on Fridays only, select to have their children join their classes in-person or at home. All students will enjoy seeing specialists and homeroom teachers lead their classes via Zoom (without masks!) as other teachers/ administrators in their cohort provide support and help facilitate the learning. In addition, Chapel will be moving to Fridays from Tuesdays and will also be virtual so all students can join.
ATTENDANCE
ASSESSMENT
Park Street School will record daily attendance in our database for both students in school, as well as students learning remotely. Families participating in remote learning will be expected to comply with attendance requirements to receive credit for being “present� at school.
In the Preschool, authentic, one-on-one assessment of skills and developmental goals throughout the year, both in person and online, will continue. Students learning both at school and remotely will be assessed regularly utilizing various assessment routines in different contexts.
Performance, criteria-based assessment that is consistent between learning at school and at home will be implemented at the Elementary School. Established, qualitative grading will be utilized for students in Grade 1-2 and Kindergarten, and letter grades will continue in Grades 3-6. Teachers will utilize assessments that can be used with remote or in-person instruction.
ENGAGE LEARNERS: PAGE 15
Remote Learning Park Street School families currently have the option to choose between five (5) day, in person learning, or at home remote learning. Remote learning will also be available to students who need to quarantine at home due to COVID-19 exposure or symptoms. A hybrid option - where students are learning both at home and at school in the same week or two-week period - is only an option for those required to quarantine. It could be considered, if necessary, to increase cautionary measures. PSS will be prepared to shift to a fully remote model should authorities choose to close schools, or if COVID-19 begins to spread in the school community. Remote learning at PSS will deliver the same curriculum and learning that on-campus learning offers. Students can tune in live to classrooms at critical times each day, but they will also work asynchronously offline as appropriate. In addition, students learning remotely at home will have regular check-ins with teachers assigned to remote learners. They will also have opportunity to interact, via Zoom, with students who are in the classroom as well as at home. PSS will build on its experience with remote learning from the Spring, utilizing preferred online solutions and incorporating new ones. Enhanced technology in the classrooms, as well as strategic teacher training will allow for an improved experience for teachers, students and families. Creative, developmentally appropriate solutions to engage our youngest learners remotely will be implemented as well.
ENGAGE LEARNERS: PAGE 16
Community Life
Whole Child/Whole Community The well-being of our students and our distinctive school community character will continue and grow with creativity and ingenuity! Maintaining smaller cohorts for the students changes our normal practices, but it also encourages innovative solutions for the following practices and initiatives: CHAPEL
Chapel will use virtual and media platforms this year at both the Elementary School and Preschool. Preschool Chapel will be recorded and shared with the children by cohort in person, as well as remotely. Elementary School students will participate in Chapel by cohort, utilizing our new Touchview Interactive TV system and Zoom for live stream feeds into the classrooms, as well as into homes for remote learners. ASSEMBLIES
Our All School or Campus-specific large assemblies and events will be virtual this year (e.g. Parent Association meetings, Parent Orientation, Thanksgiving Chapel, etc.), most using Zoom. Remaining virtual all year will protect students and families from cross-contamination and allow Park Street School to move forward seamlessly with events, no matter the health crisis level.
ARTS CURRICULUM
Visual, Dramatic and Musical Arts remain important disciplines at Park Street School. We will continue to integrate these enriching disciplines into our curriculum and teach them in innovative ways in homeroom classrooms. Specialists will teach all students, with the policy of no cross-contamination of cohorts guiding the mode of teaching (e.g. specialists may teach their cohort in person, while live streaming into another class). While the mode of presenting our students’ talents and skills will be virtual this year, we remain committed to providing opportunities for students to show the larger community what they have learned. FIELD TRIPS
While in-person field trips are limited this fall, the opportunities to Skype with experts, visit labs virtually and take visual tours — literally all around the world — is just a click away! PUBLIC SPEAKING OPPORTUNITIES
Students will continue to have opportunities to build their public speaking abilities in the classroom, and in larger assemblies through virtual formats.
SERVICE PROJECTS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Developing a heart for others is not only a missional goal, but an important character trait we desire to foster in our students. While this year might look a little different; we will encourage creativity and “out of the box” thinking about how we can serve our neighbors well during this pandemic-defined year.
We will move, move, move! With two gyms available to us, and large green spaces within steps of our doors, we will be taking every opportunity to go outside for gym, recess, and movement breaks. It is our goal to provide opportunities for our students to run, play and breathe fresh air, utilizing the combination of maintaining cohorts, practicing proper mask procedures and adhering to social distance requirements to do so safely.
EQUIP STUDENTS: PAGE 17
Returning to Campus: A Few Expectations How to Get from Here to There … Safely There are several logistical considerations and COVID-19 policy-related decisions that have been made that affect both our programming and day-today practices. Here are a few of those:
ALL SCHOOL DROP-OFF/PICK-UP WILL BE STAGGERED AND BY COHORT
In order to keep from cross-contamination across cohorts, drop-off/pick-up will be by cohort and will be staggered (by a schedule the school will provide). Parents will also be able to drop off or pick up students at the doors to the schools. VISITORS
Only visitors and volunteers providing contracted services for the purpose of educational support and/or other required support services will be allowed entry to the building, must wear masks, sign in, and have their temperature taken. PARENT VISITS
Parent visits will be limited to the school office or outside spaces, and only if necessary. Parents will not be allowed to gather in the lobby to wait for their children or enter the building during drop-off or pick-up.
PRESCHOOL CREATIVE AFTERNOONS
Cohort-specific Creative Afternoons will be available in most Preschool and Pre-K classes depending on the cohort interest. STROLLER PARKING
Stroller parking may be limited this year in the lobby at the Preschool. PAGE 18
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL OPTIONS
Private music lessons will remain virtual until further notice. After School Clubs will not take place this Fall. We will re-evaluate offerings for the Winter and Spring. Kaleidoscopes will not be offered at least through December. We will re-evaluate in November as to plans for January through June. BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS
Boston Public Schools (BPS) delayed in-person learning until October, making it unclear if busing is available before public schools open. When busing is available, there will be strict protocols to follow. SCOOTERS, MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
To mitigate transmission of the virus, families are asked to limit materials being brought back and forth between home and the classroom to those items requested by the teacher. This year, scooters and equipment cannot be stored at school. FLEXIBLE FRIDAYS
To offer families greater flexibility and to enhance students’ learning opportunities, our format on Fridays at the Elementary School will be virtual for all students, either on campus or at home. Families may select to have their children in-person or at home. All students will enjoy seeing specialists and homeroom teachers present via Zoom (without masks!) As well, Chapel will be moving to Fridays from Tuesdays, also virtual for all students.
SOURCES FOR GUIDANCE AND BEST PRACTICES Plans have been developed, with guidance and collaboration with: • Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) • World Health Organization (WHO) • Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) • Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of MA (DESE) * Includes an expansive panel of experts, including but not limited to: – MA COVID-19 Command Center’s Medical Advisory Board (comprised of physicians and other health experts) – Infectious disease physicians – Pediatricians – Public Health Experts from Massachusetts General Brigham Health System and the Massachusetts chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics • Local Physicians and Experts / Medical Literature related to COVID and school settings • National Association of Independent School (NAIS) • Association of Independent School of New England (AISNE) We have been guided primarily by these three agencies’ recommendations. For more information, see the links here: The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Schools and Childcare Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond >> Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of MA (DESE)’s Initial Return to School Guidance >> and Updates >> Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) ReOpen Approach> >>
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All School FAQ’s Should we maintain the same cohorts as our children’s classrooms? Is it possible to have our children together with friends? * In the spirit of keeping our community safe, whatever your family is able to do to limit cross-contamination helps. We are hoping to be able to be in-person as long as we are able, and limiting exposure is one of the key mechanisms to mitigating the virus. * We consider several criteria as we create classrooms. This year, creating the cohort is an important consideration.
What are the ages of children required to wear masks? * All students (Toddler – Grade 6), staff and faculty are required to wear masks. In talking to Preschool directors around the Boston areas, we have found that children are adapting far better than expected to wearing masks. * In order to facilitate play, and some measure of collaboration, we are asking all students to wear masks when less than six (6) feet apart.
What types of facial covering is okay? * Disposable 3-ply, surgical style as well as 2-layer fabric face masks are acceptable (Solid colors and prints, but no slogans, logos or large pictures.). * Lands’ End has PSS uniform masks. * Gaitors or bandanas are NOT acceptable face masks. * Staff and faculty will also wear goggles and shields (which is optional for your child(ren) if you desire.
Will drop-off/pick-up be staggered across the two campuses? What about families at both campuses? * Yes, drop-off/pick-up will be staggered at both campuses. * We have in mind those families who have children at both campuses and will be working to try to coordinate drop-off/pick-up schedules as best as we can.
Our family chose in-person, but with so much uncertainty, is there flexibility to flip to remote as we adapt … say on a weekly basis or on Fridays only? * We appreciate that this is a weighty decision. While we wish we could accommodate flexibility to that level, it would be challenging to do so. We encourage you to talk to Administration about your uncertainty to see if we can help in the decision-making process. * We are not asking for a decision for the entire year, rather just for the fall so we can plan to best support all learners. * Our decision to open school in-person comes as the result of much research, investigation of medical data, firsthand testimonies of schools and camps in our area, as well as international models, who have built and seen successful models. Time has been spent developing conservative protocols based on best practices recommended by health officials. * Whatever your decision is, we support you! We want the best education for your child and are working hard to ensure that both in-person and remote learners are fully engaged in the classroom community, in the learning and are safe.
* Mask breaks will be provided regularly.
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Preschool FAQ’s Will someone be available to comfort my child if he/she is upset? * Yes! We want to comfort and care for the children if they are upset – and will pull them into our laps in case they need that extra care. Their social/emotional well-being is just as important as their physical. * Part of our planning is for teachers is to have multiple smocks that they can then take off and wash, in order to keep the transmission of bodily fluids contained.
Will someone be with my child in the Waiting Room/Isolation Room if he/she is symptomatic? * Yes! The child will wait in a designated waiting room with a staff member. The staff member waiting with the child will be required to wear a surgical mask, goggles and/or face shield, and gloves.
Will the kids share toys or resources? * Students will have their own personal bins with common use materials (e.g. crayons, scissors, etc.). * In addition, students will have the opportunity to play in centers with a small cohort. * Shared materials will be limited to those which can be sanitized before and after usage. * Shared activity spaces will also be disinfected and sanitized before and after usage.
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Elementary School FAQ’s Will Kindergarten begin and end their day at 67 Brimmer Street? Will they be at The Church of the Advent all day, or have specials at the “Big” school? * Kindergarten students will be met by their cohort teacher, signing in with their health check-off, and then walk directly to their classroom with their cohort. * They will spend their whole day in their classroom, unless enjoying time outside.
What about the Middle School Admissions process for the sixth graders who are applying out? * We remain committed to helping our students move through the process of selecting a Middle School. * We will continue to provide research, knowledge and support for parents, prep students for interviews, hold our Middle School Alumni Panel virtually and support the application process.
What about some of the traditions, like Camp Brookwoods for Grades 4 and 5, Mix n Match Day, First Grade visiting the MFA to see the mummies, and the Washington, D.C. trip for the sixth graders? * We are not able to plan in-person field trips or have large group gatherings this fall, however, it is our intention to do all that we can to maintain the purpose, objective and goal of the events and adjust them as much or as little as needed. For those events that happen in the Spring, we will continue to monitor regulations and protocols and adhere to recommended safety protocols and guidelines.
In Closing We realize there is a lot of information in these pages. In closing, we are mindful of our three priorities: Park Street School will be Safe, will Engage Learners, and will Equip Students. We hope to remain in-person as long as we are able, because that is the very best way to teach children and see them grow. But we will remain flexible, and if the need arises, we will move to the best platform that will keep them safe and healthy. We welcome your questions. We welcome your communication! We are one school, and one community, and are all in this together – wearing masks, washing hands, monitoring symptoms, staying home if sick, staying in our cohorts and putting one another first. Let’s be creative! And flexible. Let’s express grace to one another first – because it is a challenging year for us all. Let’s brainstorm new ways to “hug” each other. We remain Park Street School – with the same values and principles – now challenged to apply those to a pandemic-directed year. We remain “Better Together!”
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Regulations are adjusting daily as health experts and state agencies respond to new data. We will maintain flexibility and respond accordingly. This plan may change as directives may change.
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Park Street School One Park Street and 67 Brimmer Street Boston, MA 02108 * 617-523-7577 www.parkstreetschool.org © PARK STREET SCHOOL, 2020