Report by Paula Antolini, June 21, 2021, 11:17AM EDT
A Message from the Dr. Christine Carver, Superintendent of Bethel Public Schools:
Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Students,
To say we are in an unprecedented time is an understatement. We have completed one of the most complex years in my professional career, but I am renewed with a sense of hope as we think about next year. As you know, the district has always been committed to providing in-person learning. It is our hope that next school year, we will increase the ability to offer as many of our “normal” curricular and extracurricular activities that make our school district and community special.
That being said, schools will need to continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, Department of Public Health, and State Department of Education. We know that there is a variety of opinions on all aspects of mitigation. You will see in many aspects of this document that our policy next year will be based on mandates from those state agencies. We anticipate that there likely will be new guidance as we get closer to the school year.
As was true this year, we anticipate that there will be periodic changes in the guidance throughout the year. We will always keep the health and safety of our students and staff a priority when we make decisions.
As always, your patience and support are appreciated. We realize these are complex and challenging times for families. Please let us know if your family needs any support. We can do this together.
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The Bethel Public Schools 2021 Opening Plan includes:
Public Comment & Plan Revisions
State Department of Education Expectations for Opening, Fall 2021
School Liaison, Communication Plans, and Data Collection
Health Practices and Protocols
Standard Public Health Practices and Adequate Supplies
Immunizations and Health Assessments
Reporting Illnesses, Quarantine and Addressing Vulnerable Populations
Athletics & Extracurricular Activities
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health
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SOURCES
Please note that sections of this document have been taken from or adapted from the following resources:
- “Adapt, Advance, Achieve” Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together – Connecticut State Department of Education
- Addendums & FAQs
- “Reopening Our Schools – Fall 2020” – East Hampton Public Schools
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RESOURCES
The resources below, provided by the CSDE in the Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together (2020), are intended to support and guide schools and families. Many are linked within this BPS School Opening Plan and also on our district Covid-19 School Opening website.
BPS
- COVID-19 School Opening BPS Website
- BPS Blended & Distance Learning Website
- Responsible Use Policy
- Blended Learning Family School Partnership Guidelines and Agreement
CDC
- Considerations for Schools
- Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020
- Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes
- Cleaning & Disinfecting Guidance
- Symptoms of Coronavirus
- What to Do If You Are Sick
- Quarantine & Isolation
- Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19
- When and How to Wash Your Hands
- Planning for K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs
- Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs
- Schools Decision Tree for Schools Reopening
- Keep Students Healthy While School’s Out
- Standard Precautions for All Patient Care
- Guidance for Administrators in Parks and Recreational Facilities
- Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations
CDC Communications & Print Materials
- CDC Communications Resources
- CDC COVID Print Resources, Multiple Languages
- CDC COVID PSAs
- CDC COVID Videos
- CDC COVID Social Media Toolkit
- CDC Child Posters, Multiple Languages
- CDC Face Coverings Do’s and Don’ts
- CDC How to Protect Yourself and Others
- CDC Stop the Spread of Germs
- CDC What you Need to Know About Handwashing VIDEO
CSDE
- COVID Resources for Families and Educators
- State Level Priorities: Sustaining Local School District Capacity & Providing Equity and Access to a High Quality Education for All Children
- Attendance Guidance and Ensuring Student Engagement during School Class Cancellations Due to COVID-19
- Improving Attendance by Addressing School Health Assessments and Immunizations
- Health Assessments for the 2020-2021 School Year
- Special Education Guidance and Resources for COVID-19
- Plan for Reimagining CT Classrooms for Continuous Learning
- Sensible Assessment Practices 2020-21 and Beyond
- Full, Equal and Equitable Partnerships with Families: Connecticut’s Definition and Framework for Family Engagement
- EdSight Active Endorsement Search Tool
- EdSight Secure FAQ
DPH
- Guidance for the Cleaning and Disinfection of Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Return to Service Guidance for Building Water Systems
- Guidance for School Systems for the Operation of Central and non-Central Ventilation Systems during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Letter to SDE on Back-to-School
SEL
- Leveraging the Power of SEL as You Prepare to Reopen and Renew
- CASEL Competencies
- The Social and Emotional Learning Hub
- The Parent Guide to Resilience
- Supporting Kids During the Corona Virus Crisis
- Talking to Children About COVID-19
- Preventing Loneliness
- Managing Social Media Stress with Mindfulness
- Emotional Intelligence Apps & Games
- Caring for Each Other
- SEL Games
- Mobile Crisis Intervention Services.
- Connecticut’s Evidence-Based Practices Directory
- CHDI’s COVID-19 resource list
Other
- OSHA Safety & Health Topics Covid-19 Control and Prevention
- How We Feel: Help track Coronavirus in your area
- Harvard: New ‘How We Feel App’ aims to improve Covid-19 response
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Covid-19 Planning Consideration
- 211 of CT – Information & Resources to Help Communities #LiveUnited During the Coronavirus Pandemic
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission COVID-19 Guidance
- CIAC Resocialization of Interscholastic Athletics and Activities Programs Guidelines
- NAFME COVID-19 Instrument Cleaning Guide
- Connecticut Arts Administrators Association
- School Re-Entry Considerations: K-12 Physical Education, Health, Education & Physical Activity
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