Report by Paula Antolini, July 17, 2020, 4:41PM EDT
Message from Bethel Public Schools, June 17, 2020:
“Please look for our email today regarding our reopening plan in preparation for our parent meetings next week. We have developed a centralized website (below) for families to access information. As the situation is constantly evolving and we are met with public health and state guidance updates, please expect periodic changes to this website to provide our community the most up to date information regarding reopening of schools.”
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There is a 54-page “Bethel Public Schools Reopening Plan” … here is a partial view below, VIEW FULL PLAN HERE.
“Reopening Bethel Public Schools – Fall of 2020
“The Bethel Public School District has been engaged in contingency planning and preparation for the reopening of schools as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. The health and safety of our students, staff, and school community is our highest priority. As such, this document outlines our plan for a “full, safe, and appropriate” reopening of our schools in the fall of 2020, consistent with all applicable executive orders, laws, and regulations. This plan takes into account guidance from the Connecticut State Department of Education and the State of Connecticut, and may change as a result of evolving public health concerns. In addition, our District considered additional priorities, including equity in education, social-emotional learning needs, and academic recovery, to ensure learning is accessible to all.
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“A “full” reopening refers to the desire to have all students and staff return in the fall for a full-length traditional day of school with necessary ongoing modifications given the pandemic.
“A “safe” reopening refers to adherence to expectations and guidelines from the Governor’s Office, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the American Association of Pediatrics, and other sources that will be in place to ensure that the schools’ environments support continuous learning during this time of COVID-19.
“An “appropriate” reopening refers to high standards for academic achievement along with implementation of academic and social-emotional supports that are expected to be in place, and accessible for all students to ensure growth and continuous learning.
“A central belief in reopening is that the children of Bethel need to be connected in person once again to our schools’ academics and activities, facilitated in person by their teachers and support staff. As the schools reopen in the fall, the plan is to phase in all aspects of school life in a safe and appropriate manner.
“Adapted from East Hampton Public Schools Reopening Our Schools Fall 2020.”
The plan also gives detailed information about:
Reopening Bethel Public Schools – Fall of 2020, page 6
Priorities of Bethel Public Schools, page 7
State Department of Education Expectations for Reopening, page 8
Family, Staff, and Student Expectations for a Successful Reopening, page 9
Models for Continuous Learning, page 10
Continuous Learning Through a Blended Approach, page 11
School Liaison, Communication Plans, and Data Collection,page 15
Fiscal and Budgetary Considerations, page 25
Health Practices and Protocols, page 26
Standard Public Health Practices and Adequate Supplies,page 26
Immunizations and Health Assessments,page 28
Reporting Illnesses and Addressing Vulnerable Populations, page 29
Use of Face Coverings, Masks, and Face Shields, page 32
Health Monitoring Plan, page 33
Planning and Distribution of Information,page 33
Attendance Monitoring, page 34
Cancellation of Classes, Remote Learning, and Reopening Plans, page 35
Cancellation of Classes 35Future Planning for Remote Blended Learning, page 38
Plan to Reimagine CT Classrooms for Continuous Learning, page 39
Assessment Practices for 2020-2021,page 40
Attendance and Discipline, page 42
English Learners (ELs), page 44
Physical Education and Athletics, page 46
Athletics & Extracurricular Activities,page 47
Family and Student Engagement,page 48
Family Support and Communication,page 48
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health,page 49
Before & After-school Programming, page 50
Career & Technical Education, page 51
Certification and Personnel Planning, page 52
Professional Development, page 52
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Also view letter from Dr. Christine Carver:
“Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff, and Students,
“To say we are in an unprecedented time is an understatement. Per the directive from the Governor and the Commissioner of Education, the Bethel Public Schools has utilized the Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together, published on June 29, 2020 to develop a reopening plan which works to keep our students and staff safe and high standards of academic excellence. Please note, this document is not a static document, it will change and adapt given guidance from the Governor’s Office, the State Department of Education, Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Public Health. The contents of this document is based on what we know now, July 2020.
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“Please keep the following in mind as you review the contents of this document and think about the reopening of schools:
- Public health drives how we reopen. As noted in the Department of Education Guidelines, there are requirements and guidance. The district does not have the ability to change the requirements.
- Families have choices. If your family has any discomfort about your child being compliant with aspects of the plan or generally the status of the pandemic, you can choose to have your child remain on Distance Learning.
- Rely on district communications for your information, not social media. We have created a website dedicated to reopening, which includes information for reopening. If you have a question or need further information, call or email your child’s principal for the accurate answer. Too often misinformation is circulated on social media, causing further anxiety.
- Children are adaptable. We know that we can work with them to have a positive experience, even if you think your child might have difficulties with some aspects of this plan. The way we communicate reentry to children is very important. We all must keep positive and let them know that what we are doing is for their safety. We agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics, that implementing these precautionary measures are much better than the impact of social isolation on our students’ social emotional well-being.
- This type of planning is extremely complex. This document is a beginning framework. You may have a lot of very specific questions about day-to-day operations. Some answers we may know now, others we may need to communicate at a further date.
“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.
“Sincerely,
“Christine L. Carver, Ed. D.
“Superintendent of Schools”
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