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The information in Coppell ISD’s Return to School Guide and on this website is subject to change based on guidance from Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Education Agency, the CDC, and the state and Dallas County Health Department. For questions and concerns, please email input@coppellisd.com.
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Updated on 11-10-2020
Dear Coppell ISD Families,
I want to thank the members of our Return to School Task Force for their dedication and feedback. We developed this guide, which is the culmination of weeks of hard work, gathering input from our staff and families, and robust discussions with representatives from a variety of district departments and campuses. We also reviewed guidelines from the state, Texas Education Agency and the Dallas County Health Department. When CISD receives updates from these agencies, we update this guide accordingly.
Before providing an overview of this guide, which details how face-to-face, (in-person) instruction is handled at our schools, I want to share an overview of what distance learning, remote (at-home) from home will look like. CISD will use an asynchronous instruction model for distance learning. While some of these elements will be similar to CISD Distance learning from the spring, CISD will be held to more stringent accountability standards with attendance, a higher level of rigor, more feedback and interaction between students and teachers, and aligned grading expectations for all students. You can find more detailed information at www.coppellisd.com/learningplans.
This Return to School Guide details what face-to-face (in-person) instruction looks like in CISD. The use of face coverings or masks by students and staff will be determined by the rate of community transmission of COVID-19 and the health recommendations associated with each level. The district will rely on guidance from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Dallas County Health Department, as well as any executive orders or directives from Governor Greg Abbott, to determine the community transmission level and mandatory use of face coverings. As of November 9, 2020, face coverings are mandated by Gov. Abbott and our local health department.
All of the protocols and procedures in this guide are subject to change based on state and county guidance.
As always, I appreciate our community’s support of our district as we work together to educate our children.
Sincerely,Dr. Brad Hunt
Superintendent
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A Message from Coppell ISD's Return to School Task Force
If there is one thing we have learned since March, it is the importance of staying flexible and ready to make a quick adjustment when the need arises. Coppell ISD and our Return to School Task Force is committed to working with the District Leadership Team, Campus Administration and our Board of Trustees to prepare for a safe return to school in the 2020-2021 school year. To be clear, our goal is to offer face-to-face (in-person) instruction and Distance Learning (remote, at-home) instruction beginning on the first day of school Wednesday, August 12. However, we have prepared other contingencies should we experience attendance fluctuations, state or federal mandates and/or a resurgence of COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 school year.
As COVID-19 continues to change our collective landscape, CISD staff will work together to leverage resources, share best practices and advocate for regulatory flexibility to enable us to provide the best possible programs for our students. This 2020-2021 Return to School Planning document remains in DRAFT form, as Coppell ISD collects student, and parent/guardian feedback.
There is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach to reopening schools across the state of Texas. Based on available information as of June 30, 2020, school districts in Texas will create their own local contingency plans for reopening schools based on general guidance from the Texas Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas, the Texas Education Agency, the University Interscholastic League and the Dallas County Health Department. Please note, Coppell ISD's Return to School plans are subject to change, as public health guidelines are updated and feedback from stakeholders is collected. There will be situations that may necessitate temporary school closure due to positive COVID-19 cases in our schools. Parents/guardians, staff and students should be prepared for this in the event that it occurs, while actively working to prevent it through prevention and mitigation practices.
The CISD Return to School Task Force is made up of staff members representing every department including district administrators, principals, teachers, counselors, and CISD support staff. -
Arrival and Dismissal at School
Arrival
- Campuses will develop entry and arrival plans to meet social distancing guidelines. The campuses will communicate the plans with staff, students and families.
- Bus riders will be taught to space themselves out from others as they exit the bus and walk into the school building.
- Students will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands immediately upon entering the building.
- Early bird arrivals are strongly discouraged. Any students dropped off before the building is open will not be allowed inside the building. Any exceptions would need to be specifically arranged with campus administration.
- Staff will be utilized for duty to maintain a line of sight in hallways and distancing of hallway cohorts.
- Parents will not be allowed to walk students to classrooms.
Dismissal- Campuses will develop arrival and dismissal plans to meet social distancing guidelines. The campuses will communicate the plans with staff, students and families.
- Campuses will develop a plan for staggering dismissal as needed. Staggering students will help manage student movement in the building and decrease the risk of potential crowding outside at dismissal time.
- Parents picking up students during the day will call ahead so that students can be sent or accompanied to parent vehicles upon arrival.
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Athletics and Physical Education — Extracurricular Participation
Athletics
On Tuesday, July 21 the UIL released the updated high school sport calendars for 6A schools, which includes Coppell ISD. The updated sport calendars included all fall sports and the winter sport of basketball. Also included are these high school sports’ regular season start date (first official day of practice) stipulations which will impact fall sport schedules, while the CISD middle school fall sports season start date (first official day of practice) will be Tuesday, September 8.
The UIL left the high school calendars of the other winter sports and all spring sports unchanged at this time. For CISD middle schools, the schedules for all sports (fall, winter, & spring) will be impacted by the pushed back in-person start dates of the 4 districts that make up our new MS alignment. Coppell, Carroll, and Keller have a September 8 in-person start date and Northwest September 14. Therefore middle school sports schedules will require a collaborative overhaul and will be published upon completion.
As the athletic department continues to prepare for fall seasons, families of incoming 7th-12th grade athletes need to complete their athletic commitment choice for in-person or remote athletics. The CISD District Commitment Form will require your student’s instructional and athletic preference and should be completed by Wednesday, August 12. Your decision can be changed at any point up to that date. The following information has been updated and is intended to assist families in making the most informed commitment decision possible for your high school or middle school athlete(s):
High School Athletes- Whether a parent/guardian chooses in-person or remote instruction academically for their student, high school athletes cannot participate in a sport unless he/she is enrolled in an athletic/extracurricular class period.
- Visual of potential options for High School athlete
- In-Person Instruction Student, In-Person Athlete (In-Person Instruction, Remote Athlete NOT Possible)
Attends outside the school day workouts in-person, AND attends in-school workouts during the athletic period in-person. - Remote Instruction Student, In-Person Athlete
Attends outside the school day workouts in-person, AND attends in-school workouts during the school day athletic period in-person for one hour. - Remote Instruction Student, Remote Athlete
- In-Person Instruction Student, In-Person Athlete (In-Person Instruction, Remote Athlete NOT Possible)
- For student-athletes who choose in-person instruction academically:
- In-season for each respective sport, student-athletes will participate in-person in before/after school workouts (outside the school day) AND will participate in-person during the athletic period (inside the school day).
- Out of season for each respective sport, student-athletes will participate in-person in athletic class period workouts (inside the school day).
- Transportation to before school practices or home from after school practices will not be provided by CISD.
- For student-athletes who choose remote instruction academically:
- In-season for each respective sport, student-athletes will participate in-person in before/after school workouts (outside the school day) AND will participate in-person during the 90 minute athletic period (inside the school day) for one hour. Morning athletic period athletes will leave practice at the 60 minute mark with 30 minutes to return home for remote instruction the next class period. Afternoon athletic period athletes will have 30 minutes after the conclusion of their previous remote class to transition to in-person athletics on campus with the last 60 minutes of the athletic period attending in-person.
- Out of season for each respective sport, student-athletes will participate in-person during the 90 minute athletic period (inside the school day) for one hour. Morning athletic period athletes will leave practice at the 60 minute mark with 30 minutes to return home for remote instruction the next class period. Afternoon athletic period athletes will have 30 minutes after the conclusion of their previous remote class to transition to in-person athletics on campus with the last 60 minutes of the athletic period attending in-person.
- Transportation to and from before or after school practices will not be provided by CISD. Individual transportation arrangements are critical for remote instruction choice students so that he/she is home and ready for virtual instruction in real time each school day. Lastly on the game days of any respective in-season sport, for student-athletes whose parent/guardian has chosen remote instruction academically, CISD will not provide transportation back to school for a contest. CISD will continue to provide transportation to and from away games.
- To participate in an in-season sport, athletes must be in-person from time of tryouts/assembly of teams and throughout the duration the team practices when any sport is in season. During these unprecedented times, the athletic department certainly respects a parent/guardian decision at any time to not allow in-person athletic attendance. However, in-person attendance is mandatory during the tryout process/assembly of teams and consequently participation in any in-season athletic program is only possible with in-person practice attendance. The tryout/assembly of team dates which each athlete is required to attend are unique for each respective sport. For example, in-person attendance will be required from the beginning (tryout/assembly of teams date) of all fall sports including football, volleyball, cross country, tennis, and golf.
- For remote academic instruction student-athletes, parents/guardians can elect for their athlete to participate in athletics remotely at any point removing him/her from the in-person option. Choosing the remote athletics option however, does remove the student-athlete’s continued opportunity for participation in an in-season sport. Sickness (Covid-19 related or not), quarantine periods (testing positive or contact with a test positive case), and injuries are not examples of choosing remote athletics and are justified reasons for missing athletics and maintaining participation. Lastly, whether choice of remote athletics is at the beginning of the 9 week grading period or is made due to circumstances during the 9 week grading period, the choice of remote athletics will last the duration of the 9 weeks. The next option to rejoin in-person athletics will not come until the start of the next 9 week grading period.
- For student-athletes whose parents choose remote instruction academically and remote athletics, the grade for the athletic class will be derived from completing a daily virtual workout and completion of a weekly character lesson.
Middle School Athletes- Whether a parent/guardian chooses in-person or remote instruction academically for their student, middle school athletes cannot participate in a sport unless he/she is enrolled in an athletic/extracurricular class period.
- Visual of potential options for High School athlete
- In-Person Instruction Student, In-Person Athlete (In-Person Instruction, Remote Athlete NOT Possible)
Attends in-season sport, outside the school day workouts in-person, AND attends in-school workouts during the athletic period in-person. - Remote Instruction Student, In-Person Athlete
While in-season, attends outside the school day workouts in-person, AND attends in-school workouts during the school day athletic period for 25 minutes. During an off-season (athlete not participating in a sport currently), the athlete attends the entire athletic period remotely. As a remote instruction student, the athlete must be participating in a sport currently to attend in-person athletics during the athletic class period. - Remote Instruction Student, Remote Athlete
Remotely attends in-school workouts during the school day athletic period, BUT because not attending in-season, outside the school day workouts cannot participate in an in-season sport.
- In-Person Instruction Student, In-Person Athlete (In-Person Instruction, Remote Athlete NOT Possible)
- For student-athletes who choose in-person instruction academically:
- In-season for each respective sport, student-athletes will participate in-person in before/after school workouts (outside the school day) AND will participate in-person during the athletic period (inside the school day).
- Out of season for each respective sport, student-athletes will participate in-person in athletic class period workouts (inside the school day).
- Transportation to before school practices or home from after school practices will not be provided by CISD.
- For student-athletes who choose remote instruction academically:
- In-season for each respective sport, student-athletes will participate in-person in before/after school workouts (outside the school day) AND will participate in-person during the 50 minute athletic period (inside the school day) for 25 minutes. Morning athletic period athletes will leave practice at the 25 minute mark allowing 25 minutes to return home for remote instruction the next class period. Afternoon athletic period athletes will have 25 minutes after the conclusion of their previous remote class to transition to in-person athletics on campus with the last 25 minutes of the athletic period attending in-person.
- Out of season for each respective sport (athlete not participating in a sport currently), student-athletes will participate remotely during the athletic period (inside the school day).
- Transportation to and from before or after school practices will not be provided by CISD. Individual transportation arrangements are critical for remote instruction choice students so that he/she is home and ready for virtual instruction in real time each school day. Lastly on the game days of any respective in-season sport, for student-athletes whose parent/guardian has chosen remote instruction academically, CISD will not provide transportation back to school for a contest. CISD will continue to provide transportation to and from away games.
- To participate in an in-season sport, athletes must be in-person from time of tryouts/assembly of teams and throughout the duration the team practices when any sport is in season. During these unprecedented times, the athletic department certainly respects a parent/guardian decision at any time to not allow in-person athletic attendance. However, in-person attendance is mandatory during the tryout process/assembly of teams and consequently participation in any in-season athletic program is only possible with in-person practice attendance. The tryout/assembly of team dates which each athlete is required to attend are unique for each respective sport. For example, in-person attendance will be required from the beginning (tryout/assembly of teams date) of all fall sports including football, volleyball, and cross country.
- For remote academic instruction student-athletes, parents/guardians can elect for their athlete to participate in athletics remotely at any point removing him/her from the in-person option. Choosing the remote athletics option however, does remove the student-athlete’s continued opportunity for participation in an in-season sport. Sickness (Covid-19 related or not), quarantine periods (testing positive or contact with a test positive case), and injuries are not examples of choosing remote athletics and are justified reasons for missing athletics and maintaining participation. Lastly, whether choice of remote athletics is at the beginning of the 9 week grading period or is made due to circumstances during the 9 week grading period, the choice of remote athletics will last the duration of the 9 weeks. The next option to rejoin in-person athletics will not come until the start of the next 9 week grading period.
- For student-athletes whose parents choose remote instruction academically and remote athletics, the grade for the athletic class will be derived from completing a daily virtual workout and completion of a weekly character lesson.
All Athletes- Required quarantine periods for CISD student-athletes from practice and/or contests will be uniformly enforced by CISD Administration. Point of contact to establish initiation of 10 day quarantine of student-athletes will be determined through contact tracing of both the CISD Athletic Department and the Dallas County Health Department.
- Athletic practices and contests will be conducted by following the health and safety protocols provided by CISD, UIL and TEA. This will include guidelines on COVID-19 screenings, temperature checks, reduced group sizes whenever possible, sanitizing of equipment, staggered locker room usage, etc.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be in all indoor athletic facilities, and equipment will be sanitized on a regular basis.
- Locker room use will be determined by TEA/UIL. Locker room space will be used following current social distancing guidelines. Compliance of those guidelines will be more reasonable because student-athletes that make up the remote instruction students will not be showering at CISD facilities after morning workouts, but will instead shower at home minimizing the percentage of athletes in our locker rooms.
- Student-Athletes will only store non-laundered items in lockers overnight (helmets for example) and are required to take home/wash on site washable garments daily.
- Spectator attendance at games and contests will be limited based on TEA and UIL guidelines. Currently, athletic venues are limited to 50% occupancy percentage, and CISD has committed to online ticket sales for all high school and middle school contests. Cash sales and credit card sales at the gate will not be possible this year.
- Postgame sign out procedures for athletes will be communicated to parents/guardians prior to the beginning of each season. Athletes are encouraged to ride home with their parents after road contests this year, but a completed CISD alternative transportation form will be required.
- Event procedures will be in place to minimize face-to-face interactions.
- Separate entrances and exits may be used and event doors may be safely propped open to minimize physical contact with handles.
- Spectator seats may be marked and/or configured in a way to enforce social distancing.
- Concessions and/or concession sales will be limited to encourage social distancing and to follow health and safety guidelines. Prepackaged food and drinks will be the only items allowed to be sold in concession stands.
Cheer/Drill TeamPractices and performances will be conducted following safety protocols provided by guidance from CISD, UIL and TEA. This will include COVID-19 screening, group sizes, sharing and sanitizing of equipment, locker room usage, etc.
Physical Education Classroom Protocols- Whenever possible, physical education classes will be held outside to allow for maximum physical distance between students.
- Any activities bringing students into close physical contact will be avoided.
- Visual markers will be on the gym floor and bleachers as reminders of social distancing rules.
- Once permission is granted to use locker rooms, procedures will be implemented in the locker rooms to limit social distancing.
- Equipment will be disinfected after each use.
- In PE classes, shared objects are permitted as long as the objects are disinfected after class or session. Activities using these shared objects should be organized and structured in a way that limits the amount of students that will touch the object during that class or session.
- Activities requiring multiple students to touch or handle the same equipment will be avoided.
- Sanitizing areas and access to handwashing will be provided.
- FACE-TO-FACE INSTRUCTION vs. DISTANCE LEARNING - Chart
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Attendance and Enrollment
- Coppell ISD will be required to take daily attendance with both face-to-face, in-person instruction and remote, at-home distance learning models. As determined by the mode of learning selected, this means students will have to either be present in-person or engaged in learning each day to be counted as present for credit purposes. Daily Engagement Measures are required for attendance. "Engagement" is defined by TEA as daily progress or completion and submission of assignments.
- For Distance Learning, attendance requirements (as required by the TEA) will be documented by the interactions with educators and the engagement level with lessons and assignments within Schoology. There will be required times for log-ins to the Schoology platform as well as required video chat Zoom sessions.
- Per Texas Education Code (TEC) 25.092, students must attend 90 percent of a course (with some exceptions) in order to be awarded credit for the course and/or to be promoted to the next grade. This requirement remains in force during the 2020-2021 school year.
- Given the public health situation, student attendance may be earned through the delivery of remote, at-home distance learning instruction.
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Bus Transportation Protocols
- Bus Drivers will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Students will be required to wear masks at all times when riding the bus.
- Drivers will wear a face covering/mask.
- Seats, handles and high-touch areas will be disinfected between routes.
- When possible, bus windows will be opened to allow outside air to circulate in the bus.
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Campus Events, Large-Group Gatherings & Special Event Announcements
During the fall semester, CISD will avoid scheduling non-essential large group gatherings and events where adults and students must commingle indoors or where students would be unnecessarily exposed to the virus in public places such as field trips, assemblies, dances, public pep rallies, PTO fun nights, etc.
- Meet the teacher, open house, parent conferences, etc. will be held virtually as appropriate.
- Parents will be allowed to attend performances virtually.
- Any school-wide events that are approved to be held on campus need to adhere to social distancing requirements outlined by CISD, TEA and UIL. (Examples: grade level pep rallies, assemblies, performances, etc.)
- Schoolwide events will be live streamed and/or occur virtually, when possible.
- To limit larger gatherings, campus club meetings should be held virtually, when possible. If meeting in person is required, groups should use larger meeting spaces or multiple meeting opportunities will be provided.
- Field trips are not allowed during school facility closures.
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Campus Visitors
Campuses will use virtual meeting options to limit campus visitors, when possible. Visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering during substantial and moderate transmission levels. Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will have to follow specific guidelines for visitors.
- No outside visitors or parents will be allowed to come to school for lunch, at least during the fall semester.
- Main school entrances will be locked immediately after arrival times and remain that way throughout the day to help ensure effective management and safe screening of visitors.
- Visitors and volunteers will be limited, at least during the fall semester. NOTE: essential volunteers scheduled for work at a campus will be pre-screened for COVID-19 temperature/symptoms before admittance on campus.
- Coppell ISD is permitted to prevent any individual who fails the health screening criteria from being admitted to the campus. until they meet any of the criteria for re-entry to the campus.
- Virtual meetings will be available when possible.
- Visitors and staff will maintain physical distancing for meetings in smaller conference areas.
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Cleaning & Disinfectant Protocols
- CISD partners with Aramark for custodial services. CISD/Aramark custodial employees have been trained on COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Cleaning and disinfecting will occur nightly in every classroom, commons area and on high-touch surfaces.
- Teachers will clean all desk surfaces and other commonly-touched surfaces in classrooms between different class groups if the classroom is used by multiple class groups.
- Restrooms, cafeterias, clinics and labs will undergo extensive cleaning after each day's use.
- Custodians will wear masks and gloves during work hours.
- Staff will limit the use of shared supplies when possible.
- A second round of daily disinfection will take place during each school day in common areas by a designated Aramark Disinfection Team member.
- Cafeteria tables – cleaned with disinfectant after every lunch session
- Student and Staff Restrooms – cleaned with disinfectant every night
- Locker rooms restrooms & showers - cleaned with disinfectant every night
- Nurse’s clinic and clinic restroom - cleaned with disinfectant every night
Additional Cleaning Measure for Covid-19 Positive Cases on Campus- If a classroom or facility is closed due to COVID-19 spread, CDC-approved disinfectant will be used to clean.
- Custodial staff will disinfect classrooms, restrooms, the athletic indoor turf field, weight room and additional areas in the entire building.
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Commitment Form and Enrollment
We are asking families to commit to either face-to-face (in-person) instruction or distance (remote, at-home) instruction for each child attending a CISD school for the 2020-2021 school year for the first nine weeks of school. Each family will fill out a commitment form for each child attending a Coppell ISD school for the 2020-2021 school year. We ask that you commit to either in-person instruction or distance learning for the first nine weeks. CISD asks that families submit commitments by August 12 by 11:59 p.m. CISD will default to face-to-face instruction at their assigned CISD campus for individuals who do not submit a commitment form. For any questions, please email input@coppellisd.com.
All of the standard policies regarding enrollment apply to both Distance Learning and Face-to-face Learning. Students must live in the Coppell ISD boundaries to attend CISD. CISD does offer open enrollment. More information is available here.
Open Enrollment is the term that is used to define the school district’s ability to accept applications for enrollment from students who reside outside the school district. However, in the Coppell Independent School District, Open Enrollment specifically applies to elementary students (Grades K-5) and high school students in grades 9 & 10 only at New Tech High @ Coppell who reside within the City of Coppell, but outside the Coppell ISD attendance boundaries. The application deadline is July 9 at 4 pm. More information is available here: https://www.coppellisd.com/openenrollment -
Communication
- CISD has created a Return to School hub on the website that is updated regularly.
- CISD has created a Return to School facebook group where updates are regularly shared.
- The district and campuses will communicate official CISD news using CISD alerts, and official district and school websites, newsletters and social media accounts.
- Coppell ISD will continue to inform key stakeholders regularly, while offering opportunities for feedback to help shape the CISD 2020-2021 Return to School Plan.
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ESL/Bilingual Programs (ESL, Newcomer Services, Bilingual)
Coppell ISD will ensure that students who are identified as English Learners (ELs) are provided with appropriate instruction based on English proficiency levels. We will ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, each learner with limited English proficiency can be provided the educational and linguistic services identified in the student's Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) plan.
Instruction- Students will continue to be supported consistent with their LPAC Plan. Students who receive the majority of their services through the general education setting will continue to receive access to their instructional design and accommodations by general education staff.
- Students served through ESL/Bilingual will continue to receive accommodations and services.
- Small group instruction and interventions for students in the beginning stages of building English proficiency will be provided either in person or virtually (remote, at home). In-person, face-to-face instruction will occur with proper safety precautions, limited group size and sanitation protocols. Virtual Interventions will include direct access to the facilitator.
- Remote, at home newcomer instruction will be scheduled in advance with the facilitator. Students will be expected to be available at their assigned instruction or small group time for synchronous learning.
Parent Input- If at any time you have questions about your child’s English language services, please contact your child’s teacher and/or campus ESL Facilitator.
Assessment- Remote data collection, social distance observation, educator checklists can be conducted remotely to monitor language proficiency.
- Safety precautions will be taken when face to face assessment is required for eligibility determination. Safety precautions include clear barriers, face masks/shields, hand sanitizer and cleaning protocols.
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Facility Rentals & After-School Events
- Due to COVID-19 and the impact on facility management, Coppell ISD will be limiting the rental of school facilities for the fall 2020 semester.
- TEA recommends that after-school providers and other programs follow this safety and health guidance in coordination with the campuses they serve.
- Any operation of facilities should be done consistent with the Texas Governor's Executive Orders for similar activities.
- Off-campus field trips will be scheduled, as appropriate, to meet curriculum and instructional needs, while maintaining proper social distancing requirements. Virtual field trips will be considered as often as possible.
- PTO and Booster Club events and fundraising information is pending discussions with these groups.
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Fine Arts (Art, Band, Choir and Theatre) — Extracurricular Participation
- Students and staff will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Participants, coaches and directors will follow rules established by the University Interscholastic League and the Texas Education Agency.
- UIL guidance can be found on the UIL Website.
- Private Lesson Teachers will not be on-campus for the first several weeks of the school year. Starting on September 15, we will begin assessing the viability of bringing lesson teachers back on campus, reviewing the process student-by-student and building-by-building.
- Large group practice sessions, sectionals and rehearsals will adhere to social distancing guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
- Fine arts music private lesson teachers will not be allowed to teach on campus facilities until further guidance is provided by an authorized entity. Private lessons may continue to be conducted virtually, if agreed upon between individual families and the lesson teacher. All district guidelines and pricing will continue to be adhered to.
- Off-campus fine arts performances will only be conducted if specific guidance is provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
- Concerts/performances may be adjusted based on health and safety guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CISD, TEA, UIL, etc.) including, but not limited to, transportation procedures, number of attendees and the orientation of concerts.
- Fine arts performances will be streamed online, when possible.
- Booster club meetings should be held virtually to minimize outside exposure to campuses.
- Students enrolled in virtual remote learning option at the secondary level may opt to attend face to face, in-person instruction for fine arts based on campus recommendations.
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General Health & Safety Protocols
- Coppell ISD will ask employees and students to stay home, if ill.
- Campus staff will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Medical-grade disinfectants will be used for deep cleaning of campuses, buildings and athletic facilities.
- Teachers will clean all desk surfaces and other commonly-touched surfaces in classrooms between different class groups if the classroom is used by multiple class groups.
- Students, teachers, staff and essential campus visitors/volunteers will be encouraged to sanitize and/or wash their hands frequently.
- Tissues will be provided in classrooms and common areas to encourage students and staff to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and, if not available, to cover with their elbows. Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands should be washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer should be used.
- Plexiglass will be added to public reception desks and personal interaction areas.
- Social distancing and safety signage will be added throughout school facilities.
- No outside visitors or parents/guardians will be allowed to come to school for lunch for the fall semester.
- Main school entrances will be locked immediately after arrival times and remain that way throughout the day to help ensure effective management and safe screening of visitors.
- Visitors and volunteers will be limited, at least during the fall semester. NOTE: essential volunteers scheduled for work at a campus will be pre-screened for temperature/symptoms before admittance on campus. Visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering during substantial and moderate transmission levels (See Transmission Level information.) Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will follow specific guidelines for visitors. (See Visitor Section)
- Coppell ISD is permitted to prevent any individual who fails the health screening criteria from being admitted to the campus, until they meet the criteria for re-entry to the campus.
- Currently, locker rooms and shower rooms are "CLOSED" per the Texas Education Agency. This could change by the opening of school in August.
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Gifted and Talented Services
Coppell ISD will ensure that learners identified as Gifted and Talented (GT) are provided with appropriate instruction based on their specific area(s) of identification. We will ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, each gt identified learner can be provided the differentiation and extensions aligned to the general classroom curriculum.
Health and Safety- Gifted and Talented Interventionist staff will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Additional PPE for staff as well as additional sanitization procedures will be in place to support students in classrooms.
Instruction- Students will continue to be supported in a manner consistent with the CISD Gifted and Talented Services model (elementary, middle school, high school). Students will continue to receive individualized, modified and/or alternate curriculum as appropriate.
- Elementary small group instruction for differentiation and extension will be provided either in person or virtually (remote, at home). In-person, face-to-face instruction will occur with proper safety precautions, limited group size and sanitation protocols. Virtual instruction will include direct access to the Gifted and Talented Interventionist as well as access to relevant individualized digital resources to extend a targeted skill.
- Remote, at home differentiation and extension will be scheduled in advance with the Gifted and Talented Interventionist. Students will be expected to be available at their assigned intervention or small group time for synchronous learning.
Evaluations- We will continue to provide Gifted and Talented Identification assessment to the maximum extent possible once further guidance is provided from the Texas Education Agency regarding universal and ongoing screening.
- Remote data collection, social distance observation, educator and parent interviews and checklists may be conducted remotely as needed.
- The administration of a standardized test in a non-standardized way impacts the validity of the assessment. For that reason, critical components of the gifted and talented evaluation may not be completed remotely in order to come to determine instructional placement.
- Safety precautions will be taken when face to face assessment is required for instructional placement. Safety precautions could include clear barriers, face masks/shields, hand sanitizer and cleaning protocols.
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Handwashing & Hand Sanitizers
- Students and staff will be trained in proper hand washing protocols to prevent COVID-19 and the spread of germs.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be available throughout the campus.
- Staff will be expected to regularly wash or sanitize their hands.
- Elementary teachers will be encouraged to supervise student handwashing for 20 seconds throughout the day, in addition students will be encouraged to wash hands after using the restroom and before eating.
- Handwashing stations are available in restrooms and some classrooms.
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Health Pre-Screening for Staff & Students
- Students and staff are expected to take their own temperatures daily before arriving at school. Anyone with a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher should NOT come to school or visit a CISD facility.
- Students and staff should also prescreen themselves for any of the following COVID-19 symptoms prior to coming to school:
- Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Loss of taste or smell
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Shaking or exaggerated shivering
- Significant muscle pain or ache
- Diarrhea
- Teachers will monitor students and refer to the nurse if symptoms are present.
- Campuses will have access to a touch-free, forehead thermometer to check/verify temperatures and will immediately send anyone with a 100 or higher temperature to the school health clinic for a temperature verification and symptom check by the registered nurse.
- Students and staff will be required to report to Coppell ISD if a) they have come into close contact with an individual who is test-confirmed with COVID-19; or b) they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Coppell ISD will be pre-screening all contracted employees and essential volunteers before they are allowed entrance on campus.
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Instructional Delivery Options
On July 27, the CISD Board of Trustees approved moving the first day of school to Monday, August 17. The district will provide distance learning only to all students August 17 through September 7, as per the Dallas County Health and Human Services July 16 public health order. CISD continues to actively make preparations to open our schools for in-person learning after September 7, for our families who would like this choice.
Options for Learning - Elementary and Secondary
Coppell ISD commits to providing the following learning options for families, as we go into the 2020-2021 school year:- Your child can return to school and receive face-to-face, in-person instruction.
- Your child can receive remote, at-home distance learning instruction
While our district is offering two options, our families will have to commit to choosing one of these options for the First Nine Weeks beginning September 8. Both of these options will continue to require students to use digital tools like district issued iPads within learning. PreK-12th grade students who are coming to school to receive face-to-face, in-person instruction will also need to bring their district devices fully charged with them each day. Students enrolled in virtual remote learning option at the secondary levelmay opt to attend face to face, in-person instruction for fine arts and athletics based on campus recommendations.
We will continue to evaluate the progress of our return to school for CISD and will monitor the impact COVID-19 has on our district as the year begins. This will allow the district to make recommendations for learning for the Second Nine Weeks and review what instruction may look like then.
Information for Families to Consider Prior to Choosing an Option
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Practices
The district will provide the following:- All learning will be provided by highly qualified, CISD teachers.
- There will be a focus on high levels of rigor within instruction, alignment of skills/standards, equitable access to learning, accountability standards concerning attendance, opportunities for feedback and interactions, and aligned grading expectations.
- There will be a focus on specific supports for social and emotional needs of students and staff.
- The district will use a variety of quantitative and qualitative assessment tools to document and measure academic and social emotional student growth.
- The district may need to cluster/group CISD teachers together within the campus/district in order to support face to face and remote distance learning needs. This could mean your child is learning at times from more than one teacher based on our needs within grade levels or specific courses or programs of instruction.
- Students/Families will have the option of changing from-or-to either option of face to face or remote virtual learning at the end of the nine week grading period. If your child becomes ill or needs to be quarantined during this time, you will need to contact your campus for further guidance.
Face-to-face, in-person instruction/Remote, at-home distance learning - Guidelines and Expectations
Flexibility Due to Health and Safety Needs - COVID-19
CISD families must also understand we are bound to county, state and federal law/health guidelines and will follow any directives or specific recommendations that will help to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
This could mean that our district may need to move to a hybrid model (some students coming in for face-to-face, in-person instruction on various school days to lower class sizes) or a full, remote, at-home distance learning (students having instruction taking place at home) during the 2020-2021 school year.
We will continue to closely monitor the needs of our CISD staff, students and families, as well as taking guidance and next steps from the state and the Texas Education Agency (TEA) as we go into the school year. -
Intervention Services (Special Education/504)
Coppell ISD will ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). We will ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, each student with a disability can be provided the educational and related services identified in the student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.
Health and Safety- Intervention Services staff will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Additional PPE for staff as well as additional sanitization procedures will be in place to support students in classrooms.
- Students will be taught good handwashing techniques and provided frequent opportunities to wash their hands with prompting when necessary.
Instruction- Students will continue to be supported consistent with their IEP/504 Plan. Students who receive the majority of their services through the general education setting will continue to receive access to their IEP goals, accommodations and modifications provided by special education and general education staff. Students served in a special education setting will continue to receive individualized, modified and/or alternate curriculum as appropriate.
- Students served through Section 504 will continue to receive accommodations and services identified in their Individual Accommodation Plan.
- Small group instruction and interventions will be provided either in person or virtually (remote, at home). In-person, face-to-face instruction will occur with proper safety precautions, limited group size and sanitation protocols. Virtual Interventions will include direct access to the therapist or interventionist as well as access to relevant individualized digital resources to reinforce the target skill.
- Remote, at home intervention will be scheduled in advance with the teacher/therapists/facilitator. Students will be expected to be available at their assigned intervention or small group time for synchronous learning.
Dyslexia Services- Student’s will have a scheduled time according to his/her individualized plan. Students will be expected to be available at their assigned therapy time.
- Dyslexia services will be provided both in-person and virtually.
- Small group instruction and interventions will be provided either in person or virtually (remote, at home). In-person, face-to-face instruction will occur with proper safety precautions, limited group size and sanitation protocols. Virtual Interventions will include direct access to the therapist as well as access to relevant individualized digital resources to reinforce the target skill.
Specialized Services- Group sizes will comply with state and local guidelines.
- Direct Related and/or Instructional Services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, adapted PE, music therapy, direct psychological services, audiological and/or vision services) will be provided in person or via virtual platform and may include a combination of virtual lessons and activities. In-person, face-to-face instruction will occur with proper safety precautions, limited group size and sanitation protocols. Virtual services will include direct access to the therapist, facilitator, or interventionist as well as access to relevant individualized digital resources to reinforce the target skill.
- Consultative Services may occur through parent training, teacher training, observation and feedback as well as access to online resources.
- Special Education Transportation services will be provided to eligible students as determined by the ARD committee.
- Homebound Services will be provided via virtual platform with direct access to the Homebound facilitator. Homebound Eligibility is determined by the ARD/504 Committee.
ARD/504 Meetings- We will continue to hold required ARD/504 Meetings using a virtual platform to allow for meaningful participation and collaborative decision making.
- If at any time you have questions about your child’s IEP/504 Plan or services and wish to convene an ARD/504 meeting to discuss, please contact your child’s Diagnostican, Campus 504 Coordinator, or Speech Language Pathologist.
- IEP/504 Plan amendments may be considered on a case by case basis to align virtual (remote at home) instruction.
- TEA has provided a guidance document on compensatory strategies and services.
- Consideration will be given to each individual student’s progress on their IEP/504 Plan. Baseline data and acquisition of skills will determine if students are in need of additional Covid response services.
Evaluations- We will continue to provide Full and Individual Evaluations and 504 evaluations to the maximum extent possible.
- Remote data collection, social distance observation, teacher and parent interviews and checklists can be conducted remotely.
- The administration of a standardized test in a non-standardized way impacts the validity of the assessment. For that reason, critical components of the evaluation may not be completed remotely in order to come to an eligibility determination.
- Safety precautions will be taken when face to face assessment is required for eligibility determination. Safety precautions include clear barriers, face masks/shields, hand sanitizer and cleaning protocols.
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Lunchroom Safety
Elementary
- Teachers will monitor in the cafeteria and hallways to ensure social distancing.
- Depending on the number of students enrolled in grades PK-5, plans for lunches to be eaten in the cafeteria, as well as the classroom, will be developed accordingly.
- Cafeteria seating – To the maximum extent possible based on cafeteria capacity and in-person enrollment numbers, student seating arrangements should maintain social distancing guidelines.
- Lunch times will be staggered by class with sanitation blocks between hallway cohorts.
- Coppell ISD plans to utilize the school cafeteria for student meals.
- No parents/visitors during lunch at least for the fall semester.
- Cafeteria staff will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Classes will go to lunch on a staggered schedule to minimize the number of students in the cafeteria each period. The campus may add a lunch period to reduce the number of students in each lunch period as well.
- Cafeteria staff will be wearing masks and gloves while serving students. Cashiers will also wear a face shield.
- The cafeteria will be disinfected between lunch periods. Seats, tables, door handles and high-touch areas will be disinfected between lunch periods/use.
- No salad bar will be available during the 2020-2021 school year; instead, prepackaged salads will be available for purchase.
- When possible, food items will be pre packaged and boxed to minimize face-to-face contact in the cafeteria line.
- Hand sanitizers will be located at the entrance to each serving line.
- CISD is encouraging cashless payments. Make payments at www.myschoolbucks.com
- If a student pays with cash, the change will be put on his lunch account. No cash will be given out.
Middle School- Depending on the number of students in the school, students may have meals in both the cafeteria and in classrooms.
- Cafeteria seating – To the maximum extent possible based on cafeteria capacity and in-person enrollment numbers, student seating arrangements should maintain social distancing guidelines.
- Meals will be packaged as “grab and go” to ensure ease of pick up and transport to eating location.
- Signage and staff will reinforce physical distance and traffic patterns in the cafeteria.
- Microwaves will not be provided in the cafeteria due to the opportunity for cross contamination with a high-touch device.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be available at entrances and exits of the cafeteria.
- Cafeteria staff will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Cafeteria staff will be wearing masks and gloves while serving students. Cashiers will also wear a face shield.
- CISD is encouraging cashless payments. Make payments at www.myschoolbucks.com
- If a student pays with cash the change will be put on his lunch account. No cash will be given out.
High School- Depending on the number of students in the school, students may have meals in both the cafeteria and in classrooms.
- Cafeteria seating – To the maximum extent possible based on cafeteria capacity and in-person enrollment numbers, student seating arrangements should maintain social distancing guidelines.
- Meals will be packaged as “grab and go” to ensure ease of pick up and transport to eating location.
- Signage and staff will reinforce physical distance and traffic patterns in the cafeteria.
- Microwaves will not be provided in the cafeteria due to the opportunity for cross contamination with a high-touch device.
- Hand sanitizer stations will be available at entrances and exits of the cafeteria.
- Cafeteria staff will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Cafeteria staff will be wearing masks and gloves while serving students. Cashiers will also wear a face shield.
- CHS9 is piloting an online ordering system. Students will be given a pre-order option to minimize face-to-face contact in the cafeteria line.
- CISD is encouraging cashless payments. Make payments at www.myschoolbucks.com
- If a student pays with cash the change will be put on his lunch account. No cash will be given out.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Masks
- Updated: Students in Pre-K through 12th grade will wear face coverings during substantial and moderate transmission levels, including in the classroom.
- Some CISD staff may be wearing PPE, to include gloves, face coverings, masks or shields, as needed.
- Desk dividers/shields may be used as necessary in classrooms to protect/divide students in close proximity to other students.
- The Texas Education Agency recently announced that PPE would be purchased and provided to each district for use as needed, including disposable masks, reusable masks, gloves, thermometers, hand sanitizer and adult face shields.
MasksThe use of face coverings will be determined by the rate of community transmission of COVID-19 and the health recommendations associated with each level. The district will rely on guidance from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Dallas County Health Department, as well as any executive orders or directives from Governor Greg Abbott, to determine the community transmission level and mandatory use of face coverings. The district will develop a process to alert students, parents/guardians and staff of the community transmission level and when face coverings must be worn.
During Substantial Community Transmission Level periods, cloth masks are required for all staff, students, and visitors. An exemption will only be made for any student if a note from a physician is provided to campus administration that indicates there is a health reason the student cannot safety wear a mask or other cloth face covering. In those circumstances, the student will need to wear a face shield instead at all times. The same exemption could be made for any staff member if a note from a physician is provided to the Human Resources Department that indicates there is a health reason the staff member cannot safety wear a mask or other cloth face covering. In those circumstances, the staff member will need to wear a face shield instead at all times.
Dallas County Community Transmission Level - https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/2019-novel-coronavirus.php
Community Transmission Levels
SUBSTANTIAL:- High number of active cases relative to population
- Cases increasing
- Strain on hospital beds/staff/equipment
MODERATE:
- Moderate number of active cases relative to population
- Hospital/ICU beds and equipment widely available
- Cases may be increasing slightly, staying steady
MINIMAL TO LOW:
- Small number of active cases relative to population
- More cases attributed to travel or close contact than to unknown community sources
- Cases decreasing
CDC Guidance: Schools, Administrators, Infection Control
Personal Prevention Practices in the School Setting
SUBSTANTIAL:- Source Control Measures
- Face coverings must be worn by staff, students, and visitors as feasible, especially when social distancing is difficult, including in classrooms.
- Transmission Precautions
- Use of face mask/n95, eye protection, gown, gloves, by school nurse when in close contact with suspected case of COVID-19 (fever plus symptoms)
- Use of face masks, eye protection, gloves by staff at high risk for coming into contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions
- Placement of face mask on student or staff with fever and/or symptoms of COVID-19
MODERATE:
- Source Control Measures
- Face coverings should be worn by staff, students, and visitors as feasible, especially when social distancing is difficult, including in classrooms.
- Implement increased social distancing measures
- Transmission Precautions
- Use of face mask/n95, eye protection, gown, gloves, by school nurse when in close contact with suspected case of COVID-19 (fever plus symptoms)
- Use of face masks, eye protection, gloves by staff at high risk for coming into contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions
- Placement of face mask on student or staff with fever plus symptoms of COVID-19
MINIMAL TO LOW:
- Source Control Measures
- Face coverings optional
- Follow standard infection control protocols
- Transmission Precautions
- Follow standard infection control protocols.
Staff Expectations- Staff will wear face coverings during substantial and moderate transmission levels.
Student Expectations- Students in Pre-K through 12th grade will wear face coverings during substantial and moderate transmission levels, including in the classroom.
- Students are required to wear masks/face coverings on buses at all times.
- Students’ individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
- Requests for accommodations should be submitted to campus administration.
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School Health Clinic Procedures
- Registered nurses and principal designated assistive personnel will be trained in COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
- All students going to the school clinic must have a clinic pass from their teacher to promote clear communication. The pass should indicate the student's name and the reason the student was sent to the clinic.
- Schools must immediately separate any student who shows COVID-19 symptoms while at school. Students who come to the school health clinic showing symptoms will be required to put on a face-covering/mask until their parent arrives to take them home. Parents should be prepared to pick up ill students within 30 minutes of notification.
- Each campus will designate a well area and a sick/isolation area apart from each other in the school.
- The school administrator will designate assistive personnel to support the school nurse in either the sick or well area.
- The sick/isolation area will be used to attend to students with fever and other COVID-19 symptoms.
- Student visits to the well area may include:
- Daily scheduled medications
- Daily scheduled procedures
- Diabetic care, blood glucose monitoring
- Lost tooth, tooth pain
- Wound care or ice pack needed for small bumps/bruises
- A healthcare provider order is required for all non-prescription or over-the-counter medication. Healthcare providers must be licensed with prescriptive authority in Texas.
- Administration of nebulizer treatments will be avoided as they spread respiratory droplets and are not advised by the CDC. Inhalers with spacers should be used to treat asthma whenever possible.
- As community transmission changes, school nurses may adjust how well and sick areas are used.
- All student illnesses will be reported to parents/guardians by the school nurse. Students must visit the clinic for assessment before calling parents.
- Students should not text their parents/guardians to pick them up, if they feel ill. They should go to the school clinic so the nurse and designated personnel can arrange pick up, if necessary. Parents/guardians who receive these notifications from their child should advise that they go to the school nurse. It is important that our school nurses know the reason why students are ill and parents/guardians cannot pick up students until this occurs.
- To prevent potential exposure to infectious disease, promote social distancing and limit student movement around the building, students DO NOT need to visit the well area or sick area for minor conditions such as small paper cuts, abrasions, picked scabs, etc. Teachers will receive supplies, e.g., band-aids, and instructions on how to care for minor needs, when appropriate.
- Parents/guardians picking up ill students will wait in the car. Staff will accompany students to the car and check out students per established protocol. The school nurse will provide the parent with a COVID-19 information sheet with recommendations and return to school guidelines.
- Schools will report symptoms of COVID-19 to the Coordinator of Health Services, who will then notify the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DHHS) per state requirements.
- School Health Clinics will be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- School nurses will monitor infectious disease trends and will collaborate with attendance secretaries to track student absences and identify when infected or symptomatic students are allowed to return to school.
- Attendance clerks will be trained to ask questions to screen students/staff who are absent for COVID-19 symptoms.
- CISD will follow CDC guidance for individuals confirmed/exposed to COVID-19.
The District will work with the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department whenever a student or staff member has a confirmed case of COVID-19. We will follow the guidance of the Dallas County Health Department to determine if individuals must quarantine or if a school must close.- If an individual has been in a district facility and is test-confirmed to have COVID-19, the Coordinator of Health Services will notify the Dallas County Public Health Department, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including confidentiality requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- The district must close off areas that are heavily used by the individual with the test-confirmed case (student, teacher, or staff) until the non-porous surfaces in those areas can be disinfected, unless more than 3 days have already passed since that person was in a district facility.
- The district will notify all teachers, staff, and families of all students in a district facility if a test-confirmed COVID-19 case is identified.
- The district facility with a test-confirmed COVID-19 case will be cleaned and disinfected with an EPA approved product in accordance with CDC guidelines.
- If a campus or classroom is required to close due to a positive case of COVID-19, students will move to distance learning during the closure.
Additionally, if a student or staff member becomes ill during the day, our nurses have a specific protocol identified to isolate the individual. Students who report feeling feverish or other COVID-19 symptoms should be immediately assessed by the school nurse to determine if they are symptomatic for COVID-19.
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Social Distancing Protocols
- Students and staff will be trained in proper social distancing.
- Signage will be provided to help assist students and staff with social distancing in common spaces and hallways.
- Social Distancing becomes a personal responsibility of each individual attending school or coming to a CISD facility. Anyone causing a disruption or unwilling to follow CISD safety protocols, putting students/staff at unnecessary risk may be asked to leave the premises immediately.
- Whenever possible throughout the day, students and staff will social distance as defined by the CDC and Dallas County Health Officials. NOTE: it isn't realistic that staff and students can maintain social distancing at all times, especially in classrooms.
- After a restroom break, students will be required to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before reentering the classroom.
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Social-Emotional Support/Mental Wellness
- Coppell ISD counselors will be trained in COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Counselors may wear a mask when meeting face-to-face with students following the district guidelines. Staff will wear face coverings during substantial and moderate transmission levels.
- Counselors will develop strategies and support for students, families and staff members.
- Counselors will develop a referral system for individuals who need targeted support.
- A process will be established to help identify and provide support to students or staff who are perhaps at higher risk for significant stress or trauma from COVID-19.
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Technology Support
- Pre-Kindergarten-12th Grade students will have access to a district-issued device for both face-to-face, in-person instruction and remote, at-home distance learning.
- Technology staff will be available to assist students and staff with technology support via the help desk ticketing system. The district also will continue to provide drive-up technology support.
- Technology items will be sanitized before the devices are distributed to students.
- Coppell ISD has purchased additional hot spots for families in need of internet access.
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Work and Learning Environments
Elementary
Elementary Classroom Guidelines- Desks or tables will be socially distanced as much as instructionally possible.
- Group or pair work can be implemented while maintaining physical distancing. Facial coverings will be worn if group gatherings occur during substantial and moderate transmission levels.
- The use of outdoor space for learning will be considered when possible. Classroom groups working outside will maintain social distance from other classroom groups.
- Whenever possible, students and staff will maintain consistent groupings of people to minimize the spread of the virus.
- The recommended procedures will be applied to classroom settings, including special education services locations, when possible and appropriate. Students’ individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
- Classroom doors will be locked but propped open for air flow
Elementary Common Areas- Common areas include spaces that are used for meetings and collaboration. This includes computer labs, flexible spaces, campus libraries, conference rooms and other meeting rooms.
- Campuses will develop schedules and protocols for the use of common areas, including how to sanitize space between use.
- The use of virtual meetings will be considered, when possible.
- In-person meetings will maintain social distancing. Facial coverings will be required during substantial and moderate transmission levels when social distancing is not feasible.
Restrooms- Proper handwashing technique will be taught to students and consistently reinforced.
- After a restroom break, students will be required to wash their hands before re-entering the classroom.
- Each campus will comply with health agency recommendations and social distancing as it relates to restrooms.
- Water fountains will be closed. Students will have access to bottle filler stations and/or bottles of water. Students are encouraged to bring a refillable bottle for water.
Library
- Visual reminders will be added and furniture rearranged to help students maintain social distancing while in the library.
- Students and staff will wash/sanitize hands upon entering and after visiting the library.
- High touch surfaces (i.e. table tops, chairs, door handles) will be disinfected regularly.
- Occupancy will be limited.
Transitions- Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established.
- Walking pathways throughout the building will be designated “stay to the right.” This includes the entrance and exit doors.
Recess- Campuses will consider limiting the number of students per recess group. Staggered schedules can be used when needed.
- Students and staff will be required to use hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering the playground and upon exiting the playground.
- Brain breaks will be implemented as needed, at the discretion of the campus/teacher.
- Student while participating in recess are not required to wear a mask.
- At recess, shared objects are permitted as long as the objects are disinfected after class or session. Activities using these shared objects should be organized and structured in a way that limits the amount of students that will touch the object during that class or session.
Elementary Specials- Physical education classes will be conducted outdoors, whenever possible. Appropriate social distancing measures will be followed.
- Student while participating in outdoor PE or engaging in physical activity are not required to wear a mask.
- Students will bring and use their own art supplies.
- Music and physical education equipment will be sanitized and wiped down after each use.
- Having specials in the classroom or outdoors is recommended.
Secondary Classroom Configurations and Procedures
Classroom Configuration- Desks or tables will be socially distanced as much as instructionally possible.
- When possible, eliminate communal supplies. Shared supplies will be sanitized between use.
- Remove blankets, pillows, and other shared non-essential items from the classroom.
- Recommended procedures will be applied to classroom settings, including special education service locations when possible and appropriate. Students’ individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
- Classroom doors will be locked but propped open for air flow.
General Classroom Supplies- Signage will be posted in classrooms regarding protocols and prevention.
- To the extent possible, minimize contact with doors and door handles by students and staff entering or exiting classrooms.
Physical Education Classroom Protocols- Whenever possible, physical education classes will be held outside to allow for maximum physical distance between students.
- Any activities bringing students into close physical contact will be avoided.
- Visual markers will be on the gym floor and bleachers as reminders of social distancing rules.
- Procedures will be implemented in the locker rooms to limit social distancing.
- Equipment will be disinfected after each use.
- Activities requiring multiple students to touch or handle the same equipment will be avoided.
- Sanitizing areas and access to handwashing will be provided.
Common and/or Flexible Learning Areas- Limit number of students as driven by available space and social distancing guidelines.
- Visual reminders will be displayed for social distancing throughout common areas.
- Informational graphics and markers will be posted to help with 6 feet social distancing.
Restrooms- After a restroom break, students will be required to wash their hands before re-entering the classroom.
- Each campus will comply with health agency recommendations and social distancing as it relates to restrooms.
- Water fountains will be closed. Students will have access to bottle filler stations and/or bottles of water. Students are encouraged to bring a refillable bottle for water.
Library- Visual reminders will be added and furniture rearranged to help students maintain social distancing while in the library.
- Students and staff will wash/sanitize hands upon entering and after visiting the library.
- High touch surfaces (i.e. table tops, chairs, door handles) will be disinfected regularly.
- Occupancy will be limited.
Transitions- Students and staff will follow disease mitigation safety protocols for face coverings.
- When transitioning between classes, students will travel corridors as far to the right as possible.
- Visual markers will be developed to help students maintain physical distances and adhere to established campus traffic flow in hallways.
- Traffic patterns will be established throughout the campus that separates individuals to the greatest extent possible.
- Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established.
- Access to hand sanitizer will be provided throughout the campus.
Specialized Classrooms- When appropriate, students will be provided face shields instead of facemasks for safety when there is an increased risk of burn or injury.
- Specialized equipment will be sanitized between each use. There will be adequate supplies to minimize the sharing of high touch materials or limit use of supplies of equipment to one group of students at a time.
- Procedures and protocols will be put into place to address locker rooms and equipment storage rooms. Protocols will be in place for disinfecting of equipment, students changing clothes, students showering, distancing of students, etc.
- Career and Technical Education classes will follow industry-based safety guidelines as appropriate to the equipment and course content.
- Procedures will be put into place to address specialized equipment for fine arts programs.
- Special education classrooms and service locations may have additional protective barriers in place to support a safe environment for our students.
Meeting Spaces- Meetings will be limited to video conferencing when possible.
- If meetings must be held in person, social distancing protocols will be implemented.
- Facial coverings during substantial and moderate transmission levels
- Limit the sharing of materials/supplies
Administrative Spaces - Reception, Offices, Conference Rooms, Mail RoomWhen possible, meetings will be conducted virtually. However, if the need arises to meet in person please follow campus guidelines:
- Facial coverings or masks will be utilized during substantial and moderate transmission levels.
- Please stand behind the shield guard installed at the reception desk.
- Hand sanitizer will be provided in front office spaces.
- Distances of six feet will be provided between occupied seats and workspaces.