Notes from the GCSD Reopening Panel Discussions, August 18-20, 2020

Below are notes from the three Virtual Reopening Panel Discussions that took place on August 18, 19 and 20, 2020. These notes were created and posted to the GCSD website for the purpose of translating highlights from the sessions using the Google translation tool on the GCSD website.

Notes from the Reopening Updates presentation | Notes from questions asked during the panels

Related Resources

Notes from the GCSD Virtual Reopening Panel Discussions from August 18-20, 2020

You can find the slide presentation and recordings from the panel discussion here.

Updated Reopening Information

Schools will open if the COVID-19 infection rate is at a level of 5% or less (seven-day average)
Schools will close if rates rise above 9%

Reopening Plan

Schools will follow New York State and Department of Health guidelines to ensure safety
In-person instruction is prioritized for youngest learners
Plans will adjust if needed due to changing conditions or challenges that emerge

Health and Safety

Social distancing

Six-feet of space between learners
12 feet during PE or music (singing/instrumental)
Will post maximum capacity signs for small spaces (break rooms, bathrooms, etc.)
Social distance signs will be placed in areas of potential congregation
There will be directional arrows in hallways

Face Coverings

Masks are to be worn at all times by students, staff, and visitors when six feet can’t be maintained
Students will only be allowed to remove masks during meals and short mask breaks
Masks will be provided to students if needed (no cost, free); students are encouraged to wear their own
Masks must cover nose and mouth: cloth is acceptable. Bandanas, single-ply gaiters, and masks with an exhalation valve are not allowed.
If a child refuses to wear a mask, the faculty/staff will discuss with the student/parent to remedy the situation. However, students must wear a mask to participate in in-person school. Students who cannot comply, at school or on the bus, may have to consider attending school remotely.

Daily Health Screening

Everyone must complete a daily health screening attestation, which is a webpage and the link will be sent via SchoolMessenger
The link will be sent via text, email, or phone call -parent/guardians can set their preference of how to receive the link
The attestation verifies that students are able to attend school (no symptoms, have not traveled, etc.)
Parents/guardians are required to complete health screening at home. If they do not, they will be screened at school.
Students or staff who display signs of COVID-19 will be assessed in isolation and sent home for follow-up healthcare.
COVID testing will be done by the Department of Health’s recommended site or health care providers.
Schools will not perform COVID-19 testing
If there is a positive case, the Albany County Department of Health (ACDOH) will be immediately notified
The district will assist the ACDOH with contact tracing based on attendance, schedules, visitor logs, and transportation data
Confidentiality must be maintained as required by law; we cannot release names, but families will be contacted by ACDOH if their son or daughter has had contact with a confirmed case

When would school close?

If/when COVID-19 cases are discovered in a school building, the district will work with the Department of Health to determine potential closure
Potential closure will be based on the Department of Health guidelines, which will take into consideration the number of cases, location, and amount of contact with others
Schools will close if the regional infection rate rose above 9%

Other Health Measures

Training on hygiene, hand washing, face covering, social distancing, and symptoms of COVID-19 with staff and students
Visitors will be restricted
The district is following the CDC Guidance on cleaning and disinfection

Ventilation

Current ventilation follows energy code requirements
Air exchange (air from outdoors) in classrooms runs four times per hour. The district is looking into an increase in air exchange to five times per hour; however, it is difficult to maintain comfortable temperatures in colder weather when the outside air is brought in
The current ventilation system uses Merv 8 that are changed two times per year, at minimum
The district is reviewing the possibility of using Merv 9 and 11, to make sure it does not adversely affect unit operation

School Schedule

Sept 1-3, 2020: Staff Training Days, No School for Kids
September 4: No school
September 7: No school, Labor Day Holiday
Sept 8 – 11: Remote Instruction for all students
- Kindergarten gradual entry. You will hear more from your school building
- Grades 5, 6, 8, and 9 Orientations. You will get more information from your school building
- Remote instruction will be half days
- Students will become familiar with social distancing guidelines, etc.
School schedules and times may be different than previous years
- Times are staggered due to the number of students who can safely ride a school bus
Sample schedules will be available on the school website, as well as times
High School
- The schedule was based on the student request of block scheduling, and all classes are offered in-person or remote
- Students will alternate between face-to-face and remote school
- Attendance is taken both remote and in-person
- Remote students will follow the schedule for assigned class
K-12 Instructional Programs
- Elementary (K-5) On-Site
- Students are assigned to a grade-level team of teachers in a cohort
- Students will remain in a cohort throughout the day
- Special area teachers will provide instruction in classrooms, other than PE which will be in the gym
- Grade 5 is in Farnsworth but taught by elementary teachers
Elementary Remote:
- Platforms are Google Classroom or Seesaw
- Classrooms are designated to provide remote instruction
- Daily class meetings
- A mix of synchronous and asynchronous instruction
- Instruction in all content areas (reading, writing, math, social studies, special areas, office hours)
Middle School 6: On-Site
- Grade 6 attends daily
- Assigned a house and team
- Cohort of approx. 14 students
- The day begins with homeroom
- Students follow an 8 period day
Middle School Grade 7: On-Site
- Same as 6, but every-other-day
Middle School Grade 8: On-Site
- At High School
- Will be on a block schedule, not an 8-period day
Middle Level: Remote
- Google Classroom
- Daily schedule with same coursework as in-person students
- Instruction is provided by a team of remote teachers
- A blend of live and asynchronous instruction
- Daily assignments and lessons/meetings
- Student work will be graded
High School Instruction
- Approx. 14 students
- Remote will be part of in-person instruction (to a practical extent)
- Many strategies, such as live video, google meets, etc.
Special area subjects
- PE and performing arts; 12 feet distance
- Extracurriculars and athletics, as many and safely as possible.
- Fall sports season has been delayed, as of now

Special Education Services

Students will receive special education services via IEPs
Students who participate in self-contained special education programs will be prioritized for daily in-person instruction

English as a New Language (ENL)

All ELLs are provided required units of study in the ENL program based on their most recently measured English language proficiency level, both in-person or remote
Priority for daily, in-person learning for ELLs with special challenges
The district will make every possible effort to translate documents to the top 10 most common languages in the district
All information on the website can be translated with a feature on the top

Social-Emotional Supports

The district will make available resources and referrals to address mental health, behavioral and emotional needs, for students, faculty, and staff
Many social and emotional recommendations are included in the reopening plan such as:
- Time for teachers to develop relationships with students
- Professional development for faculty and staff
- Review and revise K-12 comprehensive counseling plan
- Provide families with information on how to prepare children for a return to either live or remote instruction
- New document:”What to expect when you return to school”

Non-Instructional Support Services

Transportation

All students and staff on buses must wear face coverings
Maintain social distancing to the extent practical
Only one child allowed per seat, except siblings can sit together
Approximately 20 students per bus
Runs are staggered by grade level
Buses will be cleaned/disinfected once per day. High-contact spots wiped down after morning and afternoon runs

School Lunch

Students will eat in classrooms
Students will pre-order meals
No cash exchange at the register; online payment encouraged
The classroom teacher can take cash if necessary
Students will be required to wash/sanitize hands prior to eating
Students who are fully remote can pick up meals at FMS or GHS on Mondays

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Questions

What will remote instruction look like?

About 78% of students in person, 22% remote
What is the best method for delivering remote instruction?
- There are many ways to do this, multiple approaches:
  - Includes live, synchronous learning (live-streaming a lesson)
  - Offline, asynchronous activities (reading, projects, assignments to be completed at home)
  - Some lessons may be pre-recorded
  - Teachers can use screen-casting, where they display their screen to students
  - Teachers will often be live with students, but there are some benefits to pre-recorded lessons, such as being able to re-watch or rewind
The primary difference from spring: students attending school remote will be following the full curriculum
There will be science and social studies delivered, as well as special areas (PE, music)
Some virtual learning limitations:
- It is impossible to replicate the in-person class
- The in-person environment is collaborative and teachers will try to make sure students are engaged in this way at home, though it can be difficult
- Therefore, remote learning is not exactly the same as in-person instruction, even though the same content will be taught
K-5 and 6-12 expectations are different; teachers who deliver instruction will be NYS certified teachers, who work at Guilderland
Has become difficult to assign students teachers solely from “home school;” remote classes/cohorts may be a blend of students from multiple buildings based on staffing and numbers of students
Reading, writing, math, social studies, science, and special areas will be delivered
Students will not be online for 6 hours per day; this is not healthy and can be difficult for students’ stamina. Must find an appropriate balance
Students will be expected to follow their schedule and engage at class times
Seesaw will be used for younger students, Google Classroom for older students

Will students be recorded while online?

No. This poses challenges with FERPA, a legal privacy act. Students will not be recorded while being instructed online.

How will students with disabilities be serviced?

Students with IEPs have case managers, typically special education teachers
Staff are aware of modifications and accommodations
Will make sure educational materials are accessible to students, adapted as needed
Special education teachers will collaborate with content area/classroom teachers

How will ELLs be serviced?

Virtual students will receive similar services to what they receive in school
ENL students will be serviced with the classroom teacher and ENL teacher
Sometimes ENL teacher services all students by pushing into the classroom
For remote, students will have a schedule and will meet with classroom and ENL teacher/ENL class virtually

How will art and music happen?

Instrumental lessons WILL occur, grades 4-12
Vocal lessons 9-12 WILL occur for both remote and in-person
Students who typically receive music lessons and are receiving education virtually will have live, virtual lessons over Google Meets
Yes, still rent instrument; we will still be having lessons
It may be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous for art and music; will be working to increase synchronous opportunities
Singing and wind instruments will be distanced 12 feet, and masks will be worn during singing. Special masks will be looked into as well as instrumental covers for extra safety, above and beyond safety guidelines

How will PE look?

Recommended physical distancing guidelines of 12 feet
Grids marked to ensure the distance between students
Student spacing as much as possible
Little to no contact or equipment sharing
For remote, there will be more live instruction and connection with students
Currently exploring approaches to help students at home engage more with little equipment
Students required to wear masks entering and exiting PE
Maks will be worn for the majority of PE instruction
When students are distanced 12 feet or more, teacher discretion may be used to determine if students can remove masks

What are some things that would be important for families to know?

As we develop cohorts, elementary children will likely not be assigned to only one classroom teacher, but a grade-level team.
One class- one teacher may occur, but only in some building
Teachers will specialize in different content areas to provide instruction in that area

Airflow, ventilation: Can you help us understand how the air ventilation systems work in buildings and if we can use fans? How do we keep healthy airflow in classrooms?

Each classroom has an independent air system
Each HVAC unit brings in outside air which is recirculated in the classroom
Most spaces turn over air 4 times per hour, can be increased. This is seasonal, as it can be difficult in cold weather to maintain temperatures
Looking into new filters, but are making sure that they do not inhibit the airflow and turnover
Filters and air circulation may change based on seasonal temperatures and amount of airflow possible
Fans are allowed to be used, windows may be opened
Fans may be used to draw air out of the classroom, etc.
Airflow should be increased as much as possible
UV technology, ion generators, etc. may not be used and are not proven to be safe

Will doors be left open and unmonitored?

This will not be done; there are security protocols that will be adhered to
Outside doors and security protocols will not be jeopardized for airflow

What happens if a student or staff member exhibits a symptom of COVID-19?

That individual would go to the nurse’s office
If symptoms of COVID-19 were present, they would go immediately to an isolation room
Parents would be notified
Return to school policy:
- Students who screen positive for COVID symptoms can return based on:
- Documentation from healthcare provider following evaluation
- Negative COVID-19 result
- Symptom resolution
- OR; positive COVID-19 result and release from isolation
The district is meeting with Albany County Dept of Health to discuss guidelines and be clear on exactly what is needed for students to return to school
We are working on compliance with DOH guidelines and will keep families updated

How will children be kept safe on buses?

20 students per bus, occasionally more if there are siblings
Students are required to wear masks
High-touch areas will be wiped between runs, as possible
Electro-static sprayers with disinfectant will be used to spray the entire inside of bus after morning and afternoon runs
Strict unloading and loading procedures
Students will load into the back of the bus towards the front; first student off will be in the front and students will not pass by one another in the aisle

What is the district doing to plan for orderly drop off and pick up?

There will be more parent drop-off and pickups, with lighter buses
Some students will be remote, which will contribute to less traffic, as well as staggered start and end times
This will be a challenge; Guilderland Police have been assisting in determining traffic patterns, etc. and how this may affect roads
Traffic patterns at schools may change
Adults will help with these routines
Buses and cars will have different traffic patterns and locations in school parking lots
“Card system” may allow students and children to be matched more quickly
The parent will display a card which will reunite the child more quickly
It may take a bit of time to figure out the best solution and patience is much appreciated

School supply lists: Updates?

Elementary lists are posted on updates (except PBES); individual schools will be sending them out also
Once there is set class placements, more information may be available

Why has the schedule changed, with regard to start times, etc.?

Days are based on the capacity of buses; one student per seat
Buses and staff are expensive, so a staggered start time schedule is best

If we are eventually back with the interscholastic sports program, how will this affect student-athletes if school ends at 4:15?

We will be creative and flexible; practices may be at 4:30-6:00, daylight permitting
Before-school practices may be possible for some sports, but coaches are often teachers and may not be available before school

Bandwidth: with so many students on devices and students live streaming, do we have enough bandwidth to do this?

Yes. we have been increasing bandwidth for every few years and have never maxed it out
We are increasing bandwidth and “maxing” it out, monitoring it to determine if this is necessary, and can lower the cost if it is not
Bandwidth is just one variable on internet traffic, and there can be some that is completely out of the school’s control
School internet runs through NERIC, which may have issues; same with
Google/Google servers, wifi connections, etc.
Bandwidth is not an issue, but there can always be issues with technology by its nature

How will devices be used/distributed to students?

All students grades 5-12 will be given their own devices
There are enough devices to cover students who will be in-person
If some families have opted for remote learning, they are strongly requested and encouraged to use their own devices
Devices will be stretched in availability since we are also providing devices to service students in school
There are delays in deliveries in ordering Chromebooks and other devices, such as tablets for K-1 students; we may not receive some until October
Devices will be provided in cases of hardship or lack of access by families

How will lunch work?

If students are in person:
- Lunch will be in classrooms depending on the school they are in
- There will be lids on trays so food is kept sanitary, etc.
- Allergy needs will be closely monitored
Grades 7-12 students in a hybrid model:
- When students leave, they can pick up breakfast/lunch for the following day
Students who are fully remote:
- Can access a link on website to get signed up for lunch
- Can pick up at GHS or Farnsworth to pick up a full week of meals
Free and reduced applications are being accepted and can be used for any model; paid students still need to pay for lunches
No cash accepted at the register
Send any cash in a marked envelope to teacher
Breakfast will be served in the classroom also, while unpacking, will be preordered
More info on ordering systems will be coming out soon

Are school buses running for orientation days?

Yes, there will be buses available.
For Kindergarten, parents are welcome and invited to talk with teachers to discuss questions and concerns
Kindergarten parents will bring students in

Remote learners may be mixed with students from other elementary schools. Will they be with children from their own elementary school who are remote?

They are children mixed from only two schools; for example, 11 students from one school and 15 from another.

Would remote grade-level teams receive the same curriculum as in-person students?

Yes, the curriculum will be exactly the same
Students will also be provided ENL and Special Education services

What courses and activities will be available for accelerated learning students?

Accelerated grade 8 students will participate in algebra and biology programs at the high school
Will be taught by 8th grade FMS teachers, just as if it was located at FMS

What percentage chose remote learning?

Currently 22.7% of students

What is the plan when January comes; how will remote learners be accommodated to return?

There is no guarantee that students will be returning to the same teacher that they had remotely; may have a new teacher
Students moving either remotely or to in-person instruction may cause cohorts and classes to be changed slightly
Many things will be monitored such as social distancing requirements, etc.
Will be monitored to make sure social distancing requirements are maintained
It is early to say how this will occur since it is in the distance but the district will begin planning accordingly
We have planned for 6 feet if all students return to school and will continue to monitor this
Student placement has not been disseminated to families yet because there have been many students moving to or from remote learning, changing numbers and class sizes, etc.

What about classroom spaces with air conditioning; how will this impact air quality?

Built-in air conditioning operates the same way as the regular school ventilation system, with air coming from outside
Air conditioning window units are also permitted and may have an outside vent
The HVAC system still brings in clean air to be circulated

Transportation to after school locations: how does this work?

Transportation will be provided in the same way; maximum of 20 per bus to their childcare location

Can families opt back into transportation in the second half of the year?

Yes, if families change their minds on transportation at the end of the first semester.

What if my child wakes up in the morning and has symptoms of allergies, etc.?

This depends on if the symptoms are new and may be related to illness, or are an ongoing condition such as allergies
We will be updating our information as a result of clarified information from the Health Department this week

Backpacks and lockers, how will this work?

Students are not allowed to use lockers
Students are allowed to use backpacks and leave things in their assigned classrooms

Taking attendance: What will this look like?

For live activities where students are part of the instruction, attendance may be taken and will be accounted for, like they would be regularly in school
For asynchronous activity, attendance will be taken by various methods, such as assignments being completed
Students with attendance concerns will be handled similarly as always

Grading: In the spring, students were graded based on evidence of learning. Now, students will be graded as regularly. How will parents be contacted regarding students’ grades?

Plans for parent conferences, as always might be live or remote
Is followed by a conference report that goes onto parent portal (eSchool)
HS students should log in more regularly to see their grades on assignments
Progress reports and report cards as always
The teacher will reach out directly to parents if there is a concern or problem in order to collaborate on a solution
Parents can contact the teacher, school, etc. if they feel they need to create a plan to help the student become more successful

SAT Exams: Why was it canceled in August? What opportunities do students have to take this exam?

August exam was canceled due to safety reasons, of over 300 students testing in the building at once
There will be an SAT administration date almost every month through December 2020

What will we do to ensure cultural and racial equity in our plans to reopen schools?

Top plan and priority
The district has been having this conversation and been providing professional development, reassessing curriculum, etc.
Working to take a strong anti-racist stance in schools
Curriculum revision activities throughout summer, in language arts and social studies, towards a social-justice framework
Placed orders for thousands of new books to diversify texts available to students
This is not an initiative, but an imperative
Board of Education has indicated this as a top priority

School schedules: Can you please clarify the schedule for the tenth to twelfth graders?

One week a group will be in three days, the next week they will be in two; it will alternate
There is a sample on the website

School schedules: Will there be accommodations for siblings with two different starting/end times?

Elementaries are partnering with YMCA and will have a before-school program in each elementary school and register their cold for that program
We do not have additional staff or location for students to be dropped off in advance of their school day
Middle School is also partnering with the YMCA for childcare
The registration process is now open and is on their website

In times where children are expected to be online for live instruction but cannot be in class, will they be marked absent?

We may have to be flexible again, to be determined
Will receive guidance from state and department of education

Fall sports: When and where will they take place?

No news since the last announcement: fall sports are delayed until September 21
The majority of practices will be between 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Some practices may occur in the morning but are dependent on the coach’s availability

Will bus routes be earlier given the earlier opening? Do we have a sense of that time?

Many should be earlier since school is starting earlier at many schools
Bus routes are not finalized yet
Bus routes should be finalized by the end of this week and should be accessible in the Parent Portal in eSchoolData sometime next week

If my child starts school in September, is it possible her cohort will change in February when people re-enter?

It is possible but hard to say with 100%
Things will be reassessed and input will be sought from parents in January
The minimal amount of movement will be prioritized

Can I still choose remote only learning for my child?

The deadline has passed
If you have selected remote for the fall, you are committed until February 1st at least
It is hard to plan when people are changing their minds
If it is an emergency, contact your building principal

Will elementary teachers have both remote and in-person students?

Remote teachers will work with remote students
In-person teachers will work with in-person students
Some cohorts will have students from two buildings (half from one school, half from another)

What will the middle school look like?

We will have one full remote team
We may have a team with a combination of remote learners and live learners
Flipped learning opportunities, live opportunities to meet with teachers, etc.
Many opportunities to meet with teachers
Normal middle school schedule, with A and B days
Students will have a class in-person once per week, and then remotely later in the week
Currently researching enrichment options for remote learners
There will be homework; students can work with teachers and families to determine how to best get that done

What will remote learning look like at the high school level?

Students will alternate between remote and in-person learning
Some learning will be synchronous and some will be asynchronous
Students should follow their schedule so that they can be in contact with their teacher at that time if needed
Attendance will be taken, both in person and virtually

How will high school labs be done virtually?

Might be using a virtual platform
Students may apply data that they receive to a lab activity
Will primarily be a virtual experience

Students entering 9th grade as part of an accelerated program: What opportunities will they have?

All originally planned programs will operate
Accelerated classes will be occurring
Classwork presents an opportunity to get to know classmates, etc.
Co-curricular activities will also occur virtually
class sizes, etc.

Can I switch between in-person and remote instruction?

Classrooms, class sizes, and cohorts are determined based on safety and distance requirements

Will my student have a chance to drop off supplies?

Kindergarten students can visit the school during the first four days of remote instruction
Parents will be invited with students
Opportunity to meet teachers, ask questions, talk about school, etc.
Students can bring supplies to leave in the classroom
Students will have boxes to maintain their supplies
There will be a time during the first week of school in which parents will be able to drop off students’ supplies
We are not able to allow all students and parents into the building, as it has been cleaned, and poses difficulties with social distancing

Why are elementary students being bussed at different times?

Due to bus quantities, staffing, and social distancing requirements, we had to create a fourth busing tier to comply with these needs.

How will buses be cleaned?

Electrostatic sprayers: can spray botanical disinfectant throughout bus which will be done at the beginning and end of day
Drivers will wipe down high-touch surfaces with disinfectant wipes as possible

Can children bring hand sanitizer on the bus?

Sanitizer is highly flammable and is not allowed on the bus, for either children or bus drivers
We have a large amount of sanitizer and all classrooms will be fully outfitted with a large amount of sanitizer

What is the plan for keeping the building and bathrooms clean?

There will be a schedule for communal bathrooms, 3-4 times a day
We have specialized equipment to clean bathrooms quickly, thoroughly, and effectively
Many elementary classrooms have bathrooms; they are used by a single cohort. Cleaned at the end of the day, at a minimum; more as possible or needed
Every classroom will have wipes and spray disinfectant for staff to use
Specialized equipment each day will clean high touch areas such as desks, door handles, etc.
Buildings will not be used by outside groups or people, allowing custodians to focus on cleaning the buildings

Why is wearing a mask important? Is this an appropriate thing to ask of children while at school?

We want to reduce the chances of spreading COVID-19, and wearing a mask is one of the best ways to do so

What is the daily health attestation process like? What if a child does not complete this form?

The form will be emailed, texted, etc. to families each morning
Someone will be monitoring to see who has not completed
Students whose families have not completed the form will have to go to the office to have their temperature checked and fill out the form

What happens if a student exhibits symptoms of COVID-19?

The teacher will notify the nurse that a student is headed to the office
This gives the nurse an appropriate amount of time to put on PPE, etc.
Students who have symptoms of COVID-19 will go into an isolation room
Parents will pick up children promptly
Parents will be requested to take their child to the doctor for an evaluation

What are some recommendations and resources for students’ social and emotional well being?

The mental health and wellness of students and staff is a high priority
The district will make available resources and referrals to address mental health, behavioral and emotional needs, for students, faculty, and staff
Many social and emotional recommendations are included in the reopening plan such as:
- Time for teachers to develop relationships with students
- Professional development for faculty and staff
- Review and revise K-12 comprehensive counseling plan
Provide families with information on how to prepare children for a return to either live or remote instruction
- New document: “What to expect when you return to school”

How do I know that the food served in the cafeteria is safe for my child?

All staff was re-trained in ServeSafe – a nationally recognized program on food safety
When staff are in the building, they will all receive updated training on food safety and COVID-19
Trays will have lids which will keep sanitary; all food will be in containers or be wrapped

Should my student cancel their rental agreement on their instrument? What about music ensembles?

We are doing instrumental lessons at all levels
We are offering 4th grade students who are starting an instrument for the first time
We are offering remote and in-person lessons
Details for extracurricular ensembles are being worked out
Some may be virtual, it can be more difficult for music, drama, etc. This is still being discussed to see how these ensembles can be offered in an equitable way

Grades K-8 have staff identified to teach remote only groups of students. How were these staff members selected?

When the district receives a request for accommodations, the request is sent to the district physician. Individuals who needed accommodation will be teaching remotely
Some elementary positions were filled based on skillset and technology abilities, same for middle school
High school is more challenging to solve due to scheduling challenges, this is being sorted out currently

Why is the information I am reading in an article different from the information I read in other news sources?

Come directly to the district for information
The district does not write articles published in outside news sources

If bandanas are not allowed, why does the music teacher want students to bring one?

They will be a part of a personalized percussion kit for grades K-5
They will be used for percussion activities since singing cannot occur in music classrooms with spacing between students less than 12 feet
The bandanas are not face coverings

It sounded like students who are remote only can be assigned to the same class as an in-person student. Is that correct?

There are enough learners at the middle school that will have some teams with remote and in-person learners
Teachers will instruct one class live, and then one class remote

If a student who opted for in-person class gets quarantined and cannot come to school, can they switch to remote learning for that period?

To be determined
We are figuring out the basic schedule and will get the nuances as we move along

How early can high schoolers be dropped off?

As close as possible to the 10:00 drop off
Large numbers of students dropped off before 10 will cause students to congregate in large groups
We cannot have groups larger than a maximum of 49 students
There will be an area supervised by monitors from 9-10:00 a.m. for students who are dropped off early

What model of tablets will we be using with kindergarten students?

Lenovo 10E Chrome tablets
They have not arrived yet

Is there a way a student or family can project remote learning onto the TV or must they use their Chromebook?

A Chromecast can help with this
An HDMI can be run from a Chromebook to a TV

Will my student be able to tour the building?

Kindergarten students will have an opportunity to meet the teacher and see the classroom with their family, as discussed previously (see above)
5th and 6th-grade students can sign up for a tour of FMS
They can learn about locations around buildings, procedures, etc.
This is in addition to virtual transition events detailed below:
- Virtual transition event for MS students: Monday for 6th grade, Tuesday for 5th grade.
- Links will be coming
- Students will learn what FMS is like, what the school year will be like, etc.

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