FACE COVERINGS and MASKS
What is the purpose of wearing a face covering in school?
Face coverings may help prevent individuals who have COVID-19 from spreading it to others in public settings. The use of face coverings, in conjunction with other mitigating measures, such as hand washing, physical distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19. Wearing face coverings are an effective way to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 from individuals who are infectious, even when they do not have symptoms.
Who should wear a cloth face covering? What if my child is unable to wear a mask?
It is recommended that all people, 2 years of age and older, wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Accommodations and other mitigating strategies may be implemented in the event a student or staff member has a circumstance that prohibits wearing a face covering. The need for additional measures will be evaluated on an individual basis. Plan to contact your building administrator (elementary) or guidance counselor (middle or high school) and school nurse to discuss your individual situation. A medical note may be required.
Who is expected to wear a mask? What about when eating or drinking? What about during physical education classes and recess?
All students (K-12) and staff are expected to wear a face covering at all times when in school, except when eating or drinking or when outside and a six foot distance can be achieved. For those who ride a school bus to school, the school day begins when a student boards the school bus. Physical education activities will be modified, as feasible, in an effort to achieve a six foot distance between students allowing a mask break while participating in PE activities.
While preschool-aged children are not required to wear a mask, the District will work with our youngest learners to build tolerance and endurance to wear face coverings for extended periods and always when in common areas of the school building.
What is the best kind of face covering to wear in school?
There are many different types of face coverings ranging from respirator-style masks (N95) to simple, homemade cloth coverings. For school purposes, a multi-layer face covering or mask (at least two layers) is suggested for the school setting. The mask should not be too thick and an individual should be able to breath in and out comfortably. Try different kinds of face coverings to find one you and your child like the most. Successful mask wearing begins with comfort!
Please do not use N95 masks, which are in short supply and critical for health care workers in a clinical setting. Masks with a "filter valve" can spread respiratory droplets and will not be allowed in the school setting
What if my child feels like they cannot breathe while wearing the mask? What about the constantly breathing carbon dioxide (CO2)?
Becoming accustomed to wearing a face mask is much like wearing a seat belt in a car, or helmet to bike ride. It can be uncomfortable at first, but encouraging and expecting regular use will help the transition. Children will follow the lead and be reassured by the confidence of a trusted adult. Start practicing now to ease the transition when it's time to return to the school building. There is no evidence to support the concern that mask wearing causes low oxygen levels. Masks are designed to be breathed through and do not interfere with regular breathing. Keep in mind, the purpose of the face covering is to limit an individual's respiratory droplets from spreading into the air and possibly infecting others. There may be an added protective benefit to the wearer, as well. Any student with shortness of breath or demonstrating difficulty breathing, will be evaluated by the nurse in their building.
I've noticed kids playing in town and at the beach without wearing masks. If they are not going to wear masks outside of school, why should they have to wear them in school?
The health and safety of all members of the Darien Public Schools community is our primary concern. When worn properly, masks limit the spread of droplets and smaller aerosols when people breathe, speak, cough, or sneeze, and are an important measure we can take to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the use of face coverings in public areas where a 6 foot distancing cannot be maintained has been mandated by an executive order. As such, all individuals in the school setting will be required to wear a mask (except for those with a legitimate medical or educational need).
Will my child be excluded from school if I do not want my child to wear a mask?
Parents are free to choose whether or not they will require their children to wear masks outside of school. The wearing of masks in public buildings, however, is a public health mandate implemented through an Executive Order by Governor Lamont. The Darien Public Schools is obligated to enforce the mandate. Please reach out to your building administrator or the Director of Health and Nursing if there is need to discuss further.
What if my child cannot hear their teacher through the mask?
Sound teaching practices include a variety of strategies and frequent "student check-ins" to verify understanding. The district will continue to evaluate how mask wearing affects the teaching and learning process and make adjustments, as necessary, to ensure an effective learning environment. Please reach out to your child's teacher or building administrator if your child reports he/she is unable to hear instruction.
To learn more, please use the resources listed below:
PHYSICAL DISTANCING
How will you achieve physical distancing in the school setting?
Physical distancing, also referred to as social distancing, is a strategy used to separate individuals by at least six feet, to lower the probability that a person either infects someone else or becomes infected by someone else. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends maintaining a 6 foot distance between individuals who do not live in the same household. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , "Evidence suggests that spacing as close as 3 feet may approach the benefits of 6 feet of space, particularly if students are wearing face coverings and are asymptomatic." Taking into consideration COVID-19 transmission dynamics, physical distancing is especially important for adults. Where feasible, a 6 foot distancing strategy will be implemented. If a "full return" to school is considered safe, based on public health criteria, students will be spaced apart by a minimum distance of 3 feet and required to wear a mask while in their classrooms and other indoor spaces. In a "hybrid plan," all individuals would be spaced apart by at least 6 feet. Faculty and staff will have a 6 foot distance, as feasible, in classrooms and throughout the building. Additionally, transparent dividers will be added to areas where achieving safe distancing is not possible. Students and staff will be directed to maintain a safe distance with floor markings and signage in hallways, stairwells and other locations where students typically gather.
I've noticed a lack of social distancing in the community, especially at parties and play dates. Why are you distancing students in school? What about the bus?
Physical distancing is an important strategy to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, where feasible. The Darien Public Schools Reopening Schools plan is to maximize distance, as much as possible. We will continue to encourage all members of our community to practice proper distancing in all settings, not just while they are in school. Adhering to this practice will help decrease the spread of illness, which in turn, will keep our school doors open.
The number of students riding the school bus present several challenges for schools. We are encouraging as many families who are able to provide transportation for their children or walk to school, to do so. Each school bus route will be its own "cohort." From the moment a student enters the school bus, they will be expected to wear a face covering for the entire time they are on the bus. Students will be loaded from back to front (except for our youngest learners) and will be assigned a seat and expected to remain in their seat for the entire bus ride. Buses will be sanitized between routes. Students are not permitted to eat or drink while on the bus.
How can you consider using a distance less than 6 feet? It's not safe.
Choosing a "Return to School" plan will be based on many factors, including but not limited to, town, county, and state COVID-19 infection rates, the ability to implement and sustain infection control practices (hand washing, face coverings, distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces, and ventilation), and the relative risk of an adverse impact on physical and psycho-social well-being. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): "There is a conflict between optimal academic and social/emotional learning in schools and strict adherence to current physical distancing guidelines. For example, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that schools 'space seating/desks at least 6 feet apart when feasible.' In many school settings, 6 feet between students is not feasible without limiting the number of students. Evidence suggests that spacing as close as 3 feet may approach the benefits of 6 feet of space, particularly if students are wearing face coverings and are asymptomatic.
Schools should weigh the benefits of strict adherence to a 6-feet spacing rule between students with the potential downside if remote learning is the only alternative." If the rate of positive COVID-19 cases allows a full return to school (all students, 5 days per week) will necessitate the use of a 3-6 foot distancing in areas where students can be "cohorted" in conjunction with adherence to mitigating measures (face covering, hand washing, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and maximizing ventilation).
Hand Washing
How often will children wash their hands?
Students at the elementary level will be required to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds upon school entry, before and after eating, after using the restroom and outdoor play, and anytime their hands are soiled.
Students at the middle and high school level will be reminded to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds frequently during the school day. Encouraging, healthy hands reminders will be accomplished through overhead announcements and signage placed throughout the building.
Many classrooms have sinks. Students will be able to access the sink in the classroom to wash their hands. We encourage families to work with their children to teach proper hand washing technique. There are many child-friendly YouTube videos to help teach this at home! We will continue modeling and teaching hand washing practices at school.
For classrooms that do not have a sink, we have ordered portable hand washing stations that will be located around the building for easy accessibility for staff and students.
Touch-free hand sanitizer stations will also be placed throughout all school buildings.
What if my student has a skin condition that requires a special soap?
Please contact your school's nurse to establish a plan to address your child's individualized needs.
What is the difference between using soap and water and hand sanitizer? Is one better than another?
Traditional hand washing using soap and water for at least 20 seconds cleans hands by removing visible and invisible debris from the hands. Hand washing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of disease and is superior to using hand sanitizer.
Hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol, kills bacteria and viruses on the hands, but does not remove debris or protect a user from allergens, such as nut proteins. The use of hand sanitizer is effective in preventing the spread of disease and is an acceptable alternative to washing hands if soap and water is unavailable.
Teaching and Learning
Can my child start remotely and then transition to in person learning after a period of time? Is there a process for how and when remote learning students can return back to the classroom?
Parents need to make decisions that best meet the needs of their chid(ren) and family. You can change your child's learning model by contacting the building principal.
Why are elementary and middle school students going to school every other day, rather than 2 consecutive days [like the high school]?
Having children come to school every other day is developmentally appropriate for younger students. Having children come to school every other day provides more consistency, and connection to the teacher and the physical school environment. If students came on Mon./Tue. or Wed./Thu. they would be spending 5 days at home without seeing their classroom or teacher in person. We know children can't be on their computer all day, so even with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning, the most effective model for young children is to be in the school environment.
This model also allows the teacher to monitor learning and provide feedback in a more timely manner, because they have eyes on a child every other day. It provides children with more consistent exposure to visual supports in the classroom, and allows the teacher to monitor what children are using (and not using) and support students in becoming more independent by teaching into what they observe.
What is the school day going to look like?
This link provides an overview of the components of the elementary schedule: Elementary Model 2020-2021. These components are accessible in person, hybrid, or when remote.
Daily bell schedules will be posted on the reopening portion of the website.
When my child is learning remotely, what parts of the day will they participate in live and synchronously?
Elementary students will participate synchronously through Zoom in their classroom’s Morning Meeting and Daily Read Aloud at the beginning of the school day, as well as the Closing Circle at the end of the school day. Students at home will also utilize Zoom for Differentiated Instruction Block (DI Block) to access their teacher for questions and small group/individual meetings. Children at home may have additional Zoom meetings for small group instruction with teachers and support staff. Mini-lessons will not be live streamed at the elementary level. Rather, children at home will have access to posted recorded lessons (video and/or audio guided slides) and independent assignments on the same content occurring in school so that all children remain in the same place in the curriculum. These recorded mini-lessons will be posted in Google Classroom or SeeSaw.
Students at the middle school will participate in class through Zoom with the whole class or in Zoom Breakout rooms. There may also be opportunities for independent work when students who are physically in school are doing the same.
During 85 minute class periods of the block schedule, high school students at home will participate in a variety of ways depending upon the lesson design, including live streaming, working in groups via Zoom Breakout rooms, and working independently.
How is curriculum being revised to make up for last spring and Hybrid Learning to start the new year?
Teachers and administrators have worked collaboratively to prioritize standards and balance the social and emotional learning needs of students as the learning plan for fall is developed. The use of Friday professional development will provide essential collaborative time to monitor and adjust in this area as we acclimate to the new school year.
Is the District doing anything to address the social and emotional health of students as we start the new year?
Yes. A team has been established to design specific lessons aligned to the CASEL core SEL competencies of relationship skills, social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making. Additional time has been identified across all levels to support students and staff in this area.
How will students be graded if we are in a hybrid or remote model?
The District plans to use its regular grading practices as we navigate different learning models. Any changes to regular practice will be communicated to students and families. There may be modifications to the elementary progress report due necessary content modifications.
Will students participate in physical education?
All physical education classes will be held outside whenever possible. Lessons and content will be adjusted to focus on individual activities with limited equipment. Students at the secondary level will not have access to the locker room
Transportation
How will students be organized to get on and off the bus?
Students will fill the bus from the back forward with the exception of K-1 students who will sit toward the front of the bus. Students will be assigned seats and asked to sit with siblings where possible. Students will need to wear masks while on the bus.
Elementary students will be dismissed to their bus directly from their classroom as buses arrive. Administrators and campus monitors will call students to the bus and monitor social distancing practices as students move through the building and get on the bus. Bus drivers will also monitor student seating and distancing when possible.
Dismissal for middle school students will be staggered with one team from each grade exiting at a time. Students will use the same grade level door they were assigned for entry.
Buses will arrive to and depart from the designated parking loop area at the high school. At arrival, students who come to school by bus will be encouraged to enter through the Library door or athletic loop entrance instead of the front door in order to minimize hallway traffic.
LUNCH
How does my child order lunch?
Nutrislice allows parents or students to place orders one week in advance, the night before, or in the morning on the same day. In the Hybrid learning model, meals will need to be preordered.
Menus will be live at the end of August. Simply download the Nutrislice app on your smartphone and find Darien Public Schools. Using your computer, visit darienps.nutrislice.com. Select your preferred school(s). Should you have any questions, please email Meghan Bendish, Chartwells Director of Dining Services at mbendish@darienps.org
Can my child order lunch in the morning when they arrive at school?
No, lunches must be ordered in advance (up until before school that morning) from Nutrislice.
May I drop off lunch at my child’s school?
No. Each school has a plan to provide lunch to those who have forgotten to order.
Where will my child eat lunch?
ELEMENTARY: Students will eat their lunch in their classroom. School lunches that were pre-ordered will be delivered to the classroom in time for lunch.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Each grade level will eat at the same time and will have a 42 minute lunch period. Teams will be assigned to one of four lunch sites: the cafeteria, the small gym, the auditorium, or classrooms. Students will sit at assigned tables and lunch will be delivered to them. The period will include 21 minutes for eating and 21 minutes for silent reading, during which students will not be required to wear masks. Students will not move to a study hall and there will be no recess.
HIGH SCHOOL: Students who are scheduled in classes during the lunch period will eat in their classrooms during twenty-five minute lunch waves. Those students who have ordered lunch will have lunches delivered to the classroom. Students who are free during the lunch period will eat socially distanced in the cafeteria or may eat at one of the outside tables. Seniors who have the entire lunch period free and who have parental permission to participate in Open Campus will be allowed to leave campus for lunch.
COMMUNICATION
What is the best means of communicating with my child’s teacher or school?
At this time, the most reliable means of communication is email. However, you can also call the main office of your child’s school.
Can I find all of the reopening information in one place?
Yes, please visit the District website, www.darienps.org, and select the reopening tab for access to information regarding the reopening plan, previous communications, and additional resources.
SYMPTOM ASSESSMENT and EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Fever > 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)
- New and persistent cough, with or without shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Chills, fatigue and muscle aches
My preschool is doing a temperature check each morning. Why isn't my child's temperature being taken when they arrive at school?
The most recent guidance from the CDC supports this approach. Each family is responsible for performing a symptom check for each child prior to leaving their home to attend school. If during the morning symptom check, a parent detects a temperature or other symptoms of COVID-19, they must keep the child and siblings at home to avoid potentially exposing students or staff members. Please call your school nurse and your medical provider for further assessment and instructions. Do not send your child to school if you have given fever reducing medications, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) within 24 hours. Keeping children home, even with mild symptoms, will help to keep our schools healthy and safe.
What will happen if a child in my daughter's class is diagnosed with COVID-19?
When a case of COVID-19 is reported to the school, the building level response team will follow the District Notification Plan and begin school-level contact tracing. This process will include examining areas (in school and on buses) where close contact could have occurred in the 48 hours prior to the onset of the student's symptoms. Parents of students, and staff members who are considered close contacts, will be notified by phone and email message to begin a 14-day quarantine and symptom watch period at home. The email message will contain quarantine instructions. Students will transition to an online learning format for the next two weeks. While at home during quarantine, should your child develop COVID-19 symptoms develop, please call your health care provider for evaluation and testing.
The District Level Response Team will consult with the District Medical Advisor and Director of the Darien Health Department about further building or district level actions.
(This answer is subject to change based on anticipated guidance from the State Department of Health Department and State Department of Education)
How many cases of COVID-19 will force the schools to close? How long will schools be closed?
The decision to close a classroom, a school, or the entire school district will be made in close consultation with the District Medical Advisor and Director of the Darien Health Department, and state health and education officials. The District Level Response Team will be following regional (state and county), local (town) and hyper-local (individual school and classroom) data on a daily basis. A decision to close, and subsequently reopen schools, will be informed by considering the following metrics, however, a change in one metric may or may not force action for the district.
- Full district, individual school and classroom absentee data (kept by nurses and shared with school medical advisory team daily)
- Dismissal data
- Local, county and state infection rates and 7-day averages
- Regional hospitalization rates
Why isn't every staff member and student being tested for COVID-19 prior to starting school?
The CDC does not recommend testing asymptomatic individuals without a known exposure to COVID-19. Testing should be reserved for individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and those who have had a known exposure to an individual diagnosed with COVID-19. An individual who has a known exposure and tests negative must continue to quarantine and watch for symptoms for 14 days.
If I keep my child home because they are not feeling well, or because the family needs to quarantine, do they need to be “sick” from school or can they participate in class activities remotely?
Unfortunately, children get sick. In fact, the average child can have 5-10 colds per year. We generally do not provide work when children are home due to illness. Allowing children the time to rest and recover is important. Students can catch up on school work when they are feeling better.
If a child is home due to quarantine from exposure or other factor, and is still able to do school work, they can participate remotely in class activities for the days they are not able to attend school. In this instance, please do not call your child out “sick," rather, notify the school’s Main Office Attendance Line that your child will be absent, but participating remotely. This will ensure our attendance records are accurate and helps our School Nurses keep track of students not physically present.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
How often will the school buildings be cleaned?
Additional part time staff will be added to each school to address the need for increased cleaning and sanitization protocols. There will be an Increased frequency of daily sanitization sweeps of all high touch surfaces including door frames, doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Daily cleaning after school dismissals will include sanitizing all horizontal and high touch surfaces after they are cleaned. Early closings each Friday allow for additional for deep cleaning and sanitization of facilities.
How often will bathrooms be cleaned?
In addition to the end of the school day, all restrooms will receive additional cleanings and sanitizations during the school day, one before lunch period and one immediately following lunch.
What cleaning products will be used?
The District uses Enviro Solutions disinfectant, which is a no-rinse sanitizing disinfectant used in schools, hospitals, medical and dental offices. This solution will be used with increased frequency to help facilitate cleaner and safer facilities.
How are you managing the HVAC system and air filtration?
Prior to the start of the school year all HVAC systems will be serviced and new filters installed. These filters will have the highest MERV rating that the manufacturer recommends. MERV, or the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, measures and evaluates system efficiency. An independent evaluation of the ventilation systems commenced on July 20th and will provide a report as required by the Connecticut Department of Health (CT DPH). All classroom unit ventilators have been serviced with new filters installed with plans and capacity to run continuously. Additionally, restroom exhaust fans will run continuously, when school is in or out of session.
Staff are advised not to run floor or wall mounted fans to avoid horizontal air flow in alignment with guidance from the CDC and the CT DPH. Window air conditioners, however, will operate in fresh air mode to create a comfortable environment for students and staff. As a part of daily operations, all school days will begin with a two hour purge cycle of all mechanical ventilation systems. A second one hour purge cycle will follow at the end of each day.
Technology
What device will my child receive from their school?
All students will be assigned a school-issued device that they will be able to bring home daily to support learning between home and school. Students in grades PreK - 8 will receive a Chromebook and students in grades 9-12 will receive an iPad.
What should I do if my child's school-issued device is not working?
Contact Darien Public Schools Tech Support http://support.darienps.net
Will students be able to take their devices between school and home?
Students will be able to bring their Chromebooks home daily to support learning between home and school.
ATHLETICS
Will there be interscholastic athletics this fall?
The Darien Public Schools will follow the guidelines set forth by the CIAC, the governing body in the state of Connecticut. The link here provides access to the CIAC's Fall Sports Plan. As a safety precaution, please note that that spectators will not be permitted at any Darien HS events this fall season.
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