Masks Update, No Remote Learning: Milford Back-To-Schools Update

Milford CT

18 August, 2021

7:25 PM

Description

Information via the Milford Public Schools system: Dear Milford Public Schools Staff and Parents/Guardians, I am writing to provide you with some important information regarding our Back to School/Safe Return plans for the 2021-22 school year. As you may recall, every public school district in Connecticut was required to submit its draft Safe Return to In-Person Instruction & Continuity of Services Plan for community feedback by June 23, 2021. Throughout the summer, districts refined those initial plans to incorporate the current health environment and state guidance in order to return to school safely. All districts were required to submit their updated plans to the state on August 16, 2021. For your convenience, we have linked the entire plan, as submitted, here: Safe Return to In-Person Instruction & Continuity of Services Plan.As it stands today, all students and staff will return to school, full-time, five days a week. Remote learning will not be an option for the 2021-22 school year as a choice for attendance unless the school district moves to a different instructional model based on public health conditions. Milford Public Schools, in accordance with the established Interim Guidance for Remote Learning fromthe Connecticut State Department of Education, will approve individual student access or class quarantine to remote learning (distance learning) opportunities as outlined in this document, on a case-by-case basis in response to documented and verified need to quarantine related to COVID-19 as indicated from The Milford Health Department. Decisions relating to daily school operation will continue to be made using the same set of five key indicators we used last year:1-health metrics, 2-social/emotional needs, 3-academic priorities, 4-availability of resources, and 5-human resources. If indicators change during the course of the year, however, we may need to move to alternative instructional scenarios. It is for this reason I ask you to be prepared and to have a 'Plan B' in place should changes become necessary. To help you prepare for the school year commencing on September 1, 2021, we are highlighting some of the more frequently requested pieces of information below (taken from the full plan referenced above). Masks: Universal and Correct UsageIn accordance with the Governor's Executive Order 13A, masks will be required while indoors for all students and staff, regardless of vaccination status, as we begin the 2021-22 school year and in effect through at least September 30, 2021. This includes students using bus transportation, as mask use on busses is mandated by Federal and State order. Periodic mask breaks will occur throughout the day. While outside, students and staff are allowed to remove their masks as long as appropriate social distancing is in place. Physical/Social DistancingStudents and staff will continue to practice acceptable social distancing. When in the classroom, a distance of at least 3' between desks will be the standard; a distance of at least 6' will be required between adult-to-adult and adult-to-students. When outdoors, students and staff are allowed to remove their masks as long as appropriate social distancing is in place. Desks will be arranged to have students face the same way. If desk placement is not possible, (e.g. science labs), students will only sit on one side of the table. Physical barriers will continue to be used in the classroom, such as plexiglass barriers between students and staff where possible. HandwashingHandwashing and/or hand sanitizing have been an important part of the layers of mitigation strategies in place here in the district. All students and staff will continue to engage in frequent hand washing/sanitizing throughout the day. FacilitiesOur facilities team will continue to perform routine cleaning and disinfecting of high use building spaces. The team pays special attention to 'high touch'surfaces, such as door knobs, desk tops and chairs, restrooms, and other high traffic areas. In addition, our heating and ventilation systems have been upgraded to allow the maximum amount of outside air to fully ventilate indoor spaces. Playground equipmentWe are happy to report our playground equipment will be available this year for student use. The outdoor equipment will be cleaned regularly by our custodial staff. TransportationWe expect our buses to operate at or close to capacity this year, with last year's continued mitigation strategies in place: face masks and assigned seating sections. Students will be required to use the same bus every day. Buses will be cleaned and disinfected every day. Information about bus routes and bus stops will be sent to all families eligible for bus transportation within the next week via our SchoolMessenger system (email). Please watch for it. Food ServicesSchool meals will be served in designated areas determined on a school-by-school basis. The specific location will be shared with families by building administrators. All students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch on scheduled school days. TechnologyEvery student will continue to have a digital device (e.g. Chromebook) to use during the school day and to bring home with them at the end of the school day. Additional guidance will be forthcoming from the Business and Instructional Digital Services department (formerly known as Information Technology, or IT) on insurance, security software, and device upkeep. Social Emotional WellnessAs we prepare our return to school this fall, our goal is to provide a smooth transition for all students and to build/rebuild strong connections with teachers and with peers. These will include the practice of Morning Meeting at the elementary level and Advisory for students at the secondary level. Trained professionals in our buildings -- school social workers, school psychologists, and school counselors -- will continue to provide additional support for all individuals. Before/After School CareOur before and after school programs will continue this school year at the elementary level. These programs will follow the same health and safety practices as the school district. Please know we will continue to keep you informed as new information is available. Thank you for your patience and confidence in our team's work to develop a plan while information and guidance is continuously evolving. Best, Anna M. Cutaia, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schools