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DEKAILB COUNTY

SCHOOLS

 

Families? Guide
for School Re-Entry
2020-2021 School Year

Table of Contents
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Quick Start Guide - p.3
Letter from Dr. Barnett - p.4
Teaching and Learning Services - pp.5-11
1-to-1 Chromebook Initiative - p.12
Expectations for Attendance - p.13
Breakfast and Lunch Program - p.14
Transportation - pp.15-16
Sanitation Measures - pp.17-19
Preventative Measures - pp.20-22
Safety & Wellness Measures - pp.23-26
Extra-Curricular - p.27
FAQ - pp.28+

2

 Quick Start Guide
This document is intended to provide information and guidance as we look to reopen schools. This is not
a finalized document and is subject to change.
DeKalb County Schools is committed to providing
high-quality instruction, emotional supports, and a
safe learning environment for all students. We are
looking forward to the 2020-2021 school year and
are working diligently to create a plan that meets
the needs of students and staff. We know that we
cannot anticipate every challenge that may lay in the
coming year, but we are working closely with health
experts, state officials, school leaders, industry
specialists, families, and others to be as prepared as
possible. We thank you for your continued support,
and together we will make this a successful school
year!

Plan Highlights
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What day will school start? Staggered Start?
Parents/Guardians will be able to select Virtual
Learning or a Traditional Learning setting.
Safety and Wellness Measures are being
implemented at the school.
School buses will be available to transport
students.
School officials in partnership with the Alabama
Department of Public Health will monitor health
conditions and determine if one or all campuses
should transition to a blended learning model.

3

 Introduction: Letter from Dr. Barnett
As we near the beginning of the 2020-2021
school year, it is my hope to provide some guidance to you
as you prepare for the upcoming year. I wish I could say
this year would be simple and that we could quickly
bounce back into our regular school routine; however, as
you are well aware, this will not be a normal year anytime
soon. With the closing of school for the final two and a half
months of the 2020 school year, students, parents and
teachers have been wondering about how and when we
will return to school and what it will look like once we do
return. Once again, it is my hope that this guidance will
inform you and provide much information as we move
toward the new school year. This will be the beginning of
an evolving document that will grow and change as new
questions and guidance are made available to us locally.
To be very clear, we miss having our
students--your children--on our school grounds, and I,
personally, look very forward to having our students back
on campus. I know that many of you have anxiety and
worry about returning your most valuable resource to
school. But I also encourage you to know that your children
are also the

most valuable resource to DeKalb County and The
DeKalb County School System.With that in mind, it is
with our collective effort and spirit that we will achieve
a great and successful school year. The students we
welcome this year only have one chance to get a K-12
education, and it is our collective desire to be our very
best for them. Therefore, I know you will join me in
creating a world of learning like no one else has ever
seen. We must look at the opportunity that is ahead of
us and not the obligation. The people in our care are
going to transform the fabric of our reality, and we get
to play a role in its weaving.
In closing, this guidance is not all-inclusive or
finalized but rather is meant to serve as a tool to
support your work in making the 2020-2021 school
year successful. I, for one, know that just like the
2019-2020 school year, there will be many more
achievements than obstacles. I look forward to
welcoming everyone to campus and hope to see you
soon.
Jason Barnett,
DeKalb County School Superintendent

4

 What type of instruction will my child
receive as they enter school in August?
Parents may select between two options for students to receive instruction for the 2020-2021 school year.

Traditional Instruction
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Traditional-learning students are anticipated to
participate in on-campus instruction for the
duration of the year; however, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, students enrolled in
traditional learning may be required to transition
to remote learning led by the student-assigned
classroom teacher--not to be confused with
virtual learning, which is a separate program.
Parents who select the traditional learning option
will return to school per the staggered entry
model (discussed in detail later) and will receive
instruction from classroom teachers.
Students who are new to the system will enroll
through the county registrar. Information is
available on the website.
Students who enroll in traditional learning will
remain in traditional learning for the remainder of
the 2020-2021 school year unless an exception
is granted due to extenuating circumstances.

Virtual Instruction
● DeKalb Virtual Academy (DVA) is an online instructional
opportunity for students in grades K-12.
● DVA is a rigorous program in which most learning takes place
at home.
● Some tests are required to be taken at the virtual academy at
1724 McCurdy Ave N, Rainsville.
● Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenging nature of
the program, a trial period will be offered to first-time DVA
students. Any newly enrolled DVA student will have until
August 28, 2020, to decide if DVA is right for them or if they
should return to traditional instruction. After that date,
students enrolled in DVA will be required to complete the
program for the 2020-2021 school year.
● Early application is June 10-30 with regular enrollment
application July 13-24.
● To enroll visit www.dekalbk12.org or use the application link.

5

 What should I know when considering
Virtual Instruction?
Virtual Instruction
● All students accepted in the DeKalb Virtual Academy will be provided a Chromebook upon meeting
all requirements and completion of the Chromebook Usage Agreement.
● DVA is a rigorous program in which most learning takes place at home.
● Families will need reliable Internet at home in which to connect the Chromebook for learning.
● Virtual Learning takes consistency and dedication from students and parents.
● Some tests are required to be taken at the virtual academy at 1724 McCurdy Ave. N, Rainsville.

6

 What should I know when considering
Traditional Instruction?
Traditional Instruction
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Traditional Instruction will begin with staggered entry in order for students to learn new routines and Chromebook
usage.
A key purpose for these staggered days is for our teachers and students to get to know each other in a smaller
setting, including providing our students with short, informal, district-wide assessments that allow teachers to
quickly know what skills may be missing from the previous year. This will allow the students and teachers to better
understand their current content mastery and build toward their anticipated goals for the 2021 school year. These
assessments should provide teachers with a starting point for planning interventions and re-teaching needs so
students can meet and/or exceed their grade level content mastery.

Scheduled for Staggered Entry Start
1. August 10, 2020 - All students with a last name beginning with A-G will come to campus.
2. August 11, 2020 - All students with a last name beginning with H-M will come to campus.
3. August 12, 2020 - All students with a last name beginning with N-S will come to campus.
4. August 13, 2020 - All students with a last name beginning with T-Z will come to campus.
5. August 14, 2020 - All students will come to campus and a traditional schedule will resume for all
students.

7

 What should I know when considering
Traditional Instruction?
Traditional Instruction transitioning to Remote Instruction
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Beginning in August 2020, DeKalb County will implement a 1-to-1 Chromebook Initiative for
students in grades 3rd-12th to supplement learning in the classroom and for home instruction
should schools be forced to close temporarily for health concerns. (Specifics on the 1-to-1
Initiative provided later in the Guide.) Furthermore, Administrators and teachers will contact the
families of K-2 students in August to determine device needs in the home.
Superintendent Dr. Jason Barnett will monitor health and safety factors in conjunction with the
Alabama Department of Public Health, school administrators, and other leaders. One or more
schools could transition from traditional learning to remote learning during the 2020-2021 school
year.
In the event a school or multiple schools transition to remote learning, students will use
Chromebooks to receive instruction from classroom teachers.
8

 Traditional-to-Remote Learning Services
Planning for when Traditional Learning transitions to Remote Learning
Planning for effective remote learning in the event of a campus closure (3rd-12th)
Traditional learning services and students are anticipated to participate in on-campus instruction for the duration of the
year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students enrolled in traditional learning may be required to transition to
remote learning led by the student’s assigned classroom teacher. In the event we are required to close school or
quarantine for a specific time, the following procedures will be followed.
Students will be responsible for participating and engaging in teacher-led lessons through the Google Suite and Zoom
Meetings if classes transition to remote learning.
The lessons are expected to be a continuation of traditional instruction and will be planned with the same rigor as all
other lessons.
Grades will be taken for assignments given during remote learning.
During remote learning, Each 3rd-12th grade student should participate in one Zoom meeting (online class with
assignment) per week per class as well as an additional three Google Classroom lessons per class per week during
remote learning. In other words, students will have four lessons in each subject that they are taking each week. One of
those lessons will be conducted through a Zoom meeting to provide more direct instruction. Additional small group and
individual Zooms can be scheduled as necessary. (See Remote Learning Framework.)
7th-12th grade Zoom meetings should be conducted at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM respectively each day. PreK-6th grade
Zoom meetings should be scheduled by the teacher in a manner that facilitates class participation to the greatest extent
possible and shared with students.

9

 Traditional-to-Remote Learning Services
Planning for Traditional Learning
Planning for effective remote learning in the event of a campus closure (K-2nd)
Administrators and teachers will contact the families of K-2 students in August to determine device
needs in the home. Students who do not have access to a device will be allowed to borrow a device,
as inventory allows, from the school during the time of remote learning. The devices are to be
returned to the school as the school transitions back to a traditional setting.
K-2 teachers may also send books or other paper resources home that will allow for students to
practice schoolwork.

10

 Traditional-to-Remote Learning Services
Planning for Traditional Learning - Remote Learning Framework and Schedule
Grade

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Pre-K

Reading Zoom
(10-20 minutes)

Math Zoom
(10-20 minutes)

Science Zoom
(10-20 minutes)

S.S. Zoom
(10-20 minutes)

Small Group,
Individual, elective
classes Zooms

K

Reading Zoom
(20 minutes)

Math Zoom
(20 minutes)

Science Zoom
(20 minutes)

S.S. Zoom
(20 minutes)

Small Group,
Individual, elective
classes Zooms

1st-2nd

Reading Zoom
(30 minutes)

Math Zoom
(30 minutes)

Science Zoom
(30 minutes)

S.S. Zoom
(30 minutes)

Small Group,
Individual, elective
classes Zooms

3rd-6th

Reading Zoom
(40 minutes)

Math Zoom
(40 minutes)

Science Zoom
(40 minutes)

S.S. Zoom
(40 minutes)

Small Group,
Individual, elective
classes Zooms

1st period Zoom
2nd period Zoom
(40 minutes)

3rd period Zoom
4th period Zoom
(40 minutes)

7th-12th

9:00 AM Zoom
10:00 AM Zoom

5th period Zoom
6th period Zoom
(40 minutes)

7th period Zoom

Support Service Zoom

(40 minutes)

Small Group or
Individual Zooms
11

 1-to-1 Device Initiative
Key Points
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Each student and their guardian must read and sign the Chromebook Usage Agreement.
When Chromebooks are distributed during the allocated time at the beginning of each school
year, each student must pay the annual Technology Usage Fee. The fee will be $50 for the first
child in each household ( primary place of residence) and $25 for each additional child within the
same household. For students receiving free or reduced lunch, the fee will be $25 for the first
child in each household ( primary place of residence) and $25 for each additional child within the
same household.
Students shall be responsible to pay for and replace any items of the One-to-One gear that is
permanently damaged due to carelessness, loss, or negligence.
At the end of a student’s seventh and twelfth-grade year, ownership of the One-to-One gear may
be transferred to the student, or their guardian if the student is under 18 years of age, provided
certain criteria is met.
The full policy and procedures may be viewed here.

12

 What are the expectations for student
attendance during the 2020-2021
school year?
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Students who attend traditional school will be expected to attend on a regular basis in accordance with
the board-approved attendance policy. The local school administration will consider extenuating
circumstances related to COVID-19.
If traditional school transitions to a remote learning environment, attendance will be taken through
participation in the assigned remote learning activities.
Virtual students will utilize activity and participation through the virtual curriculum as attendance.
Students who are absent should timely submit a note for their absence to the school administrator in
accordance with board policy.
In the case of COVID-related absence, the student is strongly encouraged to notify the school
administrator and submit a physician’s note in a timely manner to the school.

13

 Will any changes be made to the
breakfast and lunch program due to
COVID-19?
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Lunch- The local school and BOE will work with the ADPH to follow current guidance. The
lunchroom should consider beginning with 50 percent occupancy and rotation of classrooms
dining in cafeteria and those dining in classrooms; however, it may be essential to move to
in-classroom dining depending on the infection rate.
Breakfast- Should consider beginning with 50 percent occupancy in the cafeteria. Procedures will
be determined by the school principal; however, it may be essential to move to in-classroom dining
depending on the infections rate.
Outside visitors and/or family guests will not be allowed to dine in the school cafeteria.
Students will not self-serve meals.
Local school CNP will adhere to current school nutrition guidelines and practices.
Families are encouraged to prepay to reduce and/or eliminate the handling of money. EZSchoolPay
Should school(s) transition from traditional learning to remote learning due to COVID-19, the
system will endeavor to provide students with meals upon request. A plan for preparation and
delivery will be provided.

14

 How will cleanliness and safety
measures be addressed on the school
bus?
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The local school district has provided sanitizing equipment to each local school and will ensure
that each bus is thoroughly sanitized by assigned personnel after each trip by an assigned
employee.
A maximum of 48 students will be transported during a single route. Bus routes with more
than 48 students will be reassigned to a different route or will be picked up during a
secondary route.
Each bus driver will also be provided with sanitizer for spot cleaning and sanitizing as
necessary.
Each driver will be provided an assigned seat template to specify by grade, location, family
considerations, etc... Each bus will have a quarantine seat for students who show symptoms
enroute.

15

 How will cleanliness and safety
measures be addressed on the school
bus?
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The use of masks or other facial coverings by students during transportation will be directed
by the confirmed cases of COVID-19 data provided by the Alabama Department of Public
Health , which has four distinguished levels of infection.
Very High- Students will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering on the bus.
High-Students will be encouraged to wear a mask or other facial covering on the bus.
Moderate- Students will have the option of wearing a mask or other facial covering at
their discretion.
Low-Students will have the option of wearing a mask or other facial covering at their
discretion.

16

 What cleanliness measures will be in
place during a regular school day?
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Custodial staff will receive training from third-party provider on school sanitation.
Restroom Sanitation- Restrooms will be sanitized multiple times daily. Soap and/or sanitizer will be
available in the bathroom and throughout the school buildings.
Common Area Sanitations- Common areas and surfaces(handrails, doorknobs, etc...) will be sanitized
throughout the day by custodial staff. All efforts will be made to minimize contact with common
surfaces.
Classroom sanitation and cleaning will be a joint effort by the school custodial staff, classroom teachers
and other school personnel.
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The DeKalb County Board of Education will provide sanitation equipment, material, sanitizer,
soap, training, etc… to ensure proper sanitation of each local school.
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The local school custodial staff will work to sanitize classrooms and common spaces daily.
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Classroom teachers will be provided sanitizing liquid to spot clean as needed and to sanitize
desks, counters, etc....
17

 What cleanliness measures will be in
place during a regular school day?
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Hand Sanitizer will be available throughout the school campus(entrances, hallways, cafeteria,
common areas, etc...).
Hand soap will be readily available for usage.
Sanitizing chemicals and mopping equipment specifically designed to kill COVID-19 and
prevent cross contamination will be purchased and consistently used across the system.
Quick-drying sanitizing products will also be used to quickly sanitize areas while students are
not present.
District and supporting vendors will provide school-level guidance for cleaning and
disinfecting buildings, facilities, and playgrounds.
Custodial staff will be trained in recommended cleaning guidelines issued by OSHA and CDC.
Air filters should be changed regularly.

18

 What cleanliness measures will be in
place during a regular school day?
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Signage about frequent hand washing/hygiene should be widely posted, disseminated, and
encouraged through various methods of communication.
Water fountains will be disabled. Individual water bottles are encouraged.
Third Party vendor will routinely audit necessary materials and supply chains for cleaning and
disinfecting supplies for classrooms, restrooms, handwashing sinks, and other school facilities.
School leaders will conduct and document facility walkthroughs with custodial staff and
custodial services to ensure the classrooms, common spaces, and the exterior are prepared
and safe for staff and students.

19

 What preventative measures will be in
place during a regular school day?
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Each school will have a specific plan for the following topics. However, typical guidance is as follows:
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Lunchroom- The school BOE will work with the ADPH to follow current guidance. The
lunchroom will begin with 50 percent occupancy and rotation of classrooms dining in cafeteria
and those dining in classrooms.
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Breakfast- Should not exceed the 50 percent occupancy in the lunchroom. Procedures will be
determined by the school principal.
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Assemblies- No Group larger than 50, given that social distancing guidelines and
post-assembly sanitation requirements are maintained.
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Morning Arrivals- Students will report to their first-period classroom. No congregating in
groups.
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Elementary Snack- Elementary students will have break within their classroom or in an
assigned area outside the building maintaining social distance guidelines. Break will be ordered
each morning and delivered by the breakstore worker.
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High School Break- High-school students will be assigned a specific time(staggered) and
location whereby they will order and receive their snack.
20

 What preventative measures will be in
place during a regular school day?
High School Transitions- The local school will develop a transition plan based on their number of
students and facility layout that ensures minimal contact with students from other classrooms.
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Elementary Transitions- The local school will develop a transition plan based on their number of
students and based on the facility layout that ensures minimal contact with students from other
classrooms. Where feasible, elementary classrooms will consider self-contained classrooms and/or
teacher rotations.
Each school will have a plan for the following topics; however, typical guidance is as follows:
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Classroom Seating- Student desks should be spaced apart as much as is feasibly possible and placed
in forward-facing rows. Flexible seating should be removed.
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Career Tech Classrooms, labs and workspaces- Social distancing recommendations should be
considered. Equipment should be regularly sanitized. Food preparation is strongly discouraged.
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Employee Masks- The use of masks or facial coverings will be governed by Alabama Health Order as
directed by Governor Kay Ivey. (As of 7/1/2020, the current health (Item 13c) order requires the use of
a mask or other facial covering by a state employee within 6 feet of a person of a different household.)
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Student Masks- Students are not required to wear masks or facial coverings in classrooms, but masks
may be required for specific extra-curricular activities. See current AHSAA guidelines. Masks or other
facial coverings may also be required during bus transportation depending on ADPH infection level.
○

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21

 What preventative measures will be in
place during a regular school day?
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Classroom teachers should remove and minimize the inclusion of cloth and other soft surfaces
within the classroom environment.( rugs, beanbags, reading tents, etc...)
Classroom teachers will educate students on best practices for self-care for themselves as
well as others (hand-washing, limit sharing of personal items, sneezing in elbow, etc...).When
feasible, desks, counters, and table surfaces should be cleaned during transition times.
All efforts should be given to not send students to the nurses office for well visits and/or minor
needs.
First period or homeroom teachers will welcome students in their classroom upon arrival to
school each day. There will not be a common area for students to congregate, so special
attention will need to be made to coordinate school arrival by bus transportation, car-riders
and classroom teachers, who are required to be on campus 15 minutes prior to the start of
school.
Additional classroom procedures will be provided at each local school campus.
22

 Safety & Wellness Measures- Training
Training
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Staff members will be presented Standard Precaution Training as a preventative measure to
support student knowledge on how to prevent the spreading of virus and other airborne
illness.
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Staff will encourage hand washing and basic respiratory hygiene, such as covering the mouth
when coughing.
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Each school nurse will be a resource person for student educational activities, such as
age-appropriate educational videos on hand-washing, covering one's mouth when coughing
or sneezing, and how to wear a mask if needed.
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Posters will also be made available for classrooms and school hallways.
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Health tips regarding hygiene will be shared on social media and website.

23

 Safety & Wellness Measures- Parent
and Home Prevention(First Screening)
Parents
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If a child has a pre-existing condition, parents are advised to speak with their child's primary
care physician about returning to school.
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Parents will be encouraged to take students’ temperatures and assess students before
sending to school. Students who have an elevated temperature greater than 98.6℉ and/or are
exhibiting symptoms should stay at home.
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Parents will be encouraged to give appropriate contact information and make plans to ensure
someone could check student out if needed.
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Parents should discourage students from taking non-essential items to school. Items taken to
school should be sanitized as feasibly as possible.

24

 Safety & Wellness MeasuresTransportation and School(Second and
Third Screening)
Transportation
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Transportation is the second point on the screening continuum. Bus drivers, upon entrance to
the bus, will visibly check for any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 or other visible illnesses.
School systems will use clearly visible signage that students should not have fever or
COVID-19 symptoms if traveling on a school bus. The signage will also outline COVID-19
symptoms as an educational tool.
School
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School is the final point on the screening continuum. School system staff will visually check for
symptoms (which may include temperature checks and/or confirmation with families that the
students are COVID-19 symptom free.)
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Faculty will limit the items sent home with students that need returned. Items sent home will
be sanitized as feasibly as possible.
25

 Safety & Wellness Measures- Nurse
Office Visits
Nurse Office Visits
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Teachers will limit well-child visits with minor problems (ex. Keep Band-aids on hand for
minor cuts and abrasions and clothing for student bathroom accidents).
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Teachers/Staff will call a school nurse before sending a student to them to limit the number of
students in the health room and limit exposure.
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School Nurse will work closely with administrators in developing a plan to isolate sick children
until someone comes and gets them.
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School Nurse will continue to develop Individual Health Plans for students with chronic health
problems.
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School Nurse will assess the student and take appropriate actions. If indicated, student may
be asked to wear a mask until someone comes and gets them
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School Nurse will sanitize and disinfect as needed.

26

 How will safety guidelines impact
extra-curricular activities, including
athletics?
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2020-2021 Sports Calendar- Additional Guidance may be forthcoming as athletic seasons
progress.
Students and families are encouraged to self-report to administrators, sponsors, or coaches if
they have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The student will
then need to abide by applicable protocols. Mainly, students in this category will need to be
quarantined for 14 days. Parents and students should understand that no student who misses
any school-related activities will be punished.
All athletic teams, band, cheer, academic clubs will follow guidance as applicable during
meetings, practices, transportation, competition and other organzized activities provided by
the AHSAA, ADPH, ALSDE and the Dekalb County Board of Education.
Only Essential Personnel should be directly involved on sidelines or club-based practices,
competitions, etc..
Currently, it is anticipated that national guidelines will be provided for the football season.
Information will be shared as it is received.

27

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between traditional learning, remote learning, and virtual academy?
A: Traditional learning takes place in the classroom and may involve a combination of paper and digital
tools.
Remote Learning, provided by the classroom teacher, will be used in the event of school closure.
Students who are in traditional classrooms will transition to digital learning on the Google platform and
Zoom meetings.
Virtual Academy: Students enrolled at DVA are assigned coursework that comes completely from a
digital platform (SchoolsPLP or Access) and is facilitated by virtual academy instructors. Students
enrolled in DVA will not attend the school in an on-campus manner. Students may apply for DVA,
here. Early application is June 10-30 with regular enrollment application July 13-24.

28

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I enroll my child in the virtual school option?
A: The DeKalb County Virtual Academy Application is an online form. You can access the form
by clicking this link. DVA Application You can also visit the DVA website for more information..
Early application is June 10-30 with regular enrollment application July 13-24.
Q: How do I withdraw my child from the DeKalb County Virtual Academy to re-enroll in
traditional learning?
A: Once enrolled in the virtual academy, students will be given a grace period of
approximately three weeks(8/28/2020) to determine if virtual learning is appropriate for their
individual needs. Questions and requests regarding traditional school re-entry should be
directed to DVA administrators in conjunction with the local school administrator.

29

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will there be a school closure for the 2020-2021 school year?
A: Under current guidance we do not expect a school closure. In the event of widespread
COVID-19 cases within our local communities or county, we will strongly consider a transition
to our remote learning plan.
Q. What will determine if a transition to remote learning is necessary?
A. Currently, no guidance has been presented from the ALSDE, ADPH or the CDC regarding
an infection rate that would trigger a transition to remote learning. Decisions will be made
regarding the transition from traditional learning to remote learning based on consultation and
guidance from ADPH, ALSDE, and CDC.
Q: How does COVID-19 impact school supply lists?
A: Teachers should be mindful of the hardships that families may have encountered over the
past few months when requesting supplies. Teachers should not request cleaning supplies as
they can be difficult to obtain, and the district will provide them.
30

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do students have to wear a mask?
A: During in-class instruction, students are welcome to wear masks. Students and their parents should
carefully consider and make decisions regarding whether they feel wearing a mask is appropriate for
their and their classmates personal health and physical situation.
The use of masks or other facial coverings by students during transportation will be directed by the
confirmed cases of COVID-19 data provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health which has
four distinguished levels of infection.
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Very High- Students will be required to wear a mask or other facial covering on the bus.
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High-Students will be encouraged to wear a mask or other facial covering on the bus.
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Moderate- Students will have the option of wearing a mask or other facial covering at their
discretion.
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Low-Students will have the option of wearing a mask or other facial covering at their discretion.

31

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do employees have to wear a mask?
A: Currently, the required use of masks will be governed by Alabama Health Order as directed
by Governor Kay Ivey. (As of 7/1/2020, the current health order(Item 13c) requires the use of a
mask or other facial covering by a education employee within 6 feet of a person of a different
household.)
The use of masks or other facial coverings by bus drivers will also generally follow the
Alabama Health Order as directed by Governor Kay Ivey. However, careful consideration
should be given as to driver visibility and safety of transportation when determining the use of
a mask or other facial covering.

32

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will instruction be provided for students with extended absences due to a positive COVID-19
test or mandatory quarantine?
A: Teachers will provide assignments to students who are absent for an extended number of days
through digital platforms(Google, Seesaw) or paper resources in the event they are needed.
Parents of students who are absent more than 14 consecutive days should collaborate with their
classroom teacher and school administrators to develop a plan for instruction.
Q: Will teachers and students be responsible for grades in the event of remote learning?
A: Grades will continue in the event of a remote learning. Graded assignments should focus on
formative assessments and not summative assessments or tests. Formative assessment may
include but should not be limited to practice questions, writing assignments, daily grades, informal
quizzes, or review questions. Students should receive feedback on all work completed in the event
of the campus closure. The feedback can be made through Google Classroom options, Zoom
chats, emails, or phone conferences. The DeKalb BOE will work to increase available WIFI
hotspots within our school communities to serve students who have limited or no internet access.
Students who have limited or are without access to internet will be provided a grace period
determined by the duration of remote learning to make up missed assignments.

33

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will schools have open-house?
A: Schools will be allowed to have open-house for informational purposes but will likely limit
the duration and campus access during the open-house to ensure a sanitary environment.
Efforts should be made to limit attendance for the open house so that ADPH guidelines may
be maintained in terms of distancing and capacity. Families who attend open house will be
required to wear masks or other facial coverings.
Q: Will visitors be allowed on campus for events, eat lunch with students, walk students to class,
etc…?
A: Visitors should have minimal access to the campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. This
means that visitors will not be allowed to eat lunch with their children in the cafeteria or visit
for other non-essential activities. While we strongly desire parent and community
engagement, we will work to collaborate and engage our community and family partners in
new and innovative ways. In the event a visitor is allowed access to campus, the visitor will be
required to wear a mask or other facial covering for the duration of their visit.

34

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will classrooms maintain a six-foot distance between all students?
A: Teachers will work to maximize the distance between desks as much as possible.
Unnecessary furniture will be removed from rooms in an effort to create more space between
desks. Classrooms that utilize tables for student and group seating will evaluate their ability to
distance students with the tables and identify potential solutions to ensure a safe learning
environment.
Q. How will our school calendar and master schedules be impacted by CDC suggestions?
A: The only anticipated schedule change is to move the start date for students to August 10
and stagger the first four days of school so that we can have small groups of students on
campus August 10, 11, 12, and 13. All students will attend school together Friday, August
14th. An updated calendar will be provided once finalized.

35

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will students take their Chromebooks home daily?
A: Yes. Students will take their Chromebooks home daily and will need to bring their
chromebook back to school fully charged daily.
Q. If schools have to transition to remote learning, how will my child access his/her learning if we
do not have internet at home?
A: The DeKalb County Board of Education is grateful for the partnership and provided
community hotspots that Farmers Telecommunications has offered in our communities. In the
event we transition to remote learning, we have hopes of expanding this partnership and
providing additional locations. Hotspot Locations If you are unable to access a hotspot during
the remote learning period, a grace period will be provided upon return to traditional learning
for the child to make up missed assignments .

36

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If my child chooses the virtual academy option, will he/she be able to attend the DeKalb County
Career Tech Center?
A: The Virtual school’s curriculum, SchoolsPLP, offers a wide variety of career tech and elective
course options. Students electing to participate in Virtual Schooling should consider the career
and technical education offerings within the SchoolsPLP program.

Q. If my child’s school has to transition from traditional to remote learning, will my child still
receive meal service?
A: Should school(s) transition from traditional learning to remote learning due to COVID-19,
the system will endeavor to provide students with meals upon request. A plan for preparation
and delivery will be provided.

37

 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If a student or teacher test positive for COVID-19, will the entire class be asked to quarantine?
A. In the event that a student or employee tests positive, persons within that class setting will
be notified to the greatest extent possible without revealing any confidential student
information. Student information will remain confidential as required by law.
While it is possible the class may be required to quarantine, the class may not necessarily be
required to quarantine. In the event a faculty member tests positive for COVID-19, he or she
will notify a supervisor and follow the directions of a medical provider. Faculty members who
test positive must obtain one negative COVID-19 test result before returning to work.
The ADPH has defined direct exposure as being in contact closer than 6 feet for more than 15
minutes. The local school administration will work closely with parents and students to be
flexible and work with parents as it relates to individual exposure and school absences.
However, based on consultation with the classroom teacher to identify any potential exposure
location, duration of infection, etc.., the school could potentially ask the classroom to
quarantine and transition to remote learning.

38

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I be notified if a classmate of my child has tested positive for Covid-19?
A: It is the responsibility and duty of the Alabama Department of Public Health to notify
individuals of possible exposure to COVID-19. However, In the event that a student or
employee tests positive, persons within that class setting will be notified to the greatest extent
possible without revealing any confidential student information. Student information will
remain confidential as required by law.
Q: How can I make sure I receive up-to-date information
A: It is very important to ensure that your local school has accurate and up-to-date contact
information. If your contact information has changed or if you are unsure about its accuracy, please
contact your child's teacher and/or the school secretary to make sure accurate information is
available
39

 FAQs

Additional questions should be submitted to covid?dekalbk12ord

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