0 Fort Worthl INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FORT WORTH ISD FORWARD Return to Learning Page 2 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Table of Contents Fort Worth ISD Forward: Fall 2020 Education Plan ........................................................................ 3 Fort Worth ISD Commitment to Equity ............................................................................................. 4 Stakeholder Feedback and Input ........................................................................................................ 4 Fall 2020 Instructional Options ............................................................................................................ 5 Attendance Requirements .................................................................................................................... 5 Learning at Home (Virtual Instruction) .............................................................................................. 6 In-person Learning .................................................................................................................................. 9 Health and Safety Preparation ......................................................................................................................... 9 Health and Safety Training ................................................................................................................................ 9 Student and Staff Pre-Screening ..................................................................................................................... 9 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/Face Covering .............................................................................. 10 Hand Washing and Disinfecting Expectations ........................................................................................... 11 Daily Campus Cleaning ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Classroom Safety ................................................................................................................................................ 12 Isolation Procedures and COVID-19 Cases................................................................................................. 12 Bus Transportation ............................................................................................................................................. 13 School Arrival and Dismissal ........................................................................................................................... 14 Hallways and Lockers ........................................................................................................................................ 16 Breakfast and Lunch .......................................................................................................................................... 17 Common Areas, Meetings and School Events ........................................................................................... 17 Emergencies and Drills...................................................................................................................................... 18 Recess and Playground Structures ................................................................................................................ 18 Physical Education .............................................................................................................................................. 19 Water Fountains .................................................................................................................................................. 19 COVID-19 Discipline Protocol......................................................................................................................... 19 Visitor Screening and PPE Requirements .................................................................................................... 20 Social Emotional Support for Virtual and In-Person Instruction.............................................. 21 Athletics and Extracurriculars ............................................................................................................. 22 Technology .............................................................................................................................................. 23 Page 3 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Fort Worth ISD Forward: Fall 2020 Education Plan Fort Worth ISD looks forward to welcoming students, teachers and staff back to learning for the 2020-21 school year. As you will see in this plan, the new school year will be unlike any other year in FWISD history and will differ significantly from this past spring when District educators rapidly responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe the best place for a child to learn is in the classroom with a teacher. We also know our current public health crisis is making that a challenge. As of now, we plan to offer both in-person and virtual learning to our students. Online instruction for 2020-21 will be robust, organized, and a consistent experience for all students choosing this model of learning. And, for those learning on campus, our overarching priority will be the health and safety of students, teachers, staff, and the community. Fort Worth ISD drew from surveys and other input in formulating a plan for fall. Almost 35,000 people responded to the Reshaping 2020-21 Survey in May, voicing their opinions about online learning and other strategies for the new school year. In a July survey, teachers and principals were asked for more specific suggestions for helping to ensure a successful reopening of classes. Respondents considered their spring 2020 online learning experiences and, offered advice for improving processes. Unfortunately, COVID-19 will still be with us when we return on August 17, and with it, uncertainty. We may experience an outbreak that results in the temporary closure of the District or one or more schools. We may need to pivot from in-person to virtual instruction multiple times during the school year. And, between now and August 17, our community may be hit with an increase in COVID cases that forces new decisions and actions. Plans will remain flexible to accommodate potential changes. Our responses will be guided by local and state health and safety guidelines, best practices, and what is fair and equitable for all students. Sincerely, Dr. Kent P. Scribner Superintendent Page 4 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Fort Worth ISD Commitment to Equity The District shall provide every student with equitable access to high quality, culturally and personally relevant instruction, curricula, support, facilities, and other educational resources, even when this means differentiating resources to accomplish this goal. Stakeholder Feedback and Input Fort Worth ISD will continue to seek feedback and input from our families and teaching staff regarding their experiences during school closure in the spring and on concerns and needs as we plan for the fall with a lens of continuous improvement. Reshaping 2020-2021: The FWISD School Calendar and Online Learning Survey Fort Worth ISD surveyed parents, students, employees, and community members in May about a variety of issues, including instructional quality and meals to go services during COVID-19 shutdown as well as the academic calendar for the coming year. 34,874 Total Responses 16,122 8,172 Parent or Student Guardian 5,540 Teacher 1,789 School Support Staff 479 School Leader 454 Central Office Staff 2,318 Community Member Teacher and Principal Survey The Fort Worth ISD is currently asking teachers and campus principals to provide their input on exactly what will help ensure a successful reopening of classes for the new school year. Teachers will be asked a series of questions to collect their thoughts about spring online learning and what they feel will improve the process going forward. They will be asked how they feel about returning to teaching, if they are ready for in-class, virtual, or both types of instruction and what support they need to make the 2020-2021 a successful school year. Let’s Talk The Let’s Talk online platform also gives stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions at any time throughout the process. Stakeholders are able to submit a question or comment from any device and receive a response. Page 5 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Fall 2020 Instructional Options Fort Worth ISD families may choose either in-person or virtual, online learning. In-person Student participates in on-campus instruction 100% of the time In-person instruction for the 2020-21 school year will be safe, organized, and an engaging experience for all students. Here are some standards the Fort Worth ISD will follow regarding in-person learning: Staff and students will follow current face-covering guidance. Position desks according to current recommendations and utilize barriers where appropriate. Increase daily and weekly cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Virtual Instruction Student participates in remote instruction 100% of the time Online instruction for the 2020-21 school year will be robust, organized, and a consistent experience for all students. Here are some standards the Fort Worth ISD will follow regarding virtual learning: Teachers will have planned availability for students – including scheduled office hours. Direct instruction will be delivered by teachers – students will be able to get teacher support when needed, and students will know how and when they can interact with their teachers. Students will receive clear, understandable directions on a daily basis on how to use academic materials. Attendance Requirements Per Texas Education Code (TEC), §25.092, students must attend 90% of the days a course is offered (with some exceptions) in order to be awarded credit for the course and/or to be promoted to the next grade. This requirement remains in force during the 2020-21 school year. Remote attendance will count in the same manner as on-campus (face-to-face) attendance in satisfying this requirement. Page 6 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward It is important that students understand that virtual learning attendance is based on daily engagement, not solely the completion of assignments. Learning at Home (Virtual Instruction) What course options will my child have if virtual instruction is selected? Core academic courses will be offered at all grade levels. Elective options are being explored and will be offered to the greatest extent possible. More detail on elective options will be forthcoming. Elementary and Middle Schools: Teachers will design on-line courses with the guidance and support of our Teaching and Learning Department, Curriculum Frameworks, and the use of District resources. Elementary School courses will be taught directly by a teacher in a common virtual learning platform. Classroom teachers will be responsible for extensions, grading, and student interaction. FWISD Teaching and Learning staff and campus Instructional Coaches will support teachers with instructional delivery during the first six weeks. Schedules will be determined by each individual campus. High Schools: Teachers will design on-line courses with the guidance and support of our Teaching and Learning Department, Curriculum Frameworks, and the use of District resources. STAAR EOC courses will be taught directly by a teacher in a common virtual learning platform, with daily teacher interaction in order to ensure student support is provided. Other core courses and graduation requirements will be taught directly by a teacher in a common virtual learning platform with daily teacher interaction as well. Elective courses that will be provided in the virtual instruction environment are still being identified. Higher Education partners have already announced that they will be offering most Dual Credit Courses virtually. Students selecting virtual instruction will be able to take advantage of these offerings as well. Complete course guides for high school students are being developed now and will be updated soon. Schedules will be determined by each individual campus. Who will lead online learning? Fort Worth ISD teachers will provide virtual instruction. Teachers will be identified once student enrollment numbers are established. What will the work schedule be for teachers who teach virtually? Virtual instruction teachers will follow a traditional teacher work schedule. Students will be required to engage in instruction for a minimum of 4 hours daily. Teachers will engage with students during the required instructional time, as well as maintain identified "office hours" to support student and parent communication. Office hours are designed as additional support and resource for the student and families, not to replace the instructional hours required. Page 7 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Will teachers be trained to instruct in the new format? Yes. During the spring and this past summer, teachers were provided the opportunity to engage in multiple professional learning experiences during our ConnectEd professional learning experiences. In addition, all teachers will receive training specific to on-line instruction in the event that a school closure is necessary during the 2020-2021 school year. Teachers identified to provide virtual instruction to begin the school year will be provided on-going professional learning. Will teachers and students be provided technology to be able to effectively teach and participate in the Virtual School? Yes. Teachers will use the existing technology in their classrooms. Students who select virtual instruction will be prioritized for appropriate technology devices. Chromebooks and hot spots are available for students enrolled in virtual instruction. Where will the virtual instruction teachers be assigned to work? Teachers will work out of an empty classroom on their home campus. If this is not a possibility, other District options are being explored. Will students enrolled in virtual instruction be assigned to a counselor? Yes, students enrolled in virtual instruction will work with their home campus counselors. Will there be an enrollment process for virtual instruction? Yes, virtual instruction is an option when parents enroll students in our on-line registration system. Our registration system opened on July 1. When is the deadline for parents to decide if they want in person or virtual school? In order to prepare for the first day of virtual school, we are asking parents who are requesting virtual instruction to complete registration documentation by Monday, August 3, 2020 Can students transfer from in-person instruction to virtual or from virtual to in-person, during the year? Yes, an opportunity to transfer from instructional platforms will be available at the conclusion of each grading period (every 6 weeks). Will students in the virtual school have lessons in Social Emotional Learning? Yes, Social Emotional Learning will be a part of virtual instruction. There will be stand-alone lessons, as well as content embedded into core curriculum through culturally relevant pedagogy and practice. Page 8 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Will virtual instruction have set instructional times or self-paced learning? Virtual instruction will be an asynchronous or self-paced model of instruction. To support student learning, there will be direct instruction requirements that will require a student to engage with teachers at specific times. Schedules for instructional time will be established at each individual campus and by grade levels to ensure we are differentiating to meet the needs of all of our learners. How will my student be graded if they participate in virtual instruction? Grades for virtual instruction will follow all District grading policies. Numeric grades will be assigned for each 6-weeks and semester basis. There may be situations where courses selected by the student cannot be delivered in a virtual environment. In those situations, school counselors will work with the student to select an appropriate course that will be delivered virtually. How will attendance be taken if my student participates in virtual instruction? Attendance will be taken daily by the classroom teacher in one of three ways. 1. Students engage in online learning and demonstrate progress with lessons, assignments, and teacher instruction. 2. Students directly interact with their classroom teacher and teacher confirms student engagement for a particular day. Student/teacher interaction can be through multiple methods, including telephone or digital means. 3. Students submit an assignment through the learning management system on a particular day. Students will be counted present on days in which they engage in one of these three methods. How will I communicate with my child’s/children’s teacher in a virtual setting? Teachers will be required to use a common learning platform. Teachers will be using Google Classroom, Google Meet, and also will be required to set up a Google site in order to provide more direct communication to parents and families. More details on these sites will be shared with families from the Campus Leadership in the weeks to come. Will PreK be taught virtually? Yes, PreK will be offered both virtually and in person. FWISD will offer a variety of models and instructional supports to PreK teachers and campuses. Schedules will be determined by individual campuses. Page 9 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward In-person Learning Health and Safety Preparation The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidance, recommendations and resources to assist with plans and protocols for health and safety. Before schools re-open, Fort Worth ISD will implement health and safety plans that include: Ensuring adequate supply inventory (e.g., PPE, cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, etc.) Cleaning with products approved by governing authorities and per guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency Ensuring compliance with CDC, Health and Human Services, the Texas Education Agency and other jurisdictional policies Providing communication of procedures and expectations upon entering facilities and throughout buildings Health and Safety Training Fort Worth ISD will provide information to students on appropriate hygiene practices. Parents are asked to talk to their students about COVID-19 symptoms and prevention strategies. Teachers will attend training and develop classroom procedures consistent with TEA, District and CDC guidance. All staff will be trained on COVID screening, identification of symptoms, prevention of spread, and sanitation of work areas. Student and Staff Pre-Screening All students and staff will pre-screen for COVID-19 symptoms daily and individuals with symptoms prior to arrival. QR Code will be provided for daily pre-screening. Staff will be required to complete a self-screening process prior to entering a Fort Worth ISD building, and the District may require further screening of employees at any time based on current state and federal guidelines. A parent or guardian will be required to pre-screen their children for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending them to school. Parents will need to take their child’s temperature daily. Page 10 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms (as listed in this document). Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has lab-confirmed COVID-19, until all of the below conditions for re-entry are met. Students and staff will be permitted to return to school when: They are 3 days (72 hours) fever-free without using fever-reducing medication; Improved symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing, etc.); 10 days have passed since symptoms began. Staff and students should not enter campuses or District buildings if any of the following apply. The individual : Is sick or has been sick in the past 14 days. Symptoms to watch for: fever (100°F or higher), cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, shaking or exaggerated shivering, diarrhea. Has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or has been in close contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. These individuals must follow all isolation and quarantine guidelines from the local health authority or their physician. Has a household member who is awaiting COVID-19 test results or is awaiting their own test results. Has traveled internationally or on a cruise in the past 14 days. These individuals must follow current CDC self-quarantine recommendations: CDC Recommendations Link Additional screening may be conducted upon arrival to school and during the school day. Teachers will monitor students and refer them to the nurse if symptoms are present. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/Face Covering One of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of the virus includes the utilization of facemasks. All students in Fort Worth ISD will comply with the Governor’s current Executive Orders regarding facemasks prior to boarding a school bus or entering a school facility and throughout the school day. This requirement is subject to change. Masks include non-medical grade disposable face masks, cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth), or full-face shields to protect eyes, nose, and mouth. The District will provide students with cloth and disposable masks as needed. Students may also choose to wear their own, washable, reusable mask from home. Masks must adhere to the District dress code policy on clothing and accessories, FNCA (Local), no lewd, vulgar or offensive clothing or pictures/symbols that promote hate, gang violence, drugs, etc. Page 11 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Students unable to wear face masks for documented health reasons may be provided with a reusable face shield as an alternative. Individual needs regarding face coverings will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Requests for accommodations should be submitted to campus administration. Hand Washing and Disinfecting Expectations Frequent hand sanitization and disinfection will be required to ensure the health and safety of students and staff. Hand sanitizer will be available at the main entry to the campus, in classrooms, in the cafeteria and in common areas throughout the campus. Staff and students will be expected to regularly wash or sanitize their hands. Habitual and thorough hand washing will be expected after recess, before eating and following restroom breaks. Staff will have access to disinfectant solutions to sanitize high-touch and working surfaces and shared objects frequently. Staff will limit the use of shared supplies when possible. Daily Campus Cleaning The District will utilize CDC guidelines and recommendations to ensure we implement the safest and most current practices for the cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting of our school campuses while allowing students to engage in classroom activities. To ensure a sanitary environment for students and staff, we will provide: Routine cleaning with special attention to specific high use areas, such as door handles, knobs, and buttons. Increased disinfecting throughout the school day for restrooms and any other high use common areas. Restrooms will be frequently stocked with soap and paper towels. Daily application of disinfectants registered with the EPA and approved for contact services. Daily spraying of our facilities, buses, and classrooms, including items such as computer keyboards, math manipulatives, books, etc. Page 12 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Cleaning supplies for each classroom, such as EPA certified disinfectant spray and disinfectant wipes, to clean desks and surfaces periodically. Professional development for campus custodians on the disinfecting of a facility or a specific site within a facility should a confirmed case of COVID-19 be identified on a specific campus or site and need to be closed for a designated amount of time, as recommended by the CDC. Classroom Safety Classroom protocols and procedures will include expectations regarding not sharing school supplies, social distancing, no or limited group work, and hand washing or sanitizing, etc. Daily student health screening upon arrival to school. Students who do not pass health screenings or exhibit a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher will be referred to the school nurse for a parent pick up. Physical distancing will be implemented during in-person instructional settings. Proper handwashing procedures will be taught in every classroom. Additional preventative information will include covering your cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face, maintain physical distance, and use of face coverings. Campus staff will ensure high-touch areas in the classroom are wiped in between classes. Whenever possible, students and staff will maintain consistent groupings of people to minimize the spread of the virus. Technology should be utilized when students are involved in collaborative work. Each classroom will be outfitted with the following: Visual reminders of distancing requirements in all classrooms, marking off areas for common spaces and distancing best practices. Refillable alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations. Access to disinfectant to sanitize working surfaces. No touch thermometers for temperature checks. Elementary: Containers for students to store single-user items, such as pencils, crayons, scissors, ear buds, etc. Isolation Procedures and COVID-19 Cases For students displaying symptoms of COVID-19 or who are feeling feverish, the school nurse will provide a clinical assessment to determine if and when a student needs to be sent home. Students who are ill will be separated from their peers and should be picked up as soon as possible. Page 13 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Staff members displaying COVID-19 symptoms will follow District protocols, including isolation from students and other staff members. If an individual who has been in a school is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19, the school must notify the Fort Worth ISD health department. Schools identify any areas impacted by COVID-19 positive individuals for proper cleaning and disinfection. District communication will be provided to the students who came in close contact with a student or staff member displaying COVID-19 symptoms. Communication will be provided without disclosing the name of the infected individual. Individuals will be required to follow advice from the medical professionals and the CDC, including the possible imposition of a 14-day quarantine. Campuses and/or classrooms will be closed for cleaning in accordance with current guidelines. COVID-19 Reporting Protocol In the event of confirmed positive instances of COVID-19 at a District site, campus staff have specific reporting obligations. All the following personnel must be notified in the event of a confirmed positive: 1. Campus Administrator 2. Campus Nurse 3. Fort Worth ISD Health Services: (817) 814-2993 4. Fort Worth ISD Maintenance Department: (817) 815-7400 5. Fort Worth ISD Transportation Department: (817) 815-7900 (if applicable) Students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be permitted to return to school when: They are 3 days (72 hours) fever-free without using fever-reducing medication; Improved symptoms (cough, difficulty breathing, etc.); 10 days have passed since symptoms began. Bus Transportation As schools reopen, students using District transportation services will follow revised protocols. The new safety and disinfection protocols will need to be followed starting at the time when students arrive at their designated bus stop and board the school bus. Page 14 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Student Safety All students’ families will complete a daily wellness self-check from home (including a temperature check) prior to sending their students to the bus stop. If a student has temperature 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, they are to remain at home. Hand sanitizer shall be available to all passengers, and all passengers must sanitize prior to boarding the bus. Students will wear appropriate PPE (mask or face shields). Social distancing practices will be followed to the greatest extent possible on the bus. Students will be able to sit two (2) students per seat when appropriate PPE is worn. Staff Safety All drivers will need to check-in with dispatch and have their temperature checked upon arrival prior to receiving their keys and route. Drivers will wear appropriate PPE, including facemask. Ventilation on the Bus Efforts will be made to increase the ventilation on the bus to reduce the spread of COVID-19. A/C filters will be replaced with greater frequency. Environmental Hygiene Proper cleaning schedule will be followed to ensure debris is removed. Each bus will be sprayed with a disinfectant upon completion of each day. COVID-19 Impact Notification Campuses will communicate with the Fort Worth ISD Transportation Department regarding cases in which students have been impacted by COVID-19 who are unable to ride the bus. Transportation will notify bus drivers to ensure that impacted students do not attempt to ride the bus. School Arrival and Dismissal Campus Arrival Protocol Given the many unique designs of Fort Worth ISD campuses, each principal will be responsible for designing an entry plan specific to their building. These individual campus plans will be shared before returning to campus after receiving approval by the District. Page 15 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward What are the required components of a campus entry plan? School exterior doors will open 20 minutes before school begins each day. No students are allowed on campus prior to this time to ensure health and safety procedures are followed. Social distancing lines shall be marked in front of entry points and in hallways. Staff is assigned to monitor social distancing in front of the campus as students enter the building. Students proceed directly to their first period or homeroom class. Staff is assigned to monitor social distancing in the hallways and classrooms. Breakfast will be served in the classroom at the start of the school day. How will student health checks be completed each day? School staff will perform health checks upon student arrival. If a student does not pass a health check or exhibits a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, campus staff will escort the student to the school nurse for next steps. Teachers will monitor students and refer them to the nurse if symptoms are present. How will staff health checks be completed each day? Staff will be required to self-screen prior to arrival; however, the District may require further screening of employees at any time based on current state and federal guidelines. What if I usually walk my child to class? Students enter the building and walk to their classrooms independently during the pandemic. Campuses will develop a plan for students requiring unique accommodations. Campus Dismissal Protocol Given the many unique designs of Fort Worth ISD campuses, each principal will be responsible for designing a dismissal plan specific to their building. These individual campus plans will be shared before returning to campus after receiving approval by the District. What are the required components of a campus dismissal plan? Page 16 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Students who ride the bus or are picked up by after school day care vans will be dismissed as soon as buses arrive at the end of the school day, but no more than 10 minutes before the scheduled dismissal time. Staff members will be assigned to pick up students by classroom doors and walk in lines, observing social distancing, as they move to the buses or vans. Additional staff will be assigned at the bus & after school van locations to help monitor social distancing and pick-up procedures. Classes that are located on the exterior side of each hallway will begin to file out of the classroom, maintain social distancing and move to the location where the students are picked up by their parent or guardian. Classes that are located on the interior side of the hallway will begin exiting their classrooms after all the exterior classes have exited their hallway. The interior classrooms will follow the same procedures as the exterior classrooms followed for their dismissal processes. What unique procedures will be in place for our students at elementary campuses? Students who have younger siblings will go to their youngest sibling’s location outside the school building and remain in that group until they are picked up by their parent or guardian. What if I need to pick up my child for an early dismissal? Parents are to call ahead so that students can be accompanied to parent vehicles upon arrival. Hallways and Lockers Students are encouraged to observe and follow school hall traffic flow directions while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established. In two-way halls students are expected to stay to the far right of the hall when walking. When possible, it is recommended that students make transitions outside of the building. Students will not be assigned a locker. Students will be permitted to bring backpacks to class. Page 17 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward For grade levels that implement departmentalization of subject areas, teachers will move to students for transitions in instruction and students will remain in their homeroom class. Staggered releases from each class will be organized to limit the number of students in the hallway during transitions. Students and staff must wear face coverings in the halls and avoid gathering in large groups during passing periods. Visual markers will be developed to help students maintain physical distances and adhere to established campus traffic flow in hallways. Traffic patterns will be established throughout the campus that separates individuals to the greatest extent possible. Students should immediately report to their next class and not congregate in the hallway. Breakfast and Lunch Based on building capacity and student enrollment, campus administration will determine areas that may be utilized for lunch. These areas could include classrooms, the library or other large areas within the school building. At this time, due to COVID-19, mealtime visitors will not be permitted in the school cafeterias. Students will be expected to follow campus guidelines for cafeteria procedures. All students are expected to wash hands or use hand sanitizer prior to entering the cafeteria. Signs will be posted on the walls and floor to ensure appropriate social distancing in cafeteria lines. A seating plan for students will be followed for social distancing. Assigned staff supervises students in cafeteria lines, direct students to open seats, and ensures that students maintain desired social distance. Campuses will develop breakfast and lunch plans aligned to safety and health guidelines and specific to the needs of the campus in coordination with Food Services Department. Common Areas, Meetings and School Events To the extent possible, meetings and school events will be conducted virtually or via phone to minimize close contact. When in-person meetings or common area usage is required, the procedures below will apply. Page 18 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward School community partners, PTA, Boosters, etc. will collaborate with and seek approval from campus/District administration prior to planning any in-person event. What procedures will be required when attending meetings or use common areas such as computer labs, conference rooms, and libraries? Students and staff will hand sanitize when entering and exiting common areas. Campuses will develop a schedule for the use of common areas, which is to include sanitization procedures between uses. Staff will sign-up to reserve time in common areas. When needed, personal supplies will be brought to the common areas. Social distancing will be observed in common areas. Physical Distancing The CDC has identified social (physical) distancing as a key strategy in the containment of the COVID-19 virus. Fort Worth ISD classrooms will strive to accommodate social distancing in accordance with health and safety guidelines. How will Fort Worth ISD ensure physical distancing? Each campus will delineate appropriate markers for physical distancing throughout the campus, including common areas and individual classrooms Establishment of various entry doors for specific grades, students, etc. Identification of assigned seating in classrooms, buses, auditoriums, and any other areas Emergencies and Drills Fort Worth ISD will continue to follow the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and its emergency actions of Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate and Shelter. Campuses will develop a plan in conjunction with their area advisor to modify procedures to accommodate social distancing. Recess and Playground Structures Campus Administrators will provide training for staff on guidelines and procedures associated with outdoor play and student activities. Campus Administrators will develop an appropriate plan for recess time. Playground structures will be utilized when allowed, in accordance with current guidelines. Campus staff will monitor students to ensure safety guidelines are followed. Page 19 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Campuses will consider limiting the number of students per recess group. Staggered schedules and consistent cohorts will be utilized. Students must maintain social distancing while lining up to return to class and sanitize or wash hands before re-entering from outdoor activity. Physical Education Whenever possible, physical education classes will be held in a space that will allow for maximum physical distance between students. Any activities bringing students into close physical contact will be avoided. Visual markers will be on the gym floor and bleachers as reminders of social distancing rules. Procedures will be implemented in the locker rooms to maximize social distancing. Equipment will be disinfected regularly. Activities requiring multiple students to touch or handle the same equipment will be avoided. Hand sanitizer and/or access to handwashing will be provided. Water Fountains Mitigate the use of water fountains. Students are expected to bring their own reusable water bottle for use throughout the day and expected to take water bottles home to be cleaned on a daily basis. Campus staff will monitor and instruct students to fill water bottles instead of drinking directly from the water fountains to the extent possible. COVID-19 Discipline Protocol Are there any student discipline implications related to COVID-19? Personal Protection Equipment: All students in Fort Worth ISD will be REQUIRED to wear a face mask while riding the bus and at school or school - sponsored events. Exceptions for younger students, special populations, and those with special health circumstances may be made with an alternative PPE plan for students and/or staff. Students’ mask requirements will be addressed by campus personnel. Per the Fort Worth ISD Student Code of Conduct, the following, least restrictive, discipline management techniques may Page 20 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward be used alone or in combination or as part of progressive intervention to promote student health and wellness: Verbal redirection Counseling by teacher, counselor, or administrative personnel Student-parent-teacher conference Students MAY NOT be suspended for PPE non-compliance. Intentional Infection Spread: Any student intentionally coughing, sneezing, or spitting on another student or staff member with the intention of infecting the other student with COVID19 while on the bus, campus, or at a school-related event is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct: Assault (Board Policy FO): Assault with bodily injury is defined by Texas Penal Code 22.1 (a)(1). A person commits an assault if the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another. The following steps will be taken should this occur: Notify the campus administrator. The administrator shall remove the students quickly to investigate the incident. Students should be taken to the school nurse or appropriate medical personnel if at a school sponsored event for an evaluation. The school nurse or appropriate medical personnel should notify the campus administrator about the findings of the evaluation. Based on the nurse’s evaluation, proceed with caution and follow protocol for potentially highly contagious individuals. Notify parents/guardians of each student involved in the alleged incident. The campus administrator may investigate the allegation to determine intentionality. If the alleged behavior is determined to be intentional, the sequence of disciplinary interventions begin with the minimum disciplinary action and may progress to the more serious disciplinary consequences established in the Student Code of Conduct. The appropriate offense/consequence is entered in the Student Information System. Contact the Office of Student Discipline and Placement at 817.814.2961 if additional assistance is required. Visitor Screening and PPE Requirements To the extent possible, meetings will be conducted virtually or via phone to limit campus visitors. All individuals entering the building will be required to wear a facemask and proceed directly to the office to check-in and receive specific directions. Page 21 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward What policies will be in place for campus visitors? Parents are discouraged from entering the campus, barring extenuating circumstances, and they will then be asked to report directly to the front office area. In-person volunteers are not allowed to visit campuses at this time (including mentors, college representatives, guest speakers, etc.). Virtual tools will be used to conduct meetings such as PTA meetings, ARDs, LPAC, etc. to the extent possible. All individuals will pre-screen before entering a campus and will be subject to a health screening upon arrival. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or lab confirmed COVID-19 are not eligible to enter a campus under any circumstance. All individuals entering the building will be required to wear face masks. Individuals will observe social distancing protocols at all times. Social Emotional Support for Virtual and In-Person Instruction Fort Worth ISD is committed to supporting the social emotional needs of all students as they prepare for college, career and community leadership. Stakeholders will be trained to be aware and understand the impacts of trauma induced by COVID-19. Through this training and collaboration model, students’ social emotional needs will be addressed by: Collaborating across child-serving systems to assess impacts of trauma and provide necessary intervention Providing students with the competencies to practice a healthy lifestyle Engaging in professional development so that staff will be able to facilitate an emotionally safe and physically safe learning environment Actively monitoring the progress of students to identify necessary supports for student engagement in learning connected to the school and the broader community Collaborating with parents and staff to ensure student access to personalized learning during this crisis. Page 22 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward Providing access to tools and resources to support social skills and social emotional learning for both in-person and virtual learning students. Counseling and Intervention, Family and Community Resource Referrals, Telehealth Services, MTSS, and Restorative Practice Athletics and Extracurriculars The health and safety of our student-athletes is the number one priority. Based on current information about COVID-19, a back to school athletic plan is designed to help prevent exposures to COVID-19 for all student-athletes, coaches, and staff. The plan will be continuously updated as additional information becomes available. Athletics will continue to work closely with the Fort Worth ISD administration and the UIL, so timely and accurate information can guide appropriate responses. Local conditions will influence the decisions that public health officials make regarding community-level strategies. Campuses will implement the following safeguards: Parents will provide transportation for their students. Limiting personal interaction social distancing and limited size groups will be used. Hygiene – hand washing will be emphasized before, during, and after team activities when practicable. Cleaning and sanitation – routine and enhanced cleaning and sanitation measures will be implemented. Safe access to facilities – facility entry and exit points will be coordinated to minimize personal interaction and facilitate social distancing. Screening Procedures- daily symptom and temperature screening assessment will be required. University Interscholastic League Rules and Guidance will continue to be adhered to. Face masks will be worn in accordance with the governor’s executive order GA-29. Safe travel guidelines will be strictly adhered to. Decreased number of games. Page 23 of 23 Fort Worth ISD Forward UIL Eligibility Guidelines Students participating in remote learning offered by their school district, whether synchronous or asynchronous (as defined by TEA), may participate in UIL activities if they meet all other UIL eligibility requirements. Students must be enrolled in remote learning options through the school the student will represent. https://www.uiltexas.org/covid-19-information Extracurricular Activity Participation Guidelines Students, both in virtual and in-person instruction, will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities and athletics based on current guidelines and community health conditions. Technology Fort Worth ISD has purchased additional Chromebooks and hotspots to support virtual learning throughout the school year. Priority for technology distribution will be given to any student who registers for virtual instruction.