North Warren Central School District

Pre-K-12

Return-to-Learn-Plan

Fall 2020

Michele G. French
Superintendent of Schools
Updated: 7-31-2020

 July 31, 2020

Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, Faculty, Staff and the NWCS Community:

The safety and health of our students, our faculty, and our staff is paramount and has been at
the forefront of our planning. Our planning is designed to bring students back to face-to-face
education as possible, while providing additional opportunities and improving upon the
distance learning systems that we adopted this past spring. To allow our school district to
safely reopen, there are a number of features, contingencies, and safety protocols that we must
plan for, and we have attempted to outline this throughout our plan. We understand that the
situation around COVID-19 is ever-evolving, and as a result, our plan will be forced to evolve
with it. We, as a school district, cannot anticipate the way that the disease will develop, nor
can we fully anticipate the way that it will affect our region, but through careful planning, hard
work, and resilience, we have put together a plan that allows our school to have the flexibility
to address these concerns. This plan has been developed through the input of a vast number of
stakeholders, including district administrators, teachers, guidance director, nurses, buildings
and grounds staff, transportation, food service, parents, our local department of health, and
Presidents of both NWTA and CSEA, our Board of Education, and our local BOCES. Their time,
efforts, and dedication have been inspiring and have provided the backbone for our return this
fall. We look forward to having all students back in the fall.
I, along with my Administrative team and our Board of Education, understand how very
challenging all of this may be for our students, parents, faculty and staff and we are here to
help you with any needs you may have during these unprecedented times. Thank you for your
support and understanding as we navigate these new waters. We look forward to greeting all
students back in the fall.
Sincerely,
Michele G. French, Superintendent

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 Guiding Safety and Health Principles
Any and all discussions about how to safely and effectively reopen our schools requires us to
understand the how of safely reopening. For us to safely reopen, there are four major areas
that need to be considered – face coverings, social distancing, hygiene, and screening – all of
which will be covered throughout the course of this planning document. As a baseline, we as a
school district are required to maintain six feet of distancing in most scenarios; wear
appropriate face coverings and PPE while in transit and when we cannot appropriately socially
distance; we must maintain proper hand hygiene; and adhere to the CDC’s and Department of
Health’s guidance as they relate to the cleaning and disinfection of our classrooms. We will
perform screening of all staff, students, and faculty members as they enter, or prior to their
entry into the building. In order for us to safely reopen, we need to be able to achieve and
maintain these requirements, and throughout the course of this document we will explain and
explore the process through which we will accomplish these requirements.
To be clear, the health and safety of our students, our staff, and their families is our top
priority. We have developed a plan that intends to ensure that students and employees feel
comfortable and safe returning to school. Our reopening plan incorporates recommendations
and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State
Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
It is possible that we may need to alternate between in-person and remote learning throughout
the year due to recommendations and guidance from our partnering agencies, and stay-athome orders from the Governor. The level of infection, the spread of the virus and the
response to the disease in our community will be at the forefront of decision making as we
move to open our school.
The school district has designated Michele G. French as their COVID-19 Safety Coordinator.
This individual shall be responsible for the continuous compliance with all aspects of the
school’s reopening plan, as well as any phased-in reopening activities necessary to allow for
operational issues to be resolved before activities return to normal or “new normal” levels.
The school district has designated the Superintendent of Schools, along with the support of the
school Nurses, as primary point of contact upon the identification of a positive COVID-19 case
and to be responsible for subsequent communications. This person shall be responsible for
answering questions from students, faculty, staff, and parents or legal guardians regarding the
COVID-19 public health emergency and the plans being implemented in the school.
We will require all screenings to occur before individuals board buses or enter the school
building or enter any school facility and should an individual fail the screening or feel ill, then
they should remain home. Furthermore, we ask that parents and guardians remain vigilant in
observing their students for signs of illness and to keep them home when they are ill. To
facilitate this, the school district will utilize a daily application to parents’ devices that they can
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 download to answer the health assessment questionnaire daily for each child in their
household. If an individual (delivery person, etc.) wants to enter the school building or facility
they will be required to complete an in-person screening with the security desk or Supervisor
receiving the person and will be required to wear a mask. If they don’t have one we will
provide all required PPE to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.
Of course, as with every plan being developed throughout NYS, this document is fluid and will
change as necessary based on guidance from the state, CDC, and NYSED and in consideration of
our families and our staff. We strongly believe the services described throughout this plan are
in the best interest of our students, faculty, staff, and community.
Health and Safety
● An app will be utilized for all staff and parents/students to complete a daily health
screening.
● Parents will be asked and reminded via our website and robocall to do their part and
answer the app daily for health screening and temperature prior to entering the bus or
building.
● Bus drivers will have masks available if a child forgets their mask.
● As parents drop off students, if they do not have the app filled out for the day indicating
their child’s health status they will be asked to move around the circle and fill it out
before leaving their child.
● Bus will unload and any student who disembarks without an app completed, will not be
allowed in the building until their temperature is checked.
● If the student’s temperature is over 100.0 the parent will be called and told the student
may not attend and they need to come pick him/her up. The nurse will follow up with
each family during that day (the record will only indicate if cleared to enter or not
cleared - no temp will be recorded).
● Students and staff will be required to wear their masks unless they are seated for
instruction or eating.
● Training for all staff will be provided regarding social distancing, cleaning protocols,
observing for COVID-related symptoms, etc. via in-person and virtual training.

Social Distancing
For our school district to maintain safe operations, we must attempt to maintain social
distancing to protect against the transmission of the COVID-19 virus while on school grounds
and in school facilities. To facilitate this, our school district has redesigned our classroom
spaces, common areas, and other rooms throughout the buildings for appropriate social
distancing. Furthermore, the school district has evaluated smaller spaces in the school building,
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 such as elevators, break rooms, and faculty offices, and will be limiting the use of these spaces.
These identified spaces will require the use of face coverings and occupancy should not exceed
50% of the maximum, unless the space is designed for use by a single occupant. In addition to
the above noted changes, our school district has evaluated the feasibility of modifying existing
areas of mass assembly, such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, and cafeterias, to provide additional
spaces for students that are more easily appropriately socially distanced.
● Students and staff will be directed to be 6 feet apart whenever possible. Signage will
be posted on the floors and tape will divide the hallways to help keep as far apart as
we can and keep traffic moving in only one direction on either side of the tape.
● Music and gym will follow the 12 ft guidance for social distancing as recommended
by NYSED/DOH. Music will utilize an alternative space when the room does not
accommodate this and physical education will occur outside when weather permits,
but otherwise will use the gymnasium space to allow for appropriate distancing.
● Our fields and outside areas will be thoroughly maintained so that students and staff
on nice days can socially distance on our lawns for instruction.

Infection control strategies
● Buses will have windows and top hatch open for additional ventilation unless air
temperature falls too low.
● Teachers and staff will be asked and encouraged to leave windows and doors open
each day to allow for additional ventilation in all rooms.
● The nurses’ office will use their approved curtains to contain and separate any ill
child.
● The nurses’ suite will be divided into a “well person” area and a “sick person” area.
● The nurses will be called to any room in which a student requests to see the nurse;
Nurse (or designee) will go to the room and temperature check a child and directly
walk the student to the nurses suite for further evaluation, if necessary. This will be
done no matter the age to eliminate students “wandering” or “detouring” on the way
to the nurses’ office and thus a potential for more contact with others if they truly are
ill.
● Staff will be required to monitor their own temperature prior to arrival at work and
throughout the day. Anyone whose symptoms response changes from a NO to YES
during the day, must contact their supervisor immediately and await further
instructions.

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 ● Notification - Warren County health departments will be notified immediately upon
being informed of any positive COVID-19 diagnostic test result by an individual in
school facilities or on school grounds, including students, faculty, staff and visitors.
● Closure considerations- The school administrators will coordinate with the school
Nurses and Warren County Department of Health to make school closures and event
cancellation decisions. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine
what actions need to be taken. This could include school remaining open, extra
cleaning protocol, up to and including building closure. All decisions will be made in
consultation with DOH. The health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and
community will be at the forefront of all decision making.
● Any decisions to close or information needed by students, families and staff will be
communicated as soon as possible utilizing DOH guidance.
● Any staff, student or visitor suspected of having any COVID 19 symptoms or hears of
positive test results while on school grounds will be immediately placed in our “sick
person” area in our Nurses’ suite.
● Reopening Following a Closure:
○ Following a closure, the school will only reopen once deemed safe by the
Department of Health.
○ Custodial staff will thoroughly clean to ensure safety of all upon the return.
○ All guidance and protocol provided by DOH will be followed to ensure a safe
return for all.

Management of Ill persons
● Anyone who has a temperature of 100.0 should remain home and contact their
medical doctor as well as alert our school nurses. Anyone who receives a “not
cleared” on their app please remain home and contact the school nurse and medical
provider.
● Please note that a minimum of 72 hours out of district will now be the procedure
along with documentation to return that the fever was not COVID related.
● If students or staff are sent home from the NW building for a temperature of greater
than 100.0 they will not be able to return to school without proper documentation of
a negative COVID 19 test or documentation from DOH clearing them from isolation.
Any student or staff member sent home MUST call their healthcare provider and seek
advice so that the above can be met. All staff and students sent home will be notated

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 by our nurses and advice on how the district should proceed will be gathered from the
Nurse in conjunction with the Warren County Health Department immediately.

Health Hygiene
● Nurses will demonstrate proper hand washing, techniques for covering your cough
and sneeze, and mask wearing to all staff on opening professional day, so that all staff
can train students in the same manner.
● Teachers will be for the first days of school completing mini lessons per class, per day
on hand washing, mask wearing and for our older students reminding them about the
daily health screening that must be completed at home before coming to school.
● Hand sanitizer: At times when hand washing is not available, students and staff may
use a hand sanitizer. In order for the sanitizer to be effective it must contain a
minimum of 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol.
● Students and Staff should wash hands as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

upon entering the building or classrooms
after sharing objects or surfaces
before and after meals
after using the bathroom
after helping a student in the restroom
after sneezing, wiping, or blowing nose or coughing into hands
anytime hands are visibly soiled
when handwashing is not available use a hand sanitizer

Face coverings/PPE
Prior to entering the school bus, school facilities, or school grounds, staff, faculty, students, and
visitors (if and when permitted) agree to wear a face covering in all required areas. The school
district will remind staff, faculty, students, and visitors of this process through training, signage,
verbal communication, and other means throughout the school year. During the school day,
individuals will be required to wear a face covering while on the school bus, when they are
entering or exiting the school building, while they are moving through the hallways or their
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 classroom, at any time that they cannot maintain adequate and appropriate social distancing,
and any other time as dictated by administration. Individuals may not be required to wear a
face covering while they are maintaining social distancing, including when they are seated in a
classroom. While the school district will encourage all staff, students, and faculty to provide
their own face coverings, the school district will continue to maintain an adequate stock of
disposable PPE for their emergency use or by request.
● Face coverings MUST be worn at all times that students and staff are not seated for
instruction or eating.
● Face coverings may be required in an occasional instance while seated for instruction
until all have settled for the class period.
● Face coverings MUST be worn on the bus at all times.
● Face coverings will be available if a student or staff member needs one.

Hygiene, Cleaning, and Disinfection
Our school district has instituted, trained on, and continues to follow the CDC and NYSDOH
guidelines on the hygiene, cleaning, and disinfection of school buildings and materials. We
have developed extensive procedures and protocols for school-wide cleaning and the
disinfection of classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, libraries, playgrounds, school buses, and all
other school facilities based on the CDC guidance. We have also identified the areas of
buildings that will require additional cleaning and disinfection, such as bathrooms. Throughout
the course of the year, our district will maintain cleaning and disinfection logs which identify
the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection for those areas. We have also developed
and maintained a list of commonly touched surfaces throughout the school district, with a
cleaning and disinfection schedule assigned to individuals. We will also be increasing
ventilation with outdoor air to the greatest extent possible based on the outdoor air
temperature and the capabilities of our HVAC system. Lastly, the school district shall continue
to conduct or complete the process of performing its required Lead-in-Water testing as
required by NYS DOH regulation 67-4.
● Charts will be placed on each bathroom and classroom door to denote time/date of
cleaning and sterilizing and what was done.
● Throughout the day, Custodians will be cleaning entry touch points, door handles,
restrooms, all handrails and cafeteria tables and library tables on a defined schedule.
● Our cleaning department will clean and disinfect nightly after all students and staff
have left the premises.
● We had our HVAC company in to review the outside air and ventilation of the building
to ensure quality air to all.
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 ● The nurses’ suite will have one side for only COVID 19 symptomatic patients (staff or
students).

Hallways/Stairwells
● Hallways will be divided by tape so it is visible to allow for one direction on each side
with “x’s” marked along each side at six feet intervals to allow for social distancing
within each hallway.
● Signage will be posted to remind all to socially distance 6 feet apart.
● Adequate distancing will be maintained between all individuals by taped off lanes on
the corridor floors/stair treads.
● All individuals must allow adequate space between each other when traveling in the
same direction.
● All stairwells will be one direction only with signage posted (unless in an emergency or
for a drill).

Break Rooms and Lunch Rooms
● Breakroom and staff lunch room will be organized to maintain social distancing of 6 feet
of separation for consuming food or drink.
● Staff are welcome to take their lunch/breaks in their private offices or classrooms, if
rooms are not in use or may utilize outside areas.
● Staff must adhere to the 6 ft. social distancing when taking breaks.
Copier Rooms/Areas
● Congregating in copier rooms/areas is prohibited.
● Students may not use copiers.
● Cleaning supplies will be provided at each copier station.
● Staff are encouraged to wipe down touch surfaces post usage.
Elevator
● Masks must be worn in the elevator at all times.
● Only one person may ride the elevator at a time unless staff is required to accompany a
student.
● Staff who need to ride the elevator with a student should attempt to separate in the
elevator and must wear a mask.
Gymnasium, Library and Auditorium

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 ● Our gymnasium and/or library will be used for 9th -12th grade students to
accommodate additional space, as needed, to allow for appropriate social distancing
during instructional lessons or eating.
● Our auditorium will be used for instruction of large groups including band or chorus
rehearsals to allow for 12 feet of social distancing.
Play areas
● Playground: To be determined
● Student parking area will be left empty for use for physical education classes, students
and staff to spread out and have available places to get fresh air.

Restrooms
● All bathrooms will be cleaned on a rotational basis throughout the day.
● Paper towels will be available in all restrooms.
● Signage will be posted in all restrooms about proper hygiene with hand washing.
Conference Rooms
● Social distancing will be maintained in all conference rooms when utilized.
Classrooms
● Occupancy in each classroom will be specific and determined based on the overall
square footage of the space.
● Cohorts will be used in elementary for grades PK-6. All classrooms will remain
together all day and will eat in their room. Teachers at those grade levels will move
and not the students. For specials, students will move as a group or the special area
teacher will come to them based on the content and their room size for social
distancing.
● Cohorts will be used in 7th and 8th grade. Students will remain with their specific
group of 7th or 8th graders for the day except for some specials or when they need to
attend advanced placement classes. These students may also be eating in their
classrooms.
● Grades 9-12 will follow their provided schedule and students will move throughout
the day.
● Restrict items in the classroom to that of obvious use.
● Removal of unnecessary furniture
● Removal of any soft surfaces that are difficult to disinfect such as:
1. Area rugs
2. Soft fabric chairs

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 Water fountains
● Water bottle dispensers will be available without the mouth fountain piece, as that is
turned off. For students who forget a water bottle, cups in a cup dispenser, will be
available for a single usage with garbage next to the fountain for cup disposal. Water
fountains are located in each wing of the building.

Educational Philosophy
During the course of our discussions with stakeholder groups, different educational models
were explored and the feasibility of each model was considered based on the resources
available to us, our regional health metrics, and the guidance that we received from the New
York State Department of Health and New York State Education Department. As a result of
these different factors, we will be focusing on in-person instruction that will provide daily faceto-face education for all students Pre-K-12.
Given the highly contagious and opportunistic nature of COVID-19, our school district will
provide accommodations to students who are at a high risk or who live with a person who is at
a high risk of complications as a result of COVID-19. Each case will be approached depending
on the individual situation, but these vulnerable populations will be educated through remote
learning via Google classroom. In addition to this, we understand that certain student and staff
populations may require modifications to social distancing or PPE based on hearing loss or
impairment; receipt of language services, or because they are a young student in an early
education program. In these scenarios, we may utilize or increase social distancing when
possible and ensure that any modifications would minimize COVID-19 exposure risk for
students, faculty, and staff to the greatest extent possible.
● Students: If you are unable to attend in-person schooling due to medical issues or a
family vulnerability you can attend via Google Meets during the scheduled class time
each day.
● Staff: North Warren will provide extra PPE if an individual is concerned due to a family
member at their home, but they will be expected in person. If the instructor themselves
is immunosuppressed or otherwise compromised and has medical documentation, then
the district will work with them on how to accommodate.
Related training
● Staff: Professional development will review all of the protocols for health screenings
and all safety protocols. Staff will be reminded to check their emails often and the use
of robo calls to staff and families will be utilized for updates.
● Staff: They will be expected to take attendance so that accurate contact tracing can
occur. Students will be notated for attendance in remote situations or in person daily.
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 ● Website: We will have reminders posted on safety and good hygiene as well as
information on mental health and contact information of our staff for families to use if
they need support.

Instruction, School Schedules
We hope to return to “normalcy” by fall and are planning for on campus instruction for all
students PK-12. However, teachers are preparing a remote learning experience in the event we
need to pivot from in person learning to remote at any point prior to opening or once we have
opened.
Our school calendar typically includes one day of staff-only before the students arrive at school.
Acknowledging the challenges that our teachers and staff have faced this spring delivering
remote instruction under stressful circumstances, and the increased COVID information we
need to share, the district will include an additional day prior to the return of students and
focus these in-service days on providing support to our staff to welcome our students back.
Parents who have indicated via our survey that they are choosing to opt out of in-person
learning will be sent an official opt out form, which will be kept on file. Parents opt out
decisions will be for a minimum of one semester. The form must be received by August 21st.
Once the official form is returned, the student will only be able to transition from remote
learning to in-person learning after January 22, 2021.
● In-person:
All students will work daily in school following their provided schedules. All students in
Grades PK-8 will remain in their cohort for each day. Teachers will move to classrooms
for instruction except for Physical Education and Music, which will be held in
appropriate spaces to allow for social distancing.
● Grading: Students will be graded through the use of assignments, assessments,
projects, etc. to reflect mastery of learning standards.

● Remote for opt out/compromised students:
Students who are compromised and/or cannot do in-person will follow the schedule as
if in person and meet at the times provided on their schedule through live streaming of
classes using Google Meets
● Grading: Students learning remotely will be graded the same as if in person with
all assignments, assessments, projects, etc. to reflect mastery of learning
standards.
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 ● Full Remote Learning for ALL Students, if circumstances require a closure of NW:
All students will be using Chromebooks to attend their classes as per defined remote
schedules with Google Meets.
Elementary: 5 days per week live interaction via meets at specific times per grade levels
● Times TBD by grade level/classroom teacher, if we go remote.
● Teachers will be available during school hours to assist students when not
providing whole group or individual Google Meets.
● Grading: Students learning remotely will be graded the same as if in person with
all assignments, assessments, projects, etc. to reflect mastery of learning
standards.
MS/HS: A day and B day scheduled classes and one day per week for independent work
submitted and 1:1 teacher/help contact-● A days: 4 Periods Per Day
● B days: 4 Periods Per Day
● Wednesdays each week will be designated as an independent work day. This will
allow time for 1:1 help sessions, additional lab times and AP class time during
school hours.
● Electives that are not needed for graduation may be paused during full remote
learning to allow elective area teachers to help support core academic learning
needs of students to ensure successful completion of mandatory graduation
requirements.
● Grading: MS/HS grading process will remain consistent with grading practices
utilized during in person learning.

● Students without internet access at home:
Students without internet access will be provided with paper-based, parallel activities
and assignments to allow them to fully engage in the learning process. Teachers will
regularly contact students and parents to ensure attendance and engagement. This will
be available if students are opting out of in-person learning and/or if all instruction
shifts to remote.

Career and Technical Education(CTE)

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 While planning for CTE instruction, whether in-person or remote, NWCS has collaborated with
WSWHE BOCES to ensure high school instructional plans are aligned. They have developed
models that ensure NYS learning standards, applicable industry certification requirements,
clinical and work based learning hours will be met. In addition, their plans follow all of
NYS/DOH health and safety guidelines for social distancing. Please note: if your child is
registered to attend CTE they must attend in-person at NWCS too.
Special Education
All special education students will be ensured that their education program and services will
provide equity and access to be involved in and to participate and progress in their program.
While not all formats (in-person, remote) allow for maximum benefits to students, NWCS will
work with families to provide accommodation, modifications, supplemental aids and service,
and technology to meet the unique disability related needs of students.
Chromebooks will be offered to all special education students in primary grades who are in
need of related services. All students receiving related services will participate in teletherapy
sessions for speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling services per each
student’s Individual Education Plans (IEP) if internet access allows. For those students without
internet access, providers will provide paper-based parallel activities and will contact students
and families using another means.
Case managers will work with teachers and providers to communicate with families to support
students and keep open lines of communication regarding the provision of services to his/her
child(ren). Case managers will also support students using supplementary aids and services and
technology (including assistive technology). Modifications and accommodations listed on
students’ IEPs will be provided during both in-person and remote learning settings to meet each
student’s unique disability-related needs.
The CSE and CPSE committees will meet to review student performance and progress during
both in-person or remote learning to ensure IEP compliance. Providers will work together to
share ideas and resources to enhance the educational experience for students.
Bilingual Education and World Languages
NWCS is committed to high quality instruction to ENL students. We will provide the required
number of Units of Study to all ENLs based on their most recent language proficiency
assessment. We will maintain regular communication with the parents/guardians and other
family members to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education during the
reopening process either with in-person or remote learning preferred language and mode of
communication.
Chromebooks will be offered to all ENL students in primary grades who receive ELL services. All
students will participate in teletherapy sessions if internet access allows. For those students

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 without internet access, the ELL provider will provide paper-based parallel activities and will
contact students and families using another means.
The case manager will work with teachers and providers to communicate with families to
support students and keep open lines of communication regarding the provision of services to
his/her child(ren). The case manager will also support families by offering information in their
preferred language.
Contacts/Communication
Families and caregivers who need to contact the school in regards to learning modalities
throughout the school year may do so by calling the school or emailing the teachers.
School number: Elementary Office, 518-494-3015 ext. 704
MS/HS Office, 518-494-3015 ext. 702
Email addresses: Email addresses for teachers/staff can be found here on our staff directory.
MS/HS Principal: Caleb Martin

MS/HS Secretary: Christine Jay

Elementary Principal: Maggie Kelly

Elementary Secretary: Holly Palmer

School-wide notifications will be provided by phone using SchoolMessenger and/or updates
provided on our school website.

School Activities
● No interscholastic Fall sports (Athletics) will occur at least until September 21st unless
we receive updated guidance.
● No large group assemblies will be held.
● Field trips will not be permitted other than virtual activities.
● Assemblies in our auditorium will be held when we can space students in seats 6 feet
apart.
● No after school activities, clubs, organizational meetings, or help sessions will occur at
this time to allow for appropriate cleaning of the building each night.
● Some clubs/organizations may meet virtually.
Visitors
● Visitors will not be allowed into the building.

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 ● All vendors permitted to enter the building must be wearing proper face covering
prior to entering and at all times when six foot social distancing cannot be maintained.
● All vendors must check in and complete the COVID 19 SCREENING.
● Anyone dropping off things for a student or staff member will be met at the door by
security and will have to leave the material to be delivered.
● Any parent/guardian dropping off medications will have to make arrangements to
drop medication at a specific time/date with the nurse so you can meet them at the
front door.
● Any parent/guardian picking up a sick child will meet the nurse to sign their child out
at the front door.
Meetings/Conferences
● All meetings with parents/guardians will be held via virtual means.
Technology and Connectivity
● We are aware of the families, very few, who do not have internet access based on a
survey completed this past spring.
o Please call the office if you don’t have access at this time.
● Each student in grades 2-12 will have a Chromebook for use at school.
● Students in grades 7-12 will bring their assigned Chromebooks back and forth from
home to school daily; students will be expected to charge their Chromebooks at
home.
● Should we pivot to remote learning, those Chromebooks will be sent home with
students listed above.
● Students without internet access OR grade levels that will not be provided with a
Chromebook will be provided with paper-based, parallel activities and assignments to
allow them to fully engage in the learning process. Teachers will regularly contact
students and parents by phone, text, etc. to ensure attendance and engagement.
● Our technology office will work with individual families without access to explore
options including, but not limited to, hot spots and use of our parking lot for Wifi
accessibility.
● We will have a help desk on our website for any Chromebook concerns for students
and parents if they are in-person learning or remote learning.
● We will continue to sponsor and provide information on technology and Professional
Development for teachers and to explore Professional Development opportunities via
our website and online learning for parents and students.
Mental Health, Behavioral, and Emotional Support Services and Programs

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 Our school district, under the guidance of our certified counselors and in conjunction with our
Olweus Committee Team which comprises members of the faculty, students, staff, parents,
school psychologist, school social worker, Board of Education, Council for Prevention, school
nurse, and administration shall make every effort to provide and address the mental health,
behavioral, and emotional needs of students, faculty, and staff when school reopens for inperson instruction. Throughout the course of the school year, we will identify and support
students who are having difficulty transitioning back into the school setting. We will also
provide periodic training for faculty and staff on how to support students during and after the
ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency. We will also provide information on developing
coping and resilience skills for students, faculty, and staff during training or through written
materials.
● Olweus class meetings will include COVID conversations.
● Contact information will be posted for outside and in-school support.
● Counselors will work with grade levels and teachers/staff to identify any students who
are in need of support.
● Training for faculty and staff will take place regarding how to talk with and support
students during this current COVID crisis to include:
1. Information on developing coping and resiliency skills for students as well as
faculty and staff
2. Checklists on how to identify and support students experiencing difficulties
during the transition to the school setting
Food Service
Regardless of the educational model chosen by our school district and the dynamic nature with
which that can change, our school district shall continue to provide school breakfast and lunch
to all students who were previously receiving school meals – both on-site and remotely. While
on-site, we will maintain social distancing during the course of our meals and provide food
service.
Our food service Director and cafeteria staff are trained and certified to meet all health and
safety standards including SafeServ. They will follow all guidelines to prepare food for our
school meal program if in-person or remote.
● All students will be instructed to utilize proper hand hygiene before and after eating
any meals.
● All trays, to go materials and utensils will be disposable.
● Students in K-6 who enter in the morning for breakfast will wait on an “x” to represent
where to stand while in line. As they enter by the kitchen door, they will be reminded

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to use hand sanitizer prior to receiving their food. They will take their food to their
classrooms to eat.
Students in 7-12 will pick up a breakfast bag upon arrival, use hand sanitizer upon
entry into period 1 class and eat in their classrooms.
Elementary and Grades 7 and 8 students will pick up their lunches in an organized
manner to eliminate congestion in the hall using the “x” to wait appropriately spaced
out. They will use hand sanitizer as they enter to pick up their food. They will return to
their classrooms, wash their hands and then eat at their desks.
9-12th grade students will be released intermittently to go to the cafeteria. They will
wait on an “x” to be served using hand sanitizer as they enter to pick up their food and
then find a seat socially distance between the cafeteria tables and our second
location.
All staff members supervising students during lunch will be notified of any food
allergies and precautions that need to be taken by the school nurse.
Students’ home due to opt out: Meals will be made to include breakfast and lunch
and families can pick up the meal box for the week at 11:00 am on Mondays at the
front door of the school.
Full district remote: Meals will be made to include breakfast and lunch for multiple
days with pick up or drop off sites provided at the time of a pivot to full remote.
Any meals provided to students participating in school remotely will accommodate
dietary restrictions and/or food allergies and will be labeled for individual students.
Staff supervising in the cafeteria and/or secondary group eating location will
thoroughly clean each table in between groups that enter.

Drills
The school district has given special consideration to the way that we will perform safety and
emergency drills throughout the course of the school year while we are required to socially
distance. We will still complete our eight evacuation drills and four lockdown drills, but the way
that we conduct our drills shall be modified for the upcoming school year.
● Fire drills: All fire drills will be announced to staff. Students and staff will exit the
building following the same evacuation procedures. Areas of relocation may be
adjusted to accommodate for social distancing. Extra face coverings will be available
should there be a need as all students and staff must wear their masks.
● Lockdowns: Lockdowns will be announced to all staff. Staff and students will follow
the COVID 19 lockdown process to ensure social distancing is maintained in each
room. Students and staff will all wear their masks during a lockdown.

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 Transportation
We recognize that transportation will present its own unique set of challenges for this
upcoming school year and as a school district we are committing ourselves to providing a safe
and healthful school environment at all phases and stages of the school day. In order for us to
maintain this safety, face coverings will be required while students are entering the bus, exiting
the bus, and are seated on the bus, unless a student is not physically able to wear a face
covering. We will also maintain social distancing to the greatest extent possible while on the
bus unless individuals are from the same household. If a student tries to enter the bus without
a proper face covering they will not be denied service or entry – instead they shall be provided
with a disposable face covering that is kept on the bus. Furthermore, transportation will not be
denied to students with disabilities that would prevent them from wearing a mask nor will they
be forced to do so during transportation.
The school district shall commit to ensuring that all buses that are used during the day are
cleaned and disinfected at least daily and that all high-contact points shall be wiped down after
each run. While we acknowledge that school buses cannot be equipped with hand sanitizer
due to its combustible nature, and we will advise individuals to not bring personal hand
sanitizer containers with them on the bus, we will ensure that hand sanitizing or hand washing
stations are provided for all staff in transportation locations such as dispatch offices, employee
lunch/breaks rooms, and bus garages. Furthermore, we will provide all required PPE for
transportation department staff and require the use of a face covering. Should a driver,
monitor, or attendant be required to have direct physical contact with a child, they will be
required to wear gloves, which the school district shall provide to ensure their safety and
healthfulness. These employees will also be required to complete the daily self-health
screening prior to arriving at work to help ensure the safety and healthfulness of their fellow
employees.
If our school district is in remote session or otherwise, we will continue to maintain
transportation services to nonpublic, parochial, private, charter schools, or students whose
Individualized Education Program has placed them out of district to schools who are meeting
and conducting in-person session education when/if the district is not.
● Parents/guardians are encouraged to transport their children to reduce density on the
school buses for the school year. This allows us to ensure that we can appropriately
socially distance students when on the bus.
● Bus scheduling will be adapted unless enough families agree to drive their own
children- we will go to two runs in the morning and two in the afternoon- allowing for
K-6 on one run and 7-12 on another: times to be finalized once decided if a second run
is required
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 ● Parents that chose to opt out their child of transportation and have stated that they
do not need transportation will NOT be able to change that decision for the entire
school year, since we will be setting up busing and school scheduling based on the
number of students that require transportation.
● All students who ride will be expected to have a face mask. If they do not, one will be
provided so they can ride.
● Students who are dropped off or walk in to school will be required to also have a face
mask. If they do not, masks will be available by each entrance.
● Upon entry to the bus, students will be expected to proceed to their assigned family
seat on the bus. Names will be posted above each seat to ensure social distancing and
families sitting together.
● Parent drop off and pick up times will be staggered to best suit scheduling needs and
to promote social distancing.
● Between each run we will utilize approved COVID cleaning tools and products to
thoroughly clean the bus prior to departing for the next pick up group.
● While loading and unloading of buses, students who enter will go to their assigned
seat which will be set up to the best of our ability to eliminate contact of students
passing each other when entering/exiting.

Additional Information
Head Start
The Head Start program located in our building will adhere to the same health and safety
guidelines as outlined in our plan. They will do their own daily screening of their students and
staff and will alert the NWCS Nurse and Superintendent if they have any concerns regarding
COVID. Their cohort of students and staff will remain in their room unless they are utilizing the
small gym with their own equipment or the adult in the room is retrieving their meals.
Evaluation
Our school district’s plan ensures that all teachers and principals will be evaluated pursuant to
our currently approved APPR plan, including any variance applications approved by the
Department. All teachers in our school district shall hold valid and appropriate certificates for
their teaching assignments, except where otherwise allowable under the Commissioner’s
regulations (e.g., incidental teaching) or Education Law.
In order to assure that all teachers are properly certified, all certified positions are posted on
our website and via the Online Application System for Educators (OLAS) for a month, or longer
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 if needed. Other advertising and recruiting avenues include: print ads through the Post Star or
other local papers; participation in job fairs; collaboration with local colleges and universities.
● We will use, if we must, the incidental teaching model to cover some of our classes
and our remote learners.
● APPR: We will follow and/or adjust as needed with our Teacher’s Association and
Administration.
Childcare
● Our district does not provide childcare to families for before or after school. The
YMCA holds an after care program that we are working with to make sure it will
operate again this school year. The program will be held at the YMCA ADK Center in
Brant Lake. Interested families should contact Senior Program Director, Angela
Todriff: atodriff@glensfallsymca.org

Budget/fiscal
● All reporting will be done as in the past in accordance with obligations for state aid
and data processes
Attendance
● Attendance will be taken daily if in person or remote using our student management
system.
● Students will have to log in to attend classes to get credit for attending.
● Those students participating in remote learning that do not have internet access will
collaborate with teachers to determine a means for sharing work progress with
teachers to ensure student engagement in learning.
● Students not logging on for a meet will be counted as absent and will follow the same
protocols as if in person.
● Teachers will be responsible for taking daily attendance.
● Staff attendance will be taken daily by supervisors.

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 Communication:
Our school district affirms and attests that we have reviewed and understand all state-issued
industry guidelines and will submit our plans for reopening to them. In addition to this, we will
post copies of our finished plan on the school website, in conspicuous areas across school
buildings and facilities. Throughout the course of this process, we will also develop consistent
communication plans to ensure that members of the school community are kept up-to-date
with all developments and changes to our plan. This process will be managed through verbal
instruction, posted signage that is consistent with DOH COVID-19 signage, the maintenance of
our school website and the use of letters home and our robo call system. We will also develop
communications for students and families about how to prepare for the upcoming school year,
including specific information on the social distancing requirements, how to properly wear a
face covering, and proper hand and respiratory hygiene. Throughout the course of the school
year, we will continue to train students, faculty, and staff on how to follow any new COVID-19
protocols safely and correctly, including hand hygiene, proper face covering wearing, social
distancing, and respiratory hygiene.
We are looking forward to having our North Warren Cougars back in school on Wednesday,
September 9, 2020.

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