MINERVA CENTRAL SCHOOL
DISTRICT

COVID-19 SCHOOL REOPENING PLAN

Version 1
July 31, 2020

 July 31, 2020
Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, Staff and the MCS Community:
The safety and health of our students and their families, our faculty and staff, is our primary
objective and has been at the forefront of much of our recent work. Our planning has focused
on bringing the most students back to in-person education as possible, while providing
additional opportunities and improving upon the distance learning systems that we
implemented this past spring.
Our primary plan for reopening in September is to return all students in grades PK-12 on a
daily basis. We believe that in-person instruction provides for a higher quality educational
experience than is possible through remote instruction; however, we are mindful of and will
be responsive to parents who do not feel comfortable returning their child(ren) to school due
to the health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19.
To allow our school 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 need 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 ongoing resilience, we have put together a plan that
allows our school to have the flexibility to address these concerns. This plan has been
developed with the input of a vast number of stakeholders, including administrators, teachers,
nurses, buildings and grounds staff, transportation staff, school safety staff, students, parents,
and our local department of health. Their time, efforts, and dedication continue to be central
to our success during the present COVID-19 situation.
I understand how challenging these changes may be for our students, parents and staff and I
am here to assist in any way possible. As we continue to work together to navigate school
during COVID-19 times, I thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. If you
have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,

Timothy Farrell
Superintendent

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 Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………
……………..….3
Communication/Family and Community Engagement
……………...…………….….….5
Health and Safety
………………………………………………………………….………………..…....5
Facilities
………………………………………………………………………..………………………
…....19
Child Nutrition
…………………………………………………………………………………………..…21
Transportation
…………………………………………………………………………………………..…23
Social-Emotional Well-Being
…………………………………………..……………………………26
School Schedules
……………………………………………………...……………………………..….28
Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism
……………………………………………………..…..28
Technology and Connectivity
………………………………………………………………..……..29
Teaching and Learning
…………………………………………………………………………..…….30
Career and Education Education (CTE) ...........................................................33
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 Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
………………………………..……………………...33
Special Education
…………………………………………………….……………………………......34
Bilingual Education and World
Languages…………………………...………………...……35
Staffing..........................................................................................................36
Key
References……………………………………………………………………………………
…......37

Introduction
Minerva Central School’s primary commitment is to the students and families we serve. Our priority
must be keeping them safe. When the 2020-2021 school year begins, school will look much different
than previous years due to COVID-19 and the necessary health and safety measures that continue to
evolve. This School Reopening Plan will define clear guidance for reopening our school and aligns
with the regulations developed in collaboration with NYSDOH and the NYS Education Department.
The areas outlined in this plan represent the many considerations Minerva Central School will address
to reopen school safely and to sustain its safe operation. It is important to note that our plan retains a
strong focus on academic instruction to enhance student performance and address learning loss. An
emphasis on the social-emotional needs of our students is also a priority and therefore is addressed
within our plan.
This plan includes procedures that will be followed in Minerva Central School
3

 Timothy Farrell, Superintendent/Principal
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 insure that students and employees feel comfortable and safe
returning to school campuses. 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-at-home orders
from the Governor. The level of infection, the spread of the virus and response to the disease in our
community will be at the forefront of decision making as we move to open our schools.
Timothy Farrell will serve as the district’s COVID-19 Coordinator. He will serve as a central contact for
school and stakeholders, families, staff and other school community members and will ensure the
district is in compliance and following the best practices per state and federal guidelines.
Of course, as with every plan being developed throughout New York State, 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 interests of our students, families, staff, and community.

Guiding Principles
The development of this plan was guided by and grounded in the following guiding principles:
1. Safeguarding the health and safety of students and staff;
2. Providing the opportunity for all students to access education in the fall as school reopens;
3. Monitoring schools, students, and staff. When necessary, modifying schedules to appropriately
contain COVID-19 spread;
4. Emphasizing equity, access, and support to the students and communities that are emerging from
this historic disruption;
5. Fostering strong two-way communication with partners, such as families, educators, and staff;
6. Factoring into decision making the challenges to the physical safety, social emotional well-being,
and the mental health needs of our students caused by school closure; and
7. Considering and supporting diversity in our schools and school districts as we provide education is
essential.

Communication/Family and Community Engagement
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 To help inform our reopening plan, the Minerva Central School District has sought feedback and input
from stakeholders, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians of students,
local health department officials and health care providers, employee unions and community groups.
Engagement efforts included letters, surveys, meetings and one-on-one conversations.
The district remains committed to communicating all elements of this reopening plan to students,
parents and guardians, staff and visitors. The plan is available to all stakeholders via the district
website at ​www.minervasd.org​ and will be updated throughout the school year, as necessary, to
respond to changing circumstances.
As part of its planning for the reopening of schools and the new academic year, the district has
developed a plan for communicating all necessary information to district staff, students,
parents/guardians, visitors and education partners and vendors. The district will use its existing
communication modes – including automated phone calls, mailings, email, school website and
Facebook pages, as well as appropriate signage and training opportunities to support the
dissemination of consistent messaging regarding new protocols and procedures, expectations,
requirements and options related to school operations throughout the pandemic.
Communication Goals:
● To encourage all students, faculty, staff, and visitors through verbal and written
communication (e.g., signage) to adhere to NYSED, CDC, and DOH guidance regarding the use
of acceptable face coverings - a face mask covering the nose and mouth, when a social
distance cannot be maintained.
● To provide regular updates about health and safety, scheduling, and all other information
faculty, staff and families should be aware of.
● To provide information to families through a wide array of platforms including mail, email,
telephone calls, text messaging, social media and website postings.
● To provide information on how families can access technology and receive technical support
to assist with utilization and maintenance of equipment.
Minerva Central School developed communication materials accordingly, including the creation of
sample messages/letters for COVID-19 cases or potential cases for various school audiences. We will
utilize communication methods used by the district to inform the school community. Information will
be dispersed in a variety of platforms that include:
● District website
● Call list/ROBO Call
● Email blast
● Online training
● Printed correspondence (letters) to homes
● Social media accounts used by district
● Virtual Meetings (Google Meet, WebEx, Zoom, etc.)
Clear messaging will be prepared and consistently communicated before re-entry, on the first day,
during the first week, throughout the first month, and continuously throughout the year. Minimum
monthly communication will provide information on the following topics:
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Who to contact with questions, concerns or suggestions.
The facts as we currently know them (NYSDOH, CDC).
The importance of social distancing and use of face coverings.
Monitoring symptoms of COVID-19 and when to stay home.
Protocols for entrance (screening) and the review process for staff calling in sick. Constant
reminders for staff to stay home if they feel sick.
Encouraging and implementing social distancing in bathrooms, hallways, etc. Installing social
distancing markers on the floors, etc.
Practicing proper hand hygiene. Staff is allowed to use hand sanitizer, but hand washing with
soap and water for at least 20 seconds is still more effective. Hand sanitizer works best on
clean hands.
Encouraging and practicing proper respiratory etiquette (i.e., coughing or sneezing into your
elbow if a tissue is not available).
Encouraging personal responsibility for yourself and your work area.
Educating the school community on district policies/procedures, including how to properly
wear and dispose of a face mask/respirator.

Health and Safety
The health and safety of our students, our staff and their families is our top priority. We want
students and employees to feel comfortable and safe returning to school campuses. 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).
The following protocols and procedures will be in place for the 2020-21 school year should in-person
schooling resume. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact our COVID-19 Safety
Coordinator at ​farrellt@minervasd.org o
​ r ​518.538.1344.​
For more information about how health and safety protocols and training will be communicated to
students, families and staff members, visit the Communication/Family and Community Engagement
section​ ​of our reopening plan.
To ensure employees and students comply with communication requirements, Minerva Central
School will:
● Post signage throughout the buildings to remind personnel to adhere to proper hygiene, social
distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning/disinfecting protocols.
● Establish a communication plan for employees, visitors, and parents/guardians with a
consistent means to provide updated information. This will be accomplished through:
● Shared Google Docs
● School Website
● Email
● School Facebook
● Print copy mailings
● Voice messaging
● Traditional media outlets (newspapers)
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Maintain a continuous log of every person, including staff, workers, and visitors, who may
have close contact with other individuals at the work site, school, or area; excluding deliveries
that are performed with appropriate PPE or through contactless means.

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If a worker or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the school district must immediately
notify state and local health departments and cooperate with contact tracing efforts, including
notification of potential contacts, such as workers or visitors who had close contact with the
individual, while maintaining confidentiality required by state and federal law and regulations

Facility Entry
● Student entry will be limited to the main bus entrance in the event additional screening is
necessary. Staff entrance will be limited to the main bus entrance and the mudroom entrance.
Student dismissal will use the main bus entrance for bus drop-off and the atrium entrance for
parent pick-up. All visitor entry to the buildings will occur through the main entrance to a
check-in at the main office.
● A face covering, must be worn by all individuals, students, staff, and visitors on school
property when social distancing cannot be maintained.
● Proper face covering includes, but is not limited to, a surgical mask, cloth mask, or bandana
and must completely cover the individual's mouth and nose.
● A plastic face shield alone is NOT an acceptable face covering.
● All individuals may choose to utilize their own face covering, however face coverings can and
will be provided, as necessary.
Daily Health Screening
● Prior to entering all school locations, individuals must complete a medical screening
questionnaire. This questionnaire will be accessible through a link posted on the school
website at ​www.minervasd.org​ and by scanning a QR Code located at the school’s main
entrance.
● Staff should complete this screening prior to arriving at work via the Pinpoint Wellness Check
electronic submission form.
● Although filing of the health survey is preferred to be done online, paper copies of the
questionnaire for visitors will be available at school entry points.
● Staff will be required to monitor their own temperatures prior to arrival on campus 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 instruction.
● Parents are required to screen their children for temperatures and other COVID-19 symptoms,
including the daily completion of the Pinpoint Wellness Check electronic screening
submission.
○ Students who arrive at school without proper parent screening will be screened at
arrival, including temperatures.
○ Visitors will have their temperatures taken upon arrival and will be required to
complete the health screening questionnaire.
● All staff must sign in and out of the main office ​each​ time they enter and exit the building.
● Students will be signed in and accounted for as without fever/symptoms and able to attend
school through normal attendance roll.
● For multiple individuals entering the building simultaneously, they will be required to stand at
the marked out locations on the handrail, maintaining social distance as they enter the
building and are screened, as needed.
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Only after all individuals have been accounted for, cleared through the medical screening and
wearing proper face coverings, will access to the building be granted.
● Should a person fail the medical screening, specific procedures should be followed. Please
reference the Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19 Case section for guidance.
Social Distancing
● All individuals on Minerva Central School premises must maintain social distancing and face
covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
● Proper social distancing is defined as a six (6) foot separation between individuals. When
social distancing is practiced, such as in an isolated office or large meeting space, the
individuals may remove their face covering. However in common areas, such as breakrooms,
hallways or bathrooms, the face covering must be worn.
● Ensure six (6) foot distance between personnel, unless safety or core function of the work
activity requires a shorter distance. Any time personnel are less than six (6) feet apart from
one another, personnel must wear acceptable face coverings.
● Tightly confined spaces will be occupied by only one individual at a time, unless all occupants
are wearing face coverings. If an area is occupied by more than one person, keep occupancy
under 50% of maximum capacity.
● Social distance separation will be using tape or signs that denote six (6) feet of spacing in
commonly used and other applicable areas on the site.
● In-person gatherings will be limited as much as possible and we will use video conferencing
whenever possible. Essential in-person gatherings, such as meetings, will be held in open,
well-ventilated spaces with appropriate social distancing among participants.
● Designated areas for pick-ups and deliveries will be established, limiting contact to the extent
possible.
Personal Hygiene
Hand washing - Students and staff must practice good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of
COVID-19. Primary students will be provided time before and after meals to wash hands. Elementary
and secondary students will be provided time before and after meals to either wash hands or use
hand sanitizer.
● Hand hygiene includes:
○ Signage encouraging hand washing and correct techniques;
○ Traditional hand washing (with soap and warm water, lathering for a minimum of 20
seconds), which is the preferred method. This can be accomplished by singing or
humming the happy birthday song twice;
○ Adequate facilities and supplies for hand washing including soap and water;
○ Use of paper towels or touch-free paper towel dispensers where feasible;
○ Use of no-touch/foot pedal trash can where feasible;
○ Extra time in the schedule to encourage frequent hand washing.
● Students and staff should wash hands as follows
○ Upon entering the building and classrooms;
○ After sharing objects or surfaces;
○ Before and after snacks and lunch;
○ After using the bathroom;
○ After helping a student with toileting;
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 ○ After sneezing, wiping, or blowing nose or coughing into hands;
○ Anytime hands are visibly soiled;
○ When handwashing is not available use a hand sanitizer;
● 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. It should be noted the sanitizers are flammable and
students must be monitored and supervised when using these. Using hand sanitizers should
include:
○ Signage will be placed near sanitizer dispensers indicating soiled hands should be
washed with soap and water;
○ Placement of sanitizer dispensers will be located near entrances and throughout
common areas.
Visitor and Vendor Practices
No outside visitors or volunteers will be allowed on school campuses, except for the safety and
well-being of students. Parents/guardians will report to the main office and not go beyond unless
directed by school staff to do so. Essential visitors to facilities will be required to complete the health
questionnaire, wear face coverings, and will have restricted access to our school building.
Visitors
● No visitor should enter a building unless necessary.
● All meetings should be held outside or via virtual meetings when possible.
● All visitors must be wearing proper face covering prior to entering any building and it must be
worn at all times when a six (6) foot social distance cannot be maintained.
● All visitors must complete health screening procedures, including temperature check, before
entering the building at the main bus entrance. Visitors may be able to complete health
screening using Pinpoint Wellness Check prior to entry. The visitors must sign in at the main
office for a visitor badge. This will indicate to all other staff that the visitor has been screened.
● All visitors must sign in and out at the main office for contact tracing. All visitors should be
accompanied by a staff member at all times.
● Should a visitor become ill while on campus, they must alert the staff member they are
visiting to report the issue and then immediately seek medical attention.
● At the end of each day, the receptionist/designee must scan the sign-in/out documents and
send them individually to: Timothy Farrell and Sue Fraiseir. Each document must be named
indicating the location and date, following this format: ​NAME​LOCATIONMMDDYYYY.pdf.
Vendor
● All vendors permitted to enter the building must be wearing proper face covering prior to
entering and it must be worn at all times when six (6) foot social distance cannot be
maintained.
● All vendors must be checked in at the main bus entrance by appropriate school staff and are
required to complete the COVID-19 CHECK-IN SCREENING, including temperature check. The
vendor must be issued a visitor pass, which will indicate to all other staff that the vendor has
been screened.
● No vendor should enter a building unless necessary for completion of their job. All meetings
should be held outside or via Google Meet or WebEx when possible.
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 ● All vendors must sign in and out at the main entrance of each building stating their
destination at that building for contact tracing. All vendors should be accompanied by a staff
member.
● Should a vendor become ill while on campus, they must alert the staff member they’re visiting
to report the issue and then immediately seek medical attention.
● At the end of each day, the receptionist/designee must scan the sign-in/out documents and
send them individually to: Timothy Farrell and Sue Frasier. Each document must be named
indicating the location and date, following this format: ​NAME​LOCATIONMMDDYYYY.pdf.
Training
Minerva Central School will train all personnel on new protocols and frequently communicate safety
guidelines. Training on the precautions listed below will be conducted either remotely or in person.
Social distancing and face coverings will be required for all participants if training is conducted in
person. Training material is designed to be easy to understand and available in the appropriate
language and literacy level for all workers.
Minerva Central School will ensure all students are taught or trained how to follow new COVID-19
protocols safely and correctly, including but not limited to hand hygiene, proper face covering
wearing, social distancing, and respiratory hygiene. Additional training will be provided in:
● Prevention of disease spreads by staying home when they are sick.
● Proper respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes.
● Avoiding the use of communal objects. If communal objects must be used, provide
information on proper disinfection procedures between use. Examples of communal objects
include, but are not limited to, other workers’ phones, desks, offices, computers or other
devices, other work tools and equipment.
● Provide employees and students with up-to-date education and training on COVID-19.
● Risk factors and protective behaviors (i.e., cough etiquette and care of PPE).
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools.html

Training for Screeners
Minerva Central School will identify individuals familiar with CDC, OSHA protocols, and DOH
guidelines who will be a trained screener. Screeners will wear appropriate employer-provided PPE,
including at a minimum, a face covering, temperature screenings and social distancing. If social
distancing or barrier/partition controls cannot be implemented during screening, PPE should be used
when within six (6) feet of a student.
Training topics for all staff and substitutes
● Proper hand washing: proper hand hygiene. Promote frequent and thorough hand washing by
providing employees, the school community, and visitors with a place to wash their hands. If
soap and running water are not immediately available, provide alcohol-based hand rubs
containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Provide training on proper
handwashing and hand sanitizer use
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
○ Hand washing video
● Proper cough and sneeze etiquette
● Social Distancing
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○ Provide training for faculty/staff on how to address close contact interactions with
students as part of every day job tasks.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
Operating procedures
○ Entrance into the building
○ Cleaning procedures
○ Sick child pick up
○ Staff who are sick or suspected to be sick
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
Proper cleaning techniques
○ Cleaning and disinfecting
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/clean-disinfect/index.html
Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses,
Schools, and Homes
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/pdf/Reopening_America_Guidance.
pdf
Hazard Communication – Right-To-Know
○ Proper use of chemicals and Safety Data sheets
■ https://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/
○ No chemicals from home
○ Transfer of hand sanitizer in smaller containers
○ List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
■ https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sar
s-cov-2-covid-19
Exposure Control Plan – with a focus on Pandemic/COVID-19
Personal Protective Equipment - PPE
○ Update Hazard Assessment and PPE Selection Worksheet for all identified employees
○ Proper type, use, and size
○ Cleaning and sanitizing of the face covering (if applicable)
○ Provide training for staff and students on wearing, putting on, removing and discarding
PPE, including in the context of their current and potential duties
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.ht
ml
Use of face coverings (donning/doffing) (cloth vs. surgical)
● Face coverings don/doff video
● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQxOc13DxvQ
Respirator Protection (N95 - required for identified employees per NYS)
○ Inclusive into your existing Respirator Protection Program or can be a separate
Respirator Protection Program for medical staff only
○ Training provided for identified personnel only
https://oshareview.com/2020/04/osha-requirements-for-occupational-use-of-n95-respirators
-in-healthcare/

Signs and Messages

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 S​igns​ will be posted in highly visible locations (e.g., school entrances, restrooms) that ​promote
everyday protective measures pdf icon​ and describe how to ​stop the spread pdf icon​ ​of germs (such
as by ​properly washing hands​ and ​properly wearing a cloth face cover image icon​).
When Students Eat in Classrooms
● Train teachers on food allergies, including symptoms of allergic reactions to food.
● Train all non-food service staff on any meal service-related activities they will be responsible for.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/pdf/13_243135_A_Food_Allergy_Web_508.pdf

Space Design and Capacities
General Office Area
● Offices must normally maintain a minimum of 150 sq. ft. per individual. Staff shall be required
to maintain a minimum of 6’ social distancing or wear a face covering.
● Where applicable all offices and small spaces will be limited to one (1) individual at a time.
● In a multiple occupant office, staff will maintain at least 6ft of separation between individuals.
● Additional protective barriers such as polycarbonate screens or strip curtains may be utilized
to create a physical separation without hindrance to egress or airflow.
● Workstations will be reconfigured so that employees do not face each other, or establish
partitions if facing each other cannot be avoided
● Face coverings should be worn in these multiple use office settings.
● Additional breaks may be allotted to allow individuals time to leave the space to remove their
masks. Specific determination of these conditions will be determined by the individual’s
immediate supervisor.
● Where possible the school will establish additional shifts to reduce the number of employees
in the worksite at one time
● Will stagger shift start and end times greater than normal when possible (while still ensuring
safe operations), to eliminate employees from congregating during the shift change-over, and
from overcrowding at entrances and exits
● Will reduce tasks requiring large amounts of people to be in one area
● Employees will be encouraged to use virtual meeting tools, including phone and virtual
teleconference, in lieu of in-person meetings, whenever possible
● If in-person meetings are essential, consider limiting meetings to 10 people or less
depending on local, state, and federal guidelines.
Conference Rooms
● Will limit in-person meetings (refer to NYS guidance), if virtual meetings are not feasible
● If meetings are to occur in person, they will be conducted in a quick manner
● Social distancing among participants will be required
● Lingering and socializing before and after meetings will be discouraged
Break Rooms and Lunch Rooms
● Breakroom use is discontinued if a minimum of 6 ft. separation cannot be maintained when
consuming food or drink.
● Staff are advised to take their lunch and breaks in their private offices or classrooms; in their
vehicles or outside at a picnic table.
● Staggered break schedules may be utilized to assist with separation concerns.
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 ● If staff wish to take breaks together they must do such in a large space or outside, where at
minimum 6ft. of separation can occur.
● Amenities that are handled with high contact frequency, such as water coolers, coffee makers,
and bulk snacks will be replaced with alternatives where possible.
● Communal meals will not be provided to employees, and food will not be available in common
areas where employees may congregate.
Copier Rooms/Areas
● Congregating in copier rooms/areas is prohibited.
● Cleaning supplies will be provided at copier stations.
● Staff are encouraged to wipe down touch surfaces prior and post use.
Elevators
● One person in an elevator at a time.
● Personnel must wear acceptable face coverings when in common use areas.
● Elevators will be disinfected after each use.
Restrooms
● All bathrooms, regardless of size, will be limited to one person at a time.
● Individuals must knock before entering a bathroom to ensure there is no other occupant
present.
● In special circumstances where a student must be assisted in the use of the lavatory, the adult
present must be wearing all applicable personal protective equipment including a face
covering and when medically applicable, the student will be wearing a proper face covering as
well.
● Signage will be posted on entry indicating one person at a time.
● Touchless paper towel dispensers are available in all restrooms.
● Touchless water fixtures will be installed where applicable.
Hallways/Stairwells
● Where feasible hallway traffic may be limited to single flow direction.
● Where single flow is not applicable, bi-direction traffic will be permitted.
● Directional flow will be identified by indications on the floor/stairs
● Adequate distancing will be obtained between all individuals by taped off lanes on the
corridor floors/ stair treads.
● All individuals must also allow for adequate space between when traveling in the same
direction.
Classrooms
● Occupancy in each classroom will be specific and determined based off of the overall square
footage of the space.
● Each Student, teacher and support staff will receive not less than 6 ft. of separation from
others.
● Additional considerations will be taken to account for space utilized for classrooms and
teaching material.
● Overall class sizes will be reduced to accommodate all safety parameters.
● Students, teachers and support staff will be required to wear a proper face covering.
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 ● Where possible special teachers and PPS staff will travel to the classroom to provide
instruction.
● Restrict items in the classroom to that of obvious use.
○ Remove any unnecessary furniture.
○ Remove any soft surfaces that are difficult to disinfect such as:
■ Area Rugs
■ Soft fabric chairs
Nurse’s Office
● All students and staff are required to wear appropriate face coverings.
○ N95 Respirator use for nurses should be limited to situations of suspected COVID-19
○ Nurses must receive proper training and fitment of N95 Respirators prior to use.
● Where applicable, nurse stations have been reconfigured to:
○ Maintain social distancing of no less than 6ft.
○ Create “sick” and “well” zones.
■ Students that receive daily medication should be treated separately from
students presenting with symptoms of illness.
■ Nebulizer treatments should be conducted in a separate isolated space with
adequate fresh air circulation.
○ Physical separation will be achieved, when necessary, by utilizing:
■ Individual exam rooms
■ Polycarbonate barriers
■ Retractable dividing curtain walls.
● Isolation Room/s
○ Individuals presenting with symptoms representative of COVID-19 will be immediately
isolated to reduce risk of transmission.
○ A separate room will be utilized where applicable.
○ Reference the Isolation Room/s section for additional information.

Isolation Rooms
● A separate, independent room with a door in close proximity to the exterior will be utilized for
quarantining individuals who present with symptoms representative of COVID-19.
● The following room has been identified for use as an isolation room:
○ Room 510 (speech-language/ Occupational Therapy)
Security Vestibule/Reception areas
A Security Station will remain at the main school entrance.
● Demarcations have been installed on the outer railings to indicate where visitors shall stand to
maintain social distance.
● The reception area in the main office will be restricted to one person or to two from the same
household.
● Frequently touched materials have been removed.
Computer Labs
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 ● Student use of assigned 1:1 computing device will be used at all times unless otherwise
necessary.
● The use of shared space and equipment use will be limited where feasible.
● Blocks of computers will be sectioned off to ensure social distancing is maintained.
● Cleaning and disinfection of computer labs and keyboard will be frequent
○ Keyboards should be wiped and disinfected before and after each use.
○ Keyboard covers may be utilized to aid in the cleaning and disinfection process.
● Students should be instructed to wash hands prior to and after touching the keyboards along
with other frequently touched surfaces.
Library Space
● The library space will be repurposed to accommodate larger student cohorts for core
instruction and will not be used as a place for library-media instruction. Tables will be
removed and replaced with student desks. All soft covered surfaces that cannot be properly
cleaned and disinfected will be removed.
○ Bean bag chairs
○ Upholstered couches or chairs
○ Area rugs
● Reconfigure space to ensure social distancing.
○ Desks will be arranged so as to not face each other and will meet the 6’ social
distancing requirements.
● Borrowing of materials such as books may need to be discontinued if adequate disinfection
cannot be achieved.
● Create directional traffic flow patterns to ensure social distancing
Engineering Controls
● Alcohol based hand sanitizer will be available in each entry, all corridors, and each classroom.
● Bathrooms
○ Limited to one occupant at a time.
○ Touchless paper towels dispensers are available in all bathrooms
● Water Fountains
○ As required by New York State Code a potable water supply will be provided per 150
occupants, but not less than one source per floor.
○ To reduce cross contamination the bubbler/drink spout has been removed or disabled.
○ Automatic/touchless bottle filling equipment is installed in place of the drink spout.
○ Additional bottle filler stations will be installed where necessary.
○ These appliances will be routinely cleaned and disinfected as described in the Cleaning
and Disinfection Section.
● Floor Demarcations
○ All entrances or areas of static wait have floor signage installed allotting for a
minimum of six(6) feet of separation between all individuals
○ All Corridor floors and Stairway treading have been fitted with stripping to indicate
directional traffic flow and social distancing.
● Corridor doors will all be affixed open using electromagnetic hold-open devices to minimize
the need to touch doors.
15

 ● Temperature Screening Equipment
Ventilation
The school will ensure sufficient ventilation and fresh air to all spaces of occupancy by means of:
● Modifications to the Building Management Systems to allow fresh air dampers to introduce
more outside air. Weather permitting, air exchange will be increased by 20% during the school
day and building air will be flushed once daily by increasing outside air dampers to full-open.
● Air handling systems have been inspected for function with higher MERV rated filters.
● Fan motors speeds will be increased where applicable to ensure volume and flow of 15cfm
minimum.
● More frequent maintenance and inspection of the systems will occur to mitigate extra strain
on systems.
● Filter replacement schedules will be more frequent.
Cleaning and Disinfection
The school will ensure adherence to hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised
by the CDC and DOH, including “Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities
for COVID-19,” and the “STOP THE SPREAD” poster, as applicable. Cleaning and disinfection logs will
be maintained that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection.
Examples of facility types where cleaning and disinfection frequency will be distinguished include:
● Bathrooms
● Locker rooms
● Health office, isolation room
● Administrative offices (main office, business office)
● Frequently touched surfaces in common areas (door handles, copy machine keypads, etc.)
● Breakrooms
● Cafeteria/Kitchen
● Computer lab
● ​Science lab
● Classrooms
● Maintenance offices and work areas
● Bus Garage
● Buses, school vehicles
● Library
● Large meeting/use areas (library, gymnasium)
● Playgrounds (cleaning only)
● Outdoor picnic tables (plastic or metal)
Students, faculty, and staff will be trained on proper hand and respiratory hygiene, and such
information will be provided to parents and/or legal guardians on ways to reinforce this at home.
The district will provide and maintain hand hygiene stations around the school, as follows:
● For handwashing: soap, running water, and disposable paper towels.
● For hand sanitizing: an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol for areas
where handwashing facilities may not be available or practical.
● Accommodations for students who cannot use hand sanitizer will be made.
16

 Regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities will occur, including more frequent cleaning and
disinfection for high-risk and frequently touched surfaces. This will include desks and cafeteria tables,
which should be cleaned and disinfected between each individual’s use. Cleaning and disinfection will
be rigorous and ongoing and will occur at least daily, or more frequently as needed.
The district will ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of restrooms. Restrooms should be cleaned
and disinfected more often depending on frequency of use.
For more information about how cleaning and disinfection information will be communicated to
students, families and staff members, visit the ​Communication section ​of our reopening plan.
Disinfectants must be ​products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-Cov-2​, the virus that
causes COVID-19, and be appropriate for the surface.
Suspect or Confirmed COVID Cases
● Emergency Response​ - Students and staff with symptoms of illness must immediately be sent
to the health office. The school nurse is available to assess individuals as chronic conditions
such as asthma and allergies or chronic gastrointestinal conditions may present the same
symptoms as COVID-19 but are neither contagious nor pose a public health threat. Proper PPE
will be required anytime a nurse may be in contact with a potential COVID-19 patient
●

Isolation​ - Students suspected of having COVID-19 awaiting transport home by the
parent/guardian will be isolated in a room or area separate from others, with a supervising
adult present utilizing appropriate PPE. Multiple students suspected of COVID-19 may also be
in this isolation room if they can be separated by at least 6 feet. If they cannot be isolated in a
separate room from others, facemasks (e.g., cloth or surgical mask) will be provided to the
student if the ill person can tolerate wearing it and does not have difficulty breathing, to
prevent the possible transmission of the virus to others while waiting for transportation
home. Students should be escorted from the isolation area to the parent/guardian. The
parent or guardian will be instructed to call their health care provider, or if they do not have a
health care provider, to follow up with a local clinic or urgent care center; Other
considerations include:
○ Closing off areas used by a sick person and not using these areas until after cleaning
and disinfection has occurred;
○ Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area
○ Waiting at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfection. If waiting 24 hours is not
feasible, wait as long as possible;
○ Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to have
COVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, lockers, and common areas.
○ Once the area has been appropriately cleaned and disinfected it can be reopened for
use.
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 ○

Individuals without close or proximate contact with the person suspected or
confirmed to have COVID-19 can return to the area and resume school activities
immediately after cleaning and disinfection.

● Notification​ - the NYS, Essex and 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.
Contact Tracing
Public Health Officials assume the task of contact tracing, once notified.
To ensure the school district and its employees comply with contact tracing and disinfection
requirements, the school will do the following:
● Have a plan for cleaning, disinfection, and notifying Public Health, in the event of a positive
case. In the case of an employee testing positive for COVID-19, CDC guidelines will be
followed regarding cleaning and disinfecting your building or facility if someone is sick.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html
● Close off areas used by the person who is sick.
● Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
● Wait 24 hours before cleaning and disinfecting. If 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as
possible.
● Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person who is sick, such as offices, bathrooms,
common areas, shared electronic equipment like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, remote
controls, and copier machines.
● Vacuum the space if needed. Use a vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air
(HEPA) filter, if available.
● Consider temporarily turning off room fans and the central HVAC system that services the
room or space, so that particles that escape from vacuuming will not circulate throughout the
facility.
● Workers without close contact with the person who is sick can return to work immediately
after disinfection.
Return to School after Illness
The school has established protocols and procedures, in consultation with the local health
departments, about the requirements for determining when individuals, particularly students, who
screened positive for COVID-19 symptoms can return to the in-person learning environment at
school. This protocol includes:
1.
2.
3.

Documentation from a health care provider following evaluation
Negative COVID-19 diagnostic test result
Symptom resolution, or if COVID-19 positive, release from isolation

The district will refer to DOH’s​ “Interim Guidance for Public and Private Employees Returning to Work
Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure”​ regarding protocols and policies for faculty and staff

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 seeking to return to work after a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or after the faculty or staff
member had close or proximate contact with a person with COVID-19.
The district requires that individuals who were exposed to the COVID-19 virus complete quarantine
and have not developed symptoms before returning to in-person learning. The discharge of an
individual from quarantine and return to school will be conducted in coordination with the local
health department.

Closure Considerations
When a person has been identified (confirmed) or suspected to be COVID-19 positive; the process in
Minerva Central School could include:
● Having school administrators collaborate and coordinate with local health officials​ ​to make
school closure and large event cancellation decisions​.
● Establish a plan to close schools again for physical attendance of students, if necessary, based
on public health guidance and in coordination with the local DOH. Establishing a
decision-making tree at the school level.
● Develop a plan for continuity of education, medical and social services, and meal programs
and establish alternate mechanisms for these to continue.
● Implement as needed short-term closure procedures regardless of community spread if an
infected person has been in a school building. If this happens, CDC recommends the following
procedures:
o Closing off areas used by ill person(s) and locking off area(s), signage can also be used
to ensure no one enters the area. If possible, wait 24 hours before you clean and
disinfect. If it is not possible to wait 24 hours, wait as long as possible. Do not use the
area(s) until cleaning and disinfection has taken place.
o Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
o Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and
common areas) used by the ill person(s), focusing especially on frequently touched
surfaces.
o Communicating as soon as possible with staff, parents, and students.
● Using DOH guidance/procedures for when someone tests positive.
o In consultation with the local DOH, a school official may consider whether school
closure is warranted and period of time (prior to re-opening) based on the risk level
within the specific community as determined by the county health department.
o In accordance with guidance for quarantine at home after close contact, the classroom
or office where the COVID-19-positive individual was based will typically need to close
temporarily as students or staff quarantine for a time period to be determined by the
local department of health.
o Additional close contacts at school outside of a classroom should also quarantine at
home.
● Closing of schools could be a regional decision.
o 7 metrics - NYS Dashboard
▪ Schools will reopen if a region is in Phase IV and the daily infection rate remains
below 5% using a 14-day average
▪ Schools will close if the regional infection rate is greater than 9% using a 7-day
average after August 1, 2020
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 ● Thresholds will be determined on a case-by-case basis dependent on the numbers (school
closures may be a response).
● The school may consider closing if required cleaning products (bleach and water can be used
as a cleaning product) and PPE are not available

Facilities
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in the district, facilities operations will be geared
toward meeting social distancing requirements and cleaning frequently touched spaces regularly. In
carrying out projects or tasks supporting infection control, requirements will be met for changes
associated with building spaces. Plans for changes or additions to facilities that require review by the
Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), will be submitted to comply with the requirements of the 2020
New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (BC) and the State Energy Conservation
Code.
The function, position and operation of stairs and corridor doors, which have closers with automatic
hold opens (and are automatically released by the fire alarm system), will remain unchanged.
Minerva Central School plans to meet the deadline for submission of Building Condition Survey or
Visual Inspections on time. In addition, lead in water sampling will be carried out upon the reopening
of school under conditions consistent with when the building is “normally occupied.”
Upon reopening, the district plans to increase ventilation, to the greatest extent possible. Water
systems will be flushed in buildings that have been unoccupied.
The following actions will be taken, as needed:
● Work with engineers to establish sufficient fresh air exchange.
● Drinking Water Facilities: Reduce number of drinking fountains available, in order to facilitate
frequent cleaning. However, drinking fountains are a code required plumbing fixture.
● Minimum number of toilet fixtures that must be available for use in a building is established in
the building code.
● Maintain adequate, Code required ventilation (natural or mechanical) as designed.

Emergency Response Protocols & Drills
The 2020-2021 school year may include hybrid models of the traditional school day. Emergency
response drills, including evacuation and lockdown drills, may be spread across the different student
populations dependent on the day each population is present the day the drills are scheduled.
Emergency Response Protocols
● Shelter-In-Place
● Hold-In-Place
● Evacuation
● Lockout
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 ● Lockdown
Shelter-In-Place
Areas will be identified that will be used for the Shelter-in-Place along with areas that cannot be used
for due to certain types of environmental hazards (i.e.: high winds, tornado, etc.). Shelter-In-Place
protocols will be the same with the following changes:
● Provide 6 feet of space between students and staff during the Shelter-In-Place
● Use of face coverings throughout the event may be considered
● If 6 feet between staff and students cannot be achieved, face coverings should be worn at all
times during the event
● Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
● Listen for updates and respond accordingly
Hold-In-Place
Hold-In-Place protocols will be the same the following changes:
● Provide 6 feet of space between students and staff during the Hold-In-Place
● Use of face coverings throughout the event may be considered
● If 6 feet between people cannot be achieved, face coverings should be worn at all times
during the event
● Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
● Listen for updates and respond accordingly
Evacuate
Evacuation protocols will be routinely the same with some minor adjustments:
● Identify areas outside of the building in advance that will allow 6 feet of separation of
students and staff. Verify that students and staff will not impede emergency responders.
● In effort to get all staff and students out of the building as quickly and efficiently as possible,
face coverings should be worn at all times.
● Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
● Identify, in advance, who will be holding the door to get out of the building, therefore
reducing the amount of people touching the door hardware when leaving the building.
Personnel that will be conducting this task may be assigned to holding the door for one or
more classrooms or until confirmation that everyone has vacated the building.
● As written in the established protocols, bring all necessary items needed and consider adding
the following items: extra face coverings, in the event a face covering becomes unusable and
hand sanitizer
● If no extra face coverings are available, instruct anyone that does not have a face covering to
use their shirt to cover their nose and mouth during the event.
Lockout
Lockout protocols will be the same, besides maintaining six (6) feet of space between students and
staff in the area.
Lockdown
During a Lockdown, there will be a violation of the six (6) foot recommendation between people. In
order to protect life safety, lockdown protocols will be mostly the same process as they have been
conducted in the past.
21

 ● Evaluate, in advance, if there is room to social distance without being in the line of sight.
o Consider covering the vision panels with a fire-safe covering for ​emergencies only​ and
have a Board of Education written policy, and adding it to all safety plans. This action
may create more space to maintain social distancing within a classroom.
● Face coverings should be worn during the event at all times
● Plan to have extra face coverings on hand in the event that a person does not have one
● Instruct anyone that does not have a face covering to use their shirt to cover their nose and
mouth during the event
● Lockdown Drills: D
​ rills in the classroom may be conducted without “hiding”/ “sheltering” but

engage the students in a thorough discussion of how to shelter or hide in the classroom in the
event of an emergency.

​Child

Nutrition

Minerva Central School will follow SFA policies when communicating about school meal services,
eligibility, options and changes in operations. All meals provided during the public health emergency
will be available at no cost to all children. All communications will be provided through a variety of
communication methods including website, social media, emails, robocalls, newsletters, and regular
mail and translated into the languages spoken by families.
Minerva Central School has identified Cortney McCauliffe as the contact person to receive and
respond to communications from families and to school staff. Minerva Central Schools meal program
continues to operate under the Community Eligibility Program; as such, Families will be reminded in
food service communications during the summer and periodically that they can submit a new
application for free and reduced-price meals any time during the school year. Applications are
available in each school building, on our website and through email or regular mail as needed. Phone
in and in-person support to complete the application is available from Cortney McCauliffe, our school
business official.
School meals will continue to be available to all students, including those attending school in-person
and those learning remotely.
For information about how meal information will be communicated, visit the Communication/Family
and Community Engagement section of our reopening plan.

Meals Onsite
For students onsite, meals will be provided utilizing a combination of grab and delivery method while
maintaining appropriate social distancing between students. Students do not need to wear face
coverings when seated and eating so long as they are appropriately socially distanced.
The district will ensure social distancing between individuals while eating in the school cafeteria,
classrooms and other locations. Meal times will be staggered to ensure social distancing and proper
cleaning and disinfection between students.
22

 The sharing of food and beverages (e.g., buffet style meals, snacks) is prohibited, unless individuals
are members of the same household. Adequate space will be reserved for students, faculty, and staff
to observe social distancing while eating meals.
Breakfast will be served daily between 7:30 and 8:30 for interested students (K-12). Students will eat
breakfast in their assigned classroom / first period classroom and at their assigned desks to ensure
appropriate social distancing and to minimize contact points with other students. Students will be
required to practice hand hygiene before/after eating. Appropriate measures will be used to
safeguard students with food allergies. Any student with food allergies will be provided.
At times when meals are to be served in a common area such as the cafeteria or gymnasium area will
be properly cleaned and disinfected prior to a separate student cohort occupying the space.
Lunch will be served daily between 11:00 and 12:40 for interested students (K-12). Elementary lunch
will be from 11:00-11:30 and secondary lunch will be from 11:40 - 12:30. Students will be assigned to
eat lunch in either the cafeteria or the gymnasium to provide appropriate social distancing and to
minimize contact points with other students. Students will be required to practice hand hygiene
before/after eating. Appropriate measures will be used to safeguard students with food allergies.
At times when meals are to be served in a common area such as the cafeteria or gymnasium the area
will be properly cleaned and disinfected and an appropriate wait time will be provided before a
separate student cohort is scheduled to occupy the space.
All school meals will maintain compliance with Child Nutrition Program requirements.
Meals offsite/remote
Breakfast and lunch will be provided for remote learners in a similar way as was used during the end
of last school year (current day’s lunch and the next day’s breakfast delivered each day). Parent
pick-up and/or school delivery will be used, as needed.

Transportation
Minerva Central School will conduct transportation activities that are consistent with state-issued
public transit guidance and NYSED School Reopening guidelines. Students and school staff must wear
acceptable face coverings at all times on school buses (e.g., entering, exiting, and seated) and should
maintain appropriate social distancing to the extent practicable.
Students will be required to wear masks and social distance on the bus; however, students whose
physical or mental health would be impaired are not required to wear a face covering, but must be
appropriately socially distanced. Members of the same household may be seated within 6 feet of
23

 each other. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to drop off or walk students to school to
reduce density on buses.
All buses that are used every day will be cleaned/ disinfected once a day. High contact areas will be
wiped down after the morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) run depending upon the disinfection
schedule.
School buses shall not be equipped with hand sanitizer due to its combustible composition and
potential liability to the carrier or district. School bus drivers, monitors and attendants must not carry
personal bottles of hand sanitizer with them on school buses.
Wheelchair school buses will configure wheelchair placement to ensure social distancing of 6 feet.
Whether school is in session, remotely or otherwise, pupil transportation will be provided to
nonpublic, parochial, private, charter schools or students whose Individualized Education Plans have
placed them out-of-district whose schools are meeting in in-person sessions.
All students are entitled to transportation by the district to the extent required by law.
Transportation departments do not have the ability or the right to deny transportation for children
who are in foster care, homeless or attend private or charter schools. Parents who may have missed
the due date to request out of district transportation due to a reasonable excuse may file a 310
appeal with the Commissioner of Education.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Refer to the cleaning standard operating procedures guidance for further information.
● Buses and other transportation vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected daily (focus on high
touch areas) and in between runs if scheduled for multiple routes. At the end of the day clean
and disinfect the entire bus
● Daily Cleaning
o All trash removed
o Floors swept and dust mopped
o Walls and windows cleaned
● High Touch Surfaces
o Bus seats and seat backs
o Seat belts
o Door handles, handrails
o Driver operator area
● Cleaning and disinfecting products approved by the EPA will be used according to instructions.
● Eating and drinking will be prohibited on the bus
● Buses will be inspected to ensure cleaning/disinfecting protocols are followed on district
owned and contracted buses
● All cleanings/inspections will be documented (via trackable log)
Bus protocols for a reported case of Covid -19 on a school bus
Joseph Gonyo will be notified, who will then ensure that the school nurse and school
administration is also notified, who will provide for proper parent contact for parents of
students on that bus.
24

 The bus will be taken out of service for 24 hours before used again after a report of COVID-19.
Bus will be disinfected following CDC guidelines.
Students on Transportation
● As was outlined in the Health and Safety section of this guidance, all parents/guardians will be
required to ensure their child/children are not experiencing any signs and symptoms of
COVID-19 and do not have a fever of 100 degrees or more prior to them boarding their bus /
other school transportation method to school;
● Students must wear a mask on a school bus if they are physically able. Students who are
unable to medically tolerate a face covering, including students where such covering would
impair their physical health or mental health are not subject to the required use of a face
covering;
● Students will be seated in assigned seats and will be socially distanced to the greatest extent
possible;
● Students who do not have a mask can NOT be denied transportation;
● Students who do not have masks must be provided one by the district;
● Students with a disability which would prevent them from wearing a mask will not be
compelled to do so or denied transportation.
Training (Office Personnel, Drivers, Mechanics, Aides)
● Hazard Communication/Right-To-Know (annual)
● Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
● Exposure Control/Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP)
● COVID Awareness
o New cleaning Protocols (buses, transportation center)
o Handwashing
o Face Covering (sizing, use, wear & care)
o Personal Health and Hygiene
o Special working conditions with face coverings (strenuous activity)
Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
● Disposable gloves
● Face Covering/Mask
● Face Shield (if applicable)
Transportation Communication
● The district will emphasize to parents and students prior to reopening schools that the District
has thoroughly disinfected all buses and student transportation vehicles
● The district will communicate with parents and students that student transportation vehicles
are included in the district’s COVID-19 plans and what part students and parents will play in
ensuring safety and minimizing infection while utilizing District transportation services
● Advise parents not to send their children to school or board the bus if sick or with an elevated
temperature
● Survey parents regarding transportation including an “opt-out” option
● Remind students/parents/guardians that social distancing requirements extend to the bus
stop
25

 ● Communicate with administration multiple routing scenarios for different instructional
scheduling options (split session, alternating days, hybrid option)
Density Reduction, Social Distancing, Bus Capacity
● As a density reduction strategy, the school will seat one student per seat, all students wearing
masks. ​(Source: National council on school facilities and cooperative strategies).​ This results in
approximately 20 students on a 60-passenger bus
● All students will have assigned seats for all runs to/from school
● The transportation supervisor may assign siblings or those that live in the same household to
sit together
● Floor decals or tape will be placed to indicate where students should sit and to mark six (6)
foot distances in aisles
● Do not seat students directly behind the driver
● Additional adult supervision (monitors) may be used on buses to manage social distancing
● Students shall wear face masks (if required) while in transit.
● If applicable, an aide shall take student attendance/screening on every route, every day, to
and from school. The attendance sheets should be documented in writing and retained for
contact tracing
Routing
● The transportation supervisor has developed multiple routing scenarios for administration to
analyze different instructional scheduling options
o Staggered sessions
o Alternating days
o Hybrid schedules – some grade levels in person learning at school buildings, other
grade levels virtual remote learning
o Considered various routing scenarios and analyzed cost/feasibility
● Limit rotation of substitute drivers and aides if possible
● Limit student movement between bus routes
o Students will only be picked up/dropped off from a single location. Students will no
longer be permitted to ride different buses on different days of the week.
o AM and PM routes will be mirrored so bus riders are the same group each day
Loading/Unloading & Pickup/Drop-off
● Students shall have assigned seats and be loaded in sequential route order. First student on
the bus sits in the back, when going to school, last student off sits in the back when going
home from school
● Dismissal times will be staggered to best suit scheduling needs and to promote social
distancing
● Adjustments will be made for:
o unloading and entry, and loading and departure
o Route timing which will be affected by delayed loading/unloading processes
o Arrival and departure activities shall be supervised to ensure social distancing
● Additional bus routes will be added, as needed, to reduce load levels/provide for social
distancing on buses
Transporting to BOCES
26

 ● Minerva Central School will be transporting to BOCES and will follow similar protocols as
previously described. Where possible, out-of-district transportation will be coordinated with
area schools in order to share runs and maximize efficiency.
● The school will keep a log of attendees on the trip in both directions from the BOCES building.
Upon request, schools may need to supply the log of passengers in addition to cleaning logs in
the event BOCES must assist in contact tracing due to exposures either at the BOCES buildings,
or during transportation

Social Emotional Well-Being
In planning for our re-entry in September, the District has formed a reopening team to examine the
guidance provided by the Department of Health and NYSED for our re-entry in the Fall. Our work is
grounded in our beliefs the most equitable opportunities for educational success relies upon the
comprehensive support for students and families provided in our schools with our professionals and
the systems of support we have built. These supports include academics as well as the social and
emotional well-being of our students. We are committed to prioritizing social emotional well-being not at the expense of academics, but in order to create the mental, social and emotional space to
access rigorous academic content with confidence. In support of this belief, a Social-Emotional
Learning team was created consisting of teachers, school counselors, licensed mental health
professionals, and school administrators. This team was created to develop a cohesive and strategic
plan, regardless of the re-entry phase, to support students and staff upon for the 2020-2021 school
year; this includes a means to identify and actively support student and staff well-being and mental
health concerns through a range of pre-determined tactics to be employed by those dealing with
difficult situations. This plan will focus specifically on how to best support students and staff in a
blended learning model scenario, which includes a mix of both in-person and virtual classroom
instruction. This plan includes considerations for teams to rapidly transition between face-to-face
and continuous remote learning, which may be required based on the pandemic.
Research shows the importance of mental and emotional well-being for students and staff, which has
both psychological and ultimately academic outcomes. We know, after this prolonged closure, many
of our students and staff will require social-emotional supports to help them re-engage and re-enter
work and school. As a District, our commitment is to create emotionally and physically safe,
supportive and engaging learning environments promoting all students’ social and emotional
well-being and development. The pandemic has elevated the role of leaders in creating conditions
helping students practice empathy, create social bonds across distance and adapt to new learning
experiences. Counselors, school based health programs, and wrap around supports will play an
extremely important role in the adjustment period when buildings reopen and access to school
counselors and school-based health programs will be invaluable supports to our students. Before
school resumes, school administrators, teachers and mental health practitioners (school counselors,
school psychologists and/or school social workers) should meet to create an asset map of already
existing foundational assets within school districts and community-based organizations, and build
upon them. In addition, it will be critical to determine students who might be at risk for needing
mental health supports. School counselors and administrators will be equipped with tools and
information needed to see each child through a social emotional lens. We remain committed to
supporting all students and maintain our whole child commitment as well as equipping all staff to
connect, heal, and build capacity to support our students. Supports will include resources from our
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 school counselor, school social worker, Parsons Child and Family Center, Essex County DSS, Warren
County DSS, which are already being implemented. Additionally, all Minerva Central School
employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which offers many free services
including face-to-face and virtual counseling. Information about all social-emotional supports will be
made widely available to the MInerva Central School community through the (District Learning Hub )
found on our website. We are committed to developing/making accessible
family/caregiver-appropriate social and emotional learning (SEL) content to be used during all phases
of our re-entry.
Transitions are important every year, and they will be even more important this fall returning from
continuous remote learning to in-person instruction in buildings or a phased in approach to in-person
instruction. Districts should support transitions in a culturally responsive manner and engage
students, families, and communities in the process of identifying needs and supports. Transitions take
many forms and include returning to school in the fall, moving from one grade band to another, or
dealing with the varying emotional needs as a result of the health pandemic.
The following considerations guided our planning:
Emotional reactions to coming out of quarantine may include:
● Mixed emotions, including relief after quarantine
● Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
● Stress from the experience of monitoring yourself or being monitored by others for signs and
symptoms of COVID-19
● Sadness, anger, or frustration because friends or loved ones have unfounded fears of
contracting the disease from contact with you, even though you have been determined not to
be contagious
● Guilt about not being able to perform normal work or parenting duties during quarantine
● Other emotional or mental health changes
Addressing Social-Emotional Health
● Establish/sustain a culture that supports and emphasizes mental health services available for
faculty, staff, students and families
● Explore the use of Restorative Practices (use of healing/restorative circles for both staff and
students)
● Assist in adequate training for staff/faculty as requested to assist them in understanding:
o Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies; self-awareness, self-management,
social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making
o The warning signs for quarantine related mental health needs
o How to access crisis support and other mental health services

What Mental Health Professionals can do in schools
● Educate staff, parents, and students on symptoms of mental health needs and how to obtain
assistance
● Promote social emotional learning competency and build resilience
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Help ensure a positive, safe school environment
Teach and reinforce positive behaviors and decision-making
Encourage good physical health
Help ensure access to school-based mental health supports; facilitate the expansion of
school-based mental health supports

School Schedules
In order to accommodate the social distancing requirements on school buses, additional runs are
necessary. We are awaiting the final count of students planning to return to in-person learning and,
of those, the number of students who will require school-provided transportation. Once this
information is complete, a daily schedule will be finalized. It is very possible that we will need to have
a staggered daily schedule (very common in most schools), with the elementary students arriving at
7:30 and departing at 2:00 and our secondary students arriving at 8:00 and departing at 2:30.
Elementary Daily Schedule - subject to change
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AM Transportation: 7:00am - 7:30am
Breakfast: 7:30am - 7:45am
Lunch: 11:00am - 11:30am
Instruction: 7:45 - 2:00
PM Transportation: 2:00 - 2:30

Secondary Daily Schedule- subject to change
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AM Transportation: 7:30am - 8:00am
Breakfast: 8:00am - 8:15am
Lunch: 11:45am - 12:30am
Instruction: 8:15 - 2:30
PM Transportation: 2:30 - 3:00

Again, a more detailed school schedule will be made available after final in-person and
remote-learner counts are available, transportation schedules are finalized, and the detailed master
schedule can be produced.

Attendance, Attendance Reporting and Chronic Absenteeism
Attendance and Attendance Reporting
Minerva Central School will take daily attendance whether school opens in September in-person,
hybrid, or remote. Attendance policies and procedures will be communicated with families and
students prior to the start of the school year and if the instructional model changes during the year.
Communication will take the form of parent letters/newsletter, robocalls, emails, and social media.
Teachers will record daily attendance in eSchoolData, our student management system, based on the
required daily schedule and student contact and engagement. Daily reports will be generated to
identify students who are absent and/or chronically absent. Contact with the families will be made
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 daily to determine reasons for absence and needs or barriers the student may have to participate in
daily lessons.
Chronic Absenteeism
While there is no one-size-fits all approach to addressing chronic absenteeism, the school is
committed to providing interventions to prevent and address health-related and mental health
chronic absenteeism. We recognize that many factors will influence student attendance, and may be
greatly impacted by the instructional models provided; in-person, hybrid, and remote.
Minerva Central School addresses chronic absenteeism as follows:
1. Nurture a culture of attendance
● Communicate clearly to families and students what the attendance policy is and expectations
for participating based on the model of instruction
● Explain the importance of attendance to the entire school community
● Track daily attendance, tardies, and student engagement in one central, secure location with a
tool that helps you can quickly see how these data points impact student behavior.
2. Early Identification and Intervention
● Regularly monitor attendance data and communicate with parents about issues as they arise.
● Use data to identify which students are at risk, so we can intervene before isolated absences
become chronic absenteeism.
● Establish intervention plans; parent phone call, home visit, counseling, instructional
modifications, engage community partners, etc.
3. Create a more positive school culture and a focus on engaging instruction
● Evaluate and address our students’ engagement in learning
● Provide teachers and school leaders with multiple levels of support to help students stay more
engaged and act positively.
● Help students achieve positive social and emotional character development, while reinforcing
the behaviors that make up your ideal school culture.
● Use goal-based incentives and rewards to motivate attendance and positive student behaviors
where age appropriate.

Technology and Connectivity
Access to technology is essential for the successful roll-out of this plan. Minerva Central School has
been committed to ongoing planning and implementation of technologies to ensure equitable access
for staff and students. The team has initiated plans that are mindful of student home access to
reliable internet and computers.
1. The school recently gathered data and asked teachers and families to identify their level of
access to devices and high-speed broadband from their residence. Respondents indicated that
97% of students and 100% of faculty have access to adequate bandwidth to support remote
learning. The district will continue to assess the ongoing needs of our families for technology
and connectivity (survey, interviews, school outreach, etc.) In the event, students and/or
teachers do not have access and will take the necessary steps to meet their needs where
plausible.
2. The school will conduct and/or maintain an inventory of equipment and other assets.
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 a. Identify which students, families, and staff have district assets in their possession.
3. Procure, manage and/or maintain hardware, software, licenses, learning management
systems, etc. to support and improve virtual instruction and student engagement.
4. Identify professional learning needs for teachers and continue to support their development
of skills and pedagogy in a virtual learning environment.
5. Arrange a “Helpdesk” system for parents/students/teachers to report technical issues that
might be experienced during remote learning. Communicate protocols to these stakeholders
to inform them in advance of how to gain assistance in such cases.
Minerva Central School will provide all students with access to learning materials and resources in
multiple formats, wherever possible. Further, the district will support teachers through professional
development and coaching on pedagogical methods that enable students to participate in multiple
ways, so that they can demonstrate mastery of Learning Standards in remote or blended models
through the use of both synchronous (i.e. Google Meet) and asynchronous technologies (Google
Classroom). In the event students do not have sufficient access to devices and/or high-speed internet,
the district will provide the students with a 1:1 device and/or internet connectivity wherever
possible. Alternate methods to access materials and instruction, i.e. pick up materials at school, drop
off materials to students’ homes, etc. will be provided where needed. The district will also schedule
opportunities to connect with families to educate them on how to use the technologies and connect
to the instructional activities.

Teaching and Learning
In an effort to assure high-quality teaching and learning a continuity of learning plan has been
developed for the 2020-21 school year. This plan considers and plans for teaching and learning
in-person, remotely, and through hybrid models of instruction. Our plan assures that Instruction is
aligned with the New York State Learning Standards and assures equity as well as quality for all
learners.
Equity is at the heart of all school instructional decisions. All instruction in our district will be
designed so that whether it is delivered in-person, remotely, or through a hybrid model due to a local
or state school closure, there are clear, comprehensive, and accessible learning opportunities for all
students. Such opportunities will be aligned with state standards. Our teaching and instructional plan
outlines routine, scheduled times for students to interact and seek feedback and support from their
teachers. Our plan is centered on Instruction and academic programming that includes regular and
substantive interaction with an appropriately certified teacher regardless of the delivery method
(e.g., in person, remote or hybrid). Our teaching and learning plan includes a clear communication
plan for how students and their families/caregivers can contact the school and teachers with
questions about their instruction and/or technology. This information will be accessible to all,
available in multiple languages, widely disseminated, and include clear and multiple ways for
students and families to contact schools and teachers (e.g., email, online platform, and/or by phone)
in an effort to assure learning for all.
The school calendar typically includes one staff-only day before students arrive at school.
Acknowledging the challenges that our teachers and staff have faced this spring delivering remote
instruction under stressful circumstances, the district will include an additional day prior to the return
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 of students and focus these in-service days on providing support to staff in the areas of
social-emotional health and technology integration.
As we enter the new school year, teachers will be encouraged to spend time building relationships,
supporting students with the transition back to school, and teaching social distancing etiquette at
developmentally appropriate levels.
When a remote or hybrid learning model is necessary, certain groups of students will be prioritized
for in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. This includes, but is not limited to, special
education students, English language learners, students who did not engage in remote learning
during the spring of 2020, and students with technology or connectivity needs.
Assessing student learning gaps or areas of need will be critical. Formative assessment before a unit
of instruction to assess student understanding of pre-requisite skills will be common practice.
Acknowledging that the typical content in a given grade level or course may need to be adjusted,
content will be prioritized to ensure that students receive instruction for the prioritized learning
standards, key understandings, and skills necessary for students’ success in future study. Curriculum
gap planning sessions, with special emphasis on ELA and Math, have been provided to K-12 teachers
with the assistance of WSWHE BOCES in order to identify learning gaps and best prioritize current
year instruction.
Grading practices at the elementary level will follow a standards-based framework designed to
provide direct feedback regarding students’ mastery of course content. Standard grading practices
and policies designed to provide direct feedback to students and parents regarding mastery of course
content will apply at the secondary level.
The school’s prekindergarten program will follow the same health and safety guidelines outlined in
the NYSED guidance and required by the NYSDOH and used for its regular K-12 program.
For information relating to teaching and learning in BOCES special education and Career and
Technical Education programs, please see the BOCES website at wswheboces.org
Parent Opt-Outs - ​Parents choosing to opt out of in-person learning and who are committed to
supporting their child(ren) during remote learning must notify the district no later than August 14th
Parents must also complete the school’s In-Person Opt-Out Form, which will be kept on file. Parent
opt-in/out decisions will be for a minimum of a five-week interim marking period. Once an opt-out is
selected for the start of the school year, students will only be permitted to transition to in-person
learning on October 12, 2020.
In-person Instruction
Our primary plan for reopening in September is to return all students in grades PK-12 on a daily basis.
Upon reopening, the number of students in each of our classrooms will be maintained to adhere to
CDC guidance regarding proper social distancing. Class size will reflect the need to ensure that
students’ desks/seats are positioned no less than six feet apart.
Accommodating a six-foot radius around students will necessitate the identification of additional
rooms and common-area spaces that can be converted into classrooms. Combined elementary
grades (PK/K, ½ ⅚) will be assigned separate rooms in order to accommodate social distancing
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 requirements. Combined secondary grades (⅞) will be use the school library for core instruction and
when needed, will be assigned separate classrooms for other classes.
Current staffing levels may be insufficient to accommodate the expanded number of classrooms
needed to ensure social distancing. When needed, staffing reassignments will be made to assure
students are receiving high-quality instruction and adequate supervision is being provided.
All instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards.
Our schools will minimize the movement of students. This potentially means having students eat
breakfast in their classroom instead of the cafeteria and eliminating assemblies, field trips and other
large-group activities. To the greatest extent possible, special-area subjects (art, music, physical
education) will be pushed into the classroom. Whenever possible students will utilize outside space
for physical education instruction. We will adhere to 12 feet between students when engaging in
physical activity.
Students will remain in small cohorts if/when leaving the classroom, such as for change of classes,
mealtimes, recess or any other necessary transition, so as to reduce their exposure to additional
students.
For information on school schedules, visit the School Schedules​ s​ ection​ ​of our reopening plan.
In-person instruction will follow a regular daily master schedule for both elementary and secondary
students. Students will have daily in-person instruction from their teachers.
For information about how in-person instruction information will be communicated to students and
families, visit the Communication/Family and Community Engagement section [provide link] of our
reopening plan.
Remote/Hybrid Instruction
Given the possibility that communities may experience spikes in COVID-19 cases at any point during
the school year, which may prompt short or long-term school closures, our district has developed a
hybrid/blended learning model and schedule that can continue as is in a fully remote environment.
Instruction will support both “core” subject areas and elective courses. Consideration has been given
to prioritizing hands-on and lab-based activities while students are onsite in school buildings. All
instruction will continue to be aligned to the New York State Learning Standards.
As noted previously, student schedules will remain the same whether instruction is in person or
remote so that students do not encounter conflicts wherein synchronous lessons for different
subjects are offered simultaneously.
Remote learning opportunities for secondary students will include a greater emphasis on
synchronous instruction, with teachers finding ways to provide live instruction and lessons to
students. Teachers will ensure that their students are directly engaged with them and their class
peers in experiential learning on a regular basis.

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 To ensure high-quality remote learning experiences, we have standardized the use of a single online
learning platform, Google Meet/ Classroom, and developed a common, coordinated set of guidelines
for teachers to follow when using Google Meet/Classroom with students.
All classrooms will be equipped with the technology necessary to live stream and/or record
teaching-learning sessions to be used for remote and hybrid learning. Students who are not in
attendance for in-person learning are expected to participate in remote learning according to the
same master schedule used for in-person learning. Where conditions require, asynchronous
instructional methods, including recorded lessons, Google Classroom assignments and
communication, email, and telephone communication will be used to support student learning.
For information about how remote/hybrid instruction information will be communicated to students
and families, visit the Communication/Family and Community Engagement section of our reopening
plan.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)
While planning for CTE instruction, whether in-person, remote or hybrid models, Minerva Central
School has collaborated with WSWHE BOCES to ensure high school instructional plans are aligned.
WSWHE BOCES has developed models that ensure NYS learning Standards, applicable industry
certification requirements, clinical and work based learning hours have been met. In addition, their
plans follow all NYS/DOH health and safety guidelines and social distancing.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
Interscholastic Athletics
As a result of the COVID19 pandemic, districts have delayed the Fall sports start date until Monday,
September 21. With NYS approval for the opening of schools in September and with appropriate
social distancing, PPE usage, and cleaning and disinfection of equipment, the following will be
implemented:
● Cancel NYS Fall Regional and State Championship events
● Waive seven-day practice rule to enable greater opportunities for local
participation
● Maintain current practice requirements
● Encourage geographic scheduling for games & contests
● Schools would have the option, if permitted by state officials, to offer off-season
conditioning workouts.
If the Fall sports season is interrupted or impacted by COVID-19 crisis (i.e. state official guidance,
school closings, cancelation of high-risk sports, etc.) then a condensed seasons plan will be
implemented. This plan takes into consideration the competitive and interactive aspects of each sport
and would include the following, with the stipulated dates being tentative.
● Season I​ (Winter Sports)
o Dates: Jan. 4-Mar. 13 (Week 27-36) 10 Weeks
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 *Note: tentative dates Sports: basketball (girls & boys), bowling (girls & boys),
gymnastics, ice hockey (girls & boys), indoor track & field (girls & boys), skiing (girls &
boys), swimming (boys), *wrestling, *competitive cheer. * Because of the high risk
nature of wrestling and competitive cheer, sports may have to be moved to Season II
or season III.
● Season II​ (Fall Sports)
o Dates: Mar. 1-May 8 (Week 35-44) 10 Weeks
o *Note: tentative dates Sports: football, cross country (girls & boys), field hockey,
soccer (girls & boys), swimming (girls), volleyball (girls & boys), Unified bowling. Note:
Weather will have an impact upon outdoor sports in some parts of the state in March
and potentially early April. Girls Tennis moved to Season III.
● Season III​ (Spring Sports)
o Dates: Apr. 5-Jun. 12 (Week 40-49) 10 Weeks
o *Note: tentative dates Sports: baseball, softball, golf (girls & boys), lacrosse (girls &
boys), tennis (girls & boys), outdoor track & field (girls & boys), Unified basketball.
o

Extracurricular Activities
Until further notice, only extracurricular activities that can be effectively implemented and supported
using virtual meetings will be permitted.

Special Education
Minerva Central School’s reopening plan provides a framework to ensure that all students with
disabilities continue to have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that
emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare
them for further education, employment, and independent living in the least restrictive environment
(LRE). In consideration of the health, safety, and well-being of students, families, and staff, our plan is
designed to enable transitioning between in-person, remote, and hybrid learning environments to
ensure the provision of FAPE consistent with the changing health and safety conditions that exist.
Our school’s special education programs and services provide equity and access for students with
disabilities to be involved in and to participate and progress in the general education curriculum with
access to the necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, and
technology (including assistive technology) to meet the unique disability related needs of students.
While not all formats allow for maximum benefit to students, these programs and services can be
provided in all formats (live-person, hybrid, or remote). Minerva Central School will document the
programs and services offered and provided to students with disabilities as well as to the
communications with parents in their preferred language and mode of communication (eg. Related
Services Log). The district will ensure access to the necessary accommodations, modifications,
supplementary aids and services, and technology (including assistive technology) to meet the unique
disability related needs of students.
Minerva Central School is committed to providing meaningful parent engagement in the parent’s
preferred language or mode of communication regarding the provision of services to his/her child to
meet the requirements of the IDEA. Further, we will maintain regular communication with the
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 parents/guardians and other family members of to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s
education during the reopening process
Minerva Central School will plan and support collaboration between the committees on preschool
special education (CPSE) and committees on special education (CSE) and program providers
representing the variety of settings where students are served to ensure there is an understanding of
the provision of services consistent with the recommendations on individualized education programs
(IEPs), plans for monitoring and communicating student progress, and commitment to sharing
resources.
Minerva Central School will maintain records to document the implementation of each IEP. The
documentation will include, but will not be limited to: narrative records of how the student is
adjusting to live, hybrid, and remote instruction during 2020-21, a record of what instruction and
services were provided, a record of formative, summative, and standardized assessments and their
results as well as progress monitoring documentation, a record of school-family collaboration, and
the provision of compensatory services records.
For information about meaningful parent engagement regarding the provision of services to a child to
meet the requirements of the IDEA, visit the ​Communication/Family and Community Engagement
section​ of our reopening plan. For additional information, contact James Dorsey or Jody Hyatt.

Bilingual Education and World Languages
Minerva Central School provides world language instruction in Spanish 7-12 and English as a New
Language (ENL) instruction for ELLs/MLLs K-12. We utilize WSWHE BOCES technical assistance for
PreK-12 for ENL instruction. This assistance will be provided in all formats (live-person, hybrid, or
remote).
Support of English language learners (ELLs) will be comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally
responsive. If we reopen using in-person or hybrid instruction we will complete the ELL identification
process within 30 school days of the start of the school year for all students who enrolled during
COVID-19 school closures in 2019-20, as well as all students who enroll during summer of 2020 and
during the first 20 school days of the 2020-21 school year. After this 20 day flexibility period,
identification of ELLs will resume for all students within the required 10 school days of initial
enrollment as required by Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154.
Minerva Central School is committed to comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally responsive
instruction for ENL students, we will provide the required instructional Units of Study to all ENLs
based on their most recently measured English language proficiency level during in-person or hybrid
instruction. Further, we will maintain regular communication with the parents/guardians and other
family members of ELLs to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education during the
reopening process which includes telephone contact, text messages, social media, emails and regular
mail in their preferred language. We will provide all communications for parents/guardians of ELLs in
their preferred language and mode of communication.
Minerva Central School will provide professional learning opportunities for our district that support
best practices and equitable instruction for ELLs as well as general education students to help address
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 learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 school closures. The district also has access to the OUBOCES
Professional Learning Catalog to support teachers to assure ENL and world language instruction is
personalized and research-based.
In order to assure that students have opportunities to study world languages we are prepared to
teach Spanish live in-person, hybrid, or remote format upon reopening. With the support of WSWHE
BOCES, we will provide professional learning opportunities to our district and the region that
supports best practices in all three formats of instruction and cover equitable instruction for our ELLs,
SWDs, and general education students who are studying Spanish to help address learning gaps
caused by the COVID-19 school closures.
Our district will support our students as they work towards earning the New York States Seal of
Biliteracy. We will collaborate with OUBOCES to provide Seal of Biliteracy professional learning. As
well, OUBOCES will support assessment options and provide translators for NYS Seal of Biliteracy
presentations.
Through using our district and BOCES resources, we are well prepared to reopen our schools and
serve ELLs, MLLs, and students learning world languages as they expand their skills, knowledge, and
facilities with languages.

Staffing
Teacher and Principal Evaluation System
All teachers and principals will continue to be evaluated pursuant to the district’s approved APPR
plan. The school will consider whether their currently approved APPR plans may need to be revised in
order to be consistent with their plans for re-opening under an in-person, remote or hybrid
instructional model. School leaders will continue to attend annually required Lead Evaluator training.
Certification, Incidental Teaching and Substitute Teaching
All teachers will hold valid and appropriate certificates for teaching assignment, except where
otherwise allowable under the Commissioner’s regulations (e.g., incidental teaching) or education
law.
Student Teachers
Minerva Central School will not host student teachers during COVID-19 reopening.

Key References
● State Education Department Issues Guidance to Reopen New York State Schools​ (July 16,
2020)
● State Education Department Presents Framework of Guidance to Reopen New York State
Schools​ (July 13, 2020)
● ​Interim Guidance for In-Person Instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 Schools During the
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, NYS Department of Health​ (July 13, 2020)
Additional References
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​Interim Guidance for Sports and Recreation During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

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(June 26, 2020)
​ ​Interim Guidance for Food Services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency​.
(June 26, 2020)
Interim Guidance for Office-Based Work during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency​.
(June 26, 2020)
Interim Guidance for Public Transportation Activities during the COVID-19 Public Health
Emergency​. ​(June 26, 2020)
New York State Department of Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
​New York State Education Department Coronavirus (COVID-19)
​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 Website

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Once finalized, reopening plans must be posted on the district’s website. By July 31, 2020, districts
will need to complete a survey through the Portal, providing NYSED with:
A link to the public website where each school plan has been publicly posted A set of mandatory
assurances that the reopening plan includes all of the mandatory elements outlined in the NYSED
guidance
NOTE: Information submitted through the Portal will not include detailed narratives or descriptions of
specific actions to be taken by a school or district as part of their reopening Plan; those details must
be articulated in the materials that are publicly posted on the school/district website.
Also by July 31, 2020, districts must complete a short companion​ ​Department of Health survey that
includes a link to the publicly posted plan on the district/school website​.

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