Health and Safety
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Q1. Could you please tell how different the school setting will look when students return to in-person learning?
A: In adherence to the health and safety guidelines, students in grades PreK - 8 will remain in one classroom for the majority of their school day. With the exception of lunch, mask breaks, and specific outdoor times, students will wear masks at school and on district-provided transportation. Students will also eat lunch in their classroom to limit transitions and reduce exposure to other student cohorts. Additional teachers and specialists will visit students in their classrooms and limit the occasions to bring them out to another location. To help illustrate how these provisions will affect daily routines, there is a plan to share videos with families about what classrooms will look like.
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Q2. Many parents say they want their kids to go back for social/emotional reasons. Do they realize that kids will not have the social opportunities that they used to. Do they understand the stress this will put on their children? That there will be strict repercussions for not wearing their masks?
A: Students will be provided with social emotional opportunities each day, and they will also have new opportunities like outdoor learning. The nurses will be providing students with lessons around proper mask wearing to teach children about safety and teachers will assist students as they are learning to wear their masks. Repercussions for not wearing a mask would only occur in the event of defiance.
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Q3. What are you going to do about parents/guardians who have to work full time to provide for these kids?
A: There is no easy answer to this. We understand that this has created many struggles for families. The schools must provide an environment (and learning model) that balances safety and and family needs. The plans are driven by guidance from the department of elementary and secondary education. The youngest children and families will have the opportunity for full time in-person instruction.
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Q4. Given the fact that the elementary schools may go virtual at some point, and not all parents can work from home full time, is it possible to request that two students be in the same class if our families will join together to care/educate the students?
A: We may not be able to accept these individual requests however please direct this question directly to your school principal as there may be a possibility at your school
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Q5. Are teachers expected to disinfect rooms or will there be additional staff to handle the higher level needed?
A: There will be additional custodial staff to address this issue. However, teachers will be expected to use good common sense and do what is feasible to help keep their room as clean as possible. Teachers have always been supportive of custodial staff in helping to keep things clean. Disinfectant wipes will be readily available in all classrooms to periodically wipe down services as needed throughout the day, when a custodian is not immediately available.
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Q6. Will the elementary or any of the schools have plexiglass partitions on the desks or at tables?
A: Some of the schools will have plexiglass for certain teachers that will need to work more closely with students. In general students will all be seated at their own desks
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Q7. What are the realistic expectations around hiring additional staff - custodial and otherwise? Have any extra staff actually been hired?
A: Yes, we have had a terrific response from the community.
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Q8. Will parents/guardians and children be able to tour their classrooms ahead of the start of school to understand what their daily environment and routines will look like?
A: We are limiting visitors to the school. There is a plan to share videos with families about what classrooms will look like.
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Q9. Movement during the day is so important for especially our early elementary students. I know that desks are being used to help students socially distance. Will students have any other areas within the classroom such as sitting on the floor or play centers?
A: Space in the classroom will be very limited however there will be outdoor learning opportunities. Since students can not share materials play centers will not be found in the classrooms.
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Q10. Is there going to be a limit to the amount of kids that are going to be allowed to be in the school at once?
A: At the elementary schools, space has been allocated to allow all students selecting the face to face learning option and keep 6’ distance throughout the school day (guidance allows for 3’-6’). At MP, LAW, FHS - with the hybrid model, 50% of the student body would be in the school on any given day. With some students selecting 100% remote learning, this number would be reduced to a lower percentage.
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Q11. How will the school enforce social distancing?
A: Modeling expected behavior, building routines, procedures and through practice students will receive the necessary instructions for safe distancing.
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Q12. What should students do if someone is making them feel uncomfortable due to lack of social distancing?
A: Talk to a caring adult.
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Q13. Have you considered teaming up with the Broad Institute to get access to rapid PCR tests?
A: Good idea. The Falmouth Health Department and Barnstable County Health Department are working to bring rapid testing options to the region.
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Q14. All buildings have places that aren't well heated or cooled by the central HVAC systems. Will the school district supplement those areas with additional filtration or ventilation?
A: Each school is currently having ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and operations being evaluated.
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Q15. Will cleaning supplies be available for students if they want to wipe down their own desks? How is the school going to accommodate varying risk tolerances?
A: Yes, cleaning supplies that meet sanitation requirements and are safe for student use will be provided by the district.
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Q16. What is the plan for quarantine when a student or staff member is positive or exposed?
A: This information is contained in the master plan, and will be further communicated through flowcharts developed by the nurses in collaboration with the board of health.
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Q17. Will you provide testing at school?
A: At this time testing is not being recommended.
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Q18. If a teacher who is with my child all day tests positive for covid-19 will I be notified?
A: Contact tracing will occur for every positive case. If a student is exposed, the parent will be contacted and the student will be quarantined.
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Q19. Many kids are scared of the virus - worried about getting sick or parents getting sick. Adding the stress of school not being the place that they are familiar with may not be good for kids (and adults) with high levels of anxiety.
A: Teachers and support staff will be aware of and recognize the anxiety that COVID-19 has created, but also empower us all with the belief that we can control how we respond to the situation. Additional supports and care will be in place for our students.
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Q20. What is the protocol for handling exposure? Will entire cohorts be quarantined? If a student needs to be quarantined for 14 days, will they still be responsible for remote learning during that time? If a teacher needs to be quarantined for 14 days, will they still be responsible for teaching during that time?
A: If students feel well enough we encourage them to engage in remote learning while at home.
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Q21. What is the district's and DESE's process for adapting to new scientific studies about COVID-19 as they come out during the school year?
A: The district will be following the CDC, scientific standards, and the Massachusetts Medical Professionals guidance. The District will respond accordingly.
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Q22. How is the school monitoring children who are traveling and is there a policy upon returning?
A: The Falmouth Public Schools will follow the Governor's travel orders.
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Q23. Will staff be supplied with PPE or do we provide our own? Will we receive a list of items we need and the specifics of those items?
A: Staff will be provided with the PPE that is required for their position.
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Q24. What will the procedure be for if a student, teacher, bus companion or bus driver tests positive for the children that have been in contact with?
A: Contact Tracing will occur for every positive case. If a student is exposed, the parent will be contacted and the student will be quarantined.
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Q25. If a teacher needs to be out because of illness, is there a plan in place for a long term substitute teacher and will that teacher teach synchronous learning to the kids at home?
A: Substitutes are being assigned to schools through October when we will assess continued full time needs. Substitutes will attend the first 10 days of professional learning.
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Q26. A teacher in Arizona was 61 years old and passed away from COVID that she contracted while teaching. The superintendent of that district said that the teachers followed all recommended guidance and were wearing PPE when they contracted covid. The superintendent also stated he does not believe that students and teachers can safely go back to school. Why do we believe that our district is in a better position to send our teachers and students back safely?
A: Massachusetts and Falmouth have maintained very low numbers and percentages. Following the established metric, Falmouth is in the green and safe to return to school.
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Q27. Will temperatures be checked upon entering the building?
A: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not recommend taking routine temperatures.
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Q28. We all know that parents send their children to school when they have illnesses during normal times. How will the school district support parents and families who have to make a choice between a paycheck (going to work) and the health of the community?
A: To keep our staff and students healthy and safe, students should stay home when not feeling well.
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Q29. Will FPS be hiring professionals to take care of contact tracing?
A: At this time the Falmouth Public Health agent and the VNA are working together to complete the contract tracing.
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Q30. Can you please share the study that shows 10 and up can transmit the virus?
A: The Korean Study
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Q31. If a child shows cold or flu like symptoms, will they have to quarantine or provide a negative COVID-19 test?
A: The parents/guardians will be strongly encouraged to have their child tested. Regardless, the school nurse will be communicating a flow chart which describes the process for reentry to school.
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Q32. How will the district educate students about COVID-19?
A: The district nurses, along with input from Dr. Parkinson are developing videos for the students about COVID-19 and safety measures.
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Q33. What metrics will be used to decide if and when to change from in person or hybrid model to the remote model only?
A: The Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report, hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, is the metric provided by DESE. It is the DESE’s expectation that districts’ learning models will follow this color-coded metric unless there are extenuating circumstances identified after consultation with local boards of health. This includes reviewing additional metrics, such as whether cases are increasing or decreasing, the local test positivity rate, and other contextual factors. We will be monitoring this data weekly, along with routine discussions with the Falmouth Department of Health. Although Falmouth is in the green and the chart indicates we should be full in person, we are unable to meet the safety requirements as stated in the DESE’s guidance for grades 5-12 which informed our decision to adopt the hybrid model at these grade levels.
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Q34. As a parent I am starting to stock up on facemasks for the school year, will the Lawrence school have a requirement for face masks to follow dress code? solids only?
A: As long as there are no inappropriate images on the facemasks, there are no Dress for Success restrictions. Facemasks, like belts, socks, shoes, headbands, scarves will be a way for students to have some fun with their outfits within the Dress for Success initiative.
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Q35. What does the hybrid-in person model look like for a Lawrance 8th grade on a weekly basis. Do we know how many days are in-person and are in-person services at regular times?
A: Students will be assigned to cohorts which will be assigned an established learning space. Each cohort will then be split in half (this may vary depending on individual student learning needs) creating an A and a B group of less than 10 students each. Following the phased-in structure of the first couple weeks, students will fall into a routine of having a remote week, and a face to face week. Each week will have face to face on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, with Wednesday being a remote day for every student.
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Q36. For the elementary remote students, will they be in the classrooms but virtually? or is there a different teacher for remote students?
A: Students in grades K-2 will have a remote teacher and students in grades 3 & 4 will be assigned to an in-person classroom and their classroom teacher will also be responsible for the remote learning.
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Q37. Please explain how the high school classes will work? Will half of a class be at home and half at school? Will the at home piece be in real time?
A: At Falmouth High School, approximately half of the students in a course will be in-person when the other half is remote. Instruction will be delivered with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous content. There is no prescribed amount for each format. That will be determined by teacher teams to best match the content area and developmental needs of the students. There will be times when those in-person and those learning remotely will be engaged in collaboration to complete partner and small group work.
Physical Distancing, Masks & Face Coverings
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Q1. If the minimum guideline is 3 feet with masks, why are we solving for 6 feet?
A: We are planning for 6 feet to follow the safest protocol set by the CDC.
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Q2. Are desks spaced 3-6 feet apart or chairs?
A: The guidance is three to six feet apart for the edge of the chair to the edge of the chair.
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Q3. Why is the CDC guideline for 6 feet of separation indoors, while DESE’s version is 3 feet?
A: While current health guidance from the state allows a safe distance range of 3 feet to 6 feet with a mask, Falmouth Public Schools is adhering to a 5-6 feet distance guideline. Information on DESE’s guidance can be found at www.doe.mass.edu
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Q4. For in person learning will teachers be able to help students with their learning at a distance closer than 6 feet.
A: Teachers and related service providers supporting students with complex special needs will be permitted to instruct and support students at a distance closer than 6 ft. Additional PPE will be required in these instances.
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Q5. If my son who will be in kindergarten has to wear glasses is he required to wear a mask also? Having both on his face is very difficult.
A: Yes. We recognize the impact that masks have on individuals wearing glasses, however, all students and staff are required to wear a mask unless they have a signed Mask Exemption Form, completed by the healthcare provider.
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Q6. Besides the potential for outdoor classrooms, please speak to mask break opportunities.
A: Each school will also have a space or spaces designated for teachers to bring their classroom to take a mask break. Masks can also be removed for physical education or outdoor activities if students are placed 10 feet apart.
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Q7. Will children who are medically unable to wear a mask be able to attend school or will they be forced to do remote learning?
A: Exceptions to mask/face coverings will be made for those with medical conditions. Documentation will be required.
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Q8. What happens to children who cannot wear a mask due to health conditions and cannot receive a note from a doc due to a doctor not wanting liability?
A: All students will be required to wear a mask unless they have a signed Mask Exemption Form signed by their healthcare provider. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to engage in this discussion with their healthcare provider to better understand the necessity and appropriateness for the individual child.
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Q9. I understand that the youngest students aren’t required to wear masks. Why not? My 5-year-old has been wearing one successfully all day at camp.
A: Upon further consultation with our school physician, FPS will be updating the mask requirement to include all students in grades K- 12, including post graduate students.
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Q10. What will the mask requirements be?
A: The present DESE guidance requires students in grades 2-12 to wear mask/face coverings that cover their nose and mouth; however, upon consultation with our school physician and CDC recommendations, we will be requiring all students in grades K-12 to wear masks. Mask breaks will occur throughout the day when students are at least six feet apart. When outside students may remove their masks as long as they are six feet apart.
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Q11. Are any types of masks acceptable for the students?
A: Students and staff should wear two ply medical grade masks. No gaiters, bandanas, or masks with valves will be allowed.
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Q12. Can you please provide proof that states you are legally allowed to require a note from a doctor that states a student can't wear a mask? DESE guidelines list an exemption for any "health or safety reason" and that is up to the parent to manage their children's health.
A: All students will be required to wear a mask unless they have a signed Mask Exemption Form signed by their healthcare provider. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to engage in this discussion with their healthcare provider to better understand the necessity and appropriateness for the individual child. Per the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Fall Reopening Frequently Asked Questions, as of July 10, 2020
Exceptions to mask/face covering requirements must be made for those for whom it is not possible due to medical conditions, disability impact, or other health or safety factors. Face shields may be an option for students with medical or behavioral challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings.
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Q13. Will teachers be able to take mask breaks with kids or have time to show their faces to kids?
A: Yes, staff will be permitted to take mask breaks with students provided that all physical distancing requirements are met. Additionally, the district has purchased masks with clear openings for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, students with complex special needs, and access to language acquisition.
Class & Cohort Size
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Q1. Will we be able to get more specific information to each school? I’m specifically interested in cohort size.
A: Classes will be assigned to cohorts of 9-22 students for in-person learning at the PreK-4 buildings. Grades 5-12 approximately half of the students will report to school for one week of in-person learning. Building specific plans are being developed and will be released before the start of school.
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Q2. How many kids per class at Morse Pond?
A: A hybrid model would be half the typical class size 9-13 students.
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Q3. What will the class sizes be?
A: Classes will be assigned to cohorts of 12- 18 students for in-person learning at the PreK-4 buildings. Grades 5-12 approximately half of the students will report to school for one week of in-person learning - most classes will be between 8-12 students (>10 @ LAW)
Teaching and Learning
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Q1 What proportion of teachers are adopting these new methods? What new approaches are the elementary teachers taking?
A: Falmouth Public Schools has provided professional development (PD) focused on the creation of digital classrooms, beginning in the spring and continued throughout the summer in GoogleClassroom and Schoology. In addition, teachers have engaged with Modern Teacher for professional learning centered on blended learning pedagogy. The spring PD was mandatory, and the summer PD was voluntary. Continued PD will start up again in September and be used as a catalyst for sustained collaboration and planning.
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Q2. Have there been discussions about moving classes outside when the weather is still nice in the fall?
A: Fourteen commercial quality tents have been secured for the district which would allow for outside classrooms
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Q3. Will teachers be remote from their homes or school?
A: The expectation is teachers will be teaching remotely from school.
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Q4. What are working families expected to do if the child cannot get plugged into the classroom when they are home to either quarantine or when in hybrid model?
A: Synchronous (live) content will also be recorded so that students can access it when they are able to do so. If a family is experiencing issues with internet access, or other technology challenges, they will be encouraged to reach out to the district technology department for assistance.
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Q5. Student Question: Caroline Grade 6: Will there be more review work again or will we be moving forward and learning new things?
A: Learning will move forward with new content.
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Q6. Can you explain what the curriculum might look like for kindergarten classrooms with social distancing?
A: As always the curriculum is driven by the standards. Teachers have been planning and working together to look at practices for the upcoming school year.
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Q7. Acknowledging that every class/cohort will vary, are there general expectations/guidelines for daily time spent on synchronous vs. asynchronous if elementary schools go to hybrid or remote modes?
A: The amount of time for each mode of learning will be tailored to meet the developmental needs of the students. The expected amount of content for both modes will, however, be greater than what was generally delivered in the spring.
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Q8. What will the pre-K program look like as far as masks, socialization, and learning “stations”?
A: The Pre-k will look different as all classrooms will look different. Teachers will be creative and adjust their practices to this current situation with safety procedures embedded.
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Q9. Why aren’t MP, LAW, and FHS working together to develop a hybrid model that is the same across all three buildings?
A: They are coordinating on these discussions. All three schools will follow a one week in person and one week of remote learning model.
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Q10. What will the public Pre-K look like? The original program always included centers that the children would rotate through…how does social distancing work within classrooms at the age level of 3-5 years old?
A: Pre K instruction will be provided at individual student work spaces and each child will use their own materials. All physical distancing requirements for Pre K students will be the same as all students in grades Pre K-4.
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Q11. How will teaching be delivered if a teacher/classroom is quarantined?
A: Instruction can be continued remotely if a classroom is quarantined.
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Q12. If elementary students switch between in-person learning and remote learning, would they switch teachers? I know the plan specified that kids on 100% remote learning would have a dedicated teacher.
A: In grades K-2, students will be assigned to a classroom teacher as well as a separate remote learning teacher. For grades 3 and up the in-person teacher is also the remote learning teacher; therefore, if they switch between models, their teacher should remain constant.
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Q13. How are you supporting the teachers and accommodating for the dual natures of schooling (in person and remote) expected this fall?
A: Through an agreement made between the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Massachusetts Teachers' Association (MTA), the school year has been reduced by ten days, which will become professional development days for teachers to help them shift and strengthen their instructional practice.
Student Supports
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Q1. What about the children who were tested and confirmed to get on IEPs and programs for the fall and haven't received any communication?
A: Please reach out to the Special Education Building Administrator with questions about student specific Individualized Education Programs.
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Q2. My son is a student on a 504 at the high school. Does he have the option to attend full time?
A: Students who are identified as “High Needs” on their IEP will be allowed to attend full time. All other students will use the hybrid model. All 504 accommodations will be provided in the hybrid and remote learning environments.
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Q3. Some classrooms have SPED teachers, OT, PT, speech, reading and the four specialists going in which makes the cohort really exposed to the whole school, The cohort sounds safe at first but with all the teachers that will be entering the classroom and working with the students?? They will be going into multiple classes? A: All staff entering a classroom will use hand sanitizer and masks as required. Additional PPE will be provided for special education and related service providers if they
A: All staff entering a classroom will use hand sanitizer and masks as required. Additional PPE will be provided for special education and related service providers if they need to provide services closer than 6 ft. Some staff will be providing instruction and service delivery across multiple settings.
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Q4. If it's written in a child's IEP that they require movement breaks throughout the day, how will that be done safely?
A: This will be addressed on an individual basis as written in the IEP with all safety precautions in place.
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Q5. My child struggled with the remote learning, she is on an IEP and I'm very concerned that she will not do well with they Hybrid model. Will there be an opportunity for some children to do class time 100% of the time and no remote learning?
A: Falmouth Public Schools will be following the guidance provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on providing daily in person instruction to students with complex and significant needs. Students with disabilities who are considered high needs in the hybrid model will be identified by their Primary Disability/Level of Need as indicated on the PL3 page of the IEP. The PL3 informs the services provided outside of the general education classrooms; the need for service providers that are special education teachers and related service providers; and special education services that constitute more than 75% of the school day.
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Q6. How will IEP services be delivered?
A: All services specified on IEPs will be delivered. Service delivery, including push-in services, pull out services, and virtual groupings will be determined by student specific service delivery grids.
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Q7. How will IEPs be followed in the remote setting? That is, will services/support be provided as written.
A: Yes, all services will be provided as articulated in the service delivery grid of the IEP.
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Q8. Will all IEP testing be done in the timeframe as required by law?
A: Yes, special education evaluations will resume upon our return this Fall and will be expected to meet the State required timelines.
Grading
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Q1. How will grading work? Will all work count?
A: Grading will work as it did in the past prior to the school closure. Teachers will indicate which assignments and assessments will count towards the final grade as they did in the past.
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Q2. Will students receive a letter grade versus a pass/not pass? and how are you addressing academic dishonesty specifically when students are working remotely?
A: Students will be graded this year in the same manner as they had been in the past. Teachers and administrators will address possible instances of academic dishonesty consistent with the policy detailed in the school handbooks.
Specials, Lunch & Recess
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Q1. How are gym, recess, art, music, tech/library and related service providers going to happen?
A: Specials will take place in the classrooms or outside when possible.
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Q2. Will children will be switching classrooms and going to specials, lunch, gym, etc. or will they remain in the same classroom for the entire day?
A: At the elementary level students will not be switching classrooms for specials and most schools are able to provide meals in the classrooms. It is a building based decision that is based on space. Students must be six feet apart to eat lunch.
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Q3. What about art, music, library, computers for students who are not remote?
A: Specials will be offered in the classroom and/or outdoors for each cohort. Students will not travel to specials.
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Q4. Can children use the playground equipment?
A: At this time, playground equipment will not be available to students.
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Q5: Are there ways to facilitate keeping the band program?
A: The band (and chorus) programs will look different at each school based on the model and . The guidance for these programs is prohibitive for schools in regards to physical space, and particularly challenging for schools that are preserving cohorts of students.
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Q6. Hi, wondering if libraries will be open? Is there a plan for circulating materials?
A: At the elementary level the Librarian will be traveling to the classrooms. Students will be able to check out books and these will be disinfected prior to being shelved again.
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Q7. How long will recess be?
A: Recess is scheduled for 30 minutes at the elementary level.
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Q8. Will first graders have more than one recess since they will not be leaving the classroom as much as before?
A:The plan for the elementary schools will be to have students outdoors as much as possible.
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Q9. What is the plan for music and chorus (including PK students)?
A: We will plan for music classes outdoors when possible since singing will not be allowed in the classroom. Students will be allowed to sing outside if they are 10ft apart and wearing their mask.
Technology
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Q1. Will there be training for parents in how to use the various platforms? google classroom? schoology? Etc
A: Yes, the district has prepared recorded videos to assist families on both platforms.
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Q2. Have the schools been tested to ensure there is enough bandwidth to allow for remote learning?
A: Yes this has been secured.
Hybrid Model
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Q1. Will siblings at different schools be considered when choosing hybrid group schedules?
A:The principals will work closely together to coordinate sibling’s schedules across the district.
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Q2: What does a remote week in the hybrid model look like? Are you synchronously learning with kids in class? How is the teacher delivering the content to the child at home?
A: Remote content will be delivered with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous content. There is no prescribed amount for each format. That will be determined by teacher teams to best match the content area and developmental needs of the students.
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Q3. Please explain what Hybrid Learning is?
A: The hybrid learning model involves a combination of remote and in-person learning. Students will attend school for in-person learning for one week and then access remote learning at home the following week.
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Q4. When a student is hybrid at home or fully remote will they be expected to pass in work daily?
A: The expectation for turning in assignments will differ by grade level and may not be daily. Attendance will be taken daily and students working remotely in the hybrid model will be expected to engage with their learning.
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Q5. Will there be a hybrid option for kindergartners?
A: The current options are for full in-person learning and full remote, if a family chooses the latter. A hybrid model will be employed if conditions warrant a change for all elementary grades.
Remote Learning
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Q1. If we choose remote, will the students be allowed to come back to school when the families feel it is safe?
A: Yes! Families are able to revise their decision. There is a need to notify the school’s administration team two weeks prior to the planned return to in-person learning.
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Q2. Does it help the school to choose a remote option for my elementary student?
A: It does reduce the number of students in a classroom. However, we are able to safely bring back our elementary students in the in-person model.
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Q3. Will remote learning students have a teacher that also has in-classroom students?
A: Every remote learner will be assigned to a classroom teacher.
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Q4. How will you be handling remote teaching for children who need childcare services due to both parents working outside the home? Will instructional videos be recorded?
A: Synchronous material will be recorded, so families can access at a time that works with the families schedule.
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Q5. Can you explain if/how families will be able to switch between in-person and remote learning options as the fall semester progresses as conditions change?
A: Families can elect to resume in-person learning if they first choose remote and vice versa. To return to in-person learning, the district will ask for a 2 week notice in order to plan for the student’s return.
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Q6: If families choose the 100% remote learning model, will teaching be 100% live?
A: If families select the 100% remote learning model, their children will engage in their learning both synchronously and asynchronously. This means that a portion of their students’ instruction will be conducted live; it also means that a portion of their students’ instruction and completion of assignments will be conducted independently or virtually in pairs or small groups. While learning each day will be structured with the school’s in-person daily schedule in mind, deadlines for work will be set with appreciation that some students working remotely may need some flexibility for asynchronous work completion.
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Q7. For families who choose remote full time, are they guaranteed live teaching?
A: The district has purchased cameras for live teaching for every classroom.
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Q8: Is remote organized through DESE or Falmouth?
A: Remote learning is organized by the Falmouth Public Schools.
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Q9. Would a 100% remote student have the same teachers as the hybrid?
A: Yes, at Morse Pond, Lawrence, and Falmouth High School, students engaged in the fully remote learning model will be assigned to the same teachers as those who are engaged in the hybrid learning model.
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Q10. Would the kids switch teachers if moving between remote and in-person?
A: No, the cohort and its teacher would move between modes together.
Reopening Schools
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Q1. Does the School Committee vote on the Reopening Plan? If so, why have schools agreed models ahead of the vote?
A: Procedurally, DESE created a process of preparing and submitting a School Reopening Plan that could be done with knowledge that it is a dynamic one that can be revised in response to changing health trends. As a designated step in the process, principals conducted feasibility studies to determine how many students can be safely distanced in each classroom. With that information, they had to determine how they could meet the requirements of all three models (i.e., in-person, hybrid, and remote) and then elevate one of the three models as the one that would serve as the foundation for reopening schools. The School Committee votes to endorse the plan. The School Committee approved the plan on August 6, 2020.
Schedules
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Q1. Will student cohorts take into consideration which families or friends the student socializes with outside of school since they are already regularly exposed to those classmates.
A: Establishing and scheduling cohorts is a complicated process. Given the challenges of this unique scheduling season, it would be difficult to honor.
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Q2. What is the timeline for final decision making including the actual date of the soft open?
A: A survey for families to make their final decision will be sent out during the week of August 17th. The soft opening schedule is being discussed between administration and the Educators’ Association. The first student day is September 21, 2020 and the first week will likely be remote.
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Q3. What does the schedule look like for hybrid and remote? When will we know our specific child’s schedule?
A: The District Calendar and school schedules are created collaboratively by the District. School schedules should be released the week of August 17, 2020.
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Q4. When will the teacher assignments be announced?
A: This is a work in progress. Teacher assignments will be determined based on the result of the families decisions about how they will return to school.
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Q5. At FHS will the school day start later given the change in number of classes per day?
A: No. The school day remains the same. In a block schedule the class time increases.
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Q6. Will a school day be the same length in minutes, as it was pre-COVID?
A: The state has decreased the time on learning expectation for 850 hours for elementary schools and 930 hours for secondary schools for the year. For in-person learning, arrival and dismissal times will need to be staggered, so that structure will decrease time on learning.
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Q7. My son will be starting Lawrence this year. Is there a list of supplies that will be needed, when can we expect a schedule for him to come in and if he gets a bus pass as he will need one. Will these be mailed or emailed out?
A: Traditionally a supplies list goes out to families in late August. This year, with the precautionary measures, students will be limited in what they can bring to school. The school will be providing students with some basic supplies that can remain in the building at their assigned learning space. A majority of the work will take place on their chromebooks, so they should be prepared to bring this to school each day. Schedules will not be ready to go until closer to the start of the school year. Bus pass information is also forthcoming.
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Q8. Is there a schedule of streamed and/or taped lessons for students learning remotely? are streamed lessons on a schedule weekly? Daily?
A: At present, reopening teams at each of our seven schools are confirming their daily and weekly schedules. As soon as those are complete, instructional schedules can be developed and a more detailed response to this question can be made.
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Q9. Will siblings be on the same hybrid schedule? One at Morse Pond and one at Lawrence?
A: The principals will work closely together to coordinate sibling’s schedules across the district.
School Specific Information
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Q1. How will passing time be handled at the Falmouth High School?
A: Falmouth High School is planning on a staggered passing time between classes.
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Q2. How are you addressing kindergarten as readiness screenings have yet to be done and orienting kids as they did not have the chance.
A: We will plan to do kindergarten screenings during the months of September and October.
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Q3. Parent of two high school kids, and I am in the undecided group. What has been put in place at the high school to keep children safe. The only thing I have heard about it is one way hallways? I assume this means kids will be traveling from room to room? Will each room be cleaned in between classes? bathrooms? lunchrooms? Also some towns are putting plexiglass around desks. I am curious to hear any plans about the high school?
A: Cleaning in the building will be scheduled during the day and in the evening. Plexiglass will not be separating desks. PPE and hand sanitizer will be available in every room. Students will have student safe sanitizer wipes available to wipe down their own desks.
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Q4. Will there be a meet and greet with the teacher for first graders and preschoolers before school begins?
A: Since there is an emphasis on not having parents and volunteers in the schools, the plan for all parent/school community meetings including “meet and greet” are to be virtual at this time.
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Q5. We understood you were starting hybrid at grade 7 - has that changed?
A: Yes, Morse Pond School will now reopen with a hybrid schedule.
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Q6. In the elementary schools the specialists will be going into classrooms. If a specialist gets sick, will the whole school be sent home to quarantine and test?
A: Contact tracing will be used to determine who will need quarantine. Specialists do not see every student every day.
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Q7. Can you review the plan for North Falmouth Elementary School and the options?
A: All four elementary schools will be in person learning or 100% remote learning. Building specific plans continue to develop and fine tune details. They will be released upon completion.
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Q8. With Morse Pond now a hybrid, can they implement PowerSchool?
A: For purposes of attendance, grade reporting, and information management, all schools in the District use PowerSchool as the single Student Information System (SIS). However, there are several features in PowerSchool that will need to be built and implemented before parent/guardian access to PowerSchool can be created.
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Q9. Will students get extra time to go between classes? Will students be penalized for being late?
A: At Lawrence, students will not be traveling from class to class. But time between classes will be increased (up to 5 minutes) to allow staff that are moving time to get their instructional tools/ materials from room to room, and to disinfect. At FHS, we have increased the time to give students time to safely get to their next class.
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Q10. How many kids per class at Lawrence?
A: At Lawrence we are planning for 5 cohorts per team in 30 learning spaces. The maximum number of a cohort would be 20, so with the hybrid model, there will be less than 10 students per class.
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Q11. How will Lawrence School do both cohorts and advanced math?
A: This is a challenge the Lawrence School administration is working through.
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Q12. Today's letter to Morse Pond families mentioned a few different scenarios about what the hybrid model would look like. What are the chances you will make it the same as the High School Lawrence School so that young kids can be on the same schedule as their siblings! Fifth graders are too young to be home alone.
A: The Morse Pond schedule will follow the Lawrence School’s and FHS ‘s Hybrid schedule of one week in person learning, one week remote learning.
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Q13. Can you post in the chat section the specific plan (i.e. full in person, hybrid, full remote) for each grade level?
A:
East Falmouth: In-Person Learning
Students will be assigned to cohorts of 12 - 20 students for in-person learning and will include participation in GoogleClassroom. Students will remain in the classroom to which they are assigned. When it is time for Art, Music, PE, Health, Library, or Technology, the teacher will join the students in their assigned classroom to provide instruction.
Mullen Hall School: In-Person Learning
Students will be assigned to cohorts of 12 - 20 students for in-person learning and will include participation in GoogleClassroom. Students will remain in the classroom to which they are assigned. When it is time for Art, Music, PE, Health, Library, or Technology, the teacher will join the students in their assigned classroom to provide instruction.
Teaticket: In-Person Learning
Students will be assigned to cohorts of 12 - 20 students for in-person learning and will include participation in GoogleClassroom.Students will remain in the classroom to which they are assigned. When it is time for Art,Music, PE, Health, Library, or Technology, the teacher will join the students in their assigned classroom to provide instruction.
North Falmouth: In-Person Learning
Students will be assigned to cohorts of 12 - 20 students for in-person learning and will include participation in GoogleClassroom. Students will remain in the classroom to which they are assigned. When it is time for Art, Music, PE, Health, Library, or Technology, the teacher will join the students in their assigned classroom to provide instruction.
All Elementary Schools: Remote Learning Option
Students in 100% remote learning will have an assigned teacher to provide remote learning. Remote learning will include participation in GoogleClassroom and synchronous and asynchronous learning methods.
Morse Pond School: In Person: Students will be assigned to cohorts of 18 - 20 students for in-person learning and will include participation in GoogleClassroom.
When students are present for in-person learning, they will be assigned to one classroom.
Teachers will pass from room to room, following safety guidelines. This includes their Art, Music, PE, Health, DLCS teachers.
Morse Pond School: 100% Remote: Students in 100% remote learning will have an assigned teacher to provide remote learning. Remote learning will include participation in Google Classroom and synchronous and asynchronous learning methods.
Lawrence School: Hybrid
Hybrid Students will be separated into two halves. When one half is at school for a week of in-person learning, the other remains at home for one week of remote learning. They then alternate. Students will be scheduled according to their course selections this spring. The curriculum will continue forward each day, and students will participate whether they are in-person or remote. When students are present for in-person learning, they will be assigned to one classroom. Teachers will pass from room to room, following safety guidelines. A schedule of classes will be published to students and families. Students in-person and remote will be participating in the same assigned class through a blended model approach designed with Schoology. When students are remote, they will participate with their peers through synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. Students assigned to specific educational programs will participate 100% in-person every week.
Lawrence School : 100% Remote
Students in a 100% remote learning will be assigned to classes and participate with their peers through Schoology’s learning management system (LMS) with synchronous and asynchronous learning methods.
Falmouth High School: Hybrid
Students will be separated into two halves. When one half is at school for a week of in-person learning, the other remains at home for one week of remote learning. They then alternate.
Students will be scheduled according to their course selections this spring. The curriculum will continue When students are present for in-person learning, they will pass from class to class, following safety guidelines. A schedule of classes will be
published to students and families. Students in-person and remote will be participating in the same assigned class through a blended model approach designed with
Schoology. When students are remote, they will participate with their peers through synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. Students assigned to specific educational programs will participate 100% in-person every week.
Falmouth High School: 100% Remote Learning
Students in a 100% remote learning will be assigned to classes and participate with their peers through Schoology’s learning management system (LMS) with synchronous and asynchronous learning methods.
Guidance Services & College-Going Supports
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Q1: Will Falmouth High School host standardized testing during the 2020 - 2021 school year? A: Presently, Falmouth High School is scheduled to host the following fall tests, and our Guidance Department will monitor health conditions as the dates get closer. SAT Saturday, October 3, 2020 | PSAT Saturday, October 17, 2020 | ACT Saturday, October 24, 2020
There are numerous other SAT and ACT testing dates at different host locations in the surrounding areas. Students need to check with testing websites for information related to changes and cancellations.
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Q2: What are current plans to engage Falmouth High School students in presentations about college/university selection?
A: Falmouth High School’s annual college fair is canceled. At present, there are no plans to bring college and university representatives to Falmouth High School. These will become virtual events as will the previously scheduled senior parent/guardian nights.
Senior Parent/Guardian College Admissions Night Thursday, September 17, 2020
Senior Parent/Guardian Financial Aid Thursday, September 24, 2020
Many colleges and universities are also hosting student campus visits virtually.
In addition, many colleges and universities are now test optional, which means that they may have revised how they consider test scores during the admissions process. Students should check with their college of choice concerning any testing requirements.
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Q3. This may be premature, but how will college guidance counseling work in the new model, say, if a student is remote? (And what's the current thinking about college tours?)
A: Guidance counselors will meet with students virtually if a student is remote. In-person college tours will not be permitted at this time, however, some institutions may offer virtual tours.
Family Decision-Making & Timelines
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Q1. I’m hearing a lot of chatter about parents pursuing alternative educational options for their children. This may cause disparity between students’ learning. How do you plan to reconcile those differences between students who have access to other opportunities versus students who are pursuing the FPS curriculum?
A: All students enrolled in Falmouth Public Schools will have access to the same grade level curriculum provided by the district.
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Q2. When is the deadline for informing FPS that our child will not be returning to the district at all?
A: There is no official deadline for withdrawing your child, but as soon as you have made your decision please notify the principal.
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Q3. I think it was mentioned that there will be dedicated teachers for 100% remote students in elementary schools. If an “in person” student has to go remote due to COVID concerns, will the child be switched to the remote teacher or will they stay with their assigned classroom while they quarantine?
A: There would be a co-teaching model. Students would stay connected to their assigned classroom.
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Q4. When is the deadline to withdraw from the district because you want a live learning experience at a private school?
A: There is no official deadline for withdrawing your child, but as soon as you have made your decision please notify the principal.
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Q5. What is the deadline for telling the school district that we want in-person or remote learning?
A: A survey is scheduled to be released the week of August 17th with a submission deadline of August 26th.
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Q6. What will be the method of informing the district of my decision?
A: A survey is scheduled to be released the week of August 17th with a submission deadline of August 26th.
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Q7. Will we be able to see what an elementary classroom will look like as well as a daily schedule? This would help us make an informed decision on sending our incoming Kindergartener.
A: To begin our school year, visitors will not be permitted in the schools. We will find creative ways to be welcoming to our families.
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Q8. If you start hybrid and don't like it can you change to fully remote?
A: Yes
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Q9. Can you begin with remote learning and switch to hybrid when/if become more comfortable? Or is the student stuck with the option chosen?
A: Yes
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Q10. What is the process to decide when it is appropriate to offer full time, in-person learning for all students?
A: A survey is scheduled to be released the week of August 17th to families to make their final decision.
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Q11. Some families, especially those with children in multiple grades/schools, might prefer to homeschool vs. the other options for this year only. We would prefer to follow the school curriculum so our children can reintegrate as soon as possible. Would the school be able to provide curriculum/resources in this situation?
A: Homeschooling is different from students who choose remote learning and remain students of FPS. Remote learners continue to have access to class content. The technical definition of homeschoolers limits the districts’ involvement in their curriculum as they are no longer enrolled in the district.
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Q12. For homeschoolers, is there any way to access the class content or otherwise participate in school?
A: The homeschooler term is different than students who choose remote learning but remain students of FPS. Remote learners continue to have access to class content. The technical definition of homeschoolers limits the districts’ involvement in their curriculum.
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Q13. If families choose to homeschool (not remote learning, but homeschooling on their own) would the school district lose out on money for that student?
A: Falmouth Public Schools receives state money based on the number of students enrolled in the district. Once a student is approved for Home School education they are no longer enrolled in the district.
Operations
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Q1. How will buses work with the limited spaces available? Will it be first come first serve or prioritized by need?
A: It is very helpful for families to drive their children or encourage their children to walk to school. We are creating bus passes for parents who require transportation. If you do require transportation and have NOT already responded to the district survey please reach out to the school principal or the district transportation office. At this point there seems to be availability on bus routes.
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Q2. How will social distance be enforced on busses?
A: Students will be assigned seats, busses will only have about ⅓ of the students on the bus.
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Q3. What will pick up and drop off look like for students who choose to don’t ride the bus?
A: Schools will begin and end on a staggered time schedule. All buildings are developing safety plans to accommodate the possible increase in the traffic flow.
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Q4. With more families choosing to drop off children, how will that affect the car line in the morning and afternoon?
A: Schools are developing staggered drop off and pick up to decrease the number of cars in the line.
Substitute Teachers
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Q1. Will the teachers be the same staff or should we expect a lot of substitute teachers?
A: Students should expect to see the teachers that they have seen in our school buildings in years past. Many of the subs that have worked in our schools will also be returning. They may see our substitute teachers more regularly though, since they will be on hand to support school personnel with the increasing challenges that come with distancing guidelines and adaptive school schedules.
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Q2. How will the district secure substitute teachers for the inevitable quarantine of staff?
A: Before the school year has even started we have identified dedicated substitutes for each school building that will be a part of the training days prior to students returning to school.
Other
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Q1. Can you please address what are issues being negotiated with teachers and FEA as you plan reopening?
A: Health and Safety and the impact of the reopening of school plans on working conditions.
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Q2. What about before and after care? How does that work with cohorts etc?
A: The YMCA would identify cohorts and maintain them for before and after care. They will have distinct staff to student limitations. EEC guidance would eliminate any drop in options.
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Q3. What about field trips?
A: At this time, field trips will not be permitted.
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Q4. How will pick up/early dismissals be conducted? through intercoms?
A: Walkie talkies and intercom.
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Q5. What can parents/guardians do to support the District and how can parents/guardians who need additional support request aid?
A: Parents /guardians have been extremely supportive and helpful through this unprecedented time. I would encourage parents to check with their students' individual teachers, PTO and building principal to offer and or receive aid.