Belleview R-3 Reopening Plan Announced

 

The Belleview R-3 reopening plan has been announced.

Procedures and protocols outlined within this document are intended to provide Belleview R-III administration and staff with information concerning reopening of the district with COVID-19 as a major issue. The health and safety of all of our students and staff is our priority in all decisions related to conducting school and providing a quality education to all students.

Procedures and protocols outlined within this document are based upon recommendations for

federal and state resources and collaboration with the Missouri Department of Health-Iron

County, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Belleview R-III COVID-19 Committee. It is not meant to be all-encompassing but rather a framework which will be assessed, evaluated and appropriately changed without the reopening process.

Belleview R-III will always attempt to adhere to the most recent recommendations from the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Missouri Department of Health, and the

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Any questions and/or concerns should be addressed to the administration office. Knowledge and understanding of the contents of this plan is the responsibility of each staff member.

GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Employee Screening and Protocols: To help prevent the spread of Covid-19 and reduce

potential risk of exposure to other employees, all staff are required to complete a self-screening which includes a temperature reading and answering a set of questions related to COVID- 19 symptoms including:

• Do I have a cough?
• Am I experiencing shortness of breath or difficulty breathing?
• Am I experiencing chills?
• Am I having repeated shaking with chills?
• Do I have muscle pain?
• Do I have a headache?
• Do I have a sore throat?
• Am I experiencing a new loss of taste or smell?
• Do I have diarrhea?
• Am I vomiting?
• Feeling feverish or measured temperature greater than or equal to 100 F. Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19. Staff members are encouraged to keep a log of daily temperature.
• Staff will have temperature monitored upon arriving at school daily. All screening information will be kept confidential by the central office.

NOTE: Symptoms can range from mild to severe illness, and appear 2-14 days after you are

exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Analyze any symptoms to be able to verify they are or are not connected with other illnesses or conditions.

If you have a temperature and/or experiencing any of the symptoms and have no other illness or condition, please do not report to work. Immediately call the administration office/personnel to report that you will not be reporting to your assigned duty.

Health Protocol:

• If an employee becomes ill during the school day or is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-

19, they will be asked to leave and go to their provider or the nearest health center.

• Employees returning to work from an approved medical leave should contact the central

office. Staff will be required to submit a healthcare provider’s note or a note from the health department of their county of residence prior to returning to work.

If you have been diagnosed with COVID 19, you may return to work when all four criteria are met:

1. At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery (no fever without the use of fever reducing medications); and
2. You have improved symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, etc); and
3. At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first occurred and
4. A release from their healthcare provider or Health Department of the county they reside in to return to work.

Guidance if Exposed:

If you have been exposed to the virus, our first concern is for you and your health and for the health and safety of those around you.

Please do the following:

• Quarantine yourself in a specific room away from others in your home.
• Contact the following in the order of priority, let them know you have been exposed to

COVID-19, then follow their instructions.

1. Your healthcare provider
2. Your supervisor/designee

• Your supervisor/designee will work with the district’s administration office to determine appropriate next steps.

• In case of emergency, call 911, let them know you have been exposed to Covid-19 and follow their instructions.

Accommodations:

• Students with diagnosed medical conditions that are related to COVID-19 susceptibility, or that request virtual instruction for other reasons, will be provided opportunities for distance learning and other accommodations as appropriate and practicable.

• Faculty/staff with diagnosed medical conditions that are related to COVID-19 susceptibility will be provided accommodations as appropriate and practicable.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): In order to minimize exposure to COVID-19, PPE is strongly encouraged and recommended to limit certain exposures. PPE can include masks, face shields, gloves, or other:

• Masks – Masks do not take away the need for personal hygiene, social distancing or frequent cleaning efforts.
• Masks – Staff are strongly encouraged and recommended to wear mask in the building
• Masks – Students are strongly encouraged and recommended to wear mask in the building
• Face Shields – Teachers and aides may use face shields when deemed necessary for educational purposes.
• Gloves – Touching your face with contaminated hands, whether gloved or not, poses a significant risk of infection. Wearing gloves does not diminish the need to wash your hands.

Please remember that hand washing properly is the number one defense against any virus.

Additionally, the proper removal of gloves reduces the risk of being exposed to contamination.

Please note social distancing when possible should still be practiced even with the use masks face shields.

In addition to using PPE, please remember to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Stay home if you are ill.

Social Distancing: Social distancing is an effective way to prevent potential infection. School employees, students, parents, and visitors should practice staying 3-6 feet or more away from others when possible.

• Avoid staff interactions and social gatherings – non-essential/informal meetings and visits should be avoided.
• Zoom or Google meet can be utilized for district meetings to maintain social distancing.
• Social distancing will be observed to the extent possible by all faculty, staff, and students.

Social distancing is more achievable in hallways, outdoor areas, larger facilities.

• Visual markers will be used to assist students and staff with social distancing. Healthy Practices
• Drinking fountains will be removed from service, except for those with bottle filling capabilities.
• Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette (CDC Guidance)
• Teach and reinforce hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, multiple times throughout the day and increase monitoring to ensure adherence among students and staff.

■ If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used. Hand sanitizer is provided throughout the building.

■ Staff and students are expected to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

Used tissues should be thrown in the trash and hands washed immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

Personal Workspace/Classroom: Staff will use district approved signage to indicate that the room needs sanitizing or disinfecting. Employees are encouraged to disinfect their own personal workspace throughout the day, giving special attention to commonly touched surfaces.

Food Delivery: Bringing or sharing refreshments during meetings should be minimal or individually packaged to limit the risk of contamination. Delivery of outside meals is discouraged. Personal packages delivered to the district are discouraged.

Shared Workspace: Employees are encouraged to disinfect their own workspace multiple times throughout the day. Alcohol-based sanitizers will be placed throughout work spaces and common areas.

Cleaning sprays and wipes will be available to staff to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as keyboards and telephones, when students are not in the room. The school custodial staff will clean all workspaces at their designated cleaning times. Please note that proper equipment such as acceptable disinfectant and PPE should be used when cleaning workspaces.

There will be a limited access to certain workspaces to reduce exposure to risks and ensure employee safety. Workplace usage is as follows:

• Office: Limit the number of staff/students. Remember social distancing protocols.
• Conference Areas – Limit the number of staff/students when meeting. Consider using Zoom, Google meet or other virtual options even for employees in the building or school.
• Teacher Work Areas – Utilize the teacher’s work area for use of school resources only. Hand washing should be performed before and after using shared machines. Students are not allowed to retrieve copies from copiers for teachers.

Facilities Cleaning: The safety of employees and students is our first priority. Upon reopening, the building will be completely cleaned and disinfected and will continue to adhere to all necessary safety precautions. In addition to the deep clean of the office and school before employees and students return, the cleaning steps outlined below are to be taken to protect and to reduce the spread of the infection. Employees should maintain this safety standard by continuously cleaning and disinfection based on the frequency stated in the following table.

Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Protocol: Deep cleaning is triggered when an employee or student is identified as positive for COVID-19 based on testing.

Preventative Supply Inventory:

• The district has an adequate supply of soap, disinfection, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and tissues. These items will be supplied to staff as needed.
• Staff with potential to encounter COVID-19 positive students or staff will be provided
• with masks to use when in close proximity with students or staff members.
• Touchless thermometers will be used on-site for employee screening.

GENERAL DISINFECTION MEASURES

Category Area Frequency

Workspaces Classrooms, Offices At the end of each use/day and as much as possible throughout day

Appliances Refrigerators,

Microwaves, Coffee

Machines

Daily

Electronic

Equipment

Copier machines,

Shared computer

monitors, TV’s,

Telephones, keyboards

At the end of each use/day and between use

General Used Objects

Handles, light switches, sinks, restrooms

As much as possible throughout day

Buses Bus seats, handles/railing, belts, window controls

At the end of each use/day

Common Areas Cafeteria, Library, Conference Room, Gym, Common Areas

At the end of each use/day; between groups

Screening:

Parents and caregivers should implement a daily health screening for all students prior to coming to school:

Fever or chills

Cough

Headache

Muscle aches

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

New loss of taste or smell

New runny nose or congestion

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Sore throat

Close contact with a person with COVID-19

This list is subject to change as new symptoms of COVID-19 are identified and the school will inform families regarding additional symptoms of concern. Parents should assess their children for fever. Students with symptoms should not attend school and parents should consult their healthcare provider and follow CDC considerations regarding their return to school. For students who are diagnosed with COVID-19, either by a laboratory test or based on their symptoms, return to school is permissible when the student is at least 10 days from symptom onset, has had three days with no fever and has improving symptoms. Students will be required to submit a healthcare provider’s note or a note from the health department of their county of residence prior to returning to school. Return to school for children with an alternate diagnosis is at the discretion of their healthcare provider and/or the school. Children with a known close contact with COVID-19 (or an adult with symptoms compatible with COVID-19) should stay home for 14 days from their last contact and until return to school is approved by the local health department in accordance with the CDC guidance. Please keep your students home when they feel sick. At home screening reinforces that decision and reminds families how important that choice is, as it helps to further protect other students, school staff members, and communities as a whole. Performing a daily screening before a student arrives at school also reduces the likelihood that a student will have to be isolated at school and sent home after experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Bus Driver/Bus Protocols:

Buses will be sanitized after each route.

• Hand sanitizer will be available on school buses.
• Drivers will use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, throughout routes.
• Students will be assigned seats based on routes.
• All will be strongly encouraged and recommended to wear a mask while on the bus.
• Students riding the bus, from the same household, will be required to sit together.
• A seating chart with consistent day to day positioning is recommended for contact tracing.
• Parents/guardians are encouraged to drop students off at school instead of using bus service. Drop-off and pick-up systems will be organized to ensure social distancing to the greatest extent possible.

Academics: Parents and Students will be given the option of returning to school for face to face learning or full virtual program per semester. Decisions will be made for students on a case by case method.

Parents as First Teachers (PAT) (In-Person Visits Only)

1. Children may be seen for visits in the student’s home or an outdoor location if weather is conducive for a visit. Some visits may also be conducted via video conferencing.
2. Materials used during PAT visits will be sanitized between each visit.
3. Parents and Teachers will be required to wear protective face coverings during visits.
4. At the present time, large gatherings will not take place. We will continue to evaluate the feasibility of hosting group meetings as the year progresses.
5. The PAT program will make reasonable best efforts to minimize risks by wearing masks and sanitizing all materials and supplies during home visits.

School Day-Belleview R-III School District will take all actions necessary to provide staff and students with as normal a school day as possible during this global pandemic.

• Student drop off time is 7:20. All students will enter through the front doors.
• Grades 6-8 will go directly to classrooms upon arrival. Grades K-5 will go directly to the gym for breakfast. Grades 6-8 will be called to the gym when it is their time for breakfast.

• Pre K-8 students will remain with their class the majority of the day. The art and music teacher will come to their room. They will only be leaving their room for breakfast, lunch, library/computer, and restroom breaks.
• Field trips, assemblies, or visiting presenters will not be allowed at this time.
• Attendance incentives have been removed for the regular school term.
• Parents/Guardians will have limited access to the building.

○ Visitors in the building will be limited.

• Clear plastic guards (similar to those found in grocery stores, etc.) will be utilized to allow office personnel to interact with visitors while minimizing potential exposure.
• Space seating/desks will be placed at appropriate distances from each other.
• Turn desks to face in the same direction (rather than facing each other), or students will sit on only one side of tables, spaced apart.
• Assigned seating in all settings to assist with contact tracing as needed.
• Signage will be provided throughout the building on floors, doors and windows to promote healthy habits, such as social distancing, washing hands properly, etc.
• Open House has been cancelled for this year. 

Shared Objects

• Sharing of items that are difficult to clean or disinfect will not be permitted.
• Each child’s belongings will be separated from others’ and in individually labeled containers, cubbies, or areas as much as possible.

• If adequate supplies cannot be acquired to minimize sharing of high touch materials to the extent possible (e.g., assigning each student their own art supplies, equipment), use will be limited to supplies and equipment by one group of children at a time, cleaning and disinfecting supplies/equipment between use will be required.
• Students will be assigned a Chromebook at the beginning of the school year to utilize.
• The computer lab will be utilized on a minimal basis. Students will utilize their

Chromebooks.

• Library books will be quarantined in an airtight container for 72 hours and wiped down with disinfectant prior to being reshelved.
• Sharing of student supplies (art, other) will be minimized and/or eliminated.
• Equipment used by more than one student will be sanitized between uses.

Food Service:

• Lunch shifts will be staggered to maximize social distancing.
• All students will eat meals with their class, sitting only on one side of the table with appropriate social distancing (students will not face each other).
• Students will wash hands prior to eating and prior to engaging in other activities after eating.
• Food will not be shared and unopened food/drinks previously served will not be re-served.
• Use individual packets of condiments.
• Gloves should be worn when handling used utensils and removing trash bags.
• Kitchen surfaces will be wiped down with disinfectant before food preparation begins.
• Hands should be washed after handling soiled dishes and before handling clean dishes.
• All kitchen staff must wear a mask and gloves during meal preparation and serving.
• All tables will be cleaned thoroughly between uses.
• All non-disposable food service items will be handled with gloves and washed with dish soap and hot water or in a dishwasher. Individuals will wash their hands after removing their gloves or after directly handling used food service items.
• If food is offered at any event, only pre-packaged boxes or bags for each attendee instead of a buffet or family-style meal will be offered. Avoid sharing food and utensils and ensure the safety of children with food allergies.

Athletics:

• Student activities and athletics will be conducted under current local, state, and federal guidance.
• Parents of students participating in any extracurricular activity will be required to complete a liability waiver and follow the guidelines set within the document.
• Water bottles will need to be used by all athletes during practices.
• Practice balls and supplies will be sanitized at the end of each practice and game by custodial staff.

Traditional School

All classes will take place in school buildings. Staff and students will maintain normal routines and school safety/security procedures. Parents, visitors, and guests follow all normal school security protocols.

Engagement Level Indicator Definitions

NORMAL SCHOOL

Seated School with Health Precautions

All classes will take place in school buildings. Extra cleaning and safety protocols for staff and students will be followed. There are restrictions on parents, visitors, and volunteers in the building.

Seated School Instruction with Technology Support Courses will be taught with a technology integration model. Seated and virtual courses will align and be taught in the building with teachers using technology. Students and staff will be in buildings.

Protocols for staff and students will be followed according to Return to Learn Re-entry Guidelines. All entrances to school will be locked and restricted to staff and students.

Remote Learning from Home

Students will receive instruction online using Google Classroom.

Teachers will use various methods to communicate with students and families. All buildings will be closed to students.

Belleview R-III School District

OVERVIEW

The Belleview R-III School District has taken steps to prepare for the health, wellness, and safety for all students and staff as we prepare for the 2020-2021 school year. Information listed below outlines general guidelines and expectations for each location/service. Decisions will be made in coordination with local and state guidelines. To define health and safety measures, level indicators will be used. 

HEALTH SERVICES & PPE

Level 1: Seated School Instruction with Health Precautions School staff will provide health and safety training/materials to faculty and staff If you have medications for your child, please schedule a time with the office staff to drop it off Mask use will be in accordance with state, county, and board of education health expectations Level 2: Seated School Instruction with technology Support (In Addition to Level 1 Procedures)

Evaluation of Symptoms and Safety protocol Flow Chart will be provided to all staff member

Staff self-screening daily Parents are to screen students at home prior to sending to school

Staff working with medically fragile student are expected to wear mask

Level 3: Remote Learning

Staff and counselors will be available during school hours for support and guidance

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

Level 1: Seated School Instruction with Health Precautions

Every room will be provided with physical distancing protocols when achievable

Students will use wash-in, wash-out procedures upon arrival to school

Level 2: Seated School Instruction with technology Support (In Addition to Level 1 procedures)

Student drop off and pickup will be through the car line only

Students will use wash-in, wash-out procedures upon arrival to school

Common areas will be restricted when achievable

Level 3: Remote Learning

Students will not be on campus during Level 3

TRANSPORTATION

Level 1: Seated School Instruction with Health Precautions

Buses will run with normal capacity

Buses will be cleaned and sanitized

Level 2: Seated School Instruction with technology Support (In Addition to Level 1 procedures)

It is highly recommended students provide their own transportation when operating at Level 2.

Seating assignments will be available and buses will be cleaned and sanitized after each run

Bus drivers have be properly trained in COVID-19 safety measures

Students will be encouraged to practice physical distancing while waiting for the bus

Level 3: Remote Learning

Transportation would not be needed during Level 3 during remote instruction

VISITORS

Level 1: Seated School Instruction with Health Precautions

Lunch guests and volunteers are permitted on a limited basis by appointment only

Level 2: Seated School Instruction with technology Support (In Addition to Level 1 procedures)

Nonessential visitors will not be permitted in the building

No lunch guests or volunteers in the building

Level 3: Remote Learning

Building is closed to outside visitors and guests

CLASSROOM & PLAYGROUND

Level 1: Seated School Instruction with Health Precautions

Students will be observed for illness prior to starting class and referred to the office if necessary

Appropriate measures will be taken for cleaning

Time will be built into the day for frequent hand washing especially after playground use

Level 2: Seated School Instruction with technology Support (In Addition to Level 1 procedures)

Physical distancing strategies will be implemented when feasible with students in cohorts

Students will be taught appropriate hygiene/COVID-19 practices

Students will keep their own supplies for use in the classroom

Personal water bottles will be encouraged and drinking fountains will be closed

Level 3: Remote Learning

Students will participate in remote learning and instructional activities during Level 3

CAFETERIA

Level 1: Seated School Instruction with Health Precautions

All tables and benches will be disinfected between each breakfast and lunch shifts

Level 2: Seated School Instruction with technology Support (In Addition to Level 1 procedures)

Breakfast and lunch will be alternating schedules keeping students in cohorts

Some classes may be eating in their classrooms to provide physical distancing options and

reduce capacity

Level 3: Remote Learning

Students will not be on campus during Level 3

TRANSITIONS

Level 1: Seated School Instruction with Health Precautions

Passing periods will be based on regular bell schedule

Level 2: Seated School Instruction with technology Support (In Addition to Level 1 procedures)

Passing periods will be on an alternating schedule. Students will be monitored in hallways

Movement throughout the building will be limited or reduced through the use of cohort groups

Signage will be provided to promote physical distancing and travel directions

Level 3: Remote Learning

Students will not be on campus during Level 3

COVID-19 RESPONSE

If Suspected Case at School:

Student should be taken to the designated safe-spot and provided a mask to isolate while

Parent/guardian is notified

Identify student exposure through contact tracing with other students and staff

Contact health Department and communicate with the public based on Health Department’s

Recommendations

Disinfect all targeted contact areas using proven practices

Consult with health Department prior to re-entry