Fall 2020 Guidance – Elementary

Student & Staff Safety Protocols for Screening & Isolation 

General

All students and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms regularly and individuals who show symptoms will be separated and sent home.

Screening Protocols UPDATED Sept. 17, 2020

• Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to reporting to work each day.  

• Parents/guardians are expected to screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending their student to school:

  • Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Shaking
  • Exaggerated shivering
  • Significant muscle pain or ache
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting

  *If your student is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, you will be asked to contact your student's medical provider for further guidance and not return to school. Nurses will continuously monitor the screening process and follow up with the parent/guardian on the health status of the students.

• Teachers will monitor students and refer to the nurse if symptoms are present.

• For further information and/or guidance, please refer to the section "Individuals Suspected with COVID-19."

Isolation Protocols

Student or Staff Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms

• When a student has displayed one or more symptoms of COVID-19, the school nurse will provide a clinical assessment to determine if and when a student needs to be sent home.

• Students who are ill will be separated from their peers and should be picked up within 30 minutes and no later than one hour from the time the campus contacted the student’s parent/guardian.

• Other students will be removed from the classroom and taken to an alternate location on campus (e.g. go on a walk outside, move to a different classroom, etc.) so that the classroom can be disinfected.

• District communication will be provided to the parents of students who came in contact with a COVID-19 positive student or staff member.  

• Staff members displaying COVID-19 symptoms will follow district protocols including isolation from students and other staff members.

Individuals Confirmed with COVID-19

Any individuals with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive test may return to school or work when the following criteria are met:

• At least one day (24 hours) has passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications); and

• The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); and

• At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

Individuals Considered At-Risk of Exposure

Individuals identified as being exposed to someone with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive test will be quarantined based on the following:

• 10 days after the last close contact, so long as they continue to monitor themselves daily for symptoms and take appropriate precautions through day 14
• 7 days after the last close contact, after receiving a negative test result (administered at least 5 days after the last close contact), so long as they continue to monitor themselves daily for symptoms and take appropriate precautions through day 14

Individuals who return to school or work from these shorter quarantine windows should regularly monitor themselves to ensure they remain symptom-free and take appropriate precautions for the duration of the 14-day incubation period. Individuals who develop symptoms at any time during the 14-day incubation period should not report to school or work.

Individuals Suspected with COVID-19

If an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 is not evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, the individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and may not return to school or work until they have completed the same three-step set of criteria listed above.

If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school or work before completing the stay at home period, the individual must:

• Obtain a medical professional’s note clearing (must include date of return to school) the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis; or

• Obtain an acute infection test (at a physician's office, approved testing location, or other site) that comes back negative for COVID-19.

Protocols for Face Coverings UPDATED Aug. 9, 2020

Protective measures, including the use of face coverings, will be determined by risk level of COVID-19. The District will rely on data from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Fort Bend County Health & Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to determine the risk level and the appropriate protective measures. The risk level categories below are based on the recommendations of Fort Bend County Health & Human Services. The District will alert students, parents and staff of the weekly COVID-19 risk level and when face coverings must be worn.

Acceptable face coverings in Lamar CISD include non-medical and medical grade disposable face masks, cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth), and neck gaiters that cover the nose, mouth and neck.

Per the latest Texas Education Agency update, full-face shields may be worn in place of a mask to protect eyes, nose and mouth whenever a mask is not feasible, or whenever the education context may benefit from the ability to see an individual's full face. Recommended face shields wrap around the sides of the wearer's face and extend to below the chin.

If an employee believes they need to wear a face shield in place of another face covering, they should contact Human Resources.

If a parent has a question regarding feasibility of face coverings and the educational context in which face shields can be worn, they should contact their campus principal.

Students' individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Parents who request an accommodation will need to submit a note from a physician to the campus nurse exempting the student from wearing a face covering.

COVID-19 Risk Levels

Protective Measures  

Staff Expectations

• Staff will wear face coverings during high, moderate and low transmission levels. A note from a physician is required to exempt staff from wearing face masks.

Student Expectations UPDATED July 16, 2020

• Students in Pre-K through 3rd grade will only wear face coverings in hallways, common areas (cafeteria, gym, restroom, etc.) and during arrival and dismissal during high, moderate and low transmission levels.

• Students in 4th through 12th grade will wear face coverings during high, moderate and low transmission levels, including in the classroom.

• Students' individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

• Requests for accommodations will have to include a note from a physician and should be submitted to the school nurse. 

• Students are required to bring two dress code approved masks/face coverings daily. One will be worn and one additional mask/face covering will be brought in a sealed/ziploc bag. Labeling of the masks with a student name is suggested. Cloth masks should be washed daily and paper masks should be discarded daily. 

Protocols for Campus Visitors

General

All District campuses will be closed to nonessential visitors, parents, volunteers and activities involving external groups or organizations until further notice. Campuses will utilize virtual meetings and electronic communications when necessary.

All visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering during high, moderate and low transmission levels. Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will follow specific guidelines for visitors, based on the District's disease activity level protocols.

Visitor and Vendor Screening/PPE Requirements

• All individuals entering the building will be required to wear face coverings during high, moderate and low transmission levels.

• Individuals proceeding beyond the reception area will be subject to the following guidelines:

  • All visitors will be subject to screening by way of a symptom screening form.
  • Virtual meetings will be available when possible.
  • Visitors and staff will maintain physical distancing for ARD and other meetings in smaller conference areas.

Protocols for Disinfecting & Hand Sanitizing

General

Frequent disinfection and hand sanitization will promote health and wellness of students and staff.

Hand Washing/Sanitizing Expectations

• Hand sanitizer will be available at the main entry to the campus, in classrooms, in office areas, in the cafeteria, and in common areas throughout the campus.

• Staff will be expected to regularly wash or sanitize their hands.

• Requirements for hand washing and/or use of Lamar CISD-provided hand sanitizer:

• Provide hand sanitizer upon entry to classroom and periodic teacher reminders during the instructional day.

• Thorough hand washing after recess, before and after eating, following restroom breaks, and before and after using shared supplies (i.e. technology, band instruments).

Disinfecting Expectations

• Staff will have access to disinfectant wipes to sanitize high-touch and working surfaces and shared objects regularly.

• Staff will limit the use of shared supplies when possible.

Protocols for Campus Cleaning & Disinfecting

General

Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will promote a healthy learning and work environment for students and staff.

Daily Campus Cleaning

• Each classroom and restroom will be disinfected daily.

• All high touch areas will be disinfected daily.

• Cleaning cloths will be changed for each classroom and common area to maximize room to room cleanliness.

• Custodians will wear masks and gloves during work hours.

• The cafeteria will be disinfected between lunch periods.

• Staff will have access to disinfectant wipes to sanitize working surfaces and shared objects after each use and during breaks in instruction.

Additional Cleaning Measures for COVID-19 Positive Cases on Campus

• If a classroom or facility is closed due to COVID-19 spread, quaternary (hospital grade) disinfectant, which is recommended for use on the virus that causes COVID-19, will be used to disinfect.

• Custodial staff will clean and disinfect classrooms, restrooms, the athletic indoor turf field, weight room and all additional areas in the building.

Work & Learning Environments UPDATED Aug. 5, 2020

Classroom Configurations & Procedures

• Desks or tables will be socially distanced as much as instructionally possible.

• Group or pair work can be implemented while maintaining physical distancing. Facial coverings will be worn in grades 4-5 if group gatherings occur during substantial and moderate transmission levels.

• When possible, technology can be utilized when the use of manipulatives is needed. Teachers will consider assigning small groups of students specific manipulatives in order to reduce the possibility of exposure or consider creating individual bags of supplementary aids and/or manipulatives for student use that could also be sent home in the event of school closure.

• Books and instructional resources will be sanitized accordingly.

• The use of outdoor space for learning will be considered when possible. Classroom groups working outside will maintain at least 12 feet of social distance from other classroom groups.

• Whenever possible, students and staff will maintain consistent groupings of people to minimize the spread of the virus. Additionally, supplemental services will be grouped by grade level when possible.

• The recommended procedures will be applied to all classroom settings, including special education services locations when possible and appropriate. Students’ individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

• For Special Education, see Special Education Return to School Guidance.

Common Areas

• Common areas include spaces that are used for meetings and collaboration. This includes computer labs, flexible spaces, campus libraries, conference rooms and other meeting rooms.

• Campuses will develop schedules and protocols for the use of common areas, including how to sanitize space between use. When needed, students will bring personal supplies from the classroom. All students and staff will be required to use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting common areas.

• The use of virtual meetings will be considered when possible.

Restrooms

• Proper handwashing technique will be taught to all students and consistently reinforced.

• Efforts will be made to limit the availability of toilets, urinals and sinks to certain times to comply with health agency recommendations and social distancing.

• The scheduling of whole class restroom breaks is recommended to eliminate co-mingling of students across various classes and to ensure teacher monitoring of social distancing guidelines.

• A system will be implemented to identify the number of occupants utilizing each restroom to mitigate the chance of exceeding maximum occupants per social distancing.

• Before and after a restroom break, students will be required to wash their hands or before reentering the classroom.

Transitions

• Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established.

• Walking pathways throughout the building will be designated “stay to the right.” This includes the entrance and exit doors.

• When possible, it is recommended that students make transitions outside of the building.

Arrival

• Early arrivals are strongly discouraged. Any students dropped off before the building is open will not be allowed inside the building. Any exceptions would need to be specifically arranged with campus administration.

• Separate entrances may be utilized for car riders, bus riders, walkers and daycares.

• Staff will be utilized for duty to maintain a line of sight in hallways.

• Students will go straight to the classroom upon arrival and will not wait in a centralized holding area. The only exception is picking up the “Grab and Go” breakfast.

• "Grab and Go" breakfast will be determined based on campus needs.

• Parents will not be allowed to walk students to classrooms.

Dismissal

• Sibling connections will be done outside the building.

• Campus will designate staggered dismissal groups. Staggering the groups of walkers, car riders, bus riders and daycare students will help manage student movement in the building and decrease the risk of potential crowding outside at dismissal time. 

• Separate entrances may be utilized for car riders, bus riders, walkers and daycares.

• There will be bus procedures, based on campus specific needs.

Transportation

• Transportation will require masks on all buses—regardless of disease activity level—due to the inability to social distance.

• There will be no more than two students per bus seat with assigned seating.

• There will be a designated seat in the front for any student who is feeling ill.

• When possible, bus windows will be opened to allow outside air to circulate in the bus.

• Buses will be thoroughly cleaned regularly, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as bus seats, steering wheels, knobs and door handles.

Breakfast

• Teachers will monitor in the cafeteria and hallways to ensure social distancing.

• "Grab and Go" breakfast will be determined based on campus needs.

• Breakfast visitor processes are being developed for parents and guardians, however, no breakfast visitors will be allowed during the fall semester.

Lunch

• Lunch visitor processes are being developed for parents and guardians, however, no lunch visitors will be allowed during the fall semester.

• No cash back transactions will be allowed. The remaining difference of a cash transaction will be credited to the student’s account.

• Online payment is preferred.

• Depending on the number of students enrolled in grades Pre-K through 5, plans for lunches to be eaten in the cafeteria as well as the classroom will be developed accordingly. 

• Cafeteria capacity and seating will be based on Child Nutrition guidelines.

• Lunch times will be staggered to allow for sanitation between classes.

Recess

• Campuses will consider limiting the number of students at recess at one time. Staggered schedules can be utilized when needed. 

• All students and staff will be required to use hand sanitizer before entering the playground and upon exiting the playground.

• Brain breaks will be implemented as needed, at the discretion of the campus/teacher.

• "Mask breaks" will be implemented as needed.

Specials

• P.E. classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible. Appropriate social distancing measures will be followed.

• Students will use their own art supplies and sanitize between use.

• Music and P.E. equipment will be sanitized and wiped down after each use.

On & Off Campus Student Activities

• Off-campus field trips will not occur during the fall semester. Virtual field trips will be considered as appropriate.

• There will be no 4^th grade swim lessons the first three weeks of school.

• PTA/PTO/FOH events, meetings, assemblies and fundraising should be held virtually.

• After school club information is pending.

Campus Events

• No in-person assemblies will be held in the fall.

• Meet the teacher, open house, parent conferences, etc. will be held virtually.

• Parents will be allowed to attend class parties and performances virtually.

After School Program Providers

• Onsite afterschool providers are required to follow all CDC, state and local health guidance for COVID-19 response.

Elementary Virtual Instruction Information UPDATED Aug. 5, 2020

Role of Stakeholders within Virtual Instruction

Expectations

In grades Pre-K through 5, our virtual instruction model for students requires a lot of support from caring adults at home and within the online classroom environment. Activities are designed to ensure that students continue learning at the pace of the current Lamar CISD scope and sequence as well as develop a love of learning and gain the reading, writing and mathematics skills essential to their future success.

Lamar CISD students will be required to participate in daily learning activities and parents should be partners with teachers in ensuring this learning happens daily, including that their student completes daily learning activities and assignments. Completion of daily lessons, activities and assignments in all classes is necessary in order for students to be marked present for the day in virtual instruction.

ARD/IEP committees will determine the unique needs of students who are IEP-entitled in making support and service recommendations for students attending school virtually. The nature of special education interventions will likely require a heavier concentration of synchronous supports and services to ensure individual student needs are met.

Lamar CISD expectations for asynchronous (online without real-time interaction) virtual instruction:

• Asynchronous learning will be the primary method of instruction for students grades Pre-K – 5.

• Complete asynchronous activities assigned each day by 11:59 p.m.

• Students show proof of participation in daily virtual learning by satisfactorily completing assignments to demonstrate evidence of student learning (i.e. video, picture or activities submitted as lessons and/or completing assignments).

• Communicate with the teacher when needing additional assistance, tutoring, etc.

Lamar CISD expectations for synchronous (real-time) virtual instruction:

• Students will be expected to participate in regular synchronous learning experiences a few times per week.

• Students will participate in synchronous class activities as assigned.

• Students will follow the Lamar CISD dress code, but are not required to follow campus uniform dress.

• Students are ready to learn.

• Workspace is designated for the student.

• Students will show their face on the screen to engage with the teacher virtually.

• Students will participate in the class.

Instructional Delivery

The goal for virtual learning is to allow for continued instruction while acknowledging the additional challenges that come without traditional, face-to-face classroom learning. Lamar CISD is aware of and understands the difficulties faced by students and families and assures families that educational decisions are built to support all populations of students. Parents must also commit to a sense of cooperation in supporting the school’s decision-making role.

Technology Checkout  NEW Aug. 5, 2020

All students selecting virtual instruction will have the option to use their own device or checkout a Lamar CISD student laptop.

If opting to use a personal device, the device should meet the following requirements:

• Minimum screen of at least 9.7” or larger
• Modern Operating System
  • Windows 7 or newer
  • MacOS 10.12 or newer
  • iOS 11.0 or newer
• Memory: 2GB of RAM
• Hard Disk Space: 200MB of free hard disk space
• Google Chrome web browser
• Webcam/self-facing camera
• Microphone

Grades Pre-K - 5 Expectations

• Instruction for grades Pre-K - 5 appropriately focuses on student progress on standards and the continuation of learning in the Lamar CISD scope and sequence. Students may receive instruction in the following ways (including, but not limited to):

• Authentic student work/assignments with timely and relevant feedback for continued progress in learning of the standard

• Hands-on activities which may need an extra pair of at “home” hands

• Choice boards and playlists

• Canvas tasks and turning in of assignments

• Assessments

• Video lessons

• Project based learning/assignments

• Synchronous small group instruction

Schedule

During virtual instruction, time management is critical to success. Students and teachers must remain in communication regarding daily schedules and assignments. As with any traditional course, there is a risk of receiving a lower grade if a student falls behind. If your student is struggling with time management, then they should contact their teacher to add additional assistance.

In keeping with our identity as an outstanding school district, teachers will structure the instructional day to closely align with time traditionally spent in face-to-face instruction. Within each content instructional block, teachers will plan for students to participate in asynchronous (online without real-time interaction) learning activities with opportunities for synchronous (real-time) whole group and small group instruction throughout the week. Teachers will structure small group time to differentiate instruction within the instructional block. This will require teachers to set up small group instruction schedules for students. It will be vital for teachers and parents to openly communicate the schedules for the students.

For students who are IEP-entitled, progress will be carefully monitored and ARD/IEP Committees will convene and make appropriate recommendations to meet individual student needs to ensure continued growth in the general education curriculum and on IEP goals and objectives.

Intervention and Enrichment

Intervention and Enrichment time will be scheduled throughout the school week for students to best meet their academic needs. During this time, students may engage in assigned group activities, project learning activities, small group instruction and digital platforms. Teachers will communicate with students their plan for the designated time.

Daily Instructional Minutes Expectation

Students will be expected to participate in learning experiences for all subject areas every day. Below are the daily total minute expectations for your student each day. The daily total minutes listed below are the minimum expectations and include both asynchronous (video) and synchronous (Zoom) first teach instruction as well as independent practice, assessment and work time. Activities will vary from day to day, but at-home schedules should be developed to allow for the times below.

** Social Emotional instruction will take place once a week and may be in addition to the traditional instruction time for that day. It is not included in the daily instructional minutes total for this chart.

Sample Virtual Instructional Schedule