Reopening Plan for Functional Living Skills
Final Reopening Plan
Detailed Reopening Plan for Functional Living Skills 8/15/20 Final Draft (21 pages) (PDF)
(accessible version in progress, available upon request)
(accessible version in progress, available upon request)
Draft 2
Detailed Reopening Plan for Functional Living Skills 8/4/20 Draft (21 pages) (PDF)
(accessible version in progress, available upon request)
(accessible version in progress, available upon request)
Functional Living Skills Fall 2020 Reopening Overview
DRAFT v2
Greetings FLS family! We are excited to share our updated plans for reopening our school this fall. In this document, you will find information about our plans for opening schools safely and equitably.
This plan was developed using guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, the Oregon Health Authority, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Multnomah County Health Department, and MESD School Health Services.
Looking to reopen, our goals are to:
Question: What is included in your plan?
Our plan takes into account eight main areas for reopening. These areas include (1) public health protocols, (2) facilities and school operations, (3) response to outbreak, (4) equity, (5) instruction, (6) family and community engagement, (7) mental, social and emotional health, and (8) staffing and personnel.
Question: Where can I access the draft reopening plan?
https://www.multnomahesd.org/uploads/1/2/0/2/120251715/fls_blueprint_d2.pdf
The current draft version has been updated since our last published version to take into account the feedback we have received from staff, families, and community members. It also reflects updated guidance from ODE. We continue to welcome your feedback and will use it to update this plan again before our final plan is released on August 17, 2020.
Question: What is different about this plan from the one released in July?
Since our last draft, we have received feedback from stakeholders including teachers, paraprofessionals, related services staff, and facilities staff. We have worked with component districts to ensure that planning includes district lenses on elements such as facility capacity and transportation. Draft one feedback was open and the initial draft was accessible on the MESD website, with links provided on the FLS facebook page. Opportunity for feedback from all stakeholders. Draft one feedback closed on 20 July, 2020.
In looking at the initial parent survey that guided the first draft, notable feedback included 10.7% of respondents who stated that they would not send their student back to in person learning until there was a vaccine, and 25% who stated that they were unsure if they would send their student back until there was a vaccine. Most parents stated that a significant barrier would be requiring their student to wear a mask. About ⅓ of respondents stated that they rely on school for childcare due to work or other obligations.
Regarding the staff survey, there were significant concerns relating to returning to the classroom as something that was very high risk for staff and students. Many staff stated that they had a positive experience building connections with families and other FLS staff in the Spring during distance learning, whilst others expressed trepidation on how we could best serve students, either in person, or in a distance model. Most staff identified the need for trainings in how best to support in a virtual environment, and the need for training and technology to staff.
During the feedback period, the themes that surfaced continued to be a deep concern on the safety of returning to the classroom, for both staff and vulnerable FLS students. There was an even divide amongst respondents to the questions, “the plan promotes safety for staff and students.” When asked about the reopening plan, staff provided input including concerns about contracting the illness, the high risk of exposure, and the possibility that providing in-person instruction would create additional stressors for students. Overall, there was appreciation for the detail of the plan, and a recognition that the plan is designed to promote student learning.
Based on feedback from families and staff, and in alignment with the governor’s direction, FLS will return to a hybrid model when the metrics for return are met. We have ordered devices for students to ensure that all students and families will have access to one-to-one academic devices for comprehensive distance learning, and when we are able to return to a hybrid model as determined by the metrics. We will provide staff training during the staff back to school week, and the initial week of school for students and families, to ensure that we are able to work together to deliver quality instruction in an online environment.
We have also incorporated updated guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority, including mandatory face coverings and the more detailed health metric requirements for transitioning to in-person instruction.
Question: When will I know if students will be back in person or continue with distance learning?
On July 28, 2020, the Oregon Department of Education released updated guidance in coordination with the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Governor’s office. This guidance provides specific state- and county-wide metric requirements for in-person and/or hybrid instruction to occur. Until those metrics are met on a regional and state level, by necessity, we will provide instruction using a comprehensive distance learning model. This means that we will begin the school year on Sept. 1 for FLS Transition and FLS Knott Creek, and Sept. 8 for FLS CMS, CHS, and Oliver elementary in a comprehensive distance learning (CDL) model.
When OHA and ODE requirements are met in Multnomah County and Oregon, we will reach out directly to families and stakeholders through email, Facebook, and our website to develop a timeline for shifting to a hybrid/in-person instructional model. At this point, based on the current county metrics, we do not anticipate shifting to hybrid until late fall. The ODE guidance provides an initial period that will allow the FLS program to anticipate the imminent return to a hybrid learning model, and that is outlined in the metrics document, and is defined as
This plan remains tentative as we continue to monitor conditions and listen to feedback.
Question: Will distance learning look the same as it did last spring?
Our distance learning model will be loosely based on the model developed last spring but with an increased alignment to standards, additional depth of instructional strategies and lessons, a greater focus on equity, and additional support for families and students. Information about our spring distance learning model is available in the MESD Distance Learning and Support document.
We are collaborating with our staff, students, families, community partners, and technology support staff to fully address the needs of our students using the distance-learning model and will be able to provide more details when we release our finalized plan. This plan will be available on Aug. 17.
Question: Will you be able to meet the individualized needs of students with IEPs?
Yes. Our special education team will work with families and students, and the student’s IEP team, to ensure that the student is provided with a fair and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment possible, in accordance with the student’s IEP.
Question: WHen we return to in-person learning, how will you keep students and staff safe? Will the adults and students be required to wear masks?
Health and Safety are our priority. To maximize the safety of students and staff we will begin the year using a distance learning model. We continue to monitor and follow guidance from our health partners to best determine how and when we transition to hybrid/in person. At minimum we anticipate the following safety measures will be implemented when we have in person interactions. Again, these interactions will follow the guidelines set by Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Education, and will be implemented when the metrics in Multnomah County are met, as mandated by the governor’s order on 28 July, 2020.
Question: What is the process if a student or staff member becomes sick with COVID-19? How will I be informed?
Our school/program works closely with MESD School Health Services to respond to all communicable disease cases. School staff will contact the SHS Nurse Consultant who will determine the extent of potential exposure and the needed response. The Nurse Consultant will coordinate with the local health authority as necessary. If it is determined that exposure was possible, communication will be sent to the appropriate school community members.
Question: What if a student becomes sick at home? How do we communicate with the school?
We will send more detailed information about communication procedures to families when school starts. What we can share now is that we will be asking families and care providers to monitor students for symptoms at home. If a student or family/household member displays symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the family or care provider should notify the school classroom teacher, and the program supervisor, and keep their child home when we have returned to in-person learning.
Question: Will there be opportunities for parents and guardians to learn how to navigate the devices for home learning? When will those take place?
Yes. We will be hosting multiple sessions beginning in late August. We will communicate with families about those sessions through Facebook, our website, and email.
Question: What are you doing to ensure equitable access for all students, including those who are Black, Indigenous, a Student of Color and/or LGBTQIA+, to the full range of educational services and quality instruction?
We are using the agency Equity Lens to support conversations and decision making as we develop and implement our plans.This lens supports our work in asking questions about people, place, power, process and plan, so we can act in a manner that maximizes diversity, inclusion, and equity.
We have also initiated and engaged in dialogue with students, parents, and community partners — culturally specific organizations, tribal liaisons, and community service organizations — to develop plans that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of our diverse students. Our hope and goal is to maintain, and further strengthen, our partnership with culturally diverse and inclusive partners as we endeavor to provide high-quality and responsive services.
Question: I have additional questions about plans for reopening schools, who do I contact?
Melanie Hart
Supervisor for Functional Living Skills
480-294-9022
[email protected]
DRAFT v2
Greetings FLS family! We are excited to share our updated plans for reopening our school this fall. In this document, you will find information about our plans for opening schools safely and equitably.
This plan was developed using guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, the Oregon Health Authority, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Multnomah County Health Department, and MESD School Health Services.
Looking to reopen, our goals are to:
- Maximize the health and safety of all our students and staff, including those identified as medically at risk;
- Ensure equitable access for all students, including those who are Black, Indigenous, a student of color and/or LGBTQIA+, to the full range of educational services and quality instruction; and
- Provide individualized, specially designed instruction to all students in accordance with their learning needs.
Question: What is included in your plan?
Our plan takes into account eight main areas for reopening. These areas include (1) public health protocols, (2) facilities and school operations, (3) response to outbreak, (4) equity, (5) instruction, (6) family and community engagement, (7) mental, social and emotional health, and (8) staffing and personnel.
Question: Where can I access the draft reopening plan?
https://www.multnomahesd.org/uploads/1/2/0/2/120251715/fls_blueprint_d2.pdf
The current draft version has been updated since our last published version to take into account the feedback we have received from staff, families, and community members. It also reflects updated guidance from ODE. We continue to welcome your feedback and will use it to update this plan again before our final plan is released on August 17, 2020.
Question: What is different about this plan from the one released in July?
Since our last draft, we have received feedback from stakeholders including teachers, paraprofessionals, related services staff, and facilities staff. We have worked with component districts to ensure that planning includes district lenses on elements such as facility capacity and transportation. Draft one feedback was open and the initial draft was accessible on the MESD website, with links provided on the FLS facebook page. Opportunity for feedback from all stakeholders. Draft one feedback closed on 20 July, 2020.
In looking at the initial parent survey that guided the first draft, notable feedback included 10.7% of respondents who stated that they would not send their student back to in person learning until there was a vaccine, and 25% who stated that they were unsure if they would send their student back until there was a vaccine. Most parents stated that a significant barrier would be requiring their student to wear a mask. About ⅓ of respondents stated that they rely on school for childcare due to work or other obligations.
Regarding the staff survey, there were significant concerns relating to returning to the classroom as something that was very high risk for staff and students. Many staff stated that they had a positive experience building connections with families and other FLS staff in the Spring during distance learning, whilst others expressed trepidation on how we could best serve students, either in person, or in a distance model. Most staff identified the need for trainings in how best to support in a virtual environment, and the need for training and technology to staff.
During the feedback period, the themes that surfaced continued to be a deep concern on the safety of returning to the classroom, for both staff and vulnerable FLS students. There was an even divide amongst respondents to the questions, “the plan promotes safety for staff and students.” When asked about the reopening plan, staff provided input including concerns about contracting the illness, the high risk of exposure, and the possibility that providing in-person instruction would create additional stressors for students. Overall, there was appreciation for the detail of the plan, and a recognition that the plan is designed to promote student learning.
Based on feedback from families and staff, and in alignment with the governor’s direction, FLS will return to a hybrid model when the metrics for return are met. We have ordered devices for students to ensure that all students and families will have access to one-to-one academic devices for comprehensive distance learning, and when we are able to return to a hybrid model as determined by the metrics. We will provide staff training during the staff back to school week, and the initial week of school for students and families, to ensure that we are able to work together to deliver quality instruction in an online environment.
We have also incorporated updated guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority, including mandatory face coverings and the more detailed health metric requirements for transitioning to in-person instruction.
Question: When will I know if students will be back in person or continue with distance learning?
On July 28, 2020, the Oregon Department of Education released updated guidance in coordination with the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Governor’s office. This guidance provides specific state- and county-wide metric requirements for in-person and/or hybrid instruction to occur. Until those metrics are met on a regional and state level, by necessity, we will provide instruction using a comprehensive distance learning model. This means that we will begin the school year on Sept. 1 for FLS Transition and FLS Knott Creek, and Sept. 8 for FLS CMS, CHS, and Oliver elementary in a comprehensive distance learning (CDL) model.
When OHA and ODE requirements are met in Multnomah County and Oregon, we will reach out directly to families and stakeholders through email, Facebook, and our website to develop a timeline for shifting to a hybrid/in-person instructional model. At this point, based on the current county metrics, we do not anticipate shifting to hybrid until late fall. The ODE guidance provides an initial period that will allow the FLS program to anticipate the imminent return to a hybrid learning model, and that is outlined in the metrics document, and is defined as
This plan remains tentative as we continue to monitor conditions and listen to feedback.
Question: Will distance learning look the same as it did last spring?
Our distance learning model will be loosely based on the model developed last spring but with an increased alignment to standards, additional depth of instructional strategies and lessons, a greater focus on equity, and additional support for families and students. Information about our spring distance learning model is available in the MESD Distance Learning and Support document.
We are collaborating with our staff, students, families, community partners, and technology support staff to fully address the needs of our students using the distance-learning model and will be able to provide more details when we release our finalized plan. This plan will be available on Aug. 17.
Question: Will you be able to meet the individualized needs of students with IEPs?
Yes. Our special education team will work with families and students, and the student’s IEP team, to ensure that the student is provided with a fair and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment possible, in accordance with the student’s IEP.
Question: WHen we return to in-person learning, how will you keep students and staff safe? Will the adults and students be required to wear masks?
Health and Safety are our priority. To maximize the safety of students and staff we will begin the year using a distance learning model. We continue to monitor and follow guidance from our health partners to best determine how and when we transition to hybrid/in person. At minimum we anticipate the following safety measures will be implemented when we have in person interactions. Again, these interactions will follow the guidelines set by Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Education, and will be implemented when the metrics in Multnomah County are met, as mandated by the governor’s order on 28 July, 2020.
- All staff will be required to wear face coverings. These will be provided.
- All students will be required to wear face coverings, except when medically not appropriate. Face coverings will be provided.
- All staff and students will practice recommended hand hygiene.
- Staff will clean all high touch-point surfaces before school and on a schedule multiple times throughout the day.
- Physical distancing (6 feet or more) will be maintained to the greatest extent possible.
Question: What is the process if a student or staff member becomes sick with COVID-19? How will I be informed?
Our school/program works closely with MESD School Health Services to respond to all communicable disease cases. School staff will contact the SHS Nurse Consultant who will determine the extent of potential exposure and the needed response. The Nurse Consultant will coordinate with the local health authority as necessary. If it is determined that exposure was possible, communication will be sent to the appropriate school community members.
Question: What if a student becomes sick at home? How do we communicate with the school?
We will send more detailed information about communication procedures to families when school starts. What we can share now is that we will be asking families and care providers to monitor students for symptoms at home. If a student or family/household member displays symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the family or care provider should notify the school classroom teacher, and the program supervisor, and keep their child home when we have returned to in-person learning.
Question: Will there be opportunities for parents and guardians to learn how to navigate the devices for home learning? When will those take place?
Yes. We will be hosting multiple sessions beginning in late August. We will communicate with families about those sessions through Facebook, our website, and email.
Question: What are you doing to ensure equitable access for all students, including those who are Black, Indigenous, a Student of Color and/or LGBTQIA+, to the full range of educational services and quality instruction?
We are using the agency Equity Lens to support conversations and decision making as we develop and implement our plans.This lens supports our work in asking questions about people, place, power, process and plan, so we can act in a manner that maximizes diversity, inclusion, and equity.
We have also initiated and engaged in dialogue with students, parents, and community partners — culturally specific organizations, tribal liaisons, and community service organizations — to develop plans that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of our diverse students. Our hope and goal is to maintain, and further strengthen, our partnership with culturally diverse and inclusive partners as we endeavor to provide high-quality and responsive services.
Question: I have additional questions about plans for reopening schools, who do I contact?
Melanie Hart
Supervisor for Functional Living Skills
480-294-9022
[email protected]
Feedback for Draft 1
How We Connected with Families and Staff
We reached out to families and staff to receive feedback on our Draft 1 Reopening Plan. This is how we connected with them to receive their input on our initial plan.
Prior to the first draft, the Functional Living Skills program sent surveys to all 33 families or guardians, and received 28 responses. For families who had no known email address, text messages were sent out, in Spanish, English, and Somali. These surveys were supplemented with teacher ‘phone calls to either advise families of the surveys, or discuss preferences in order to complete the surveys. In addition, the program sent surveys to staff working within the FLS program, and received feedback from 24 individuals. All staff and families were encouraged to reach out directly to the FLS supervisor, and several did so, including FLS teachers, related service providers, and a paraprofessional.
For the first draft, four planning meetings were held, including a paraprofessional, a nurse, the facilities director, an additional Student Services administrator, two teachers, and two related service providers (a Speech Language Pathologist, and an Occupational Therapist).
In looking at the initial parent survey that guided the first draft, notable feedback included 10.7% of respondents who stated that they would not send their student back to in person learning until there was a vaccine, and 25% who stated that they were unsure if they would send their student back until there was a vaccine. Most parents stated that a significant barrier would be requiring their student to wear a mask. About ⅓ of respondents stated that they rely on school for childcare due to work or other obligations.
Regarding the staff survey, there were significant concerns relating to returning to the classroom as something that was very high risk for staff and students. Many staff stated that they had a positive experience building connections with families and other FLS staff in the Spring during distance learning, whilst others expressed trepidation on how we could best serve students, either in person, or in a distance model. Most staff identified the need for trainings in how best to support in a virtual environment, and the need for training and technology to staff.
During the feedback period, the themes that surfaced continued to be a deep concern on the safety of returning to the classroom, for both staff and vulnerable FLS students. There was an even divide amongst respondents to the questions, “the plan promotes safety for staff and students.” When asked about the reopening plan, staff provided input including concerns about contracting the illness, the high risk of exposure, and the possibility that providing in-person instruction would create additional stressors for students. Overall, there was appreciation for the detail of the plan, and a recognition that the plan is designed to promote student learning.
Once the Draft 1 Reopening Blueprint Plan was ready, the school sent the draft 1 plan and a feedback survey to all staff via email. The program also posted the draft 1 plan and feedback survey to the program webpage.
Feedback Survey
The Draft 1 Reopening Plan Survey was open from July 13 to July 20 and asked the following questions:
School Reopening Feedback - Round 1
The feedback results from the Draft 1 Reopening Plan Survey has been summarized in a feedback report:
FLS Reopening Feedback (PDF)
We reached out to families and staff to receive feedback on our Draft 1 Reopening Plan. This is how we connected with them to receive their input on our initial plan.
Prior to the first draft, the Functional Living Skills program sent surveys to all 33 families or guardians, and received 28 responses. For families who had no known email address, text messages were sent out, in Spanish, English, and Somali. These surveys were supplemented with teacher ‘phone calls to either advise families of the surveys, or discuss preferences in order to complete the surveys. In addition, the program sent surveys to staff working within the FLS program, and received feedback from 24 individuals. All staff and families were encouraged to reach out directly to the FLS supervisor, and several did so, including FLS teachers, related service providers, and a paraprofessional.
For the first draft, four planning meetings were held, including a paraprofessional, a nurse, the facilities director, an additional Student Services administrator, two teachers, and two related service providers (a Speech Language Pathologist, and an Occupational Therapist).
In looking at the initial parent survey that guided the first draft, notable feedback included 10.7% of respondents who stated that they would not send their student back to in person learning until there was a vaccine, and 25% who stated that they were unsure if they would send their student back until there was a vaccine. Most parents stated that a significant barrier would be requiring their student to wear a mask. About ⅓ of respondents stated that they rely on school for childcare due to work or other obligations.
Regarding the staff survey, there were significant concerns relating to returning to the classroom as something that was very high risk for staff and students. Many staff stated that they had a positive experience building connections with families and other FLS staff in the Spring during distance learning, whilst others expressed trepidation on how we could best serve students, either in person, or in a distance model. Most staff identified the need for trainings in how best to support in a virtual environment, and the need for training and technology to staff.
During the feedback period, the themes that surfaced continued to be a deep concern on the safety of returning to the classroom, for both staff and vulnerable FLS students. There was an even divide amongst respondents to the questions, “the plan promotes safety for staff and students.” When asked about the reopening plan, staff provided input including concerns about contracting the illness, the high risk of exposure, and the possibility that providing in-person instruction would create additional stressors for students. Overall, there was appreciation for the detail of the plan, and a recognition that the plan is designed to promote student learning.
Once the Draft 1 Reopening Blueprint Plan was ready, the school sent the draft 1 plan and a feedback survey to all staff via email. The program also posted the draft 1 plan and feedback survey to the program webpage.
Feedback Survey
The Draft 1 Reopening Plan Survey was open from July 13 to July 20 and asked the following questions:
- I want to provide feedback about... / Quiero proporcionar comentarios sobre…
— [Choose school, program or site] - I am a... / Soy un...
— Student / Estudiante
— Parent or guardian of a student / Padre o tutor de un estudiante
— MESD employee / Empleado de MESD
— Community member / Miembro de la comunidad
— Representative of a community group / Representante de un grupo comunitario - Please tell us if you agree with the following statements. / Marca si está de acuerdo con las siguientes declaraciones.
— The plan promotes the safety of students. / El plan promueve la seguridad de los estudiantes.
— The plan promotes the safety of staff. / El plan promueve la seguridad del personel.
— The plan promotes student learning. / El plan promueve el aprendizaje de los estudiantes.
— Overall, the plan is clear to me. / En general, el plan es claro para mí. - I still have questions about... / Todavia tengo preguntas sobre...
- I am concerned about... / Estoy preocupado por... I appreciate... / Yo aprecio..
- Additional comments / Comentarios adicionales
- Gender identity (optional) / Identidad de género (opcional)
— Male / Hombre
— Female / Mujer
— Non-binary / Género no binario - Race (optional) / Raza (opcional)
— American Indian / Alaskan Native / Indegena Americano / Nativo de Alaska
— Asian / Asiático
— Black / African American / Afroamericano
— Hispanic / Latinx / Hispano / Latino
— Middle Eastern / North African / De Medio Oriente / Norte de África
— Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander / Hawaiano Nativo / Isleño del Pacífico
— Two or more / Dos o mas
— White / Blanco - Would you like us to follow up with you? / ¿Quieres que te hagamos un seguimiento?
— If so, please fill out some or all of following, otherwise, leave blank. / Si es así, complete algunos o todos los siguientes, de lo contrario, deje en blanco. - Name / Nombre
- E-mail address / Dirección de correo electrónico
- Phone number / Número de teléfono
- Do you require a language other than English? Please specify. / ¿Requiere un idioma diferente al inglés? Por favor especifica.
School Reopening Feedback - Round 1
The feedback results from the Draft 1 Reopening Plan Survey has been summarized in a feedback report:
FLS Reopening Feedback (PDF)
Draft 1
Detailed Reopening Plan for Functional Living Skills 7/8/20 Draft (18 pages) (PDF)
(accessible version in progress, available upon request)
(accessible version in progress, available upon request)
Functional Living Skills (FLS) Fall 2020 Reopening Overview
DRAFT v1
We are excited to share our initial plans for reopening the Functional Living Skills program this fall. In this document, you will find information about our initial plan to safely reopen using a hybrid instructional model. This plan was developed using guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, the Oregon Health Authority, the Centers for Disease Control, Multnomah County Health Department, and our MESD School Health Services.
Looking to reopen, our goals are to:
Question: What is included in your plan?
Our plan takes into account eight main areas for reopening. These areas include (1) public health protocols, (2) facilities and school operations, (3) response to outbreak, (4) equity, (5) instruction, (6) family and community engagement, (7) mental, social and emotional health, and (8) staffing and personnel.
Question: When will I know if students will be back in person or continue with distance learning?
We are planning to provide a mixture of in-person and distance learning. Functional Living Skills students will be placed in stable cohorts that are approximately four to five students in size, which represents half the class rosters. Each cohort will attend on two consecutive days, with a day between cohorts to allow for cleaning and disinfecting. One cohort will attend on Monday and Tuesday, and the other on Thursday and Friday. On non-attending days, students will have access to live-streaming opportunities and learning opportunities, both virtual and analog. All students will have, with guardian approval, access to academic devices to continue and extend learning within the classroom and whilst engaged in virtual classroom opportunities on non-cohort days. The Functional Living Skills program recognizes the great complexity and obligations that we have to our staff and students, and it is important to emphasize this plan remains tentative as we continue to monitor conditions and listen to feedback. A final decision will be made by August 15, 2020 and communicated directly to all parents, students, and staff.
Question: Where can I access the initial reopening plan draft?
Detailed Reopening Plan for Functional Living Skills 7/8/20 Draft (18 pages) (PDF)
We will be updating this plan based on feedback from stakeholders like you and as additional guidance is released. Our next scheduled draft will be posted on August 3, 2020, and we will ask for additional feedback. Our final plan will be available on August 15, 2020.
Question: How will you keep students and staff safe? Will the adults and students be required to wear masks?
Health and Safety are our priority.
Question: What is the process if a student or staff member becomes sick with COVID-19? How will I be informed?
Our school/program works closely with the MESD School Health Services (SHS) department to respond to all communicable disease cases. School staff will contact the SHS Nurse Consultant who will determine the extent of potential exposure and the needed response. The Nurse Consultant will coordinate with the local health authority as necessary. If it is determined that exposure was possible, communication will be sent to the appropriate school community members.
Question: What if a student becomes sick at home? How do we communicate with the school?
We will send more detailed information about communication procedures to families when school starts. What we can share now is that we will be asking families and care providers to monitor students for symptoms at home. If a student or family/household member displays symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the family or care provider notify Melanie Hart, Program Supervisor, and keep their child home.
Question: Will students be penalized for not attending school in person?
No. We will work with families, care providers, and students to develop plans to provide remote learning options on an as-needed basis. We recognize that students and families have different needs, and we are committed to ensuring that all students receive the support that is appropriate for their situation.
Question: What if I do not feel comfortable with my student attending a school site? Can I have online distance learning full-time as an option?
Yes. A complete online distance-learning option will be available if the guardian is concerned regarding on-site reentrance to school. Please contact Melannie Hart, FLS administrator, at 480-294-9022 or [email protected] to discuss options.
Question: Will you be able to meet the individualized needs of students with IEPs?
Yes. Our special education team will work with families and students and the student’s IEP team to ensure that the student is provided with FAPE in the least restrictive environment possible, in accordance with the student’s IEP.
Question: Will there be opportunities for parents and guardians to learn how to navigate the devices for home learning? When will those take place?
Yes. We will be hosting multiple sessions beginning in late August. We will communicate with families about those sessions through Facebook, our website, and via email.
Question: I have additional questions about plans for reopening schools, who do I contact?
Melanie Hart, Functional Living Skills Administrator
Phone: 480-294-9022
Email: [email protected]
DRAFT v1
We are excited to share our initial plans for reopening the Functional Living Skills program this fall. In this document, you will find information about our initial plan to safely reopen using a hybrid instructional model. This plan was developed using guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, the Oregon Health Authority, the Centers for Disease Control, Multnomah County Health Department, and our MESD School Health Services.
Looking to reopen, our goals are to:
- Maximize the health and safety of all our students and staff, including those identified as medically at risk;
- Ensure equitable access for all students, including those who are Black, Indigenous, a student of color and/or LGBTQIA+, to the full range of educational services and quality instruction; and
- Provide individualized, specially designed instruction to all students in accordance with their learning needs.
Question: What is included in your plan?
Our plan takes into account eight main areas for reopening. These areas include (1) public health protocols, (2) facilities and school operations, (3) response to outbreak, (4) equity, (5) instruction, (6) family and community engagement, (7) mental, social and emotional health, and (8) staffing and personnel.
Question: When will I know if students will be back in person or continue with distance learning?
We are planning to provide a mixture of in-person and distance learning. Functional Living Skills students will be placed in stable cohorts that are approximately four to five students in size, which represents half the class rosters. Each cohort will attend on two consecutive days, with a day between cohorts to allow for cleaning and disinfecting. One cohort will attend on Monday and Tuesday, and the other on Thursday and Friday. On non-attending days, students will have access to live-streaming opportunities and learning opportunities, both virtual and analog. All students will have, with guardian approval, access to academic devices to continue and extend learning within the classroom and whilst engaged in virtual classroom opportunities on non-cohort days. The Functional Living Skills program recognizes the great complexity and obligations that we have to our staff and students, and it is important to emphasize this plan remains tentative as we continue to monitor conditions and listen to feedback. A final decision will be made by August 15, 2020 and communicated directly to all parents, students, and staff.
Question: Where can I access the initial reopening plan draft?
Detailed Reopening Plan for Functional Living Skills 7/8/20 Draft (18 pages) (PDF)
We will be updating this plan based on feedback from stakeholders like you and as additional guidance is released. Our next scheduled draft will be posted on August 3, 2020, and we will ask for additional feedback. Our final plan will be available on August 15, 2020.
Question: How will you keep students and staff safe? Will the adults and students be required to wear masks?
Health and Safety are our priority.
- All staff will be provided with and required to wear face coverings and/or face shields.
- Students who are 12 years and older are required to wear masks, except when medically not appropriate. Masks will be provided.
- All students will be required to wash hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the building and when making transitions to other instructional spaces.
- All students will be supported with frequent hand-washing or using hand sanitizer before and after meals.
- Staff will clean all touch-point surfaces before school and on a schedule multiple times throughout the day.
- Physical distancing (six feet or more) will be maintained to the greatest extent possible.
Question: What is the process if a student or staff member becomes sick with COVID-19? How will I be informed?
Our school/program works closely with the MESD School Health Services (SHS) department to respond to all communicable disease cases. School staff will contact the SHS Nurse Consultant who will determine the extent of potential exposure and the needed response. The Nurse Consultant will coordinate with the local health authority as necessary. If it is determined that exposure was possible, communication will be sent to the appropriate school community members.
Question: What if a student becomes sick at home? How do we communicate with the school?
We will send more detailed information about communication procedures to families when school starts. What we can share now is that we will be asking families and care providers to monitor students for symptoms at home. If a student or family/household member displays symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the family or care provider notify Melanie Hart, Program Supervisor, and keep their child home.
Question: Will students be penalized for not attending school in person?
No. We will work with families, care providers, and students to develop plans to provide remote learning options on an as-needed basis. We recognize that students and families have different needs, and we are committed to ensuring that all students receive the support that is appropriate for their situation.
Question: What if I do not feel comfortable with my student attending a school site? Can I have online distance learning full-time as an option?
Yes. A complete online distance-learning option will be available if the guardian is concerned regarding on-site reentrance to school. Please contact Melannie Hart, FLS administrator, at 480-294-9022 or [email protected] to discuss options.
Question: Will you be able to meet the individualized needs of students with IEPs?
Yes. Our special education team will work with families and students and the student’s IEP team to ensure that the student is provided with FAPE in the least restrictive environment possible, in accordance with the student’s IEP.
Question: Will there be opportunities for parents and guardians to learn how to navigate the devices for home learning? When will those take place?
Yes. We will be hosting multiple sessions beginning in late August. We will communicate with families about those sessions through Facebook, our website, and via email.
Question: I have additional questions about plans for reopening schools, who do I contact?
Melanie Hart, Functional Living Skills Administrator
Phone: 480-294-9022
Email: [email protected]
Reopening Plan Timeline
Functional Life Skills
Planning Process and Timeline for proposed re-opening Fall 2020
Plan Priorities
- Student success and safety
- Staff safety and support
- Community confidence
Guiding Principles
- Compliance with Ready Schools, Safe Learners
- Program-level planning, agency-level support
- Guidance will change and virus information / conditions will evolve
- Emphasize equity and prioritize those experiencing the greatest disparity during 19-20 closure
- Flexibility in service model in response to pandemic conditions
- Intentional gathering and integration of stakeholder feedback
- Integration with MESD Strategic Plan priorities
Timeline
- Reopening guidance training
- June 30 - Presentation of reopening plan process to MESD board
- Draft developed at program level, by teams to include (at a minimum):
• Program admin
• Licensed staff
• Classified staff
• School nurse - July 13 - Release draft reopening plans for schools / programs
- July 9 - July 30 - Intentional stakeholder engagement supported by MESD Strategic Engagement
• Staff survey and feedback
• Parent / community survey and feedback - August 3 - Release of updated MESD reopening plan
- August 2 - August 9 - Second round of stakeholder input
- August 15 - Release to community and submission to ODE of MESD 2020-2021 Reopening Plan
- Ongoing - Response / revision to changing conditions
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