We know many of you are anxious to know about plans to return to school. During this time of pandemic, we must make some difficult decisions. Some will not be popular and we understand, but we must try to make the best decisions for students, given the expectations from state agencies. We have developed a plan that follows the expectations of the Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky Department of Health. These plans are based on three common principles: social distancing of at least six feet, wearing a mask when you cannot social distance and grouping students when possible to contact trace if the COVID-19 virus is present. Parents will be able to choose to send their children to school on a 5-day normal schedule observing the state expectations for social distancing or an online learning option if you decide to keep your children at home. Both options will have conditions that parents must consider when making decisions for their children. Once you make your decision, your child must stay enrolled in that option for the 9 weeks’ grading period.
The first day for students will be August 24th, 2020. This is for in person and online learning.
OPTION #1 Traditional/In-School Learning
Clay County Schools believe the best place for students is in the building, but we realize that it may be necessary to create alternate scheduling plans, depending on COVID-19. With Option #1, students attend school, following the Governor’s #HealthyAtSchool safety expectations/guidelines.
Health and Safety Actions in the School Buildings
- Symptom screening for all staff and students to include daily temperature checks.
- Students with symptoms will be isolated under adult supervision and parents will be contacted.
- Social distancing in common areas - this means staying 6 feet apart in school.
- Hand sanitizer will be placed throughout the buildings in all common areas, hallways and the classrooms.
- Students in 1st-12th grade will be required to wear masks during transitions and in classrooms when appropriate and social distancing is not possible. Masks will be provided for those who do not bring their own.
- Sanitation - includes proper hand hygiene, frequent cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces, buildings and school buses, staggering recess/playground and eating time to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Transportation
- Parents will ensure student is fever free before getting on the bus
- Use of masks on buses where social distancing cannot be accommodated for 1st-12th grade students
- Hand sanitizer will be available on buses
- Buses will be sanitized between routes
- Household members will be encouraged to sit together
- Assigned seating for contact tracing if needed
Option #2 Online Learning
This school is designed for families who do not feel it is in the best interest of their child's health to return to the school building. To ensure that the Online Learning is commensurate with traditional learning, please know that the level of expectation and accountability will resemble that of the traditional classroom. Our goal is to provide equitable instruction to students at home and in school. Parents must sign a contract to adhere to the requirements of internet, accountability of attendance and accountability to complete content online. Online students will also be required to participate in local and state assessments for their grade level and content area. Students may not participate in any extracurricular activities. Parents need to understand that online learning requires total commitment from parents and students.
Expectations for the Online Learning
- High quality internet (consider if you were able to stream videos and Google Meets consistently during NTI, then your internet should work for online school)
- Students will be enrolled in the Online Learning Option for the entire 9 weeks or semester
- Use of a reliable device, like Chromebook, laptop or desktop computer. Cellphones will not allow students to complete the level of work needed for this learning choice.
- Daily attendance in online classes following a set schedule
- Daily participation in assignments from classes on your schedule
- Consistent communication and feedback between teacher, student, and parents
- Note that teachers will be district wide teachers and the student’s teacher will not necessarily be from their districted school.
- Parents and students must attend a mandatory orientation to pick up device, if provided, and learn how to access our online learning platform.
Support for Families
- Partnership between parents and teachers will be key to student success in the Online Learning Classrooms
- Tips and strategies to support students learning off campus
- Support from teachers to meet student needs during set school hours
- Parent training on tools to be frequently used by students
- Meals are still provided at regular cost or free/reduced cost to families may be picked up at school
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Click the link below to enroll your child(ren) in the online learning platform by July 28, 2020:
https://www.clay.k12.ky.us/surveyLogin.aspx?pin=2032
