Reopening Plan School Year 2020.21
Thank you for your patience as we worked through the many details on starting the 2020-21 school year in a distance learning environment. The plan is outlined below, please click on the arrow beside each topic heading to expand the selection . You will be getting additional, school specific information from your principal(s). If you have any questions, please connect directly with your school principal.
For a printable pdf version, please click on this link: Reopening Plan School Year 2020.21
Introduction
This reopening plan represents an ongoing collaborative process. It reflects the feedback we received from our student, parent, and staff surveys as well as information collected through our many focus groups. Thank you for your participation in this information gathering process. Your input is important to us. This document is also a reflection of the resources and guidance received from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Departments of Health (DOH), Pierce County Emergency Operations Center (PCEOC) and the Governor’s office. Last, it reflects ongoing dialogue with community stakeholders and our bargaining groups as we look ahead to the challenges of ensuring high levels of learning for each and every student while responding to the unique challenges resulting from a global pandemic.
Our reopening plan consists of a multi-phased approach that ranges from our schools, providing full-time in-person learning to providing 100% distance learning. Between these two ends of the spectrum is a hybrid model that maximizes in-person learning opportunities while adhering to the social distancing mandates and other important safety protocols needed to ensure both student and staff safety. The instructional model implemented at any given time during the school year will be determined by the ever-changing health situation and guidance from both OSPI and the DOH. We have demonstrated an ability to pivot from one instructional model to another. The lessons learned this past spring will allow us to improve upon our practices regardless of the instructional model we are in.
We recognize that these state protocols and guidelines create difficult tradeoffs as we balance the impact of student learning with the safety measures needed to ensure the health of our community. Opening our schools in a COVID-19 environment represents unique challenges that must be addressed by leveraging all resources at our disposal. We know that we must protect our staff and students while minimizing the impact on student learning. We also recognize that specific instructional models appropriate for our older students may not be suitable for our youngest learners. Therefore, this plan reflects our proven commitment to student learning and our demonstrated ability to respond rapidly to a changing landscape. Through thoughtful planning, parent and community partnerships, and the dedicated efforts of our staff, we are confident in our ability to continue providing a world-class education with minimal disruption to the programs and services that constitute the White River Promise.
Communication
Whatever the year brings, it is always our goal to bring our school communication strategies in line with parent expectations.
Superintendent messages:
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- Until all schools return to normal operations, we are committed to a weekly, informative communication that you can count on.
2-Way Communication Platform:
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- The Remind software will be used.
- Parents and guardians will receive an invitation to be connected to their child's teacher(s) at the start of the school year.
- Parents may change their notifications preferences in Remind to include text or app notification in addition to or instead of email.
Website:
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- Our website is a place to find
- Superintendent’s messages
- Information on school lunches and transportation
- Updated COVID-19 related health information
- Chromebook information
- School specific information
Emergency Communication:
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- All emergency communications will be generated in accordance with our Incident Command protocols. In the event of a reported COVID-19 positive case from a staff member, student or any other person who has been in close contact with people in our schools, we will continue to follow the direction we are provided by Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.
White River School District General Reopening Guidelines
It is undeniable that in-person learning provides a broad range of benefits to our children. In addition to the benefits of genuine collaboration and increased flexibility in face-to-face instruction, schools support the social emotional development of students and serve a variety of other important roles such as behavioral health, physical activity, child nutrition, and support for children with undiagnosed disabilities.
The 2020-2021 Instructional Stages represent a series of challenging decisions around how to operate our schools in a manner that provides the greatest possible educational opportunities for students in the midst of a pandemic. These stages were developed with guidance from the Department of Health and OSPI. The stages represented in our reopening plan share similarities with those outlined in Governor Inslee’s “Safe Start Washington” guidelines, but the intent is not to tether these two models. Rather, the decision to move from one instructional stage to another will be determined using the DOH “Decision Tree” in cooperation with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.
We are committed to our goal of empowering families through choice while safeguarding the health and wellness of our students, teachers, and staff. Some families have opted for continuous remote learning throughout the 2020-2021 school year and those options remain in effect and are recognized in our Instructional Stages.
2020-21 Instructional Stages
Year Long Distance Learning Option
Due to the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department determination that in person school is unsafe at this time, all students will be in distance learning at the start of the school year. Information in this section applies to families that have indicated a preference for distance learning even when students are brought back on campus in Phase 3 and beyond.
Eligibility:
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- All families who are eligible to enroll in the White River School District are eligible to enroll in the distance learning option.
- Out of district students on an approved waiver are eligible to enroll in the distance learning option.
- New White River students are eligible to enroll in the distance learning option.
Enrollment:
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- Parents/guardians should reference the White River website Fall 2020-21 Reopening Information and Registration for additional information
- Enrollment will be completed using the White River School District Skyward enrollment form. If you are new to the district, contact your child’s school or the district office at 360-829-3816 and someone will help you with the distance learning enrollment process, which is separate from the New Student Enrollment.
When registering for White River Distance Learning:
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- Enrolling in full time distance learning as we move to the hybrid model is a year long commitment
- K-12 Distance Learning Students will keep and use a district Chromebook at home to participate in classroom activities and complete learning assignments. New students will be provided with a chromebook
- Access to the Internet is required in the full distance learning option. Families who do not have internet access can request a district internet hotspot. Hotspots may or may not work for all families because of geographic limitations. The hotspot is typically checked out in the name of the eldest school age child in the family. Internet is also being made available in the Foothills Elementary and Wilkeson Elementary parking lots.
- Teachers will take attendance daily and report academic progress in accordance with the procedures for all students outlined in the Stage 2 Instructional model.
Nutrition:
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- Full-time distance learning students may participate in the student meal program. Price will be determined by a student’s free and reduced-priced lunch eligibility. Grab and go options will be determined by individual schools.
Student Schedules and Glossary of Terms
At this time, the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department has ordered all Pierce County schools to begin the school year using distance learning until the COVID-19 disease activity in Pierce County decreases to a level that is safe for schools to reopen for large groups of students for in-person learning. The schedules below reflect our Distance Learning reopening plan. These will be updated as we are able to pivot to Phase 3 and Phase 4 of our reopening plan.
At this time, the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department has ordered all Pierce County schools to begin the school year using distance learning until the COVID-19 disease activity in Pierce County decreases to a level that is safe for schools to reopen for large groups of students for in-person learning. The schedules below reflect our Distance Learning reopening plan. These will be updated as we are able to pivot to Phase 3 and Phase 4 of our reopening plan.
Revised 2020-2021 SY Calendar
2020-2021 School Year Calendars have been revised to reflect the multiple reopening instructional models outlined above. Please click this link to view: 2020 SY Calendar.
2020-2021 School Year Calendars have been revised to reflect the multiple reopening instructional models outlined above. Please click this link to view: 2020 SY Calendar.
As you read the schedules that follow see the Glossary of Terms for definitions of words to keep in mind.
Glossary of Terms
asynchronous: independent work time
brain break: time to disconnect from the screen
independent work time: time outside of Zoom video conferencing to complete assigned work from the teacher
intervention time: time where the student receives extra support from a teacher or paraeducator
opt-in support time: student asks for help with their learning and is provided time and support
small group: only students who have been scheduled attend
synchronous: a Zoom video conference session hosted at a specific time where students and teachers interact in live time
whole class: all students in the assigned class or period attend
zoom session: a video conference meeting
brain break: time to disconnect from the screen
independent work time: time outside of Zoom video conferencing to complete assigned work from the teacher
intervention time: time where the student receives extra support from a teacher or paraeducator
opt-in support time: student asks for help with their learning and is provided time and support
small group: only students who have been scheduled attend
synchronous: a Zoom video conference session hosted at a specific time where students and teachers interact in live time
whole class: all students in the assigned class or period attend
zoom session: a video conference meeting
Preschool and Early Kindergarten Student Schedule
Kindergarten Student Schedule
First Grade Student Schedule
Grades 2-5 Student Schedule
- Parents and guardians will receive a Weekly Update on Monday afternoon that provides information about:
- Learning targets for the week ahead (Tuesday-Monday)
- Asynchronous assignments that will be posted to Google Classroom or Seesaw
- Zoom call schedule
- Small Group/Intervention zoom call schedule (to applicable parents and guardians)
- Students will participate in daily synchronous instruction to introduce new skills and be provided guided practice opportunities as well as guidance with any independent tasks that need to be completed by the student
- Targeted small group support for students needing additional help will be available
- Parents and guardians will receive an update on student’s progress at least once a week
- Attendance will be taken daily in Skyward during CORE ELA and Math
Glacier Middle School Schedule
- Students and families will receive a comprehensive weekly schedule including daily learning targets in each class, assignments, synchronous learning details, and assessments.
- Students will meet live online with their teachers and their class daily for synchronous instruction. In addition to live lessons, students will have assignments that they will complete asynchronously.
- Attendance will be taken daily in each class. Attendance will be entered into Skyward and automated parent attendance notifications sent out daily.
- Grizz Time is an intervention time on Tuesday through Friday. Staff will be available for questions, but this time will also include targeted support based on student learning data and students will be expected to attend synchronous interventions with their teacher to receive extra help to ensure they are learning the essential standards in the course. Students will be expected to attend the one-on-one or small group interventions when teachers schedule them. If a student can not attend an intervention by a teacher, he/she must communicate with their teacher to arrange an alternative time.
- Each Monday morning will include a school-wide webinar facilitated by GMS administration, counselors, and guest speakers. Topics will vary, but the purpose of this time is to provide research-affirmed best practices targeted specifically to healthy adolescent development and social-emotional growth.
- Homeroom lessons are designed to support the skills and dispositions needed to be a successful student in Distance Learning 2.0. These include community building, organizational skills, academic behaviors and “class” norms, character dares, and recognition celebrations.
- Grades will be updated and posted weekly.
- We are here to help and want to ensure students and families have what they need for students to be successful. Please reach out to your student’s teachers or counselor or administration if you have any questions.
White River High School Schedule
- Students and families will receive a weekly schedule on Monday afternoon’s that includes the daily schedule for the week, learning target and success criteria, due dates and other important information.
- Students will be expected to engage in synchronous instruction everyday for all 6 periods. Students will then have asynchronous work to complete independently outside of synchronous instruction with their teacher.
- Intervention time on Tuesday through Friday will be based on student learning data and students will be expected to attend synchronous interventions with their teacher to receive extra support in their gaps in learning to ensure all students are learning the essential standards in the course. Students will be expected to attend the one-on-one or small group interventions when teachers schedule them. The 2.5 hours of intervention time allows teachers and students flexibility to ensure all students are getting the support they need to be successful. If a student can not attend an intervention by a teacher, he/she must communicate with their teacher to arrange an alternative time. We want to ensure students learn the essential standards in the course.
- Attendance will be taken in synchronous teaching sessions every period, everyday. Students will be marked absent in Skyward if they do not attend the synchronous lesson which will lead to a robo call home in the evening to families similar to our procedures when we are in the building.
- It is vital students engage in the learning process in all of their classes as all students are still required to meet all graduation requirements such as state assessments and 24 credits. Students grades will be reported based on evidence of learning and will go on student transcripts as they would normally be.
- We are here to help and want to ensure students and families have what they need for students to be successful. Please reach out to your student’s teachers or counselor or administration if you have any questions.
- We do not have expectations for parents and guardians to teach their students at home as we have trained professionals in content areas that will provide the support needed. I encourage parents and guardians to help students with organization by encouraging them to use their student planner to record when assessments are and when things are due for each class. This is something you could look over with your student weekly.
Health and Safety Guidelines
Stage 1-3
While there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, communities and organizations have been successful in drastically reducing the spread of the virus through strict adherence to a series of simple, yet important safety protocols including social distancing, frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces, frequent handwashing, wellness checks, and covering your nose and mouth with a face covering when around others.
While there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, communities and organizations have been successful in drastically reducing the spread of the virus through strict adherence to a series of simple, yet important safety protocols including social distancing, frequent cleaning of high touch surfaces, frequent handwashing, wellness checks, and covering your nose and mouth with a face covering when around others.
Social Distancing:
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- All individuals will receive training on social distancing protocols with the expectation that they maintain 6 feet of distance between them at all possible times
- Classrooms will be set up to promote social distancing to maximize physical distance between individuals and furniture conducive to social distancing has been purchased
- Proper signage will be posted throughout the facility including floor markings indicating traffic flow
Face Covering:
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- Face coverings are required for all staff and students
- Face coverings will be provided for those that don’t have one
Individuals who may need an accommodation based on their own health condition or other extenuating circumstance as outlined in the CDC guidance are encouraged to contact their school’s counseling office
Handwashing/Sanitizing:
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- All students and staff must wash or sanitize hands upon building entry, before eating, and after using the restroom
- Students will be trained on proper handwashing/sanitizing procedures
Personal Protective Equipment:
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- All staff will be provided with appropriate PPE for the essential functions of their positions, including but not limited to gloves, masks, face shields, disposable wipes, cleaning/disinfecting supplies, and hand sanitizer
Safety Protocols:
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- Wellness checks: all staff and students conduct and document daily wellness checks before entering the program. These include temperature-taking and self-assessment of any symptoms
- Stay home if you are sick
- Dedicated entry and exit points for each location
- Increased building sanitation and cleaning protocols with emphasis on high-touch surfaces
- Optimal school ventilation and outside air exchange maximization
Nursing/Health Room and Response Protocols
Our health room and nursing staff are available daily to provide support for medically fragile students who require in-person learning opportunities, support for students with individual care plans, staff and student wellness checks when needed, and the daily monitoring of wellness screening attestations.
In addition to the Health Room, each site will have a designated isolation space for students or staff who become symptomatic during the day. This space will serve as a temporary safe space for students to be monitored while we notify parents and guardians and arrange pickup.
Parents and guardians are to notify the school immediately if a student and/or immediate family member or close contact has tested positive for COVID-19. All health information is confidential in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA laws.
In accordance with state and local laws and regulations, WRSD will work closely with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Case and Contact Investigation Team as well as the Facility Case and Contact Investigators to coordinate notice and possible facility closures. In the event of a facility closure, the facility will not reopen until it has been cleaned and disinfected.
Regardless of facility closure, it is the expectation that student learning will continue and the impacted staff and students will pivot to a remote learning model during the duration of the facility closure.
Individuals who have been tested positive or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will be given specific guidance for when they are able to return per Department of Health guidelines.
Student Learning and Support
Beginning of the year Letter:
All students and parents/guardians will receive a document from the teacher that defines expectations and responsibilities regarding:
- How often they with receive classroom or course updates
- What day of the week to expect a weekly schedule
- Days and times Zoom sessions will be held
- Where assignments will be posted
- Where grades/feedback will be posted
- How often grades will be posted
- Frequency feedback can be expected
- An explanation of the grading scale
- The preferred way to contact the teacher
- Introduction of other educators that will work with the class or child
- What content students will learn this semester/year
Assignments:
All students will be enrolled in a Google Classroom course for each class they are enrolled in.
- Stage 1 Distance Learning 2.0: Assignments will be posted in Google Classroom for grades 2-12. Assignments for PS-1st for full online students will be posted in SeeSaw which is linked in the Google Classroom.
- Stage 2 Distance Learning 2.0+: Assignments will be posted in Google Classroom for grades 2-12. Assignments for PS-1st for full online students will be posted in SeeSaw which is linked in the Google Classroom.
- Stage 3 Hybrid Model
- Full time online students: Assignments for full online students will be posted in Google Classroom for grades 2-12. Assignments for PS-1st for full online students will be posted in SeeSaw which is linked in the Google Classroom.
- In-person students: Assignments for in-person students will be posted in Google Classroom for grades 2-12, Seesaw for grades K-1, and some assignments will be provided on paper. Most of the assignments for PS will be provided on paper.
Chromebooks:
- All students PS-12 will have a Chromebook checked out to their name via the school's library system. During Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 full-time distance learning students will keep their devices at home. In Stage 3, hybrid students in grades PS-5 will keep their Chromebooks at school. In Stage 3, hybrid students in grades 6-12th will take these devices to and from school to continue at home learning. These 6-12th students are responsible for bringing their device fully charged to school to be able to participate fully in learning activities.
Chromebook Device Protection:
- During the first two weeks of school, or upon enrollment in the White River School District, parents will be offered the limited opportunity to enroll in a Device Protection Plan to offset costs associated with damage to the Chromebook that was checked out to their child.
Internet Use:
- Student internet use will be monitored in accordance with School Board Policy 2022 and its associated Procedure. Parents/guardians will receive a weekly email outlining their child's internet use. This email will be sent to the email address on file in the Skyward Student Information System.
Google Classroom:
- Parents may receive a guardian summary outlining the posts and missing assignments in their student's Google Classroom. This email will be sent to the email address on file in the Skyward Student Information System.
Grading and Reporting
In accordance with Board Policy 2420, the fundamental purpose of grading and reporting is to provide students and parents and guardians with accurate information regarding the student’s academic progress toward mastery of essential course standards. Some grades can also provide feedback to students and parents regarding fundamental 21st Century skills including collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and citizenship but these skills are reported independently of academic achievement.
Guiding Principles:
For sound grading and reporting practices that support student achievement, the following principles will be applied:
- Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning including test retakes without penalty.
- Grades will be consistent between teachers of the same subject, grade or course. In addition, grading practices should be consistent across each building in the district.
- Grades will reflect individual student achievement only; group scores will not be used. Teach cooperatively, but assess individually.
- Grading and reporting should be clear and meaningful to all stakeholders.
The Board believes that the cooperation of school and home is a vital ingredient in the growth and education of the student and recognizes the responsibility to keep parents informed of student welfare and progress in school.
The issuance of grades, written progress reports, and parent conferences on a regular schedule serves as the basis for continuous evaluation of the student's performance and determining changes that should be made to effect improvement. These written and verbal reports shall be designed to provide information that will be helpful to the student, teacher, counselor, and parent.
The district shall comply with the marking/grading system incorporated into the statewide standardized high school transcript. Secondary students’ grade points shall be reported for each term; individually and cumulatively.
Transportation
Limited transportation will be available in Stage 2 and 3 with a return to full transportation service in Phase 4.
Parents and Guardians will help students:
- Maintain social distance at bus stops
- Wear masks or face coverings at the bus stop and on the bus
- Stay home if not feeling well or showing any signs of COVID-19
Students will:
- Load from back to front
- Unload from front to back
- Sit with household members
- Wear face coverings
- Maintain social distancing by only sitting in designated seats as well as when loading and unloading
District staff will:
- Maximize social distance in loading and unloading areas
- Arrive and depart on staggered assigned schedules
- Clean and disinfect following local, state, and federal guidelines
- Clean and disinfect high touch and common areas between elementary and secondary runs
- Clean and disinfect the entire bus after morning, midday, and afternoon routes
- Open windows and vents to allow for maximum circulation of outside air to the extent possible given weather and air quality
If you have questions, please contact: Renee Swayze, Transportation Supervisor 360-829-985 rswayze@whiteriver.wednet.edu
Child Nutrition
Whether we are in Distance Learning, hybrid, or face-to-face, Child Nutrition Services will continue to provide breakfast and lunch to students. CNS staff will follow all Department of Health guidance regarding meal preparation and distribution.
Stage 1 and Stage 2:
- Daily meal kits available for safe pick up during scheduled student lunchtime
- Pre-packaged meals available on-site for students who are receiving in-person instruction during Distance Learning 2.0+
- Pick up available at select locations
Stage 3: Hybrid Model:
- Breakfast and lunch meal service at each school during each school day
- Mealtimes will change to allow for safety guidelines
- Meals will be Grab and Go
- Elementary students will eat in their classrooms in assigned seats
- Secondary students will eat in common areas in assigned seating following distance guidelines
- Lunch schedules and number of lunches will change to allow for adjustments and distancing
- Students attending school every other day can pick up meals for the next day before leaving school
If you have questions, please contact: Richard Noble, Child Nutrition Manager, 360 829-3979 rnoble@whiteriver.wednet.edu
Childcare
Stage 1 and Stage 2:
Hornet Hives Program
The Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) and Childcare Aware of Washington are working across the region to help communities meet the childcare needs and provide a temporary solution to the stress caused to the existing childcare infrastructure as a result of COVID-19. We will be offering Hornet Hives as a response to the childcare needs in our White River Community.
The Hornet Hives program will provide childcare and guide students through their distance learning school day. The program will also feature supplemental activities to engage participants beyond the school day and keep them active.
The program will be formatted in cohorts by campus to ensure health and safety guidelines can be met. Face coverings are required. Social distancing will be followed as students will work at individual spaced out workstations and take part in appropriate socially distanced activities.
Lunches will be available through food service or families may choose to bring their own cold lunches. A light afternoon snack will be provided daily.
Limited Transportation may be available to and from the program at some locations. If you qualify for or are receiving childcare vouchers through the Cares Act please contact our office for support with registration
Visitors/Volunteers
While we recognize the important contributions of our school volunteers, access to our buildings will be limited and only visitors that are essential to school activities will be allowed on campus. Volunteers and visitors who have been approved to be on campus must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Visitors or volunteers should not seek entrance to schools if they have a frequent cough, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell, or if they or someone they live with has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
- Visitors and volunteers must comply with the WRSD health screening protocols and complete a wellness acknowledgment prior to seeking entrance to campuses.
- Face coverings are required and expected to be worn at all times in accordance with county, state, and federal health department guidance.
- Visitors and volunteers who become sick during the day will be sent home immediately.
- Visitors and volunteers are expected to adhere to standard safety protocols including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cohort grouping protocols.
Facility Use
Access to District facilities will be limited during school closures and modified school operations. The White River School District recognizes the important community partnerships that rely on facility use as part of their youth programs and we are committed to reengaging in those partnerships when the community health risks decrease.
The District will begin a phased-in approach to facility use after Pierce County is in Phase 3 of the Governor’s Safe Start Plan and the White River School District has reopened for in-person instruction for all students. Factors used in determining access for outside user groups will include facility requested, number of participants and potential spectators, availability of district staff for cleaning before and after use, type of activity, and ability to adhere to social distancing and other safety protocols. All outside facility user groups will need to provide a return to participation safety plan as part of their facility use application. The White River School District reserves the right to increase user fees to cover the cost of custodial services as a result of COVID-19 requirements.
Extra Curricular Activities and Athletics
The White River School District believes it is essential to the physical and mental well- being of students to return to physical activity and athletic competition and is working closely with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and our South Puget Sound League (SPSL) partners to develop local Return-To-Activity Guidelines that reflect the initial guidance provided by the National Federation of High Schools, Washington Department of Health and the Governor’s Office.
The WIAA Executive Board has already made the decision to modify the 2020-2021 sports season calendar. The White River School District Athletics Director will send updates to students and families directly as changes are made and updates are available.
All practices, workouts, and organized team-building activities will be limited until after Pierce County has entered Phase III. Once participation begins, strict sport-specific health and safety protocols will be established and monitored closely.
Facilities will remain closed to all visitors and spectators until such time as we receive guidance from the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department.
References and Resources
Guidelines for Reopening Schools
- Proclamation by the Governor - Phased reopening of K-12 schools
- Reopening Washington Schools 2020
- Department of Health Decision Tree for In-Person Learning
- DOH K-12 Schools Fall 2020-2021 Guidance
- CDC Interim Guidance
- CDC Considerations for Schools
- Child Nutrition Guidance
- OSPI COVID-19 Resource Bank
General Health and Safety Guidance and Resources
- Tacoma Pierce County Health Department
- Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Case and Contact Investigation Team
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries