Last updated on August 20, 2020
Northwest Local School District 2020 Fall Reopening Plan REVISIONS
Below we have made several updates and revisions to our reopening plan. As the State of Ohio makes changes to guidelines, we will also make changes and revisions to adhere to updated health and safety protocols. Our revisions and updates are in blue.
As we approach our fall 2020-2021 reopening, NWLSD is putting the proper plans and protocols in place to not only keep our staff and students safe, but to also provide an educational experience that will further our efforts to prepare our students to be future leaders.
As we develop and establish our plan, we are keeping the well-being and safety of our staff and students at the forefront of our thoughts. We understand that our staff, students and their families have various health needs and concerns. We have decided to offer two options for parents to choose from for the upcoming year based on the feedback that we have received from both our parents and staff. Students will have the opportunity to return to school full-time for five (5) days a week in the fall or have the opportunity to engage in our virtual Remote Learning Academy, which will give students access to a structured online curriculum with educational support from our NWLSD teachers who have been trained to teach online instruction.
2020-2021 SCHOOL CALENDAR
NWLSD is taking our current health crisis very seriously. We are working with Hamilton County Public Health, Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Ohio High School Athletic Association in order to put the proper safety protocols in place. In order to do this, our Board of Education approved a change to our 2020-2021 school calendar.
CLICK TO VIEW THE APPROVED CALENDAR
SCHOOL PHASE-IN SCHEDULES
School will begin on August 27th for all students; however, students will phase-into their buildings between August 27-September 1. *
Middle School Phase-in Schedule
- Thursday, August 27: 6th grade Phase In Day, (7th/8th grade at home learning)
- Friday, August 28: 6th grade Phase In Day, (7th/8th grade at home learning)
- Monday, August 31: 7th grade Phase In Day, (6th/8th grade at home learning)
- Tuesday, September 1: 8th grade Phase In Day (6th/7th grade at home learning)
Beginning Wednesday, September 2 - ALL 6th, 7th & 8th students attend.
High School Phase-in Schedule
- Thursday 8/27: Freshmen only (grades 10-12 at home learning)
- Friday 8/28: Sophomores only (grades 9, 11 & 12 at home learning)
- Monday 8/31:Juniors only (grades 9 & 10, 12 at home learning)
- Tuesday 9/1: Seniors only (grades 9-11 at home learning)
Beginning Wednesday September 2 - ALL high schoolers attend, full day schedule within cohorts
Elementary Phase-in Schedule
- Thursday, August 27- Grades 1, 3, 5 (K, 2, 4 at home learning)
- Friday, August 28- Grades K, 2, 4 (1,3 5 at home learning)
- Monday, August 31- Grades 1, 3, 5 (K, 2, 4 at home learning)
- Tuesday, September 1- Grades K, 2, 4 (1,3 5 at home learning)
Beginning Wednesday, September 2 - ALL elementary students attend.
NWLSD REMOTE LEARNING ACADEMY
Parents and families that choose this option, will obtain 100% virtual instruction through our NWLSD Remote Learning Academy. This option offers a structured online curriculum with support from NWLSD teachers to students who are learning from home. Students enrolled in this program will begin school on August 27th. Those who choose this option, must complete a minimum of one semester.
Due to a large number of remote learning participants, only students in grades K-8 will utilize the Accelerate Education curriculum. High school students will utilize Google Classrooms.
- Students participating in the Remote Learning Academy will be following a rigorous, Ohio Learning Standards-aligned curriculum, but one that will be different from that which is presented in our schools in the face-to-face option. There may be differences regarding pacing and sequencing of academic content. NWLSD has selected the Accelerate Education curriculum and platform for our Virtual Instruction students. Accelerate Education is a tool for independent learning. Accelerate will be used for times your student is not working on assignments from the teacher or live lessons. Information on how to log in and get started will be provided by each student’s teacher.
- Each child will be assigned a NWLSD teacher or team, as well, who will support the child in his or her learning, grade submitted work, and monitor the child's progress. l
- Each student will receive a district device which should be used for completing school work and participating in virtual instruction.
- NWLSD will be removing the independent reading and novel studies and activities that are listed in the Accelerate Education program. Accelerate Education does not provide the books and novels that are identified and we feel that purchasing these would be an unnecessary burden for our families. NWLSD has purchased online resources for independent reading that have been approved by the board of education and purchased for and are being used in classrooms and these will be made available to students in the Remote Learning Academy
- Our remote learning plan shall include both teacher-led and self-directed learning experiences. Students will be required to log a minimum of 30 hours per week, 6 hours per day of work completion and participate in teacher-led virtual instruction and various other activities including independent work, workbook activities, assessments and projects.
- Students are expected to log in and have live sessions with their teacher each day. Sessions will be recorded if students are unable to attend.
Elementary
- Daily class meeting with NWLSD teacher
- Daily instruction with NWLSD teacher in ELA
- Daily instruction with NWLSD teacher in Math
Middle School
- Weekly meeting with teacher for community building
- Daily instruction with NWLSD in ELA
- Daily instruction with NWLSD in Math
- Daily instruction with NWLSD in Science or Social (alternating days)
- REMOTE LEARNING WEEKLY LEARNING LOG: Students will be expected to complete a weekly learning log. Parents can complete the weekly log for younger students but must do so through the student email account. CLICK THIS LINK TO ACCESS THE WEEKLY LOG: https://bit.ly/NWLSDLearningLog (Link is case sensitive.)
- Student work will be graded based on mastery of content. Regular assessments will be included as part of their courses. Teachers will provide regular feedback and will hold virtual conferences with students and families to review progress. Students will have the opportunity to engage each week with other remote learning classmates.
- Students and families selecting this option will be required to remain in the Remote Learning Academy through at least the end of the first semester.
- Parents or guardians of students electing to participate in the Remote Learning Academy will assume the role of a "Learning Coach." The role of the Learning Coach is to:
- Guide the student through the lessons as needed
- Discuss the concepts being taught
- Assist with interactive tools and games
- Help facilitate hands-on learning that may be in the course
- Check for understanding of assignments
- Keep the student on schedule and pace
CLICK HERE to access our resource for parents/guardians regarding the role of "Learning Coach".
- REMOTE LEARNING WORKBOOKS: Accelerate Education offers printed workbooks for students in Grades K-5 for all four core subjects (Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science). Parents may purchase these workbooks independently at a cost of $17/subject for each semester. Workbooks for the first semester (two quarters) are labeled with an “A” and those for second semester with a “B”. Workbooks are not required to participate in the remote learning academy. All activities that are part of the workbook are included in the Accelerate Education digital platform as PDFs that can be downloaded and printed.
- REMOTE LEARNING ELECTIVE COURSES: Most students in the Remote Learning Academy will have the option to select 2 elective courses.
- K-2 students will have only 1 elective course through Accelerate Education
- Buildings may create additional special area experiences for students in K-2 through Google Classroom.
- PE is not available as an Accelerate Education course for Grades K-5
- If you have not yet selected your elective courses please do so as soon as possible using this link: https://bit.ly/NWLSD-RLA-Survey
- *NWLSD has purchased and will provide headphones for students in grades K-5 to assist with concentration. Headphones are a board approved instructional fee item and a $8.00 fee will be assigned for students in the Remote Learning Academy. The district Technology Fee will also be assigned.
- REMOTE LEARNING CHROMEBOOKS: A District Device (Chromebook) will be provided for all students in the Remote Learning Academy.
- Please visit nwlsd.org/technology for support on technology (i.e- to access the technology FAQ, to submit a support ticket, to gain assistance with login information.
Devices will be picked up between 12:00 (noon) and 6:00 p.m. on August 24th, 25th, or 26th as follows:
- Students who are scheduled to attend HELC, CE, CMS, CHS, MHE, SE and WOMS will pick up their device from COLERAIN HIGH SCHOOL (8801 Cheviot Road).
- Students who are scheduled to attend PRE, TE, PRMS, NWHS will pick up their device from PLEASANT RUN ELEMENTARY (11780 Pippin Road).
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
Introduction and Service Provision Philosophy
As we develop and establish our plan, we are keeping the well-being and safety of our staff and students at the forefront of our thoughts. We understand that our staff, students and their families have various health needs and concerns. We have been careful to listen to the feedback that we have received from our community and our stakeholders. As we planned, we sent out multiple surveys to understand the needs of our staff and students. Based on your feedback, we have decided to offer two options for parents to choose from for the upcoming year. Students will have the opportunity to return to school full-time for five (5) days a week in the fall or have the opportunity to engage in our virtual Remote Learning Academy, which will give students access to a structured online curriculum with educational support from our NWLSD teachers who have been trained to teach online instruction.
Students with disabilities continue to need access to specially designed instruction and related services during the pandemic regardless of selection of in-person or remote learning options. In order to assure services, the NWLSD special education staff are planning to implement services in the following ways:
SPECIAL EDUCATION: STUDENTS WHO SELECT REMOTE LEARNING-
If you have selected this option for your child, the Case Manager will be in contact with you to set up a team meeting to review your child’s IEP and develop a remote learning plan within the first few weeks of school.
If your child receives services such as speech, occupational therapy or physical therapy, the team may consider having your child come into school to receive direct services.
You should receive copies of your child’s remote learning plan and prior written notice within a few days of the meeting. The District continues to offer FAPE (free, appropriate public education) in the least restrictive environment as outlined in each student’s current IEP. If you have additional questions or concerns, you can contact the child’s Case Manager and or request a meeting to review the remote learning plan.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: STUDENTS WHO RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING-
Students who attend in person will be provided specially designed instruction and related services while in school. In order to reduce the cross contamination of students and staff, students with similar needs may be grouped together to increase safety and support as well as assure access to specially designed instruction and related services. Due to safety protocols students movements will be limited across cohorts. Access to different learning environments/classrooms, equipment, or specific areas of the building may be limited or unavailable.
The goal of classroom assignments and schedule is to allow for the most access to specially designed instruction and related services with the least amount of cross contamination between staff and students. In some circumstances, consultation with the parent and team will need to occur documenting the provision of services.
In anticipation of an extended school closure, any students with a current IEP selecting in-person learning will have a Remote Learning Plan developed by the IEP team in collaboration with the parent/guardian to plan for what/how services will be provided.
All ETRs and IEPs must be kept in compliance with Ohio Department of Education and Federal guidelines. Students who are participating in remote learning who are due for a reevaluation, or students who are being recommended for an initial evaluation may be offered the opportunity to enter the building for the purposes of assessment and evaluation. The team may consider a record review if the student is not available, or if the child is not available for testing/assessment.
All special education meetings including, but not limited to IEPs, ETRs and BIPs will be held virtually to allow all team members to participate during the No Visitor Period.
Other Special Education Information and Updates
If your child participated in classroom or community outings, those activities have been suspended until further notice. Work study and job coaching opportunities will be limited to tasks that can be done in the classroom and require protocol to assure student and staff safety.
If your child is unable to wear a mask due to their disability, contact your child’s Case Manager to discuss options and next steps.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Special Education Supervisor assigned to your child’s school. The contact information is below:
IN-PERSON LEARNING
Parents and families who choose this option, will return to the classroom 5 days a week to engage in in-person learning.
Students enrolled in this program will begin school on August 27th. We believe the best way to approach our reopen is to give our staff and students time to familiarize themselves with our recent adjustments and new safety protocols and to be intentional about establishing proper social distancing.
To do this, we will bring students into the building by grade level. Between August 27 and September 1, various grade levels will phase into their buildings. All students will have fully returned to school by September 2. Students in grade levels that are waiting to phase into their buildings from August 27-September 1, will participate in at-home learning.
NWLSD HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS
NWLSD will continue to follow the guidance of Hamilton County Public Health, Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department of Health, and the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
COHORTING
In order to limit exposure, NWLSD will limit the amount of travel from class to class throughout all levels of school. Per the guidance of Hamilton County Public Health, limiting travel by cohorting students in groups will help with contact tracing.
- Students will stay with one teacher throughout the day
- Students will not travel from class to class throughout the day but will stay within their groups/pods.
CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
All NWLSD staff are expected to contribute to our effort to maintain the cleanliness of our buildings. NWLSD will clean all buildings and facilities daily. Special attention will be given to classrooms, buses, weight rooms, bathrooms and high-touch areas routinely throughout the day.
AT-HOME WELLNESS CHECKS
We need every parent to take an active role and responsibility in monitoring their child to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Students who feel ill, have temperatures of 100°or greater, or show symptoms of COVID-19, must stay home. Please use the attached document to complete the At-Home Daily Wellness Check each day to determine if your child is well enough to attend, and for information on when to return to school.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Staff and students who show symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be sent home and may be expected to quarantine for up to 14 days. Staff will be required to have documentation from a doctor or health care provider. Based on the Hamilton County Health Department’s contact tracing process, individuals identified as close contacts of a COVID positive person may also be asked to quarantine for up to 14 days. Students will have the opportunity to complete their assignments online during this time. Staff and students MUST BE fever-free and symptom-free for 3 days, without the use of fever-reducing medication, before returning to school. Please view the STUDENT COVID 19 COLOR GUIDANCE for information on COVID preventative measures, heightened self-monitoring, and when it is appropriate to quarantine at home.
SCREENING STATIONS
Screening station(s) will be set up in each building, separate from the health office, to assist in identifying staff and students who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Individuals who are found to exhibit symptoms will be placed within a supervised isolation area while awaiting parent/guardian pick up, at dismissal the parent will receive detailed information about next steps and return to school.
WELL TRAINED STAFF
NWLSD's staff will be trained on health protocols before the school year starts. This training will continue throughout the school year. As guidance changes, our staff will be updated on safety protocols.
FACIAL COVERINGS
NWLSD students will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings on campus and in each school building. NWLSD is aware that some students in our school community are faced with health and safety challenges that will interfere with proper mask wear. Considerations for alternative accommodations will be made for special cases surrounding health and safety. Students may be permitted to remove their facial coverings throughout the day when it is determined safe to do so.
Please read our Family Friendly Face Mask Policy
NWLSD staff will be REQUIRED to wear face coverings on campus and in each school building.
NWLSD is aware that some staff in our school community are faced with health and safety challenges that will interfere with proper mask wear. Considerations for alternative accommodations will be made for special cases surrounding health and safety. Staff will be permitted to remove their facial coverings as long as they are alone in their offices.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
Students will maintain maximum physical distance from peers whenever possible. In order to implement contact tracing, seating charts will be implemented in all places, including on buses, in classrooms and in cafeterias.
HAND SANITIZING STATIONS
Hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed in every classroom, office, cafeteria, and throughout the buildings. Students will be required to wash/sanitize their hands upon entry and exit of all classrooms, and as needed throughout the day. In addition, students will practice hand hygiene prior to and after lunch and after any trips to the restroom.
WATER BOTTLES
Students are strongly encouraged to bring a water bottle to school daily. Water fountains will only be available for bottle-filling purposes.
TRANSPORTATION
Additional NWLSD Bus Safety Rules
- Students will be required to wear a facial covering while riding the bus.
- Students will be required to sit two per seat on the bus and will be required to sit in their assigned seat.
- Students will be required to remain seated, facing forward, while riding the bus.
- Students will be expected to maintain appropriate social distancing while at the bus stop and while entering the building.
VISITORS
In-person visits will be limited in order to maintain the health and safety of our staff and students. School officials will contact parents/guardians when in-person visits are necessary.
FOOD SERVICES
Due to the health and safety protocols that we have in place, we want to inform our families that all of our cafeterias will be going cashless this year. Parents will need to apply money to their PaySchools account in order to pay for student meals. All money MUST be in account prior to purchasing meals, snacks, drinks, etc. In the past, parents were able to add money to meal accounts in-person. In person visits to our buildings will be limited in order to maintain the safety and wellbeing of our staff and students. Parents can add money to the meal account using debit and credit cards or by electronic check via PaySchools Central.
VIRTUAL LEARNER MEALS TO GO
As we gear up for the year to begin, we are excited to announce we will offer Virtual Learner Meals To Go for those who have chosen to learn virtually. Meal pickup is scheduled for Fridays from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Taylor Elementary School beginning 9/4/20. (If Friday is a non-school day, the pick up will be bumped to the Thursday before).
Parents are asked to complete the NWLSD Virtual Learner Meal Service Form by Wednesday at 12:00 pm EVERY WEEK, if you are interested in picking up meals to take home. In order to receive the meals, you will need to provide the student’s name & digital ID (located on the PaySchools app) or temporary ID issued by the school in order for us to scan the barcode & issue the meals. Virtual Learners will have the same Lunch menu as in-person learners. The menus can be found by clicking here My School Menus. Each weekly package will include:
Packaged meals will not be prepared if a Meal Service Form is not submitted
- 5 breakfasts including fruit and/or fruit juice
- 5 lunches including milk, fruit and/or vegetable
- Heating, Prep and Storage instructions
Unlike the Summer Lunch Program, these meals will be charged to your student’s meal account according to their free, reduced, or full pay status. Our cafeterias will be going cashless this year. All money MUST be in each account prior to submitting the Meal Service Order Form each Wednesday. At this time, we do not expect a waiver from USDA as we had in the spring which allowed all meals to be served free of charge. Meals will be priced as shown below: