11/24/2020
NWLSD Families,
Since August we have been looking at our plan and gathering feedback from our staff, families and students to determine if our current models of learning are working. In early November, we surveyed our stakeholders to gather feedback in order to form plans and decisions for next semester. Based on the survey results, the data supports keeping our current in-person and remote learning models in place. (Click here to see a summary of our survey results.)
While our learning models will not change, we have heard our families' and staff’s concerns and plan to make adjustments to make sure that our staff, students and families’ concerns are addressed. As we move towards 2021, we have outlined how we plan to proceed by grade level.
Elementary School Level
Per our survey results, 93.2% of responses from our elementary and preschool staff were extremely satisfied, somewhat satisfied or responded as neutral in regard to the cohorting model at the elementary and preschool levels.
- We will continue with our current instructional model with all students receiving instruction directly from their classroom teacher in a self-contained classroom environment. Students will continue to remain with their classroom cohort and assigned teacher throughout the day to reduce exposures for staff and students. We will continue to look for opportunities for movement breaks and outdoor activities as the weather permits.
Middle School Level
Per our survey results, 89.8% of responses from our middle school staff were extremely satisfied, somewhat satisfied or responded as neutral in regard to the cohorting model at the middle school level.
- We will continue with our current model with teachers traveling to cohorts and students staying in their cohorts throughout the day.
- Administration will work with the leaders in the art and music departments to see what can be done to safely offer performing arts programming at the middle school level.
High School Level
Per our survey results, 78.9% of responses from our high school staff were extremely satisfied, somewhat satisfied or responded as neutral in regard to the cohorting model at the high school level. Additionally, only 55.7% of responses from our high school staff were extremely uncomfortable or somewhat uncomfortable with student movement throughout the school day.
We will continue with our current cohorting model, however we will make the following adjustments to the Cohorting Model on a trial basis in an effort to increase access to live teaching, whether in-person or remote.
- Both high schools are scheduled to do a trial virtual seven-bell day on November 30 and December 1, 2020. The trial run will be used to determine the feasibility, effectiveness and the reality of using one day out of the week to allow students to engage remotely with their teachers for a full seven-bell day. Each teacher will log into their Zoom meeting to do live teaching for each scheduled bell they would normally teach during a 7-bell day.
- Building administrators will continue to look for opportunities for teachers to connect more often in a live format with in-person learners.
Performing arts programs will continue to occur at the high school level this winter. Strict safety protocols will be put in place that align with Hamilton County Public Health’s safety guidelines.
Switching From Remote to In-Person Learning
Per our survey results, 65.2% of responses from our staff members felt extremely uncomfortable or somewhat uncomfortable decreasing the distance between students in the classroom to less than 6 feet so that more students could return to in-person learning.
Based on our classroom spacing in all of our buildings at this time, we will not be taking requests for in-person learners. Principals and their administrative teams will have the choice of determining how many students switch from remote to in-person learning based on their classroom sizes and spacing. If a principal feels they have the space and can maintain adequate distancing and safety protocols then they can contact parents. Considerations for requests to switch from remote to in-person will be prioritized based on safety and space as well as the following:
-Identified disability
-Language spoken in home is other than English
-Homelessness or foster care situations
-Inadequate technology access or support
-Failing grades or non-participation in remote learning
-No supervision available for young students