Traditional Onsite Learning

2020-2021 Traditional Onsite Learning Plan

Updated on 7/24/2020

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is committed to providing high-quality instruction through on-campus, face-to-face instruction in the 2020-2021 school year. Health Services, District Operations, and Campus Staff are prepared to work collaboratively to meet students’ needs. Health and safety protocols will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

PLEASE NOTE: The details in this document are subject to change as directives are provided by governing authorities and/or health officials or as environmental conditions change.

Communication and Engagement

CFBISD values and encourages strong communication between the campus and its school community, as well as the district and its staff. Communication is critical during this time when changes may occur from one day to the next. To ensure that all stakeholders are informed of decisions, we have created a communication process to assist with communication efforts.

Traditional Learning Table

All Students: PreK – 12th

Traditional Onsite Learning Overview

The traditional, in-person learning model for Pre-K through 12th grade will look like a typical school day for students and teachers.
Students will demonstrate mastery of concepts using traditional methods as well as assessments emphasizing application over memorization.
All students will dress appropriately (following the CFBISD dress code) and participate in class.

Attendance

Elementary: Attendance for elementary students will be taken daily. The 90% attendance rule is for all students.
Secondary: Attendance for secondary students will be taken each period daily. The 90% attendance rule is for all students.

Student and Staff Safety Protocols

Health Services, District Operations, and Campus Staff are prepared to work collaboratively to meet the needs of students. Health and safety protocols will be in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Protocols for Screenings and Isolation

All students and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms regularly and individuals who present with symptoms will be separated and sent home.

Screening Protocols

Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before reporting to work each day. Temperature will be checked upon entering any CFBISD facility.
Parents/guardians are expected to screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending their student to school. Temperature will be checked upon entering any CFBISD facility.
Teachers will monitor students and refer to the nurse if symptoms are present.

Isolation Protocols for Student(s) or Staff Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms

In the event a student displays symptoms of COVID-19, the school nurse will provide a clinical assessment to determine if and when a student should be sent home.
Students who are ill will be separated from their peers and should be picked up within 30 minutes and no later than 1 hour from the time the campus contacted the student’s parent/guardian.
Other students will be removed from the classroom and taken to an alternate location oncampus (e.g., go on a walk outside, move to a different classroom, etc.) so that the classroom can be disinfected.
District communication will be provided to the parents of students who came in close contact with a COVID-19 positive student or staff member.
Staff members displaying COVID-19 symptoms will follow district protocols including isolation from students and other staff members.
Students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 will follow district protocols for return to school/work.
Students or staff who come into close contact with a COVID-19 positive individual will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days and may not return to campus during that time.

Protocols for Face Coverings

All individuals shall wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when it is difficult to keep six feet away from other individuals or working in areas that involve close proximity with other individuals.

Protocols for Campus Visitors and Volunteers

Campuses will utilize virtual meeting options to limit campus visitors when possible. Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will follow specific guidelines for visitors.

Visitors should be pre-arranged by calling the school ahead of time and scheduling an appointment.
Parents will not be allowed to walk students inside the school building. Exception: Parents of Pre-K and Kindergarten students may be allowed to walk to class on the first day of school
pending COVID-19 guidelines.
All individuals entering the building will be required to follow the protocols for face coverings in accordance with governing authority’s mandates.
Visitors must follow the virus prevention and mitigation requirements of the school.
Individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will be asked a series of questions about their health. Temperature will be checked upon entering any CFBISD facility.
Virtual meetings will be utilized whenever possible; this includes ARDs, 504, and other parent meetings.

Protocols for Hand Sanitizing and Disinfecting

Frequent cleaning, disinfecting, and hand sanitizing will ensure health and wellness of students and staff.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the main entry to the campus, in the cafeteria and in common areas throughout the campus.
Staff will be expected to regularly wash or sanitize their hands.
Staff will have access to disinfecting materials to sanitize working surfaces and shared objects.
Each classroom and restroom will be disinfected daily.
The cafeteria will be disinfected between lunch periods.
Individuals will practice thorough hand washing upon return from outdoors, before eating, and following restroom breaks.
Staff will limit the use of shared supplies when possible.
CFBISD will use an organic disinfectant product that makes surfaces uninhabitable by germs and viruses for 90 days.

Additional Cleaning Measure for COVID-19 Positive Cases on Campus

If a classroom or facility is closed due to COVID-19 spread, a quaternary disinfectant, which is recommended for use on the virus that causes COVID-19, will be used to defog and disinfect.
Custodial staff will disinfect classrooms, restrooms, the athletic indoor turf field, weight room and all additional areas in the entire building.

Work and Learning Environments

General Classroom Configurations and Procedures

Each classroom will be outfitted with refillable alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers.
Class size will depend on the number of students who choose to participate in on-campus learning.
Elementary : When possible, for grade levels that implement departmentalization or team teaching of subject areas, teachers may move to the students for instruction. If the students move locations, they will remain in their cohort of the same students.
When possible, students and staff will maintain consistent groupings of people to minimize the spread of the virus. Additionally, supplemental services will be grouped by grade level,
Desks or tables will be socially distanced as much as possible for instruction.
Staff will limit the use of shared supplies when possible.
Each student in CFBISD will have their own device, and the device should only be used by the owner: K-1 iPads and 2-12 Chromebooks.
Whenever possible, technology should be utilized when students are involved in collaborative work.
Teachers should limit the number of students participating in small group instruction.
Group or pair work can be implemented while maintaining physical distancing.
Students shall limit movement within the classroom such as turning in assignments, materials being passed out, etc.
Whenever possible, teachers will assign cohorts of students specific manipulatives in order to reduce the possibility of exposure.
Outdoor space will be used for learning when possible. Classroom groups working outside will maintain at least 12 feet of social distance from other classroom groups.
The recommended procedures will be applied to all classroom settings, including special education services locations when possible and appropriate. Students’ individual needs will be
addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Special Education/504/LPAC Considerations: For students who receive accommodations or modifications, ARD, 504, and LPAC, committees will convene and make appropriate recommendations to meet individual student needs to ensure continued growth in the general education curriculum and on individual goals and objectives.

Common Areas

Common areas include spaces that are used for meetings and collaboration. This includes computer labs, flexible spaces, campus libraries, conference rooms and other meeting rooms.

Campuses will develop schedules and protocols for the use of common areas, including how to sanitize space between use.
When needed, students will bring personal supplies from the classroom.
All students and staff will be required to use hand sanitizer when entering and exiting common areas.
The use of virtual meetings will be considered when possible.
In-person meetings will maintain social distancing.
All staff and students will follow the protocols for face coverings in accordance with governing authority’s mandates.

Restrooms

Proper handwashing technique will be taught to all students and consistently reinforced.
Students will be required to wash hands after using the restroom.
Increased cleaning and disinfecting of restrooms will occur throughout the school day.

Hallways and Corridors

Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established.
Walking pathways throughout the building will be designated “stay to the right.” This includes the entrance and exit doors.
When possible, it is recommended that students make transitions outside of the building.
To prevent congregating during transition times, students will not be assigned an academic locker. Students will be permitted to bring backpacks to class.
Staggered releases from each class will be organized to limit the number of students in the hallway during transitions.
Classroom doors will be propped open to reduce high-touch areas.

Arrival

Before school drop-off shall be contactless whenever possible.
Parents will not be allowed to walk students inside the school building. Exception: Parents of Pre-K and Kindergarten students may be allowed to walk to class on the first day of school pending COVID-19 guidelines.
Parents should remain in cars at all times unless prior authorization is given for escorting a child by school administration.
Children should exit the vehicle and proceed to the school entrance.
No loitering at the entrance door will be allowed.
Early bird arrivals are strongly discouraged. Any students dropped off before the building is open will not be allowed inside the building. Any exceptions should be specifically arranged with campus administration.
Where possible, separate entrances will be utilized for car riders, bus riders, walkers and daycare students.
Staff will be utilized for duty to maintain a line of sight in hallways and distancing of hallway cohorts.
Where possible, students will go straight to the classroom upon arrival and will not wait in a centralized holding area.
Bus procedures will be based on campus specific needs.

Dismissal

After school pick-up shall be contactless whenever possible.
Whenever possible, parents of children should remain in vehicles or remain in the designated pick-up areas during dismissal.
Early dismissals are strongly discouraged. Parents should call the main number of the school office to pick their child up early.
No loitering at the exit door will be allowed.
Elementary : Young children may need to be escorted. Sibling connections will be done outside the building. Students that have younger siblings will go to pick up their younger siblings and remain with the younger sibling’s class until they are picked up by their parents.
Whenever possible, campuses will stagger dismissal groups. Staggering the groups of walkers, car riders, bus riders and daycare students will help manage student movement in the building and decrease the risk of potential crowding outside at dismissal time.

Breakfast and Lunch Procedures

Depending on the number of the students in the school, students may have meals in both the cafeteria and in classrooms.
Visitors will not be allowed to dine with students.
Lunch deliveries from outside entities or parents will not be permitted.
Students will socially distance as much as possible.
Six-foot distance around all occupiable assigned seats will be provided while maintaining the student’s consistent cohort for “in person” lunches.
Teachers will monitor in the cafeteria and hallways to ensure social distancing.
Lunch times will be staggered by class with sanitation blocks between hallway cohorts.

Recess (Elementary)

Campuses will consider limiting the number of students per recess group. Staggered schedules can be utilized when needed.
All students and staff will be required to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before entering the playground and upon exiting the playground.
Brain breaks will be implemented as needed, at the discretion of the campus/teacher.
“Face covering breaks” will be implemented as needed.

Specials (Elementary)

PE classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible . Weather/temperature will be a consideration. Appropriate social distancing measures will be followed.
Students will use their own art supplies.
Music and PE equipment will be sanitized and wiped down after each use.
Due to the amount of equipment and supplies required to teach the curriculum, having music and art in those classrooms is preferred. If not possible, then the art teacher and music teacher should be allowed to attend each regular class to teach a lesson appropriate for the classroom environment.

Off Campus Events

Off-campus field trips will not be scheduled at this time. Virtual field trips will be considered as often as possible.
Student participation in academic contests (Math and Science Team, Robotics, Academic Pentathlon) will only be attended if specific guidance is provided by an authorized entity (e.g., Host site, CFBISD, TEA, the UIL, etc.).

On Campus Events

Meet the teacher, open house, and parent conferences will be held virtually.
No in-person assemblies will be held in the fall.
Meetings should be limited to video conferencing when possible.
If meeting in person is required, groups should utilize larger meeting spaces or multiple meeting opportunities will be provided.
If meetings must be held in person, all social distancing protocols should be implemented.
Elementary : After school clubs, tutorials, and ensembles will not be held for the fall semester. We will re-evaluate for the second semester.
Parents will be allowed to attend class parties and performances virtually.

Extracurricular Programming: 6th – 12th

Cheer/Dance/Drill Team

Practices and performances will be conducted following safety protocols provided by guidance from CFBISD, UIL and TEA (COVID-19 screening, group sizes, sharing & sanitizing of equipment, locker room usage).

Athletics

Athletic practices and contests will be conducted following all safety protocols provided by guidance from UIL, and CFBISD. This will include COVID-19 screening, sharing & sanitizing of equipment, locker room usage, laundry, etc.
Hand sanitizing stations will be in athletic areas and handwashing will be emphasized before, during, and after activities. Equipment will be sanitized on a regular basis.
Cleaning and sanitation of all athletic facilities will happen routinely.
Locker room use will be determined by UIL. If locker rooms can be accessed, all locker room space will be utilized according to the guidelines.
Bus travel will follow transportation guidelines provided by the TEA, UIL and CFBISD.
Spectator attendance at games and contests is TBD by the UIL guidelines. Crowd sizes could be limited and CFBISD will follow all UIL guidelines.
All aspects of all athletic events will be evaluated after receiving guidance from the TEA and UIL to minimize the risk of exposure for both athletes that are participating and spectators that are observing.

Fine Arts

Large group practice sessions, sectionals and rehearsals should adhere to social distancing guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CFBISD, TEA, UIL, etc.).
CFBISD will not allow private lesson teachers on the campus during the first nine weeks. After the first nine weeks, we will reassess. Private lessons may be conducted virtually if agreed upon between individual families and the lesson teacher. All district guidelines and pricing will remain the same.
Concerts/performances may be adjusted based on health and safety guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CFBISD, TEA, the UIL, etc.) including but not limited to transportation procedures, number of attendees, and the orientation of concerts.
Booster club meetings should be held virtually to minimize outside exposure to campuses.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD is committed to providing safe, high-quality instruction for your child through on-campus, face-to-face instruction in the 2020-2021 school year.

The traditional, in-person learning model for Pre-K through 12th grade will look like a typical school day for students and teachers.

Students will demonstrate mastery of concepts using traditional methods as well as assessments emphasizing application over memorization.
All students will dress appropriately (following the CFBISD dress code) and participate in class.
Students will have use of their own personal technology device.
5 full days per week of student participation is required.
Social and emotional support will be provided for each child.
Support services provided for bilingual, special education, gifted & talented.
Daily attendance is required.

Health Services, District Operations, and Campus Staff are prepared to work together to meet your child’s needs and keep them safe.

Safety in Our Schools for Traditional Onsite Learning

Parents should screen their child(ren) for COVID-19 symptoms prior to sending them to school each day. The traditional, in-person learning model for Pre-K through 12th grade will look like a typical school day for students and teachers, but with heightened safety protocols and social distancing procedures. Safety for our students and staff will be our top priority.

Our classrooms will be a safe environment for our students and staff. Specifically, students and staff will be provided with the following:

Reusable and disposable face coverings
Access to refillable hand sanitizer
Sanitation stations
Face shields will be provided

Note: CFBISD will use an organic disinfectant product that makes surfaces uninhabitable by germs and viruses for 90 days.

Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to reporting to work each day. Staff will have their temperature taken before entering any CFBISD facility. Social distancing guidelines will be followed in classrooms as well as common areas and handwashing protocols will be in place. Outdoor learning spaces will be used when possible. We are committed to following health guidelines as defined by the CDC and Health Department.

Lunchtime Procedures for Students

To ensure the safety of our students during lunch we will follow these safety protocols:

Teachers will monitor cafeterias and hallways to enforce social distancing.
Frequent hand washing will be recommended.
Depending on the number of students in the school, students may have meals in both the cafeteria and in classrooms.
Students will not be allowed to share food.

Extracurricular Activities

CFBISD will follow the University Interscholastic League (UIL) guidelines for extracurricular activities.

FAQ’s

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Updated on 7/27/2020

How will single parents cope with the role of parenting and being a teacher at the same time?

CFBISD recognizes the hardship our families are facing due to the Dallas County order that requires our campuses to be closed to students. Campus leaders will work with families to provide devices, access and support during this unprecedented time. Doing it all is very difficult. Please reach out at 972.968.6584, and we can assist you with coping strategies and counseling services.

How will you care for our children's emotional well-being in the classroom?

There will be morning meetings, and social and emotional learning threaded throughout the school day. School counselors will also be available to meet with students 1:1 and in small groups to help students connect with one another. Our crisis counselors will work closely with families in need.

Will each student have their temperature checked when they arrive at school?

Yes, temperatures will be checked upon entering a CFBISD facility.

What will happen if my child becomes ill at school and has COVID-19 symptoms?

In the event a student displays symptoms of COVID-19, the school nurse will provide a clinical assessment to determine if and when a student needs to be sent home. Students who are ill will be separated from their peers and will be picked up within 30 minutes and no later than one hour from the time the campus contacts the student’s parent/guardian

Updated on 7/23/2020

Will speech therapy begin when school starts?

Speech therapy will officially begin on the second week of school. To ensure your child is ready to log on for their speech sessions, your child’s speech therapist will contact you with their therapy times.

Do you have plans for SPED students yet? Specifically, how will they be pulled out for ABC class and other services they are required to have based on their IEP/ARD?

Yes. We are planning for remote instruction for students with disabilities, including therapies and services. Special education staff will work with the general education teacher to provide academic or behavioral support to ensure each child achieves their individual goals.

Will there be any changes to HVAC systems or anything done to increase ventilation in the classrooms?

Yes, we are increasing the outside air intake. Introducing more fresh air reduces the impact of recirculating the air and increases the likelihood of cooling and, thus, more dust and pollen. We will upgrade our filters to combat this issue.

Upgrading our filters to MERV-8 is the highest rating we can use without damaging our HVAC equipment.
We are introducing ionizers in the HVAC system.

How will my child be informed/reminded about practicing good hygiene while at school?

On the first day a student attends school on campus, the district will provide instruction to students on appropriate hygiene practices and other mitigation practices adopted in the District. We will also use signage and messaging to remind our students about health protocols.

Updated on 7/21/2020

Will all children under ten be required to wear a face covering?

How will students be distanced in the classrooms?

In classroom spaces that allow it, student desks will be a minimum of six feet apart when possible. In classrooms where students are regularly within six feet of one another, we will plan for more frequent handwashing and hand sanitizing and will consider whether increased airflow from the outdoors is possible.

Will students move around the school at any point? How will recess work?

Procedures in hallways and common areas:

Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established.
Walking pathways throughout the building will be designated “stay to the right.” This includes the entrance and exit doors.
When possible, it is recommended that students make transitions outside of the building.
To prevent congregating during transition times, students will not be assigned an academic locker. Students will be permitted to bring backpacks to class.
Staggered releases from each class will be organized to limit the number of students in the hallway during transitions.
Classroom doors will be propped open to reduce high-touch areas.

Recess (Elementary)

Campuses will consider limiting the number of students per recess group. Staggered schedules can be utilized when needed.
All students and staff will be required to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before entering the playground and upon exiting the playground.
Brain breaks will be implemented as needed at the discretion of the campus/teacher.
“Face covering breaks” will be implemented as required.

Is the school supply list the same for both Traditional and Remote Learning options?

Yes, there have been no changes made to the schools’ supply lists at this time.

Updated on 7/8/2020

What precautions will be in place on campus?

We will use Germinator Mobile Sanitizing and Disinfecting Services to further disinfect our schools. The disinfectant cleans and disinfects all surfaces using solutions containing hypochlorous acid. Germinator shields surfaces making them uninhabitable for germs and viruses for 90 days. More details can be found at https://www.thegerminator.com/.

The District will implement increased signage around campuses promoting disease mitigation strategies, and further increased cleaning and sanitation practices, as well as frequent reminders of hand hygiene and social distancing.

We will be using partitions and plexiglass at strategic locations within our campuses. In addition, TEA is providing masks for staff and students, as well as face shields for staff and students for special activities.

CFBISD will also follow TEA guidelines that require that teachers and staff self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming onto campus each day.

Our full safety and reopening plan must be submitted for review by the Dallas County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for approval. CFBISD will comply with all health and safety recommendations established by the health department, Dallas County and Texas Education Agency.

Will students and staff be required to wear masks?

We will comply with mandates of Dallas and Denton County regarding requiring face coverings.

Will buses run?

Yes, transportation will be provided for all who qualify. Bus transportation is provided for all special needs students when required by the student’s ARD and IEP.

General education students will be provided transportation, if eligible from the designated transportation areas to each campus. Transportation is not guaranteed to your Stellar campus if you do not reside in a designated transportation area for that campus.

Will social distancing be observed on buses, and how will seating arrangements be determined?

When possible, parents are encouraged to take their students to school. However, students riding buses are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and use hand sanitizer prior to boarding the school bus. Students are required to remain seated at all times and keep their hands and arms to themselves. Students should not touch each other or share any items.

School buses will be cleaned and disinfected frequently focusing on high-touch surfaces such as bus seats, steering wheels, knobs, and door handles.

How will schools monitor bathrooms, cafeterias, gyms, and other common areas?

All areas of the campus will be monitored frequently to ensure there is no student crowding. Signage reminding students and staff about handwashing, social distancing, and infection prevention will be posted throughout the school and in areas mentioned above.

What precautions will be in place for athletics, fine arts and other extracurricular activities?

Safety guidelines are being developed for conducting all on-campus workouts, rehearsals, and practices. The district will continue to follow all guidelines provided by UIL, TEA, and the State.

Will students have recess or the ability to play and socialize with other students?

We are awaiting guidance from the Texas Education Agency on recess activities.

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