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Introduction

The FSDB 2020-21 Reopening Plan will continue to change throughout the coming weeks as additional guidance is gleaned from various entities, which is grounded primarily in the public health science and data provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Both agencies are supplying the regulatory framework when it comes to hygiene, social distancing, and other public health considerations.

 

Actions outlined in this plan are categorized by two key objectives:

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  • Reopen campus and statewide programs in a safe, responsible and healthy manner.

  • Align and manage resources to meet the evolving needs of reopening FSDB.

 

Efforts aligned to these objectives will be implemented in relation to the ever-changing situation and conditions of the pandemic, which may require quick execution of mitigation procedures. The plan maintains focus on the school’s mission to ensure academic instruction and related programs and services for students while safeguarding their continued progression.

 

FSDB is fully committed to keeping students, parents/legal guardians, staff members and community engaged, involved, safe and informed. Periodic updates along with resource links and frequently asked questions will be posted to our Reopening Plan 2020-21 webpage and shared via multiple channels with key stakeholders.

Introduction

Reopen Campus and Statewide Programs in a Safe, Responsible and Healthy Manner

FSDB is committed to supporting learning environments that protect student and staff health and safety. To do this, FSDB will continue partnering with FDOH, FDOE, and the state of Florida and will communicate any changing requirements for reopening our school as soon as possible. The latest guidance from the FDOE is outlined in Executive Order 20-149, which states “all brick and mortar schools are open at least five days per week for all students subject to advice and orders of the FDOH, local departments of health and subsequent executive orders.”

Social Distancing

Students will be educated on social distancing etiquette – maintaining six feet or more distance from each other, including use of face coverings. This includes avoidance of hugs, handshakes and other forms of close physical contact.

 

Students shall refrain from congregating in large groups (the state’s phase 2 plan specifies no more than 50 people). Smaller groups shall also adhere to the above social distancing etiquette. Students and staff will use Microsoft Teams, Google Classrooms and related applications for communications via text, video and audio.

Common areas that are used by students and staff members including shared spaces (e.g., storage areas and file rooms) will be evaluated to ensure occupancy limits and social distancing. Some areas may be put into regular use by new groups if their original spaces do not meet social distancing guidelines.

 

Designated water fountains in each building will be retrofitted (as supplies become available) as automatic no-touch stations where students may fill their individual containers with filtered water.

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Physical barriers (i.e., sneeze guards and partitions) are being installed in areas where social distancing is difficult, such as reception areas and point of sale stations. Lavatory sink partitions are being installed, as feasible. Directional floor markings are in areas that have a high frequency of use and volume of foot traffic.

Social distancing protocols specific to the schools include but are not limited to the following:

 

Arrival:

  • Blind Department: Bus students are walked/escorted to Copeland lobby. Car rider students walk to Cary White. Dormitory students go directly to their classrooms.

  • Deaf Department: Car rider ELC students go to a specific bench at the bus loop. All other bus and car rider students—DES: The Pond, DMS: The Mall and DHS: Pope-Settles area. Dormitory students go directly to their classrooms; this also applies to older students who live nearby.

 

Recess:

  • Recess will be at regularly scheduled times, staggered to the extent possible and taking advantage of large, open campus spaces for play and exercise.

  • Students will take breaks from recess for bathroom, hand washing and water refill purposes.

  • Playground equipment usage will occur on a scheduled basis.

 

Transition:

  • Cloth face coverings will be used when social distancing is not possible, including transitioning between classes, safety drills and evacuation events.

  • Scheduling and flow will include wall signage and directional markings for floors and stairwells.

 

Dismissal:

  • Elementary and middle school staff will walk with students on their route.

  • High school students will be released by bus number or parent pick up; staff members will be positioned along the route

Face Coverings

Students will be educated on and maintain appropriate respiratory etiquette including the use of cloth face coverings. Training will be provided on face covering usage and removal (including hand hygiene).

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Cloth face coverings:

  • Help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.

  • Shall be worn by staff and students in areas when social distancing is difficult to achieve (e.g., on buses, during class transitions, while using restrooms and engaging in outdoor activities.)

  • Shall be required for all individuals who enter the Health Care Center.

  • Shall not be used by students who have respiratory health issues or are unconscious, incapacitated or unable to remove such without assistance.

  • Will be provided to students at the start of the 2020-21 academic year. Students may provide and use their own cloth face coverings.

 

Cloth face coverings provided to each student will be labeled and staff members will ensure that students are using their assigned coverings. Face coverings of boarding students will be washed in their respective dormitories; day students are expected to wash their face coverings at home.

Personal Hygiene

Students will be educated on and maintain personal hygiene etiquette, including increased frequency of hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol and clear instruction to avoid touching hands to face.

 

The spread of COVID-19 can be reduced when frequent handwashing is used along with other preventive measures including social distancing, use of face coverings and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Hand sanitizer dispensers are placed at strategic locations across campus. FSDB will make every effort to keep dispensers filled, based on the availability of supplies. Use of hand sanitizer is an alternative if soap and water are not readily available.

 

Frequently touched items below will be handled as follows:

  • Campus building surfaces (doorknobs, handrails, light switches, signage in braille, countertops and other flat surfaces, including restroom facilities) will be disinfected once daily.

  • Student playground equipment will be disinfected twice daily.

  • School bus and state vehicle surfaces will be disinfected after each route/use.

  • Golf cart surfaces will be disinfected after each use.

  • Work space items, assigned equipment and flat surfaces will be disinfected after use.

  • Shared space items, equipment, instruments, office machines, supplies and technologies in shared spaces will either be limited use or disinfected after each use by staff members.

 

Student involvement in cleaning and disinfecting practices will also take place.

Health Monitoring

Comprehensive school health care and education protocols are in place for COVID-19 monitoring, coordination and follow up. The administrator of Allied Health and Related Services is the primary point of contact for FDOH and serves as the designee responsible for responding to COVID-19 concerns.

 

Students and parents/guardians will undergo education and training by Allied Health and Related Services on temperature screening (see next section) including when they should stay home due to illness and when they should return to school/work.

 

Students will notify their school administrator if they experience or become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or have been exposed to someone with suspected or confirmed symptoms. Once the administrator of Allied Health and Related Services is notified, surveillance and contact tracing protocols will be initiated. See Appendix A for more details.

Temperature Screening

Non-contact thermometers will be used to conduct temperature screening for campus visitors and students, using the protocols outlined below.

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Campus Visitors

All campus visitors will be required to undergo temperature checks (parents/guardians of enrolled students are not considered visitors in this context). Visitors arriving at the main gate/guardhouse will have their temperature checked by the security officer on duty. If any visitor in a vehicle presents with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater per CDC guidelines, no one in the vehicle will be granted access. Temperature screening will also be conducted on visitors who arrive by foot or ride a bicycle or motorcycle. Signage indicating the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 will be visible at the guardhouse.

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Students

SHOW bus chaperones will check the temperatures of students before they can board the bus for return to campus. If any student presents with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, he/she will not be allowed to board the bus. Parents/guardians are to remain until their child is cleared to board.

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Staff members will check the temperatures of car ride students upon sign-in at their dormitory. If any student presents with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, he/she will not be allowed to enter the dormitory. Parents/guardians are to remain until their child is cleared to enter.

 

Yellow bus chaperones will check the temperatures of students before they can board the bus for return to campus. If any student presents with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, he/she will not be allowed to board the bus. Parents/guardians are to remain at the bus stop. If they have departed, their child(ren) will be required to wear a face covering on the bus and will be sent directly to the Health Care Center upon arrival to campus.

 

Temperatures of car ride and walk-in students who arrive before 7:55 a.m. will be taken at the locations below. If any student presents with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, he/she will not be allowed to remain on campus. Parents/guardians are to remain until their child is cleared to attend.

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  • Early Learning Center: TBD

  • Blind Department: Gibbs and Cary White Halls

  • Deaf Elementary School: Vaill Hall

  • Deaf Middle and High Schools: Walker Hall mall
     

Staff members will check the temperatures of car ride and walk-in students who arrive after 8 a.m. and sign in at their school administrative offices. If any student presents with a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, he/she will not be allowed to remain on campus. Parents/guardians are to remain until their child is cleared to attend.

Contact Tracing and Testing

Contact Tracing

FSDB carries out contact tracing and surveillance in collaboration with local and state health authorities. The school administration uses a COVID-19 tracking system that includes contact tracing protocols that are based on guidance from FDOH and the Florida Department of Management Services.

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Testing

Testing protocols for COVID-19 will be carried out for students only on a case-by-case basis in compliance with CDC and FDOH and privacy laws and, when applicable, with the explicit approval of parents/guardians. See Appendix A for more details.

Visitors, Volunteers and Tours

Campus access by nonessential visitors, volunteers, tour participants and activities involving all outside groups are suspended until further notice. The school administrative team will approve requests on a case-by-case basis.

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Current families will be allowed on campus to drop-off/pick-up their child, conference with their child’s teacher, attend IEP meetings and meet with school leadership. Advance scheduling will be required to ensure health and safety of personnel and meeting room availability for social distancing.

 

In-person admissions and evaluation meetings for prospective students/families may take place following certain protocols. Temperature screening will be taken upon arrival; if any member of the family has a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, the visit will be postponed or rescheduled. Students and family members as well as staff members will wear cloth face coverings

Reopen Campus

Align and Manage Resources to Meet Evolving Needs of Reopening FSDB

Instructional Services

FSDB will continue to provide the full array of services that are required by law, including what families and students have come to expect. At the start of the 2020-21 school year, FSDB will provide in-person instruction five-days a week on the FSDB campus as well as an innovative learning environment (ILE) option (detailed below) for families who do not yet feel safe to have their child(ren) participate in learning on campus. Both models will provide specialized instruction for all students (ELC –12th grade), including services for low-income families, students of migrant workers, students who are homeless, students in foster care and students who are English Language Learners. Robust progress monitoring and tiered support will be provided to all students.

 

FSDB administrators understand that there is a need to plan for not only re-opening the school campus for the academic and social emotional needs of enrolled students, but to also provide a model that would enable students to learn from their homes during the first quarter until they and their parents/guardians feel it is safe to return to the campus.

 

Enrolled FSDB students attending classes on campus or through the ILE model will follow each school’s bell schedule starting their school day at 8 a.m. and finishing their school day at 3:30 p.m. (Monday–Thursday) with an early release at 2:05 p.m. on Fridays, unless the school calendar notes otherwise.

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  • Start of the 2020-21 school year – Monday, Aug. 31, 2020

  • Senior commencement and awards ceremonies – Friday, June 4, 2021

  • Last day of the 2020-21 school year –Thursday, June 10, 2021
     

FSDB will use a modified school calendar incorporating 175 student days. In compliance with Florida Statute 1001.42(12)(a), FSDB exceeds the prescribed instructional minutes and hours for all grade levels.

 

Students in the brick and mortar model will attend in-person for the full grading period; parent/guardian requests to move their child from brick and mortar to the ILE model should be directed to the student’s school principal. These requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. FSDB is prepared to transition all students to the ILE model should the closure of the campus become necessary due to the pandemic. Should the campus close at any time during the school year, the ILE model will commence for all enrolled students. For more information, refer to the school’s Instructional Continuity Plan (March 2020).

Absenteeism

Federal law, state law and FSDB rules require that students, and especially those in Exceptional Student Education (ESE), must be in regular attendance in order to stay enrolled at FSDB. All enrolled students are expected to participate in coursework, complete class assignments, and make progress toward meeting their annual IEP goals – this applies to all students whether they attend classes on campus or participate in the ILE. FSDB follows current policies regarding ongoing instruction and related services, student absenteeism and school eligibility. Student attendance (for students attending classes on campus as well as students participating through the ILE model) will be taken each day and logged into Skyward following each school’s bell schedule.

 

As outlined in our 2020-21 Parent-Student Handbook, if a student is absent from school, FSDB will follow up within one business day with families to identify the cause of the absence. The administrator of Allied Health and Related Services will be contacted immediately if there is a concern of COVID-19 exposure.

 

If a student withdraws temporarily and is served by the local education agency (LEA) school district due to COVID-19 concerns, the student will be able to reapply to FSDB once the health concerns are resolved.

 

Each school will not have any recognitions or awards related to attendance for the 2020-2021 school year.

Career and Technical Education

Students enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses will meet their course standards and program expectations through the following:

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  • Dragon’s Lair/Cobra Corner: Student and staff workers will follow the same health and safety standards expected of all food service personnel, as directed by the FDOH, in addition to SafeStaff protocols.

  • D&B Designs: External customer orders will be placed via email or phone and either shipped when possible or picked up at a pre-arranged location off campus.

  • Garden Center: Center will be open to serve FSDB staff only. The ability to go off campus for projects will be reviewed and approved by the school administrative team.

  • Building and construction: The ability to go off campus for projects will be reviewed and approved by the school administrative team.

  • Off-campus work: Work placements will be made on campus until such time the school administrative team determines off-campus placements are appropriate.

Classroom Preparation

Academic staff members will follow guidelines for use of space, classroom layout, and cleaning routines to ensure social distancing and healthy workspaces for both students and staff members. Guidelines are as follows:

 

  • Single desks or tables for all students. Tables will be used for students in the Blind Department who need additional surface space for assistive technology and braille books.​

  • Desks, tables and seats will be arranged to maximize spacing and social distancing.

  • Seating charts will be used.

  • Written routines for bathroom breaks, hand washing/sanitization and social distancing.

  • Removal of items which cannot be sanitized and cleaned between usages (e.g., bean bags, couches, pillows).

  • Removal of designated learning areas, reading nooks and large tables that prohibit the maximization of space to allow for social distancing.

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The Shared Materials and Supplies section below details guidance for healthy classroom and workspaces.

Classroom Sizes and Class Schedules

Classroom Sizes

Classroom spaces will be evaluated for maximum capacity to ensure social distancing can be maintained. Class sizes are small and will be constantly reviewed to ensure there is appropriate space to social distance as well as to continue to provide quality, specialized instruction to all students.

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The following guidance will be used for class scheduling although some exceptions are to be expected. The recommended number for most classrooms is as follows:

 

  • High school: 10 students

  • Middle school: 8 students

  • Elementary school: 6 students

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To ensure social distancing and balance the number and students in a classroom space, bell schedules, class assignments, teacher availability and teacher certification will be considered.

 

Class Schedules

Class schedules have been adjusted to reduce the frequency of student transitions to limit the number of contacts per day and to allow for more thorough sanitation between classes.

 

  • Blind Elementary School – Self-contained classrooms.

  • Blind Middle School – Self-contained classrooms, divided according to grade level. Teachers  will move among these classrooms during the day.

  • Blind High School – Block schedule; alternating days with four classes per day and eight classes per week.

  • Deaf Elementary School – Self-contained classrooms; students remain with one peer group throughout the day.

  • Deaf Middle School – Block schedule; alternating days with four classes per day and eight classes per week.

  • Deaf High School – Block schedule; four class periods per day.

Dance and Music Activities

Classes for dance and music classes will be reduced in size and reassigned to larger spaces for social distancing; partner dancing will not be allowed.

English Language Learners

All English Language Learners (ELL) at FSDB receive English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support and services through the IEP process. At the beginning of the school year, the ELL Department director along with the ELL teacher and ELL specialist will meet to discuss each student’s ELL services, including student academic data, school academic grades, and progress toward meeting IEP goals. If an ELL student’s reading, writing, listening or speaking skills regressed due to fourth quarter campus closure during the 2019-20 school year when students participated in distance learning, the MTSS team, IEP team and staff members of the ELL Department will discuss and recommend additional or supplemental ELL services for the student. Students who choose the ILE model will have access to ELL services and support.

Extended School Closure

In the event of an individual classroom, department or school-wide closure, impacted FSDB students would transition to the ILE model. Following guidance from the state, advance preparation strategies, including our Instructional Continuity Plan, will be implemented should there be an extended school dismissal period due to the closure of the entire campus or specified schools/ departments.

 

Microsoft Teams will be the platform used for video conferencing and calls. Teachers’ Google Sites and Google Classrooms will be used for both on-campus face-to-face instruction and students starting the school year accessing instruction through the ILE option to ensure all teachers and students use the online tools and resources.

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General technology guidelines are as follows:

  • Students in all grades/classes will each be assigned individual technology devices.

  • Students attending classes on campus will routinely leave their individual technology devices in the same location at the end of the school day when they do not have homework.

  • Students attending classes through the ILE will have their individual technology devices mailed home the week of August 10th.

  • In the event of extended school or campus closure, student devices will be shipped to the homes of students who were receiving their instruction on campus and need to transition to the ILE.

Family Contact Information

FSDB uses Skyward, a software company specializing in K-12 school management technology. Parents/guardians use the Skyward Family Access platform to stay up to date on their child’s grades, school schedule, etc. The Skyward platform includes a messaging system called Skylert to communicate with parents/guardians via email, text and voice phone.

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Maintaining accurate email, text, voice phone, and mailing addresses for parents and families in Skyward is especially important to maintain the timeliness of communication and the ability to mail home materials and devices should a family choose to participate in the ILE option or in the event FSDB experiences an extended campus closure.

Individual Education Plans

All students who attend FSDB have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Annually, IEP teams (FSDB staff members, parents/guardians and student) meet to determine each student’s present level of performance, needs for specialized instruction, annual goals, related services and accommodations. Teachers and related service providers implement the student’s IEP with fidelity and monitor their progress toward meeting their IEP goals, including signs of regression, at least once each quarter.

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Teachers, related service providers and IEP monitors will review the present level of performance data of each student to determine if there was regression due to the fourth quarter campus closure during the 2019-20 school year when students participated in distance learning. The IEP team will determine if the instruction and intervention provided to students by their classroom teacher(s) and related service provider(s) throughout the 2020-2021 school year are effectively supporting students to recoup loss of skills or progress made toward skill acquisition in the student’s annual IEP. The team will make decisions based on the present level of performance data to determine if extended school year (ESY) services and/or compensatory services are needed.

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Conference rooms for IEP meetings will be evaluated to ensure that the space is large enough for students, staff members and families to be able to social distance. Alternate locations will be identified depending on the size of the group; virtual IEP meetings are always an option for families. Families can request an IEP amendment meeting at any time they have concerns regarding their child’s progress toward meeting his/her annual goals, accommodations being provided or related services.

Innovative Learning Environment

Enrolled students in the Early Learning Center, Deaf Elementary School, Deaf Middle School, Deaf High School, Blind Elementary-Middle School, and Blind High School will be able to choose the ILE option to continue participating in their coursework until families feel it is safe to return to the campus. The FSDB ILE model is a teacher-driven, at-home synchronous learning opportunity aligned to the instruction, support and related services students would receive if they attended school on campus. This learning model is different from distance learning offered in the fourth quarter of the 2019-20 school year.

 

Students participating in the ILE model will have the same expectations for course standards, progress monitoring, attendance, class participation and daily engagement between teachers and students as if they were on the FSDB campus. FSDB will provide technology resources to students and families as required to provide synchronous (streaming video live) instruction to best meet
the needs of students. Parent/guardian involvement is needed to support student learning and technology at home.

 

Students electing to participate through the ILE model will follow the school day schedule using technology, instructional materials (same as used in the classroom) and resources provided by FSDB to continue learning from their teachers as they present live in the classrooms, to the extent practicable. The ILE model will provide students, who elect to stay home at the start of the school year, a way to stay engaged on a daily basis with their assigned teacher(s) and peers. Students will follow the lessons and assignments created and delivered by their teachers via streaming video through Microsoft Teams and assignments posted in Google Classroom; continue to receive related services and accommodations as noted on their IEPs; participate in scheduled progress monitoring; and when they return to school, have seats ready and waiting for them in the same classes, with the same teachers, and the same classmates they had in the ILE model.

 

All students, regardless if they start the school year on the FSDB campus or participate through the ILE model, will need to register by completing the annual information update in Skyward. Upon registration, students will have access to their class schedule and teacher assignments.

 

Due to the specialized instruction provided to our students as well as the limitations to streaming video live from the classroom, there may be times when the teacher of instruction will be off camera addressing the needs of the students in the classroom. During this time, students engaging through the ILE model should continue to work on their course assignment(s) either as explained during the live lesson or through the assignments and activities posted in Google Classroom. Students are expected to stay connected and attentive in order to participate in the class following the bell schedule, unless excused by their teacher. Students may have alternate assignments given to them that are different than the students attending classes on campus, however, these assignments will be aligned to the same standards and pace as the students receiving instruction through the brick and mortar model. It is vital for students to stay engaged in their daily lessons, complete assigned activities, participate in class discussions and meet class expectations so that when they are comfortable in returning to campus, they will have an easy transition back to face-to-face instruction.

 

Parents/guardians and staff members are provided with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) information annually. To protect student privacy, classroom instruction will not be recorded. Students will join the teacher’s video-based lessons through a private meeting link. It is expected that students join their class on-time to access the content shared just as they would in the brick and mortar model. The video will be facing the teacher and not the student’s peers in the classroom. Students may join each other in small-group activities under the supervision of the teachers and staff. Small-group activities also will not be recorded. To protect the rights of everyone, parents/guardians, students and staff are reminded not to take any photographs or videos of classroom lessons and activities. Teachers may use instructional tools that allow students to produce audio-recorded or video-recorded responses. Individual student productions will be submitted directly to their teacher as part of classroom lessons and assignments.

 

FSDB recognizes that all students may need additional help and support to complete assignments regardless of whether they are attending class on the FSDB campus or through the ILE model. The academic program will work with the boarding program to provide after-school support for homework via Microsoft Teams, in addition to our traditional tutoring program. We ask that families and students have patience as we establish this new way of offering support.

Libraries

Librarians will go to classrooms to meet with students and/or conduct virtual lessons and story sessions. Students will be able to search Alexandria and request their selection of books. Library books will be delivered to students in their classrooms.

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Maximum day and night capacity for students at both libraries will be established, including assignment to classroom space and availability.

Off-Campus Activities and Travel

Students will be able to participate in off-campus classes, orientation and mobility activities, and off-campus work placements if such are in alignment with off-campus sites and local and state guidance.

 

Supplemental, local field trips required by academic course standards/programs during the first quarter of the school year will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

 

Supplemental field trips including in-state and out of state, will not be approved for the first semester of the school year.

 

Student participation in virtual activities and opportunities will be encouraged to the maximum extent possible.

Physical Education and Athletics

The athletic director will pursue options to convene sporting events and activities in a manner which aligns with guidance from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). The safety of our students, families and staff members remains our highest priority. FSDB will not participate in competitive sports during the fall.  FSDB fall sport coaches will hold conditioning and small group skill-development drills for student-athletes after school (brick and mortar). ILE students may condition at home doing exercises while having the opportunity to communicate with coaches.

   

Sports physicals (EL2) and consent forms (EL3) must be completed, signed and on file with FSDB before student athletes can participate in the conditioning/small group skill-development drills. The National Federation of High School (NFHS) guidelines will be strictly enforced—including, but not limited to: social distancing, face coverings (when it is not possible to socially distance), temperature checks, not sharing personal items (clothing/water bottles), wiping down equipment after each use, and showering after each session. All facilities used will be cleaned/sanitized daily.  

Progress Monitoring for All Students

Progress monitoring at FSDB is an essential part of both traditional face-to-face learning and the ILE model which are aligned to the appropriate Florida Standards. The progress monitoring delivery systems support a seamless transition between learning models to ensure data-driven decision- making regarding student progress.

 

Students are expected to make progress every year based on past growth models. Due to the unique learning needs of each student, progress will vary for each student. Every IEP case manager will monitor student progress and refer a student to the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team if there are concerns regarding progress.

 

FSDB students in need of additional academic support, as determined by the MTSS team or IEP team and regardless of model, will receive interventions and targeted instruction that fosters student progress and success.

Progress Monitoring Systems
 
ACHIEVE 3000

  • Grade Level: Grades 3-12 (all students)  

  • Description: A computer-based reading program that differentiates thousands of current events articles, comprehension activities, and writing opportunities to match a student’s independent reading level. 

  • Purpose: Assessment results are used to determine progress toward ELA standards and identify areas for tiered support.  

  • Frequency: 3 times per year (August, December, May)

  • Delivery: Computer-based

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Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)  

  • Grade Level: K-12 (all students) Reading, Mathematics  / Grades 3-12 (all students) Language Usage / Grades 3-8 (all students) Science  

  • Description: MAP® Growth™ measures what students know and informs what they’re ready to learn next. By dynamically adjusting to each student’s performance, MAP Growth creates a personalized assessment experience that accurately measures performance. 

  • Purpose: Assessment results are used to determine progress toward grade-level understanding in ELA/Mathematics and identify areas for tiered support. 

  • Frequency: 3 times per year (August, December, May) 

  • Delivery: Computer-based 

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Vocabulary (HFWL) 

  • Grade Level: Grades K-6 (all students), 7-12 (as indicated by IEP) 

  • Description: This list includes the 1,200 most often used words in print. It is a graded list that ranges from grades 1-8.  

  • Purpose: Targets vocabulary need for continued reading growth.  

  • Frequency: Quarterly

  • Delivery: Face-to-face/virtual

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Fluency 

  • Grade Level: Grades K-6 (all students), 7-12 (as indicated by IEP)  â€¯

  • Description: Oral/signed reading fluency of independent reading level passages.  

  • Purpose: Assesses reading fluency word per minutes (wpm) to identify support needed to develop fluid reading skills.   

  • Frequency: Quarterly

  • Delivery: Face-to-face/virtual

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Mathematics Formative Assessment (MFAS)  

  • Grade Level: Grades K-8 (all students), 9-12 (dependent on course)  â€¯

  • Description: Standards-based assessments focusing. 

  • Purpose: Determine student proficiency with the assessed standard.

  • Frequency: Ongoing (times vary per assessed standard)  

  • Delivery: Paper/pencil

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Portfolios (Writing, Algebra 1, Geometry, 3rd grade) 

  • Grade Level:  ELA (Grade 3) , Algebra 1, Geometry (dependent on course) , Writing (all students)  

  • Description: A learning portfolio is kept for courses that requires a specific level for advancement/ graduation.  

  • Purpose: Used as an alternative method for students to demonstrate mastery of a specific skill/standards. 

  • Frequency: Ongoing (times vary per assessed standard)  

  • Delivery: Paper/pencil, computer-based

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Independent Reading Level Assessment (IRLA)

  • Grade Level:  Grades: K-12 (all students) 

  • Description: A shared listening framework that is both a developmental taxonomy of reading and a nuts and bolts series of checkpoints and learning supports for mastery of the Common Core Standards. IRLA gives teachers a sensible, helpful, rigorous, bias-busting lens with which to watch and analyze the actions and thinking of students as they are doing meaningful work.  

  • Purpose: Assessments results are used to determine progress toward ELA standards and identify areas for tiered support.

  • Frequency: Ongoing (times vary per assessed standard)  

  • Delivery: Face-to-face/virtual

Re-Enrollment

FSDB is a school of choice, providing services to eligible students throughout the state of Florida. Due to COVID-19 spread and county variances in re-opening phases, some families of enrolled students may not wish to send their child(ren) to FSDB at the start of the school year nor participate in the ILE option.

  • Re-enrollment within 90 days: If parents/guardians of currently enrolled students (or adult students) wish to delay their start date or unenroll from FSDB and remain within their local community, those students will remain eligible for up to 90 days or at the start of the next semester to rejoin/enroll in FSDB with the same enrollment status they had at the time they unenrolled: (1) fully enrolled or (2) on temporary assignment. At the time the student is ready to return to FSDB, the Admissions Department will work directly with the family and guide them through the process of re-enrollment as quickly as possible.

  • Re-enrollment after 90 days: If parents/guardians are ready to re-enroll their child(ren) after 90 calendar days, families would follow the traditional path for admissions.  The Admissions Department will work with the family explaining the specific documentation needed and will work with the child’s local school district for transfer of records as part of the admissions process.

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Parents/guardians should inform FSDB through our enrollment options survey or reach out to their child(ren)’s school’s assistant principal or the parent liaison in the Parent Services department prior to Aug. 3, 2020, if their child(ren) will not return to school this fall and will not participate in the ILE option. FSDB will follow up with each family to assist them and their LEA in transferring the student’s records. We value and respect the choice of every family, especially during these uncertain times.

 

With parent/guardian consent, FSDB will keep their contact information on the outreach distribution list to receive invitations and information for events and presentations that are open to families statewide.

Shared Materials and Supplies

Sharing of materials and supplies will be discouraged, especially for items that are difficult to clean or disinfect. It is understood that there are some materials that students will need to share; these are listed below. Teachers and staff members will plan for cleaning and disinfection of classroom materials, as follows:

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  • Each student’s belongings will be separated from others and stored in individually labeled containers, cubbies or areas.

  • Adequate supplies and equipment will be provided to each student to minimize sharing to the extent possible (e.g., art supplies).

  • Sharing of electronic devices, toys/games, books or learning aids will be avoided as much as possible. Items, if any, that are shared by a group of students will be cleaned and disinfected between each usage. Shared items that will be routinely cleaned include:

    • Desks, tables and chairs

    • Braille writers and other types of assistive technology

    • Desktop computers and keyboards

    • Lab equipment and supplies

    • Math manipulatives

    • Career and technical education equipment

    • Music equipment

Tutoring

Tutoring will take place with a maximum of three students at a time; meeting spaces will be disinfected before and after each session. Students in the tutoring program will retain their laptops and bring them back to class the following morning.

Align and Manage

Allied Health and Related Services

Appointments and Check In

The entrance to the Health Care Center (HCC) building will be limited to the main entrance door facing east. Seating in the main lobby will conform to social distancing guidelines (spacing of six feet or more). All students who visit the HCC will be required to use their badges to check in.

Face Coverings and Temperature Screening

Face coverings are required for all staff members and students at FSDB, particularly those who visit and work in the HCC. Non-contact temperature screening will be conducted for those who require HCC access beyond the main lobby.

Health Care Protocols

Usual and customary HCC protocols are outlined in our 2020-21 Parent-Student Handbook. The HCC will evaluate and treat enrolled student referrals based on COVID-19 symptoms in accordance with established CDC and FDOH protocols; see Appendix A for more details. 

 

Additional protocols for provision of health care services – including use of personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection of rooms, equipment and supplies following each HCC visit – will adhere to health and safety guidelines issued by:

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  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

  • Florida Department of Health (FDOH)

  • American Academy of Pediatricians

  • American Dental Association (ADA)

  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)

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The Department of Pediatric Dental Services at the University of Florida will provide guidance to ensure that the HCC Dental Clinic follows the above protocols.

Acute Care Clinic

Students will no longer be permitted to enter the Acute Care Clinic unescorted for wellness exams; they will be met at the ACC entrance by a nurse and taken directly to the examination room. Triage, treatment and documentation of the student’s visit will be completed in the examination room.

Treatment Area

Students will be met in the main HCC lobby by a nurse and taken directly to their scheduled treatment room – only one student at a time will be permitted. Treatment and documentation will be completed in the room.

Transition Care Unit

Students who are admitted to the Transition Care Unit will receive care by HCC staff members wearing specialized face coverings and personal protective equipment for maximum protection. One student will occupy each room; if space becomes an issue, then social distancing and face coverings will be required for shared rooms. Students under respite observation may be assisted by boarding staff members who will adhere to COVID-19 health care requirements.

Medication

Student medication distribution will take place in the HCC main lobby and the MacWilliams cafeteria, conforming to social distancing guidelines. Additional distribution points, if any, will be finalized once the HCC has information in hand on student medication needs/schedules.

Additional Health Care Services

Modified scheduling will be implemented for social distancing in the waiting areas for the Eye, Low Vision, Dental and Pediatric Development Clinics. Students reporting to the Dental and Pediatric Development Clinic will enter via the HCC west entrance (door #3).

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Parents/guardians who have questions about the health care concerns of their child should contact the nursing care coordinator for health plan adjustments, if any.

Occupational and Physical Therapy

Students reporting for occupational and physical therapy will enter via the HCC south entrance (door #5).

Speech and Audiology

Students will be scheduled for individual speech/audiology sessions in line with social distancing guidelines. Students participating through the ILE will engage in speech/audiology sessions following an established schedule during the school day equivalent to what they will receive when they return to the campus.

Mental Health

Students will be scheduled for individual and group therapy sessions in line with social distancing guidelines. Students participating through the ILE will take part in mental health sessions following an established schedule during the school day equivalent to what they will receive when they return to the campus.

Food Services

Students will wear their cloth face coverings except while they are consuming food/beverage while seated at their table.

 

Hand sanitizer stands will be installed at the doorways of the Memorial and MacWilliams cafeterias so that students may sanitize their hands prior to approaching the serving lines and leaving the premises.

 

Directional floor markings will be installed in both cafeterias, in line with social distancing guidelines. Sneeze guards are in place for both the main and salad cafeteria service areas.

 

Scheduling of mealtimes will be staggered to allow for optimal social distancing and movement of students through cafeteria lines.

Separate meal arrangements will be made for Early Learning Center and K-2 students.

 

Meals will be served on disposable trays, dinnerware and cutlery kits, with provision of packaged condiments and fresh, cupped and baked goods in individual bags.

 

Dining tables and chairs will be disinfected after each meal service.

 

In addition, shared snacks and beverages will not be provided during group meetings and training sessions; participants shall be encouraged to bring these on their own. Food or beverage items provided for snacks and refreshment purposes must be individually wrapped and served at everyone’s seat.

Boarding and Recreation Programs

Dormitory Rooms

All dormitory room assignments and specific protocols and procedures for each will be made based on available rooms/buildings, building design, staffing requirements and, age and number of students. Maximum capacity varies accordingly.

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  • Kramer and Vaill Halls (elementary schools): Single occupancy.

  • Cary White, Gregg and McLane Halls (middle schools), Koger, James, Rhyne, MacWilliams (high schools), Bloxham, Collins and Wartmann Halls (high school seniors and continuing students): Double occupancy. Any single occupancy exceptions will be based on availability, enrollment and staffing.

  • Ray Charles and Ted Johnson Apartments: Single occupancy.

 

Only request from parents/guardians of St. Johns County students who have previously stayed in the dorms will be granted during the first semester of the 2020-21 school year, due to social distancing guidelines. Requests for the second semester will be considered at the end of the first semester.

 

Day students will not be allowed to stay after school for dormitory and recreation activities. Outside groups will not be permitted to provide services/activities to students. No large group activities or

assemblies will be held in the dormitories.

Common Areas

Occupancy will be limited in common areas (e.g., TV rooms, kitchens, study areas) to ensure appropriate use of face coverings and social distancing. Occupancy rates will vary based on each building and room capacity. Every boarding student will be provided with their own water bottle for use in the dormitory and during recreation. Bottles will be clearly marked with the student’s name. Bottles will be washed in the dormitory dishwashers each night.

 

Boarding students’ face coverings will be clearly marked with their names. Face coverings will be washed nightly in the dormitory washers/dryers.

Student Education

During Family Open House, supervisors will meet with students and families to explain safety rules and the importance of hand and respiratory hygiene and social distancing. This information will be reinforced through curriculum lessons, campus signage, and code of student conduct adherence.

 

Independent living instruction for all grade levels will include student lessons on maintaining clean living environment, including usage and appropriate storage of cleaning products. Student duty charts have been redesigned to include these tasks. Expectations for cleaning and disinfecting areas will be based on their age and ability.

Acute Care Clinic

Students will no longer be permitted to enter the Acute Care Clinic unescorted for wellness exams; they will be met at the ACC entrance by a nurse and taken directly to the examination room. Triage, treatment and documentation of the student’s visit will be completed in the examination room.

Campus and Off Campus Travel

All students will be supervised while walking on campus due to social distancing guidelines.

 

Apartment and high school dormitory students who previously have been allowed to walk independently off campus will now require supervision by boarding personnel until such time that social distancing measures are consistently practiced.

Recreation

Social distancing of six feet or more will be followed for indoor as well as outside space usage (basketball and tennis courts, football field, Gore Hall field, Palm Row, and the three gymnasiums). Spaces that will not be used include the recreation room in Alumni Hall, bowling alleys, Dragon’s Lair, Gore multi-purpose room, swimming pool and weight room.

 

Day students will not be allowed to stay after school for recreation activities.

Transportation Services

While the CDC recommends creating distance between students on school buses (seat children one child per row, skip rows), this is not feasible. Distance between students will be maximized to the extent feasible. Staff and students will be required to wear cloth face coverings and FSDB will be using revised loading protocols and seating charts. Hand sanitizers and waste baskets will be provided on each bus. Yellow and SHOW buses and state vehicles will be disinfected after each use.

 

Protocols for temperature monitoring of students will be administered as delineated in the Temperature Screening section above.

 

Yellow buses:

  • Additional time will be built into Yellow bus routes for student temperature checks before boarding the bus and for staff members to communicate with parents/guardians of students who exceed the temperature threshold.

  • Buses will be disinfected using products identified by FDOE and Florida Association of Pupil Transportation (FAPT), ensuring they are also approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  • If a Yellow (day) bus student becomes sick while en route to school, the student will be accompanied to the Health Care Center.

  • If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the bus will be taken out of service for 24-48 hours for deep cleaning and fogging.

     

SHOW buses:

  • Additional time will be built into SHOW bus routes for student temperature checks before bus boarding and return to school.

  • If a rider tests positive for COVID-19, the contracted bus will be taken out of service for 24- 48 hours for deep cleaning and fogging (see above protocol).

  • Individually packaged meals and beverages for students will be provided.

Outreach and Parent Services

Annual Information Update and Family Open House

Family Open House scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020, is an activity closely aligned with the annual information update process. The Skyward Family Access module has all the demographic information and annual forms required for new and continued student enrollment. A tutorial on how to access Skyward is available on the Parent Services webpage.

 

Families are encouraged to input their information electronically (if families of day students complete their information online, there’s no need to attend Family Open House unless parents/ guardians need to drop off a child’s medications or pick-up an ID card). Paper packets have been sent out to parents/guardians as another option for updating information and forms so that they can be completed and sent to the school in a timely manner. Each student’s school will place calls to provide assistance to families and adult students in completing the required paperwork.

 

Parents/guardians and adult students will receive an invitation via email to the Family Open House event. The following modifications will be in effect:

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  • No school building/classrooms visits will be allowed. Teachers will prepare welcome materials on their website and send this information to their students.

  • Dormitories will be open to allow families to set up their child’s room.

  • The HCC will be open to check-in medications. A second medication check-in location will

    be available in the Music Building.

  • Dragon’s Lair will be open to make parent/guardian ID badges.

  • Student Bank will be open to assist parent/guardians and adult students.

  • Kirk Auditorium (Deaf Department) and the Music Building (Blind Department) will have tables for turning in paperwork and/or completing the Skyward annual information update and forms.

Tours for Prospective Families

Campus visits for prospective families will be allowed in accordance with the social distancing, cloth face covering, and temperature screening protocols explained above. Virtual tour opportunities are currently being planned.

Parent Services & Outreach Events

Parent training events and outreach meetings will be held virtually through the first semester of the 2020-21 school year. These will include, but are not limited to: Parent University, Parent Engagement Workshops, Family Reading Night, Campus Expos and Open Houses, Assistive Technology Fest, and Community Sign Language Classes.

 

Web-based materials such as tutorials and informational flyers to assist parents/guardians in accessing digital instructional materials, school newsletters, the student information system, and virtual training events will be updated frequently.

School Safety

At this time, the FDOE’s Office of Safe Schools have not waived any of our requirements regarding mandatory lockdown drills. Various drill options will provide opportunities to meet these requirements while maintaining social distancing including table-top exercises in the classrooms and larger areas (i.e., dorms, cafeterias) and smaller scale drills. In an actual emergency, FSDB safety protocols take priority over social distancing. Students and staff members shall wear masks during drills or an actual lockdown.

Key Dates for Parents/Guardians

  • July 14 – Welcome letter from Dr. Jeanne Glidden Prickett; request for Annual Information Update/registration process via Skyward and release of initial 2020-21 FSDB Reopening Plan

  • July 17 – Paper-based Annual Information Update packets mailed to families’ homes

  • July 24 – Release of updated 2020-21 FSDB Reopening Plan

  • July 31 – Release of updated 2020-21 FSDB Reopening Plan

  • Aug. 3 – Deadline to submit annual information update and forms

  • Aug. 30 – Family Open House

  • Aug. 31 – First day of 2020-21 school year

Key Dates
Resource Links

Appendix A

FSDB Health Care Center COVID-19 Protocol for Students

The FSDB Health Care Center (HCC) will evaluate and treat enrolled student referrals based on COVID-19 symptoms and in accordance with established CDC and FDOH protocols.

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  • Students who present with a fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) or exhibit symptoms that may indicate COVID-19 (e.g., chills, congestion or runny nose, cough, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat). 

  • Students who are in close contact or lives with someone who is presumed positive or has received a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. 

  • Students who are in contact with someone who presents with COVID-19 symptoms but has no diagnosis.

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Steps for intake, treatment and follow up

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  1. Conduct intake evaluation and test for strep throat.

  2. Contact parents/guardians – inform them that their child is being evaluated for symptoms related to various illnesses; updates will be provided on test result(s) and length of stay. 

  3. Review strep test results.

    • If negative, conduct test for flu (see step 4).

    • If positive, admit student to TCU, provide treatment per HCC standing orders and contact parents/guardians for student pick up/transport home within 23 hours.

    • Evaluate student eligibility for return to school. Student must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.  

  4. ​Review flu test results, if applicable.​

    • If negative, evaluate symptoms and test for COVID-19 (see step 5).   

    • If positive, admit student to TCU, provide treatment per HCC standing orders and contact parents/guardians for student pick up/transport home within 23 hours.  

    • Evaluate eligibility for return to school. Student must be symptom- and fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and have a release to return to school form from student’s primary care physician.  

  5. Initiate COVID-19 contact tracing processes in accordance with FSDB protocol managed by the administrator of Allied Health and Related Services.

    • Evaluate exposure based on contact tracing and symptoms exhibited. If necessary, contact parents/guardians for student pick up/transport home within 23 hours. Inform parents/guardians of COVID-19 test results.  

    • Evaluate eligibility for return to school. Student must be symptom-free for 10 days and fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication and have a release to return to school form from student’s primary care physician.

 

For more information, contact Dr. Stanley Gustetic, administrator of Allied Health and Related Services, via email at gustetics@fsdbk12.org or call 904-827-2535. 

Appendix A
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