The following are questions and answers from the Hollister School District’s recent parent town hall on the reopening of campuses in August:
| Reopening Plan Process | |
| 1. Will the proposed plan have the ability to be edited? | Yes. This draft plan will not be approved until June 23, 2020. Between now and then, the district will communicate with parents and employees to revise and update the draft plan. |
| 2. Will the district allow for more inclusion of parents in the planning for next year? | Yes. The district will hold meetings with School Site Council parent representatives, DELAC, and migrant parent groups. |
| 3. Has the draft plan been created using recent data and research? | Yes. The district is relying on guidance and research provided by the Centers for Disease Control, State of California, California Department of Education, and local public health officials. |
| 4. Is this a permanent plan for the school year or temporary based on CDC guideline? | This draft plan could change to allow more in-person learning if the guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, State of California, California Department of Education, and local public health officials were to change. |
| 5. When is our deadline to choose which option we will go with? | The applications for Hollister RISE will go out on 6/15/2020. All parents may apply from there on. If a parent chooses not to apply, their students will remain enrolled at HSD in their school. |
| 6. I see a task force has been developed for the return to school consisting of all sorts of district employees is there room to add a few parents who do not work for the school and are interested in being a voice on the task force? | We are involving parents through each School Site Council, the migrant education parent group, and the District English Language Advisory Committee. We will not include parents on the Task Force because the Task Force spends time working through details related to implementation. |
| 7. Will this email be active moving forward for covid concerns beyond this parent hall? | Yes. |
| 8. Is the hybrid model consistent with other school districts? | Yes. Many others are considering a similar rotation, |
| 9. Is it a possibility that all students will be able to return to school in the fall or is that not an option in time for when school starts? | Yes. The district recently received confirmation from San Benito County Public Health that we will be allowed to adopt our School Reopening Plan independently. This will |
| allow our district to decide when to reopen fully. | |
| 10. Isthedistrictpreparingforthepossibilitythat the hybrid model will end and all students will go back to distance learning? | Yes. There is strong support for a full return safety measures in place |
| 11. IstheDistrictgoingtorefusetoallow additional kids be placed in other classrooms when a sub is not available? | Yes. We will not allow any mixing of students. |
| 12. Istherenovoiceforthepeoplewhohaveto live in this community? Do we get a vote or input on anything before it is decided? | There is absolutely a voice for our parents and community members. The district has released a draft plan 15 days before it is scheduled to be considered for adoption by the Board of Trustees. The reason for doing so is to permit our parents and community to weigh in on the draft plan. There will not be a vote to determine how we proceed. |
| 13. AretheCDEguidelinesjustthat,“guidelines” or are they absolutely required? | They are simply guidelines. Our district is responsible for interpreting them and adopting a plan. |
| 14. Isitlegaltorequirepeopleofanyage,to wear masks/face coverings, whether out in public or inside stores? | We would defer to law enforcement. Our current draft plan requires face coverings for 6th-8th graders and all adults. |
| LOGISTICS | |
| 1. How will social distancing be maintained during drop off and pick up? | The district is developing this plan. It will involve asking parents to remain in their vehicle. It will involve social distancing. It will involve floor markings. |
| 2. Where do the kids go once on campus in the morning? | The district is developing this plan. One idea is to have students report to their classroom. Another involves having students socially distance with outdoor adult supervision. |
| 3. What is the plan if another Shelter In Place is called for after the start of school? | The plan will be a return to distance learning with increased accountability and updated schoolwide practices. |
| 4. How long do you anticipate this plan to be in effect given the ever changing status of the virus? | It may be as short as four weeks or as long as the entire year. |
| 5. When these students return to school and have to change classes throughout the day, are the teachers going to quickly sanitize their seating/desk area before the next class session starts? | We expect students to remain in their class for all subjects, with very few exceptions. |
| 6. Has there been consideration of year round schooling to reduce class size? | Yes, but year round classes would not decrease class size. |
| 7. Consideration of outdoor classrooms? | Yes. However, if we were to hold classes outside, it would impede having space for children to play and exercise. |
| 8. Adding staff to reduce class sizes? | No. The State of California is currently considering making major reductions to funding for education in California. |
| 9. Can plastic or paper tablecloths or some kind of sanitation be used at the outdoor lunch tables so kids can eat outside. | We are planning to have children eat outside in a socially distanced manner. At some schools, children will also need to eat in their classroom. |
| 10. Canlunchtimesbestaggeredmoretoreduce groups eating together. | Yes. This is in our plan. |
| 11. Whatisthetimingofthis-justthefirst quarter? | It may be as short as four weeks or as long as the entire year. |
| 12. Areyoupreparedforthelossofrevenueas families turn to true homeschooling options? | Yes. Our district is working to create a strong, rigorous Independent Online Program called Hollister RISE. We would encourage parents considering Home Schooling to enroll their child in Hollister RISE. |
| 13. Haveyouallthoughtofplexiglasslikein between desks like the stores are doing? | Yes. However, we are concerned that it creates an additional surface that will need to be cleaned each time a child touches it. |
| 14. Parentinvolvementincampus?Howwillthat look? | Parent involvement will be extremely limited. It will be almost all online. |
| 15. Cleaningsuppliesandppewillthesebe federally funded? | Yes. But, it is not clear how much or for how long. |
| 16. Willparentsbeallowedtowalktheirchildto class and help them line up? | No. Under the current plan, parents will not be allowed to walk their children into the school. They will be allowed to remain with their child just outside the entrance until the student enters the school. |
| 17. Willmorecustodiansbeprovidedpersite? Different cleaning procedures enacted? | We will greatly increase during the day custodial hours. |
| 18. IstheDistrictgoingtoprovideenoughwipes and sanitizer to ensure supplies don’t run out? | Yes. |
| 19. Willmealsbeavailableforkidswhetherthey are at home (full or part time) or at school? Will breakfast continued to be offered? | Yes. Breakfast will be eaten at home. |
| 20. Ifmiddleschoolteachersrotaterooms,will rooms still be sanitized before they rotate? | There will be little sanitation in between classes because students are not moving. The custodial staff will clean door knobs and high touch areas. |
| 21. Howwillyoukeepstudentsseparatedduring morning and afternoon drop offs/pick up? | Our plan involves having students socially distance with outdoor adult supervision. We will use floor markings and increase the number of staff supervising outdoors. |
| 22. Howwillbathroomsbemonitored? | We will have staff physically located outside and near restrooms during times when students are outdoors for recess or lunch. |
| 23. Willlysolwipes,handsanitizer,lysolspray, and other disinfectants be provided for every teacher? | Yes. |
| 24. Will there be barriers/sneeze guards around student desks? | We are considering how to implement sneeze guards, however, we are concerned that it creates an additional surface that will need to be cleaned each time a child touches it. |
| SCHEDULING | |
| 1. Can students attend school more than two days a week? | With a required 6 feet of social distance, it is not possible for all students to attend 4 days per week. The maximum number of students in a class will be 16, due to 6 feet of social distancing. |
| 2. Is there a possibility for this plan to change prior to the first day of school? | Yes. The current plan is being developed based on the social distancing requirements, COVID-19 quarantine recommendations, and face coverings. |
| 3. Instead of a Hybrid 2 days in school and 3 distance learning, would it be possible to have 3 days in school and 2 distance learning instead? | The current plan is developed based on the ability of the school to clean and disinfect all areas of the campus on Wednesdays. This allows for the cleaning to take place when staff and students are not present. |
| 4. How are we going to have siblings on the same school days? And same time on campus at different school? | The district is planning to ensure that all siblings have the same days in school. |
| 5. Can parents decide the days their child can attend or does the school decide? | Parents will decide whether or not to allow their children to attend school. |
| 6. Will school hours be the same if we decided Hybrid? | School hours should remain fairly similar. There will need to be changes to ensure transportation. |
| 7. If I have multiple children wouldn’t it be easier for them to attend the same group and avoid many outings? I don’t want my children that attend Rancho or Ladd Lane to be two different groups. | The district is planning to ensure that all siblings have the same days in school. This will be the case even if parents have children at different schools within the district. |
| 8. Is this schedule going to be for the entire year or is there a possibility of going back to a more normalized schedule? | Yes. The current plan is being developed based on the social distancing requirements, COVID-19 quarantine recommendations, and face coverings. If the guidance were to change, the district would strongly consider allowing students to attend more in-person classes. |
| 9. What does the district need to see to increase the amount of days children are actually in school? | The district would need to have the approval of public health officials to allow a 5 days per week reopening. |
| 10. Ifthereisaneedforlesskidsineachclass, why not hire more TEACHERS? | The State of California is considering budget cuts for education due to our economic downturn. It would also not be possible to hire more teachers because we lack classrooms. |
| 11. Arethereotherscheduleoptions?Morningvs. afternoon? (Like 8-11/ 12-3) | We have considered morning and afternoon groupings but at this time, there would be no way to transport our students with special needs, provide required lunches to staff/students, and clean classrooms before the next group arrives. |
| Academics | |
| 1. How is their academic progress in learning going to be evaluated? | Student learning will be evaluated using in class assignments, Google classroom assignments, quizzes, tests, and observation of student work. |
| 2. What accountability will be implemented with distance learning? How will these accountability measures be communicated and enforced with parents? | Students will receive a distance learning schedule. The schedule will include time for all subjects. The students will be required to submit assignments and complete work while at home. |
| 3. Curious if TK classes will still be an option & what their protocols will look like? | Yes. TK will still be an option in 2020-2021. |
| 4. Are working parents, where both parents are unable to work from home and participate in distance learning, going to be accommodated in their children’s schedule? | Due to social distancing requirements, there is no way to have more than 16 students in a class. At this time, the plan involves students working from home three days a week. |
| 5. What is the plan for students that can not do distance learning or hybird plan? Both parents work and have no one else that can asssist with distance learning. | Due to social distancing requirements, there is no way to have more than 16 students in a class. At this time, the plan involves students working from home three days a week. The school will work with parents to provide online support and monitoring as available. |
| 6. How are parents that are working full time going to teach our young children? We will have to pay more in child care for our kids to be watched and not be learning. | Due to social distancing requirements, there is no way to have more than 16 students in a class. We are advocating for more resources to be provided to families. |
| 7. What will the school day look like? Sitting at a desk all day is not healthy. Kids need to move. | The district is planning to have outdoor recess every day. Students will definitely have less close interaction with peers to abide by social distancing guidelines. |
| 8. If I purchase a chrome book for my child, can the school issued chrome book stay at school? | You may choose to have your child exclusively use the chrome book you purchased both at home and at school. If you choose to be issued a school chromebook to remain at school, that is also fine. |
| 9. What resources will be offered to full time working families for days when children are not at school? | Due to the 6 ft social distancing regulations, there is no way to safely accommodate students in Hollister School District for childcare. |
| 10. Can groups be requested? Example if kids go to school with their cousins and are picked up together. Can we request for them to be in the same groups so that they are at school and home at the same times? | Everything will be done in an effort to accommodate families to keep them grouped. |
| 11. Isthereactuallygoingtobeaccountabilityfor work to be done at home? Actual work this time, that will actually teach them? And have actual due dates? | Yes. Students receive explicit instruction with expectations for learning in the blended learning environment. That means they are assigned tasks that are scheduled, guided, and done at home in preparation for what they will be doing in class. Assignments with timelines and due dates will be a part of In class accountability. |
| 12. Whatabouthavinglivestreamedclasses during the kids stay at home time so that they can learn at same time as kids in school? | Teachers will need to be focusing on supporting and challenging the students in their classrooms as the students apply and practice learning with teacher feedback. When students are home, they will be working on important tasks that support/solidify learning in class. They will not be viewing teachers streaming live from their classroom. |
| 13. Howareparentsgoingtocontinuehome schooling if they have to return to work and are working 5 days a week 8 plus hours a day? | It is definitely challenging having students take on learning tasks themselves at home, however, with in class teaching happening in conjunction with students working on learning tasks at home, students will be prepared and |
| guided by the teacher. It will, however, be a challenge for students to be at home with the parent working. | |
| 14. Willthecurriculum/schoolworkbethesame across all HSD students regardless of the school? (e.g. will a 4th grader in Cerra Vista and a 4th grader in AAA be learning and working on the same curriculum?) | The same core curriculum and standards will be applied across the district with variations on lesson design. This will not change from past practice. All HSD teachers have been provided the same professional development and learning resources to ensure equitable opportunities for all our students. |
| 15. Whatwillthecurriculumlooklikeforthe2 days at school /3 days distance learning? | Teachers are going to design their lesson sequences so that students have clearly designed tasks and know how they will need to use what they did at home when they return to class. At home learning will be designed with supports that guide students with their learning tasks. |
| 16. Whatwilltheclassroomstructure/daily routine look like? | Teachers will be designing their daily routines that incorporate safety measures. |
| 17. Howmuchonlineinstructionwillstudents receive during the 3 days a week of distance learning in primary and upper grades? | It is not always going to be the same. Online learning will incorporate resources that the teacher provides for the learning tasks assigned. |
| 18. Isthedistrictgoingtocoordinateelementary band students to be on campus on the day of their lessons? | This is something that is still being examined. |
| 19. Howmuchonlineinstructionwillberequired for each grade for kids on the days they are home for distance learning (part time and full time)? | A majority of the learning does not need to be online, however, supports and resources for students will be online |
| 20. Ifmychildrenareatschoolon“A-Days”,who is teaching the “B kids” who are home for distance learning? | Teachers are going to design their lesson sequences so that students have clearly designed tasks that can be done independently or with the support tools they have access to. At home learning will be designed with supports that guide students with their learning tasks. If students experience challenges with the level of work, the teacher will adjust and address the learning needs of their student. |
| 21. Whatisthedistrict’splanforhowmuch distance learning instruction students should be receiving whether they are home full or part time | Students will be engaging in learning tasks while they are at home. The guides for amount of time on core academics (not including art, PE, etc) are generally as follows on non school attended days: K-3: 2-3 hrs 4-8: 3-4 hrs a day |
| 22. Willtherebeoversightoftheathomework | Although teachers will not be providing direct oversight on |
| issued so students and parents aren’t overwhelmed with at home work? | the days students are at home, they will be holding them accountable, supporting them, and monitoring their progress because they will be seeing them in class. |
| 23. Howmuchparentinvolvementwillbe required to help the students get their work done? | This may vary, however, teachers will be providing lessons that are designed to be done independently and with digital supports. Teachers will be monitoring student progress and adjusting if necessary to meet the needs of the students. |
| 24. Areteachersgoingtowearmasksandifso how will that impair their teaching? | Teachers will wear masks if that is the directive for safety and health. There will need to be any number of adjustments for safety due to the Covid-19 health crisis and teachers, with the support of the district, will do what can be done to provide effective instruction. |
| 25. Ifourmiddleschoolchildisinadvanced math, will he be in the same group as the rest of the children in this group? | There will continue to be advanced math placement options in the middle schools. |
| PE/RECESS | |
| 1. How will they ensure students stay 6ft away during recess? | Students will be shown games and activities that permit a 6 foot distance. We will ensure a low staff to student ratio during recess. |
| 2. Will students in middle school dress out for P.E.? | We are not sure at this time, but it is likely that students won’t dress out for PE class. |
| 3. Is there going to be recess for the kids? I didn’t see anything on the draft about recess or PE. | The district is planning to have outdoor recess every day. Students will definitely have less close interaction with peers to abide by social distancing guidelines. |
| 4. Will there be any electives, or PE? Band? These are all part of a well rounded education. | The district is looking into the possibility of offering all electives and PE. Each elective is unique and will require its own plan. |
| COVID-19 Health Concerns | |
| 1. Does the quarantine protocol apply to students/staff who have a family member that is positive for COVID-19? | Yes. Local public health officials would be involved in determining the exposure risks and if quarantine was necessary. If a student/staff were known to have direct, close, prolonged, contact with someone who tests positive for Covid 19, t is likely that that individual would be quarantined for 14 days |
| 2. Will there be notification to class members if a student/staff member or a member is positive for COVID-19 in the same way that notification is given for other communicable diseases? Parents should be able to determine the level of risk they are willing to accept when it comes to the safety of their children. A competent traceback on a positive patient would eventually involve a student’s classroom. | Yes, we will work closely with the local public health department to determine testing and quarantine needs. This will be handled on a case by case basis and parents will be notified of any exposure that takes place in their student’s class. |
| 3. Will better air filtration systems (HEPA) be installed for classrooms (enclosed spaces)? Hot and cold days would require the doors and windows to be closed for air conditioning and heating, and the resulting air circulation patterns in the rooms would be a concern for a potential airborne pathogen. | The district is looking closely at this issue. We are working with our facilities department. |
| 4. Will classroom teachers be expected to provide recess duty and will they be trained on how to deal with non-compliant students? | All staff will be trained in how to deal with non-compliance issues related to COVID-19. Recess will be much different in 20-21 and teachers may help supervise this outdoor time. |
| 5. If a student continues to exhibit non-compliance with COVID-19 procedures will they be required to attend only distance learning? | The district will work closely with parents to ensure that school rules are followed. |
| 6. Who/where will the arrival screenings be done and what will happen when a student / staff member does exhibit symptoms of illness? | The arrival screening process is under development. If an individual were to demonstrate symptoms, we would deal with the issue immediately and privately. |
| 7. Will parents have to immediately return or should parents not be allowed to drive away until their student is cleared to enter the campus? | If a child is determined to have COVID-19 symptoms, the parent will be asked to return immediately. |
| 8. I saw that the district will be requiring middle school students to wear masks. Will they need to wear them all day? | Yes. The current county order mandates all children 12 and over to wear face coverings. If the student has an underlying health condition that prohibits the use of a face covering they will need to provide that documentation from a doctor. |
| 9. What is the rationale to require middle school students to wear masks, but not elementary students? | The County of San Benito currently mandates face coverings for all people ages 12 and up. |
| 10. Whatifastaffmemberismorerelaxedabout social distancing than others? Students may learn that not all staff have the same expectations. | All staff will be trained in the social distancing guidelines and they recognize the importance of continuity across classes. |
| 11. Willthedistrictbepayingforchildren’s healthcare if they get sick and it can be traced back to the school? | The district does not receive funding to pay for health care costs. The plan is to adopt guidelines that greatly reduce the risks associated with on campus learning and to provide an online option for those parents who elect to keep their children home. |
| 12. Willtheschoolberesponsibleforanymental Health Costs associated with the adverse effects? | The district will offer mental health support as needed. |
| 13. Ifmychildgetshurt,willpeoplebetoo scared to touch them? | No. Our staff will receive training in dealing with injuries. Staff will also be provided PPE for giving close contact care. |
| 14. Ifonechildinaclasstestspositive?Doesthe rest of the class have to get tested and quarantine for 14 days? | We will work closely with the local public health department to determine testing and quarantine needs. This will be handled on a case by case basis and parents will be notified of any exposure. Current guidelines recommend that the entire class would need to be quarantined and tested. |
| 15. Howwillthisworkifcontacttracingisnotset into place yet? What if a student’s parent tests positive, but they do not notify the school and the student is positive and not showing symptoms? Now their teachers and classmates have been exposed and we are not aware of it? Now, I get exposed and possibly bring it home to my family? Who then becomes responsible for this? | All communicable diseases, including Covid-19, must be reported to the local public health department. When they are notified of a positive case they research and quarantine those exposed. They also notify district school nurses so the school can send out proper notification to staff and parents of exposure. We will reduce the risk to staff and students as much as possible. Staff will also be provided with means to sanitize their classroom as well as proper hand washing supplies for all staff and students to routinely wash their hands. |
| 16. Willtherebeanyexceptionstowearingface coverings? Such as with a doctors note? | Yes, the County of San Benito currently mandates face coverings for all people ages 12 and up. There are exceptions to this which include those with underlying health conditions that prohibits the use of a face covering. Documentation from a doctor is required. |
| 17. Willtherebeaplanforfamilieswhosend their asymptomatic child to school and is later determined that they have COVID-19? | If a student arrives at school and is asymptomatic but then develops symptoms consistent with Covid 19, the student will be given a mask to wear and placed in an isolated area while they wait for their parents to pick them up. Either a health clerk, district nurse or other trained staff will be |
| with the student while they wait, so they are not alone. | |
| 18. Howwillotherfamiliesbenotifiedof possible exposure? What would the plan be for the entire school at that point? | Yes, we will work closely with the local public health department to determine testing and quarantine needs. This will be handled on a case by case basis and parents will be notified of any exposure. Current guidelines suggest that the entire class would need to be quarantined and tested |
| 19. Willtherebeareportingofexposureprocess for each school? | Yes, The reporting process will be the same for each school site. The District Nurses will contact the Public Health Dept and they will follow their direction. Parents will be notified of the exposure and any further instructions |
| 20. Inregardstoelementarystudents,istherea reason why they are not going to be required to wear facemasks ? | Yes, the County of San Benito currently mandates face coverings for all people ages 12 and up. |
| 21. Ifachildhassevereasthmaandface coverings cause the child’s breathing to be worse, will a letter from pediatricians staying these coverings are a health concern be allowed? | Yes. |
| 22. Wherewillstudentsbetemperaturechecked before entering the classroom or before entering campus? | Temperature checks will be done before the student is allowed to enter campus. |
| 23. Howwillthisworkifcontacttracingisnotset into place yet? | It is our understanding that the San Benito County Public Health officials are working through each COVID-19 case and following through with this process. |
| 24. Whatifastudent’sparenttestspositive,but they do not notify the school and the student is positive and not showing symptoms? Now their teachers and classmates have been exposed and we are not aware of it? | When anyone tests positive the local health department is notified. In turn they will notify the school and give guidance to who should be notified and excluded from school. |
| 25. Whatifastudentinourclasstestspositive? Do we all stay home for 14 days? | Yes, we will work closely with the local public health department to determine testing and quarantine needs. This will be handled on a case by case basis and parents will be notified of any exposure. Current guidelines suggest that the entire class would need to be quarantined and tested. |
| 26. Isitsafetoopentheschoolsforallthe students? | Opening the school to all students would limit our ability to follow recommended safety guidelines and puts students and families at risk. |
| We are following the most up to date safety guidelines set in place by the state of CA and the CDC. These guidelines include; 6 ft social distancing, use of face coverings, hand washing guidelines, and strict cleaning procedures. | |
| 27. Doestheschoolrealizethatparentswho work will just have their kids in home daycare and will just be putting kids in new exposure settings? | Yes. We are very concerned about this issue. It is being considered as one potential reason to consider reopening with all students. |
| Social/Emotional Support | |
| 1. What is the plan for allowing the kids to be social and active? | Yes, we will encourage this while maintaining social distancing guidelines |
| 2. What’s the benefits of going to school without social interaction | Students will have positive social interactions each day they are on campus. It will be different than in prior years, but it will be positive. |
| 3. How will kids be able to play with other kids at recess? Will ball equipment be available? | Students will be taught games that don’t involve physical touching. We are looking into all types of games, including those with balls. |
| 4. Why are we so willing to throw our children under the proverbial bus? As adults were going to be allowed to go back to work, go to restaurants, go to the gym, go to bars, go to the theater. Children will suffer and negatively impact their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being and development. | Adults are being allowed to do those things with social distancing measures in place. We are using those same social distancing guidelines in school classrooms. |
| 5. How will you support the emotional well being of these children? | Students will be supported through the district’s network of teachers, counselors, school psychologists, and mental health therapists. Students will participate in Sanford Harmony’s Social Emotional Learning curriculum TK-6. |
| 6. I’d like to know how you plan to keep children 6ft apart at recess etc? | Our plan involves the use of physical markings on the ground. It involves the use of designated areas for students in one teacher’s recess that are separate from those of another. |
| 7. Will playground facilities be now open for them to play in? | Currently, our plan involves making play structures inaccessible. |
| 8. What consequences will there be if a student doesn’t want to wear their mask or doesn’t want to stand 6 feet apart? | The school will put fair, consistent rules in place to require social distancing. The consequences will be progressive. Parents will be heavily involved in the process. We will not allow students to ignore these rules. |
| 9. If all kids stay home for distance learning, how about the district look for ways kids can socialize with their friends? | The district is definitely looking into ways to engage more kids in 20-21, should we be placed under another Shelter In Place order. |
| 10. Whatifstudentspurposefullygoaroundand touch every surface or peoples belongings just to goof off? | The student will face consequences for interrupting the operation of the school and endangering the safety of his/her peers. The consequences will be progressive. Parents will be heavily involved in the process. We will not allow students to ignore the rules. |
| Hollister RISE Academy | |
| 1. If we make a choice are we bound by that the entire year or can we work with the school to move the kids to the other program? | The district will ask parents to commit to the Hollister RISE Academy for the 2020-2021 school year. The district would always welcome the student back to campus, but it would be based on space availability. |
| 2. If we choose to have the kids go to school physically 2 days a week and it is not working out, can we switch to the R.I.S.E academy or vise versa? | Yes. However, it would depend on space availability. |
| 3. Where can I find more information on the RISE academy? In the email with the draft schools reopening plan, it stated we will have the option to have our child in this program. Will this be available for all students or to those who have an IEP only? | The district will email all parents on 6/12/20 with detailed information on the Hollister RISE Academy. It will be available for students in grades K-8. |
| 4. Who will do the teaching? Will it be the parents? Will the kids use interactive online programs? Will they watch videos on the lessons? | It is a truly online experience. All lessons and assignments will be available on Youtube, Google Classroom, Edgenuity, Benchmark Advance, Eureka Math, and Footsteps 2 Brilliance. Each student will be assigned a Supervising Teacher that will meet with students once per week to evaluate progress. |
| 5. If we decide to home school our children are we able to put them back in there school? Or do they have to do home school for the rest of the year? | The district will ask parents to commit to the Hollister RISE Academy for the 2020-2021 school year. The district would always welcome the student back to campus, but it would be based on space availability. |
| 6. If I go fully online, can my children come back to their school HDLA? | The district will ask parents to commit to the Hollister RISE Academy for the 2020-2021 school year. The district would always welcome the student back to campus, but it would be based on space availability. |
| 7. Is homeschool a better alternative to online classes as it allows parents more flexibility? Can you describe the difference in homeschooling and Hollister School District online structure? | The Hollister RISE Academy will be a rigorous, fully online program managed by HSD staff. There are so many different home school programs, that the district would strongly recommend parents look into those options. |
| 8. Will HDLA students be allowed to enroll in the independent study program offered by the district without losing their spot at HDLA permanently? Will bilingual education be a part of the independent study curriculum? | A student who enrolls in the Hollister RISE Academy will keep their seat in HDLA. The Hollister RISE Academy is an English-only program. |
| 9. Is the curriculum for Hollister Rise Academy the same as the Hybrid option? Is the only difference full time distance learning? | For grades K-5, the curriculum is the same. For grades 6-8, the curriculum is different. It is based on the Edgenuity coursework for grades 6-8. |
| 10. Iftheschoolclosesdownagain,arewegoing to continue the classes as we did for the past few months? Or, can we enroll then in the RISE Program then? | The district is planning to implement distance learning, as needed, in 20-21. The distance learning will change next year because there will be more accountability. The Hollister RISE Academy will remain open for enrollment throughout the year, based on space availability. |
| Special Education | |
| 1. Who on the committee represented the special ed department? | We do have some teachers, administrators and service providers. Parents also provided their input through the SPED parent survey, through IEP meetings and/or parents reaching out to give their input. |
| 2. Where in the report are the modifications and accommodations for Speds? | The report is a working draft. It is important that the IEP team meets and works collaboratively to jointly determine what is working for each student in distance learning as well as what accommodations and modality of learning allows the greatest access. |
| 3. Does the plan apply to the Special education department? | Yes. The current plan applies to all students. |
| 4. How will children with Speech services get the help they need? | One of the important tasks of the District in preparing the School Reopening Guidelines is to ensure that students |
| with special needs have the equal opportunity to succeed and have equitable access to support while ensuring the safety and health needs. The IEP team will work with families and follow the IEP process to individualized educational opportunities and provide additional support when necessary and if appropriate to address the needs of students while following the District Reopening Plan. | |
| 5. Will video conferencing still be available for special services ie speech and OT? | Yes, if applicable. |
| 6. Will special day class have the same model of A and B groups of classes? | The District is looking at different needs of students in SPED programs in planning for the SPED model. One of the major considerations of planning for the SPED model is the students’ need for consistency, structure and hands on support especially for students with moderate to severe disabilities. |
| 7. Does the hybrid apply to sped classes as well? | The District is looking at different needs of students in SPED programs in planning for the SPED model. One of the major considerations of planning for the SPED model is the students’ need for consistency, structure and hands on support especially for students with moderate to severe disabilities. |
| 8. What is going to be done for children with special needs? If a child has ADHD With Sensory input issues. The child may have difficulty time keeping his hands out of his mouth and not only his hands just stuff whatever he sees or catches his eye. | The current county order mandates all children 12 and over to wear face coverings. If the student has an underlying health condition that prohibits the use of a face covering they will need to provide that documentation from a doctor. If the student has underlying sensory issues, the team needs to take a look at the sensory profile of the student. Visual reminders, social stories and other related supports will be provided to help students practice understand the importance of safely and healthy procedures |
| CHILD CARE | |
| 1. Will any childcare options be available on distance learning days through YMCA or other programs for students with parents that have gone back to working full time? | Some of the HSD schools operate after school programs as part of the ASES grant and those programs will be configured in accordance with the school schedule and the guidelines being provided under the grant. |
| 2. Will there be an after school program for my child? | The Extensions Program will not be continuing. The district is working with local providers to create more after school care options. |
| 3. What are parents supposed to do that both work full time and rely on school to care for their children during the school year? Is this going to be throughout the entire school year or until there is a cure for COVID-19? | HSD will continue to structure the school day in accordance with guidelines provided at the state and local levels and with the students’ health and educational needs balanced. If guidelines are changed to allow less than 6 feet of social distance, it would greatly increase the number of children in a classroom and on-campus. |
| 4. If students are attending a hybrid program of some days at school some days distance learning, then is there any recommendations for parents that work full time to find childcare that will also step in to teaching? | All students need an environment that is conducive to learning while they are studying at home or in daycare. The instructional design in a hybrid learning model does not require at home teaching. It does require that structures and routines for at home learning are in place. |
| 5. Is there a collaboration with the YMCA for childcare options on the non-school attendance days? | Nothing is certain yet. The district is working with YMCA and other providers. |
| 6. If our children can attend childcare, what is the difference to attending school full time? | We are very concerned about this issue. It is being considered as one potential reason to consider reopening with all students. |
| 7. If they are being exposed to more kids and different kids at daycare wouldn’t it be better just to have them at school? | We are very concerned about this issue. It is being considered as one potential reason to consider reopening with all students. |
| 8. Will the extensions program at calaveras school be open? | The Extensions Program will not be continuing. The district is working with local providers to create more after school care options. |
| HDLA-Related Questions | |
| 1. How are our young HDLA students going to be able to learn a second language if their teachers’ face is covered with a mask? Much of learning a second language is visual. | Language instruction that explicitly addresses phonemic awareness can be taught with safeguards in place other than facemasks. Visual aides, kinesthetic learning, and small group instruction will continue. We will work closely with teachers to address the needs for adjusted instruction. |
| 2. Will this change affect Hollister Dual Language Academy? | All schools are affected by the COVID-19 as there are guidelines to reopening schools in the State of California. Currently, schools are expected to maintain 6 feet of social distance at all times. For this reason, the school can not have all students on campus. |
| 3. Will 6th grade be included in wearing face masks and if so are these going to need to be worn all day long? | Yes. |
