Immanuel Lutheran School, Macomb Phase 4 Return to School Plan … · Phase 4: If our region is in...

Immanuel Lutheran School, Macomb – K8 Return-to-School Plan 1

Immanuel Lutheran School, Macomb

Phase 4

Return to

School Plan 2020-2021

IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19


Changes to the public health situation as well as the best practices within our Immanuel community may

necessitate changes to this plan over the course of the school year.

Document Overview Introduction

Section I – In-Person Learning Safety Protocols

Section II – In-Person Learning School Day & Programs

Section III – Virtual At-Home Learning Option

Introduction Immanuel Lutheran School has developed this Return to School Plan for the 2020-2021 school year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our plan is designed with the requirements and recommendations of the MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap. Please understand that there are measures that are “required” by the state and other measures that are “strongly recommended” or “recommend.” Implementation of these safety and health measures is critical for opening our schools face-to-face. This Return to School Plan’s protocols will override related protocols in our Immanuel Parent Handbook when describing equivalent policies. If this document does not address an area, then the Immanuel Parent Handbook policies are followed. While careful consideration has gone into the creation of this plan, Immanuel recognizes that this plan must provide flexibility to allow us to respond to potential changes in local health regulations. In all of this planning, we blend the best of human wisdom with an ultimate reliance on the protection of God.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Immanuel’s Mission To Know Christ is to Share His Love

To nurture our students spiritually and academically to the highest standards - with excellence. In partnership with home, school, and Church, we strive to develop disciples of Jesus Christ - no matter what our learning platform.

Options Phase 4: If our region is in Phase 4 of based on the Governor’s Return to School Roadmap, Immanuel will follow this Phase 4: Return to School Plan. At any time, if the Governor changes our region to Phase 3 or lower, all Immanuel students will move to our Phase 1-3: Distance Learning Plan. For Phase 4, Immanuel will offer two options for families:

In-person Learning

Virtual At-Home Learning

https://www.michigan.gov/documents/whitmer/MI_Safe_Schools_Roadmap_FINAL_695392_7.pdf


https://immlutheran.org/school-k-8/parent-corner/parent-handbook/



Families will commit to one of the above options through Tuesday, October 13th (Parent/Teacher Conferences). At that time, families will have an opportunity to re-evaluate their choice. We will continue to keep our classes limited to 25 students in total (including both in-person and virtual learners). Our teachers will provide an in-person and virtual option with support from our teacher assistants and other staff. Teachers may record themselves teaching a lesson with a webcam showing them in the front of the room. At times, our teachers may be “live” through Google Meets with students in-person and also those at home.


Section 1

In-Person Learning

Safety

Protocols


Staff Training & Professional Development Staff will undergo professional development in the following areas:

Understanding and implementing the Reopening Plan

Sanitation and disinfection of classrooms and work spaces

Quarantine procedures and caring for sick students

Teaching “Best Practices” in personal hygiene and social distancing to our students

Physical classroom layout for physical distancing

Assessing their own health and recognizing symptoms of COVID -19 in others

COVID anxiety/increase in separation anxiety in students and how to recognize and help

Warning signs for trauma and risk factors in children and staff

Caring for children and how do we balance safety with care and concern

Compassion fatigue for teachers and church workers

Christ-centered self-care for staff

Student Training & Education Students will be provided with training/education in the following areas:

Proper hygiene

Proper coughing and sneezing into elbow or tissue

Proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

Proper use of hand sanitizer

What 6 feet looks like and the importance of social distancing

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Masks: Face masks are an important part of student and teacher protection, as well as personal

hygiene, social distancing, and frequent cleaning efforts. Immanuel is required to comply with the

Governor’s and MDE governor’s MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap

regarding the wearing of masks.

STUDENTS

Kindergarten – 5th Grade: Students in kindergarten – 5th grade will remain with their class throughout the day (cohort) and, therefore, will not be required to wear facial coverings. K-5th grade students are required to wear masks when in hallways, common areas, and bathrooms.

6th – 8th Grade: Students in 6th – 8th grade must wear facial coverings at all times except during lunch/snack and outdoor activities.

Facial Coverings/Masks Students will need to provide their own personal mask. Any student that is unable to medically

tolerate a facial covering must not wear one. A doctor’s note is required. If your child is not able to wear a mask, we strongly encourage families to choose the virtual option.

Facial coverings may be homemade or disposable level-one (basic) grade surgical masks. Face shields are not allowed without a mask for student per MDE guidelines. Gaiters or buffs are acceptable. Facial coverings cannot have any inappropriate images or text.

Homemade facial coverings must be washed daily. Disposable facial coverings must be disposed of at the end of each day. Immanuel will provide a lanyard with a clip for each student to wear during the school day so that

they may clip their mask when not in use. As an option, our Boosters will be selling masks.



TEACHERS AND STAFF

Facial coverings must always be worn by staff except for meals.

Facial coverings may be homemade or disposable level-one (basic) grade surgical masks.

Any staff member who cannot medically tolerate a facial covering must not wear one. A doctor’s note is required.

Homemade facial coverings must be washed daily.

Disposable facial coverings must be disposed of at the end of each day.

Face shields without masks are not allowed for teachers per latest MDE mandate.

In addition to using PPE, please remember to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60%

alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

Hygiene & Cleaning HYGIENE

Hygiene Supplies: Immanuel will have daily supplies to support healthy hygiene behaviors (including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol for safe use by staff and students, paper towels, tissues, and signs reinforcing proper handwashing techniques).

Hand sanitizing stations have been added in all classrooms and common areas.

Systematically and frequently check and refill soap and hand sanitizers. Immanuel custodial staff will check bathrooms, classrooms, and other locations to ensure soap and hand sanitizers stocked.

Basic Hygiene Measures Taught and Reinforced:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use

hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use

the inside of your elbow.

Students and teachers will have scheduled handwashing with soap and water every 2-3 hours.

Supplies: Limit sharing of personal items and supplies such as writing utensils. Students will have their own art supplies and other personal school supplies.

Students will keep personal items separate and in individually labeled cubbies, containers, or lockers. 7th – 8th grade students will carry backpack with them with books and supplies during the

day. They will empty and reload their backpack as needed at lunch time. 7th-8th grade will not stop at lockers between classes.

CLEANING

We have ensured that we have adequate supplies of EPA-approved disinfectant and diluted bleach solution for cleaning and have vendors available with additional supplies, if needed.

Immanuel custodians will clean frequently touched surfaces throughout the day.

Immanuel custodians will clean bathrooms mid-day.

We will use diluted bleach solution to clean surfaces and spaces. Diluted bleach solution - Water and non-scented chlorine bleach with a concentration of bleach

between 50 – 200 parts per million (one teaspoon to one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water). This is the same solution that we have been using for many years in preschool following licensing

protocols.


This does not bleach clothing or carpet with this level of bleach.

Teachers and teacher assistants will clean classroom doorknobs and other frequently touched surfaces throughout the day.

For Specials and 6th-8th grade transitions, teachers or students will spray desks and workspaces with diluted bleach solution. The space will either air dry or be given proper “dwell” time before wiping dry with paper towel.

Classrooms, bathrooms, and hallways will be cleaned and disinfected each night by our nighttime custodial staff.

If deep cleaning is required, Immanuel has foggers/misters using EPA-approved disinfectant.

Spacing, Movement and Access Physical Distancing:

Desks will be spaced as far apart as possible to the best of our ability (3 – 6 feet). Kindergarten will now have individual desks rather than shared tables.

Cohorts: Kindergarten – 5th Grade: Each class in Kindergarten – 5th grade will be a “primary cohort”. The

other class in their grade will be their “secondary cohort”. 6th – 8th Grade: 6th-8th grade is departmentalized and will follow our 6th-8th grade schedule following

the guidelines for middle school and high school in the MI Return to School Plans.

Classroom Space: Classrooms are arranged so that all desks are facing the same direction toward the front of the

classroom. Teachers should maintain six feet of spacing between themselves and students as much as possible

although teachers will work with students in closer proximity when needed for instruction.

Inside assemblies will be prohibited: Chapel services and assemblies will be Live Streamed and broadcast in the classrooms (see Chapel).

Drinking Fountains/Water bottles: Our drinking fountains will not be available. Refill stations (on some of our drinking fountains) will be available. Water bottles must be taken home each day to be cleaned – or send in a disposable water bottle

each day with your child’s name.

Signage: Signage posted for social distancing in bathrooms, school office, and other common areas. Hallways marked with one-way arrows in 6 ft intervals to guide students in hallways for one-way

flow and proper spacing. Signs are posted in bathrooms to promote proper hygiene techniques.

Parents, Guests, Volunteers in Building: Immanuel will limit normal visitation to our campuses at this time. Parents, family members, or other guests are not allowed in the school building except under

extenuating circumstances. Parents will not be allowed to bring forgotten items (lunch, schoolwork, etc.) during school hours.

Please make sure you pack a lunch and all needed school materials in the morning before the student arrives.

If a student is picked up during school hours, the parent or family member will wait in the vestibule between the exterior doors of the main school entrance once allowed into the building.

All parents and guests allowed beyond the vestibule will be screened for symptoms, wear a facial covering, and sanitize hands prior to entering. We will be keeping strict records, including date and time, of all guests and visitors entering and exiting the building.


Security Team: Our security volunteers are an exception and will be allowed in the building to continue the important role of monitoring our main entrance and interior school lobby doors. All security volunteers will follow the same health screening protocols as our staff prior to coming into the building.

Hallway Movement: Floor signage in the hallways will mark directional one-way flow and social distancing. We will stagger movements at incremental intervals in the hallway as able to minimize the number of persons in the hallways.

Health Screening Following protocols from Macomb County Health Department (as of 8/5/2020) Immanuel will cooperate with the Macomb County Health Department regarding implementing protocols for screening students and staff and if a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified. Immanuel is required to collect the contact information for any close contacts of the affected individual from two days before he or she showed symptoms to the time when he or she was last present at the school. STUDENTS AND FAMILIES Prior to leaving your home: Each morning parents will complete the “Daily At-Home Student Health Check” (see below) before their child leaves for school.

Daily At-Home Student Health Check

Upon arrival at Immanuel

All students will put their mask on before exiting their car and proceed through their assigned doors before proceeding to their classrooms.

See Arrival-Drop Off section for procedures.

Students will have their temperatures taken as they arrive in the classroom for the day by their homeroom teachers with a contactless thermometer.

If a student’s temperature is normal, grades K-5 can remove their masks and prepare for the day. TEACHERS AND STAFF All Immanuel staff will complete daily, at home self-screening. Teachers and staff must report if they have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, they must remain off campus until they meet the criteria for re-entry. Additionally, staff must report if they have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, must remain off campus until the 10-14-day incubation period has passed.

SECTION 1: Symptoms Student has any of the following symptoms (new/different/worse than baseline for any chronic illness):

Temperature of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

Sore throat

New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline).

Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain

New onset of severe headache, especially with fever

SECTION 2: Close Contact/Potential Exposure In the past 14 days has your child:

Had close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with a person with confirmed COVID-19; OR

Traveled to or lives in an area with a high level of community transmission of COVID-19.

https://health.macombgov.org/Health-Home


Our substitute teachers and other essential volunteers will follow these same screening protocols.

School Isolation Protocols – When a student becomes sick at school Some students may develop symptoms of infectious illness while at school. Students will be taken to designated isolation areas if they develop symptoms.

Students who develop any of the symptoms in Section 1 while at school will be taken to the school office and then to a designated isolation area separate from staff and other students:

Students will wear a surgical mask until they can be picked up. Designated isolation areas - Sick Room, School Office Conference

Room, School Office File Room, TLC Conference Room

Designated Staff who interact with a student who becomes ill while at school will wear N95 masks and gloves when caring for sick people.

Designated staff – School administration, Office Staff, Teachers, and Teacher Assistants

Students who are sick will be sent home or to a healthcare facility depending on how severe their symptoms are.

After the student has left a designated isolation area, the area will be closed off until it has been cleaned and disinfected.

Special Pick-Up Plans – Each

family must have a plan in

place for having their

child(ren) picked up from

school within 30 minutes of

being contacted by the

school.


Responding to Cases of COVID-19 Among Students, Teachers, and Staff Following protocols from Macomb County Health Department (as of 8/5/2020)

Possible COVID-19 Cases in Students See flow chart “Possible COVID-19 Cases in Students” from MCHD

Symptoms of possible COVID-19 in students include the following. These symptoms should be new or different/worse than baseline for any existing chronic illness. A student with any of these symptoms should also be questioned about a history of close contact/potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Fever – CDC and Macomb County Health Department considers a person to have a fever when he or she has a measured temperature of 100.4° F or greater. Immanuel will use 100.0° F or greater to determine fever.

Symptoms Temperature of 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when taken by mouth

Sore throat

New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline).

Diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain

New onset of severe headache, especially with fever

Close Contact/Potential Exposure In the past 14 days:

Had close contact (within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) with a person with confirmed COVID-19; OR

Traveled to or lives in an area with a high level of community transmission of COVID-19.

Next Steps

Students who exhibit any of the above symptoms but who have no close contact/potential exposure history should not go to school or any school activity. If at school or any school activity, they should be sent home. These students may return to school 24 hours after resolution of fever (if there was a fever) and improvement of symptoms.

Students who exhibit any of the above symptoms and who have a close contact/potential exposure history should not go to school or any school activity. If at school or any school activity, they should be sent home. These students should be evaluated by a healthcare provider and tested for COVID-19 with a diagnostic test (nose/throat swab).

If at school or any school activity, the student should be required to wear a face covering and wait in an isolation area away from teachers, staff and other students until they can be transported home or to a healthcare facility.

School administration should notify the Macomb County Health Department when a probable case of COVID-19 in a student has been identified in the school. A probable case of COVID-19 in a student is defined as a student with any of the above symptoms and a close contact/potential exposure history. The Macomb County Health Department will work with the school to determine if further action is necessary.


Possible COVID-19 Cases in Teachers or Staff Persons See flow chart “Possible COVID-19 Cases in a Teacher or Staff Person” from MCHD

Symptoms of possible COVID-19 in teachers and staff persons include the following. These symptoms should be new or different/worse than baseline for any existing chronic illness. Any one of the following:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing OR Two or more of the following: Muscle aches without another explanation

Chills

Sore throat

Headache

Vomiting or diarrhea

New loss of taste or smell OR

Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher

Next Steps

Any teacher or staff person who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms as defined above or has a measured temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher should not go to school or any school activity. If at school or any school activity, they should be sent home. These individuals should be evaluated by a healthcare provider and tested for COVID-19 with a diagnostic test (nose/throat swab).

If at school or any school activity, the individual should wear a face covering and wait in an isolation area away from teachers, staff and students until they leave the school building or are transported to a healthcare facility.

School administration should notify the Macomb County Health Department when a possible case of COVID-19 has been identified in a teacher or staff person. The Macomb County Health Department will work with the school to determine if further action is necessary.


Confirmed COVID-19 Cases School administration will notify the Macomb County Health Department of any confirmed case of COVID-19

in a student, teacher, or staff person.

School administration will notify all staff and student families of any confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school maintaining the confidentiality of the case as required by state and federal laws. The Macomb County Health Department will provide a letter that may be used for this notification.

School administration should work with the Macomb County Health Department to identify close contacts of the confirmed case of COVID-19.

For elementary schools and other settings where a stable classroom cohort has been maintained, the close contacts may be all students and staff in the classroom.

For middle schools/high schools and any setting where a stable classroom cohort has not been maintained, a close contact is someone who has been within 6 feet of the case for at least 15 minutes regardless of the use of a face covering.

Close contacts should be notified and instructed to remain quarantined at home for 14 days after the last contact with the confirmed case. The Macomb County Health Department will provide a letter that may be used for this notification.

The need to close a school for a period of time because of COVID-19 illness will be determined Immanuel’s school administration on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Macomb County Health Department.

Close Contacts to a Confirmed COVID-19 Case Any student, teacher or staff person who is a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case (household or non-

household) should be immediately sent home from school and remain quarantined at home for 14 days after the date of last exposure to the confirmed COVID-19 case (for non-household contact) or 14 days after the date the confirmed COVID-19 case completes their isolation period (for household contact).

No actions are necessary for students, teachers, or staff persons who do not have symptoms and who are contacts of a contact (persons who have not had direct contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 but instead have had close contact with someone who has had direct contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19).

Students, teachers, or staff persons must remain in quarantine for the full 14-day quarantine period even if they test negative for COVID-19.

Students, teachers, or staff persons who test positive for COVID-19 should be reported to the Macomb County Health Department and managed as a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Returning to School/Work Students, teachers, and staff persons with symptoms who test positive for COVID-19 may return to

school/work if:

At least 10 days have passed since symptom onset and

At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and

Other symptoms have improved


Students, teachers and staff persons who never had symptoms but who test positive for COVID-19 may return to school/work if at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 test (provided no symptoms appeared during the 10-day period).

Students, teachers, and staff persons with symptoms (previously described) who test negative for COVID-19 may return to school/work 24 hours after resolution of fever (if there was a fever) and improvement of symptoms. The student, teacher, or staff person should provide documentation of the negative COVID-19 test result.

Students, teachers, and staff persons with symptoms (previously described) who are not tested for COVID-19 may return to school/work 24 hours after resolution of fever (if there was a fever) and improvement of symptoms if they present a note from a healthcare provider that provides an alternative explanation for the symptoms. If a healthcare provider note is not available, the student, teacher or staff person may return to school/work if:

At least 10 days have passed since symptom onset and

At least 24 hours have passed since resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and

Other symptoms have improved

Students, teachers, and staff persons who are close contacts to a confirmed case of COVID-19 and who test positive may return to school/work as outlined above.

Students, teachers and staff persons who are close contacts to a confirmed case of COVID-19 and who test negative (or who are not tested) may return to school/work 14 days after the last exposure (for non-household contact) or 14 days after the confirmed case has completed their isolation period (for household contacts).


Section 2

In-Person Learning

School Day &

Programs


Arrival – Drop Off Follow normal flow for driveway entrance/exit and drop off area.

Drop off time has been extended and doors will open at 7:50 am (rather than 7:55 am). 7:50 am – Morning drop off begins. Students enter closest door upon exiting their car and go directly

to their classroom 8:10 am – Bell to remind that school begins in 5 minutes 8:15 am – Tardy bell/school begins

Students will put on their mask before exiting the car and wear masks all the way to their classroom.

Mr. Neumeyer, Mrs. Prisby, Mrs. Reincke, Mr. Avery, and student Safety Patrol members will greet students while maintaining social distancing.

Students will enter closest doors to spread out entry. Doors will either be held open by Safety Patrol or propped open.

Kindergarten – 5th Grade – Enter through closest door to where student is dropped off. 6th – 8th Grade – Enter through East Worship Center Entrance and proceed down stairway.

Students will go directly to their classroom.

Students will keep their mask on until the teacher has checked their temperature at their classroom door.

End of the Day - Pick Up Follow normal flow for driveway entrance/exit, backing into parking spots, etc.

All students and staff will be wearing masks during end of the day pick up time. Remove mask only after entering car.

Only one parent or family member allowed to wait on the sidewalk to minimize the gathering size.

Parents wait in the car until they see the class come to the door rather than gathering on the sidewalks (6th – 8th grade parents stay in car).

All adults picking up should wear masks and social distance when waiting on sidewalk (K – 5th)

Kindergarten – 2nd Grade - dismiss at 3:10 pm Exits by Main School Entrance area

Kindergarten – Door #23 1st Grade – Door #21 2nd Grade – Door #24

3rd Grade – 8th Grade - dismiss at 3:16 pm use designated doors 3rd Grade –5th Grade Exits by Main School Entrance area

3rd Grade - Door #23 4th Grade - Door #24 5th Grade - Door #21

6th grade will exit the West Worship Center doors (Door #5), but parents will still park by the Chapel. Students will walk down sidewalk toward Chapel and find parent’s car. Parents stay in their car and wait for their student.

7th – 8th grade will exit the South Worship Center doors (by the Chapel) and proceed to their parent’s car. Parents stay in their car and wait for their student.

6th – 8th grade students with siblings in lower grades will exit the East Worship Center doors and find siblings/parent.

Chapel Chapel will take place each Wednesday morning and will be live streamed into each classroom with students remaining in the classroom.


The Learning Center (TLC) Mrs. Bartlett will continue to provide education support to students through our TLC with the following safety protocols:

The TLC space will be used to provide the greatest possible physical distancing between students.

Each student will bring and use only their own personal supplies from the classroom to the TLC.

Groups of students in the TLC will be limited to 4 to ensure physical distancing. Teachers will schedule any students who will go the TLC to ensure that these limits are followed.

The workspaces will be cleaned between each student transition.

Students will follow a flow in the hallways to avoid passing other classes during transitions. Mrs. Bartlett will stagger student schedules to provide cleaning time between students.

Reading Intervention & Math Intervention Groups will continue following the safety protocols above.

Specials Our Specials classes will take place according to our normal schedule with the following safety protocols: Physical Education (PE)

PE classes will take place outside whenever possible.

Indoor PE classes will be in the Stomps Center.

Individual sports and activities will take place to social distance.

Mr. Warren will sanitize equipment that was used before next class begins.

5th-8th grade students will not change into PE uniform during Phase 4.

Teachers will lead students to the far west doors of the Stomps Center hallway.

Students will re-enter school through the main entrance (where teacher will pick class up).

Students will sanitize/wash hands before going back to their classroom.

Students can wear mask during PE, place mask in pocket, or use the lanyard with clip provided to keep track of their mask.

Classes will follow a flow in the hallways to avoid passing other classes during transitions. Art

The Art Room has been reconfigured for greatest possible physical distancing between students.

Each student will bring and use only their own personal art supplies from the classroom to art class.

If a student does not have their own personal art supplies for class, the student will be given sanitized supplies to use during that class period.

The art tables and chairs will be cleaned between classes.

Classes will follow a flow in the hallways to avoid passing other classes during transitions. Library

The Media Center has been reconfigured for greatest possible physical distancing between students.

Book Check Out: To continue to allow for social distancing and avoid contact with books in the library, we will be holding off on allowing students to check out books for the start of the school year. We will begin book check-out once we feel that it is safe to do so.

Accelerated Reader (AR): We will continue to allow 4th - 8th grade students to take AR quizzes in both the classroom as well as the Media Center, while social distancing between the computers. 3rd grade students will be allowed to begin the AR program once the 3rd grade teachers have introduced it to both students and parents.

AR Passports: We are holding off on beginning AR Passports at the start of the school year. Students will have the opportunity to take AR quizzes to earn points but will not be required to read specific genres of books for their passports at this time.


AR Store: The first AR Store is set to occur in November (date TBD). We will have more info on that as we get closer.

There will be no sharing of any books and/or materials in the library. Middle school students may be expected to bring their own books to use during possible independent reading time.

The tables and workspaces in the Media Center will be cleaned between classes.

Classes will follow a flow in the hallways to avoid passing other classes during transitions. Computer/Technology

The Computer Lab has been reconfigured for greatest possible physical distancing between students.

Keyboards, mouse, and tables in the Computer Lab will be cleaned between classes.

All K-8 students will be expected to provide their own headphones that they will bring to and from the computer lab. No extra headphones will be given to students and sharing headphones will not allowed.

Students will wash hands before and after Computer class.

Music Choir

Kindergarten – 4th Grade – During Phase 4, we will not have grade-level choirs or music classes.

5th Grade Choir – 5th Grade Choir will be split into classes/cohorts and meet once per week outside or in the Worship Center. Students will wear masks when singing indoors.

Ensemble Choir (6th-8th Grade) - Ensemble Choir will meet outside as much as possible (dependent on weather). We will be working on various pieces of music to be used in future concerts or Church services when possible. Ensemble Choir will work on contemporary as well as traditional music. Students will be required to wear a mask inside the school building. We will use social distancing outside and each student will have their own folder and music (no sharing of material). Names will be placed on each folder and placed in a document holder for the next class period. Points will be given for each class period.

Band (5th – 8th Grade)

Band will meet outdoors. Distancing guidelines will be followed. Masks will be worn up until students are socially distanced, and their instruments is ready to be played.

If inclement weather, Band will be inside, physically distanced in the Music Room. Students will work on learning select music theory and musical concepts that will help them round out their whole musical knowledge. Each student will have an assigned spot for their instrument in the music room.

Points will be given for each class period. Handbells (6th – 8th Grade):

Beginning and Advanced Handbells will meet in the Music room.

Students will wear masks and gloves during the entire class period.

Each student will have a Ziploc bag with their name on it that will contain their gloves for the school year (gloves will not be shared). Binders will be assigned by number (student’s name will be added to the binder) and the student will have a spot in the room for the binder (it is their responsibility to always use the same cubby for the binder each class period. The student’s name will be on that cubby).

Music will not be shared – each student will have their own music and binder. Binders should stay in the Music room.

Social distancing will be used with the Bell tables and bells will be sanitized after each class. Bells will be set out and put away by the director. Bells will be assigned, so they are not shared.

Students will be working a variety of music for future Church services or performances. Both traditional and contemporary music will be used in class.

Recorders (4th Grade)


Recorders will not start until January.

Recorder classes will be held in the homeroom classroom with portable desktop music stands.

Mrs. Blickensdorf will come to the classroom.

Student will wash/sanitize hands after recorder class.

Recorders will stay in backpacks in lockers at all other times.

Electives (6th-8th Grade) Immanuel will continue to offer electives for 6th-8th grade with the following safety protocols:

• Each student will bring and use only their own personal supplies from the classroom to their elective. • If an elective lesson requires materials or supplies, those materials and supplies will be sanitized before use

and not shared. • The classrooms and workspaces used for elective classes will be cleaned between classes. • Classes will follow a flow in the hallways to avoid passing other classes during transitions.

Lunch & Snacks Lunch will still continue to be an integral part of our day at Immanuel.

• Students will wash their hands before and after eating. • Students will eat lunch in their classroom. • Hot Lunch: We are still working on hiring a food service director which is contingent on whether we will offer

hot lunch as an option. Hot lunch would be bag lunches delivered to the classrooms to start the year. • Lunch garbage will be placed in garbage cans in hallways, one garbage can per grade/cohort. • Microwaves will not be available or allowed. • If a child forgets their lunch, Immanuel will provide a lunch option and the family will be invoiced through

Smart Tuition. We will not allow lunches to be brought from home if a child forgets. Please ensure that your child has their lunch each morning.

• More information will be sent home from each teacher regarding snacks throughout the day. Students should be able to open their own snack without assistance.

Here are some tips for preparing for lunch to help students eat in the classroom.

Practice opening all containers and food items – If students are able to open all containers and food items on their own, it will ensure that the teacher doesn’t need to open items for them.

Round Tip Scissors in lunch bag – Place a safe, round tip pair of scissors in your child’s lunch each day if they need help opening a Gogurt, bag of chips, etc. It would be difficult for a student to access their regular classroom scissors when they have their lunch on their desk.

Recess Our recess schedule will continue as normal with the following safety protocols:

Our outdoor play area will be separated into three zones, one for each cohort. Playground Zone Pavement Zone Soccer Field Zone

A maximum of 3 grades or cohorts will be out at recess at one time.

All students will wash hands before and after recess.

Each class/cohort will have their own recess equipment. Recess equipment will be cleaned after each recess.

If inside recess is required, classes will follow all safety protocols for their classroom and shared supplies and materials. Teachers will share more guidance with parents on their indoor recess procedures.


Extended School Care (ESC) Our ESC program will be offered before and after school according to our normal hours and rates (see ESC program).

Morning Drop Off: We will use same location and doors to buzz in. Students must wear masks before entering the building. Parents are not allowed in the building. ESC staff will check student’s temperatures upon arrival.

Pick Up After School: Parents will be notified of where ESC is located through the Remind app text. When ESC is inside: Parents are not allowed in the building. We will use East Worship Center doors

for parents to buzz in their child. Parents will wait outside by the door until their student comes to them.

When ESC is outside: Parents will park in parking lot by the playground. ESC staff will walk students to the car while keeping appropriate social distancing. If someone is picking up other than a child’s parents, ESC staff must be notified in advance.

Students will be physically distanced when indoors by cohort (grade levels).

All students and staff will wear masks when indoors.

The Media Center, Community Center, playground, Art Room, and Music Room (if needed) will be designated for ESC areas after school.

ESC areas will be reconfigured to provide physical distancing between cohorts.

Students will wash their hands before coming into ESC areas.

Students will need to bring their own personal activities when coming to ESC. We will not be using shared materials during ESC. Please send items such as books, art activities, and other materials for your child to use during their time in ESC.

Snacks will not be offered in ESC. Please provide after school snacks for your child.

When needed, students will be placed in smaller groups by grade level/cohort and use assigned ESC areas.

Playground areas will be zoned for different grade level/cohorts. Students will not be required to wear masks when outdoors.

Athletics Immanuel will comply with Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) guidelines.

After School Programs (ASP) All After School Programs (ASP) are suspended during Phase 4.

After School Programs: ASP are defined as after school enrichment programs such as Chess Club, Math Club, art, robotics, engineering, sewing, golf, etc.

See Extended School Care (ESC) for ESC protocols

See Athletics for athletics protocols

Field Trips All off campus field trips are suspended.

Bus Transportation through Chippewa Valley For those living within the Chippewa Valley school district, bussing will follow safety protocols from Chippewa Valley.

https://immlutheran.org/school-k-8/programs/esc/

https://www.mhsaa.com/sports


Tuition Tuition will be paid as defined in Tuition Policy in the Parent Handbook. Families with financial needs that change during the school year, in particular in relation to COVID-19 events, may contact Immanuel to apply for tuition assistance. Applications will be accepted at any time during the school year. The same worship attendance expectation levels will be in place as signed on the Member Commitment Form,

however, Immanuel’s online worship will be accepted toward the expectation, provided the families fill out weekly

connect cards. This exception will extend through December 2020 and the process will be reevaluated at that

time. Worship attendance will be evaluated at the usual intervals – Nov 1, Feb 1 and May 1.


https://immlutheran.org/immanuel-member-commitment/


Section 3

Virtual At-

Home

Learning


Virtual At-Home Learning Overview The Virtual At-Home Learning Plan will continue to be adapted and adjusted prior to and during the school year.

Immanuel classroom teachers will provide this Virtual At-Home Learning along with in-person instruction for the

students in their classroom. We are committed to supporting our teachers as they develop and refine their teaching

practices to allow for virtual learning. We are fully committed to pursuing excellence with this virtual model.

Highlights of Immanuel’s Virtual At-Home Learning Option

All students, whether enrolled in our virtual or in-person model, are loved by God and our Immanuel family. Each

and every student of our Immanuel community is a member of the Charger Nation. Go Chargers!

SPIRITUAL CONNECTION: Jesus is a part of the virtual learner’s day in the same way as He is for the in-person students. Virtual learners will be able to participate in devotions and prayer time and/or religion class.

ACADEMIC CONNECTION: Virtual learners will follow the same curriculum and pace as their in-person classmates, as planned and presented by their Immanuel teacher.

SOCIAL CONNECTION: Intentional opportunities will be built into every school day for in-person and virtual learners to connect and build community. Teachers may elect to connect students virtually at lunch, indoor recess, as reading buddies, or other classroom activities.

Virtual At-Home Model

The virtual at-home learning model will continue to be modified and adapted throughout the school year. The model

is designed to meet our students’ spiritual, academic and social needs while being mindful of our teacher’s time and

well being.

Google Classroom: We will use Google Classroom for our learning platform management. This is the same platform that will be used for extended absences and distance learning.

Teachers will post daily assignments in Google Classroom.

Teachers will provide weekly course packets that coordinate with the weekly assignments.

Students will participate in synchronous (real-time) and/or asynchronous (guided independent) learning activities in the following core subjects -

Religion/Devotions Math Reading ELA Social Studies Science Specials (Art, PE, and Computer)

Teachers will choose various virtual instructional methods which may include: Recorded live class instruction Live Google Meet sessions Google Meet Check Ins Online textbooks Use of Google for Education Apps Other educational virtual apps and programs

Standards-based assessments, as well as grading and feedback, will be given for assignments.

Some formal assessments will require students to come on campus.


Considerations for Weighing Your Decision

Selecting a learning plan that best meets the needs of your child and family can be a difficult decision. Our prayer is

that the Lord may guide you as you discern the best option for your family. Please consider the following thoughts as

you prayerfully consider your options.

If your situation allows, we believe that in-person learning provides the best academic, social, emotional, and spiritual learning.

We understand that not everyone’s situation will allow for in-person learning, and with our virtual model, it is our hope to provide as much socialization and sense of community for your children as possible.

We will use the same Immanuel academic standards for in-person learning and virtual learning. While the in-person learning naturally allows for greater opportunities for reaching and enriching our curriculum, the virtual option will teach the same essential standards to ensure students remain on pace. Please note that students in the virtual setting may or may not have all the same learning activity experiences as students in the in-person model.

We will have a team of teachers to interact with your children, video conference, grade assignments, and upload teaching content and videos.

Students will need a learning coach at home to help facilitate the direct instruction they receive from Immanuel teachers. Your ability to make that commitment is a main factor to consider.

Families who choose the virtual option will need to have the following technology - Quality internet connection Chromebook or desktop with webcam for each child Printing capabilities

By selecting the virtual option, families make the commitment to remain in the Virtual At-Home Learning Plan through at least Tuesday, October 13th (Parent/Teacher Conferences). After which, families will have an opportunity to choose to continue with the virtual option or switch to the in-person learning plan.

Parents may need to pick up and drop off learning materials on a weekly basis.

Students may need to come into the building for formal assessments at the beginning, middle, end of year, and end of trimesters.

If our region would move to Phase 1-3, all students will move to our Distance Learning model. (See “Distance Learning Plan”).

Electives (6th-8th Grade) will not be available to students in the virtual setting.

ESC and After School Programs are not available for students enrolled in the virtual option.

Students enrolled in the virtual model may participate in our athletic program.

Tuition

Tuition for our Virtual At-Home Learning will be the same as In-Person Learning and will be paid as defined in Tuition Policy in the Parent Handbook. Families with financial needs that change during the school year, in particular in relation to COVID-19 events, may contact Immanuel to apply for tuition assistance. Applications will be accepted at any time during the school year.


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