Board Notes

April 2022

This is a new feature of our Newsletter.  The week after each board meeting, Mr. Rouse will provide a short informal summary of the actions taken at the board meeting.  These are not the formal board minutes.  Those are prepared by the clerk and approved by the board at their next meeting.

After the approval of the consent agenda that included routine business matters of the school district, we moved to the report from the 8^th graders regarding their monthly report on their upcoming culminating activity—trip to Florida. Teacher reports were given by Ashley Olsen and Jessica Van Kerkhove. Both reports mentioned various aspects of our literacy grant and the impact that the professional development through the grant has impacted their teaching. 

Mr. Rouse presented his principal’s report which highlighted our recent Parent-Teacher conferences and the teachers’ use of data during these conferences. He also pointed out that Dr. Esmont, our literacy consultant, will be returning to spend another full week in our school next week.

Mr. Rouse also discussed our new Summer Support Program that will be taking place this summer.  The program is designed to serve a few students who are still struggling to meet their benchmarks in reading and/or math in grades k-2. This program is funded through Federal Covid relief dollars (ESSER III).

Heather Marcella presented her clerk’s report in which she stated that our auditor has begun the audit process.  Each year, the school district is required to have an independent financial audit conducted.

There was no Old Business to be considered.  Under New Business, the approval of Kathy Wilson as a substitute teacher was pulled from the agenda because we are still waiting for her required criminal history check. Scott Taillefer was approved to serve as our Artist-in-Residence during Natalie Howard’s upcoming absence. The board approved Amy Baier as a new teacher for the 2022-23 school year.  Ms. Baier will be assigned to teach the third graders next year because we are splitting the grade2/3 combo class into two separate classes.

The board approved the certified teachers’ contracts for the 2022-23 school year. They also approved their intent to hire Heather Marcella as our District Clerk for the 2022-23 school year.  They approved the employee health insurance plan for 2022-23.

The board approved adding three computers to our “surplus” items list, so they can be disposed of properly. The items included:

• 2015 MacBook Pro
• Dell Vostro Laptop
• Dell Inspiron Laptop.

The school calendar for 2022-23 was approved.

The board reviewed, revised, and approved on first reading a number of policies.

The next meeting will be May 9^th at 7:00 pm.

Potomac School District #11

Stakeholder’s Meeting

(In Person or Virtual via WeBex)

ESSER III Funds

and

Participation in Federal Programs by Non-Public schools

April 18, 2022

6:00 – 6:45 PM

Purpose of the Meeting – We are required by the federal government to host stakeholder meetings periodically to discuss how thew school district is proposing to use its federal funds. As a requirement for receiving ESSER Covid-relief Funding, we are also required to review our ESSER Plan and our Return-to-School Plan.  Public input is critical in this process. Also during this meeting, the administration will go over all of the federally-funded programs offered in the school district, including Title I, Title II, and Title IV. Included in the discussion will be information for non-public schools (home schools) regarding participation in federal programs.

When – April 18, 2022 at 6:00 PM in Room 112 at Potomac School as well via WeBex connection

WeBex connection.

AGENDA

REQUIRED TOPICS

1. Review ESSER Plan
1. Place-based learning program
2. Summer Support Program
3. Mediation Proposal for Maintaining Acceptable Levels of Arsenic and Lead in the Water Supply
2. Review Return-to-School Plan
3. Discuss MCLSDP Literacy Grant Fund Allocations
4. Participation in Federal Programs by non-public school (home schools)
5. Discuss Federal Entitlement Fund Allocations

ADDITIONAL TOPICS (If time allows)

1. What are “permissive” levies?
2. Other types of levies

Board Notes

March 2022

This is a new feature of our Newsletter.  The week after each board meeting, Mr. Rouse will provide a short informal summary of the actions taken at the board meeting.  These are not the formal board minutes.  Those are prepared by the clerk and approved by the board at their next meeting.

After the approval of the consent agenda that included routine business matters of the school district, we moved to the teacher reports since no 8^th graders were present to give the monthly 8^th Grade Class Report. Teacher reports were given by Jodi Hausmann and Bryanna Peterson. Both reports mentioned various aspects of our literacy grant related to writing.  Ms. Hausmann also shared her experience of attending the Plain Talk conference.

Mr. Rouse presented his principal’s report which highlighted our District and School Report Cards for 2020-21 which were just released by OPI. The data from these school and district report cards show that the Potomac students are scoring better in both English Language Arts and mathematics than students across the state. For example, in mathematics, 85% of the Potomac students tested scored nearing proficient, proficient, or advanced compared to 66% across the state. In ELA, 89% of the Potomac students tested scored nearing proficient, proficient, or advanced compared to 71% across the state. Mr. Rouse had displayed samples of student writing from prekindergarten through 8^th grade.  This display of student work allowed board members to see first-hand the progression of our students’ writing. Mr. Rouse’s written report also included details regarding our new Summer Support Program for identified students who need additional academic support on the in summer.  This program is specifically for selected students in grades K-2. The program will include six one-hour small group sessions in June and six more in August.  Information and registration information will be sent to the parents of identified students after spring break. Mr. Rouse also

Mr. Rouse also presented data supporting his request for an additional teaching position for the 2022-23 school year, so we would not have to continue having two combined grade level classes. The additional staff will allow us to split the current grade 2/3 combined class into two separate classes for 2022-23.

Mr. Rouse presented a proposal to help address the problem that the water system at the community center has regarding the arsenic levels in the drinking water at the community center.

Heather Marcella presented her clerk’s report in which she provided a review of our current general fund.  She also went over the FY 2022-23 preliminary general fund budget.

There was no Old Business to be considered.  Under New Business the board received Kristina Davis’ resignation letter and expressed their appreciation to her for her service to Potomac School students. The board approved a motion to add a new teaching position for 20022-23.  The board also approved a motion to approved the reallocation of ESSER III funds set aside to replace the carpet in the main building to addressing the concern about the community center’s water supply’s arsenic levels. The board also approved the preliminary 2022-23 budget. The board briefly discussed a preliminary school calendar for the 2022-23 school year. Finally, the Board discussed some possible uses of adult education funds.

Board Notes

February 2022

This is a new feature. After each board meeting, Mr. Rouse will provide a short informal summary of the actions taken at the board meeting.  These are not the formal board minutes.  Those are prepared by the clerk and approved by the board at their next meeting.

After the approval of the consent agenda that included routine business matters of the school district, 8^th graders, Oscar Leathers and Gabe Knapp, gave the monthly 8^th Grade Class Report stating that fund-raising is nearly complete for their end-of-the-year culminating experience.  They just need to raise around $150 to reach their goal. They also stated that the eighth-grade class would like any additional funds that they raise and do not need to go towards next year’s eighth graders.  Teacher reports were given by Sarah Schmill and Terri Klein. Both reports mentioned various positive impacts that our literacy grants have had on our student achievement and professional development.  Mrs. Klein also discussed how she teaches her first graders about money and how they use their “banks” to learn how to count money and to create number sentences.

Mr. Rouse presented his principal’s report which highlighted the impact that Covid-19 has had on staffing at Potomac School. Mr. Rouse also stated that he held a second Stakeholder’s Meeting that was open to anyone who has an interest in our school district.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how we intend to use federal grant dollars, including the ESSER funds related to Covid.  That meeting was held virtually on February 14^th at 6:00 pm just before the board meeting.

Mr. Rouse also recognized those staff members who make up the school’s Intervention Team.  As interventionists, these individuals help provide extra instructional support to our students. The current Intervention Team members are: Gail Abbott, Kayla Brewer, Sarah Duello, Teresa Patterson, Nikki Scheer, Jessica VanKerkhove (Teacher and Interventionist), and Jen Vogel (Teacher and Interventionist).

Mr. Rouse reported that Potomac School is now part of a five-year literacy grant with McREL, a regional educational research center. Through this grant, Potomac School will receive additional professional development support and other resources.

Heather Marcella presented her clerk’s report in which she explained the estimated changes to our permissive levies for next school year. This included projected increases to our Tuition levy and our Transportation levy. The increases are due to an increased need for personnel to support some special needs students and increased costs of operations for our school bus transportation needs.

There was no Old Business to be considered.  Under New Business the board approved the employment of Madison Chiotti as a new teacher for the 2022-23 school year to fill the position vacancy that resulted from Ms. Klein retirement. In other action, the board approved changes to the ARP ESSER Plan and the Return-to-School Plan.  They approve the proposal submitted by Rebecca Vann to redo our school’s web site. They also approve contracts for Majestic Bus Company, Shadow Asphalt, and Handley Transportation. A lease was also approved for the use of the community center facilities for 2022-23. Mr. Rouse’s contract as principal for 2022-23 was approved. An election was called to fill two board member positions.

Potomac School Board Makes Revisions to the ARP ESSER Plan

As a requirement of the ARP ESSER grant, we are required to periodically review our ESSER Plan.  Following our second stakeholder's meeting of the 2021-22 school year during which the ARP ESSER Plan was reviewed, the school board at their February 14, 2022 meeting accepted the recommendations for some minor changes to our ARP ESSER Plan.  Those changes included the reallocation of grant funds to cover the expenses for funding a part-time school nurse position, and the addition of an additional paraprofessional position to assist with a special needs student who requires one-on-one support while attending our Place-based Learning  (PBL) program on designated Fridays.

Potomac Elem, LE0589

Initial Plan Submission ARP ESSER Funding

2021

(Revised 02/14/2022)

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction: Plan Basics

Section 1 - School District Identified Priorities

Priority 1

Priority 2

Priority 3

Data Points Used to Identify Priorities

Student Groups Most Affected

Section 2 - Meaningful Consultation

Stakeholders Consulted in Development of Plan

Methods used to seek stakeholder input

Section 3: Goals

Instruments

Goals

Student Group Goals

Section 4: Coordinating Funds

Section 5: Creating a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment

Section 6: Addressing Lost Instructional Time

20% Set Aside

80% Set Aside

Section 7: Supporting the Educator Workforce

Section 8: District Monitoring of Impact

Introduction: Plan Basics

Section 1 - School District Identified Priorities

Priority 1

Priority 2

Priority 3

Data Points Used to Identify Priorities

Student Groups Most Affected

Student groups specifically referenced in ARP ESSER were more affected than others in this district.

Section 2 - Meaningful Consultation

Stakeholders Consulted in Development of Plan

Methods used to seek stakeholder input

Section 3: Goals

Instruments

Instruments or methods that will be used to monitor the progress of the goals and determine if the goals are met are listed here for each goal.

Goals

For each goal find the following below:

●      Identify what strategies/action steps will be used to support the achievement of the goals.

●       Describe a realistic and achievable timeline to achieve the goals.

●      Identify who is responsible to ensure the strategies/action steps are achieved. Click the box and provide the text response for each applicable box.

Student Group Goals

For which of the following student groups does the district have a distinct Math Goal, ELA Goal, or Other Goal?

Math Goal for Each Identified Student Group

ELA Goal for Each Identified Student Group

Other Goal for Each Identified Student Group

If the District is planning to develop or use approaches that are novel to achieve your Math, ELA, or other goal, and they are willing to share these innovations, the innovation is described here.

Section 4: Coordinating Funds

Will this district coordinate ARP ESSER funds with other federal funds to address student needs?

Section 5: Creating a Safe and Healthy Learning Environment

This section addresses the Prevention and/or Mitigation Strategies that the district will fund with ARP ESSER funds..

If the District is planning to develop or use approaches that are novel to implement prevention and mitigation strategies, and they are willing to share these innovations, the innovation is described here.

Section 6: Addressing Lost Instructional Time

20% Set Aside

This section addresses the Evidence Based Practices that the district will fund with the required 20% to address lost instructional time.

80% Set Aside

This section addresses the Evidence Based Practices that the district will fund with the remaining 80%. Allowable uses for this funding include: preventing, preparing for, and responding to COVID-19 as required by ESSER I, II, and III. See page 5 of the ARP ESSER Fact Sheet for more information.

If the District is planning to develop or use approaches that are novel to address lost instructional time, and they are willing to share these innovations, the innovation is described here.

Section 7: Supporting the Educator Workforce

How ARP funds will be used to support and stabilize the educator workforce.

The estimated number of jobs (FTEs) that have been or will be created by the school district through the district’s planned use of ESSER III Funds.

The estimated number of jobs (FTEs) that have been or will be retained by the LEA through the LEA’s planned use of ESSER III Funds.

If the District is planning to develop or use approaches that are novel to support and stabilize the educator workforce, and they are willing to share these innovations, the innovation is described here.

Section 8: District Monitoring of Impact

This section of the LEA plan outlines how the District will monitor the impact of the ARP ESSER funded interventions or strategies, including but not limited to the 20% set-aside, to respond effectively to the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of all students, and particularly those students disproportionately impacted.

Description of Monitoring Plan

Potomac School Board Makes Revisions to the Return-to-School Plan

At the February 14, 2022 school board meeting, the board members approved a change in the school district's Return-to-School Plan.  They revised the length of the online instruction period from seven calendar days to five calendar days in order to be aligned with current health department guidance.

“Potomac School equips each student for his/her future

 within a culture of excellence that values the small community experience."

Potomac School District Return-to-School Plan

2020-21

(Revised December 14, 2020)

(2^nd Revision- May 13, 2021)

(3^rd Revision- September 27,2021)

(Revised- February 14, 2022)

The Potomac School District #11 will begin the first day of instruction for the 2020-21 school year on August 26^th. The Potomac School District Board of Trustees and staff members recognize that these are unusual times as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Because the health and safety of our students and staff members are of primary importance, some policies and procedures will be in place until such time as the COVID-19 emergency no longer exists. The school board approved the 1900 Series – COVID-19 Emergency Policies in June. This Return-to-School Plan is based on those policies, and the procedures and practices outlined in this plan will be followed until the school board determines that the emergency measures are no longer needed.

While the desire of the school board and the staff members is to provide a learning environment that is as close to “normal” for our students as is feasible, we are required to follow the directives and mandates of the governor and our county health department.  The steps outlined in this plan are subject to revision at any point should the directives from either of these two entities change. Any references in this plan to “Phases” are based on the phased reopening included in the directives from the governor. At the time of the origination of this plan, schools in Montana were in Phase Two of the governor’s reopening plan, and the steps outlined are based on remaining in that phase.  Should the governor choose to move the state forward to Phase Three or return to Phase One, the plan will be modified accordingly.

GOVERNOR BULLOCK’S PHASE TWO REOPENING PLAN WITH NOTED LOCAL MODIFICATIONS

Below are the specific requirements that impact schools under the current Phase Two of the governor’s plan. In the process of adopting the 1900 series of board policies, our school board chose to modify some portions of these policies based on the fact that our school enrollment is relatively small. This allows us more flexibility in how we address social distancing and other accommodations. An asterisk next to bullet points from the governor’s Phase Two components below indicates that our school board has exercised their local decision-making authority with regard to that specific point.

CLEANING AND SANITATION

• Frequent disinfecting of door handles, desks, and other common spaces.

• Require handwashing in regular intervals.

• Keep libraries, gyms, and playgrounds off limits unless they can be sanitized between groups.*

• Provide hand sanitizer.

*We will continue using these facilities with sanitization taking place daily. at intervals including before and after school.  Handwashing will be required of all students prior to lunch and after any recess periods as well as at times where students come into contact with frequently touched objects such as in the gym, library, or playground.

SICK POLICIES

• Implement temperature checks and/or symptom screening when practical. *

• Require anyone (students or staff) with COVID-19 symptoms to stay home.

*All students, staff members, volunteers, or visitors will have their temperature checked upon entry into the school buildings.

LIMIT CLASS SIZES

• Consider breaking larger classes into smaller groups.

• Students may alternate school days or attend for half days.*

*We will operate a normal schedule except that recess and library groups will be staggered

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE

• Consider use of face coverings by all staff and students*

• Keep students with the same group and in the same classroom, with teachers rotating when practical.

• Consider students eating lunch in the classroom to help limit mixing of students.**

• Cancel extracurricular activities.

• Prevent any non-school staff, including parents, from entering school buildings.***

• Consider reducing bus loads to allow for one student per seat. Locally, face coverings will be required of anyone riding on a school bus.

*At the time of the first publication of this plan, the governor’s directive requiring the wearing of face coverings did not apply to schools; however, on August 12^th, the governor included all public and private schools in his mandate to wear face coverings while indoors.

**Lunch will be served in the gym with the tables spaced apart and seating arrangements controlled. There will be no salad bar.

***This does not apply to parents/guardians, or volunteers. Other visitors will be required to wear face coverings and be subject to a temperature check.

ACCOMMODATIONS for students, teachers, and staff in an at-risk group:

• Schools that reopen will need to take into consideration that some teachers and staff will fall into the at-risk category because of their age or other health risks. These individuals should have additional accommodations including: teaching classes remotely, utilizing a larger classroom where social distancing can be maintained, or given an option not to return until the risks are reduced.

• Students who are high risk or who have family members who are high risk should not be penalized for failing to attend and should continue to receive remote support.

• Accommodations should also be extended to students and staff who are required to quarantine due to exposure or potential exposure.

CONFIRMED or SUSPECTED case of COVID-19

• Collaborate with public health to ensure each school has a plan for reporting, contact tracing and both short-term or extended closures in the case of a positive COVID case related to the school or community.

• Utilize CDC guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-schools.html

Potomac School implementation steps and requirements:

1. All students, staff members, and visitors will be screened for temperature upon entering the building at the start of the day. Students showing a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (confirmed by a second reading) will be isolated in a temporary holding area, and their parents will be asked to come and take the child home.

Note: The temporary holding area will be the room adjacent to the main office except on those days when our special need student who needs access to a changing room is present.  On those days, the teacher workroom area will be used as a temporary holding area for students with temperature readings above 100.4 degrees.

2. Parents will be asked to complete a Daily Health Assessment (guide provided) before sending their child to school each day.  They are asked to also send a mask to school with their students to be worn at all times when inside school facilities.

Note: On August 12^th, the governor expanded his original mandate requiring the wearing of face coverings to include all public and private schools in counties with more than 4 active Covid-19 cases. All students, staff members, volunteers, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings while inside our school facilities.

3. Wearing face coverings in the classroom is required for both students and staff members. When inside school facilities, all adults and children 5 years old or older will be required to wear face coverings unless they have a medical condition that prohibits wearing a mask.
4. Parents will be asked to send their own water bottle to school for their children’s use. The drinking fountain spigots will be covered and not be used.  The bottle fillers will be available for use.
5. The movement of students in the staircases will be restricted directionally-- Up Only and Down Only staircases.  The exterior door to the basement will be for Exit Only.
6. Morning recesses will be scheduled to allow only one classroom group in a designated area of the playground at a time.
7. Students will wash their hands immediately prior to and immediately after recesses.
8. PE classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible.  PE equipment will be cleaned/sanitized before the next use.
9. Library sessions will be restricted to one class at a time.
10. Inter-school competitive flag football and volleyball will not be offered this fall. Conditioning or skill development clinics may be offered with some restrictions in relation to social distancing and physical contact. 
11. School events and other gathering involving more than 50 people will be scheduled only when such gatherings follow the restrictions imposed by our government agencies-- governor's office or the health department.
12. Student seating during lunch periods will be controlled to allow for social distancing-- Tables will be separated and the number of students per table will be limited.
13. Hand washing prior to lunch will be required of all students.
14. Hand sanitizer will be available for use in all classrooms.  Use of hand sanitizers by students in grades preK through third grade will be done under adult supervision only.
15. The number of students permitted in the restroom will be limited to no more than three students at a time.

Note: This plan may be modified at any time based on directives from the state or county government. These directives are from the health department and the school district must comply with them. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

MISSOULA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES IN THE EVENT OF EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS

Note: The following are directives from the health department to which the school district must comply. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

Schools with a Staff/Student with COVID-19: What to Expect/Who Can Attend?

What will happen when a student/staff tests positive for Covid-19?

·       The MCCHD is notified of all positive Covid-19 test results for residents living in Missoula County. MCCHD staff will then contact the positive individual/family and start an investigation.

·       The positive individual will be asked to Isolate at home and not be allowed to come to school or activities until the end of their Isolation period (to be determined by public health).

Does the School need to Close?

·       Not necessarily. If the school is able to remove everyone from the areas that need to be cleaned, the school may clean those impacted areas without closing.

·       Some students and staff with potential exposure may be asked to temporarily not attend while the school works with MCCHD to determine who had close contact with the person with a positive Covid-19 test.

Who will be notified that they were exposed?

·       All Close Contacts-People who were within 6 feet of the person who tested positive for 15 minutes or more. MCCHD will work with the school to notify these individuals/their families.  People who do not receive a phone call from MCCHD have not been identified as a close contact.

·       Above information is gathered by MCCHD staff during their investigation.  MCCHD will work with school staff to get information needed-names and phones numbers of close contacts.

Who cannot come to the school after someone tests positive for Covid-19?

·       Students and staff who had close contact with the person who tested positive will need to stay home(quarantine) until 14 days after their last contact with the person who tested positive. This may be a different time for people depending on when they attended or last worked with the positive person.

·       A close contact cannot come back early if they have a negative test during the 14 days-they could still be incubating the virus.

When can someone who had a positive test return?

·       People with a positive test can return when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever reducing medication, and it has been at least 10 days since their symptoms started. This may be shorter than the time a close contact needs to stay at home.

·       People with a positive test do not need a negative test to return.

Can siblings/parents of someone who tested positive come to school?

·       No, siblings and parents would have close contact if living in the same home and must stay home until they meet MCCHD criteria for returning (the exact timeline will vary by individual).

Can siblings/parents of a close contact come to school?

·       Yes, they were not exposed to someone with Covid-19 so they can still come.

Revisions to Original Return-to-School Plan- Presented to the Board for approval on December 14, 2020 and revised through board action on September 27, 2021. Additional revisions made February 14, 2022.

• As we approach the potential for an ever-increasing number of Covid cases in and around our community, we are having to prepare for the potential that face-to-face instruction in schools may not continue to be possible. In anticipation of this possibility and to address some concern issues we are having with students who are not present for face-to-face instruction, we have made some revisions to our Opt-Out Option. Currently we have a few families who are asking for their students to be served through online instruction even though their students have not been required to be quarantined by the health department nor do they have family members at home who are at risk.  The Opt-Out Option was put in place in response to our recent 1900 policies that were adopted by the board to address the emergency resulting from Covid. Once the Opt-Out Option has been selected by a family and approved by the principal, the student will continue online instruction until the end of the quarter.  All Opt-Out requests will need to be resubmitted for approval each quarter. If the reasons for the Opt-Out request must be related to the impact of Covid on the student or his or her family.  If a student failed to complete his or her assignments during a prior Opt-Out period, the request for a renewal of the Opt-Out Option will be denied unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the principal. If a student is absent from school due to normal childhood illness, that student should follow our regular procedures for completing his or her assignments while absent rather than attempting to participate through our online protocols involving extra planning and effort on the part of our teachers.
• Policy 1905 that gave us the authority to grant credit to students for online learning requires that we are able to assess the students’ learning and document their progress. Students who do not complete and submit their online assignments by the deadlines established by their teacher will receive an “Incomplete” for those assignments and assessments. Students who fail to consistently complete assignments and/or assessments may lose the option to Opt Out of face-to-face learning. The principal will consider extenuating circumstances before removing Opt Out option.
• As the number of Covid cases increases, we will shift to full online instruction even if the health department does not mandate school closures if we reach a target threshold in terms of students or teachers who are not able to attend school for face-to-face instruction.  For example if we have a third or 33% percent of our enrolled students (or 26 students) who are being quarantined, that would average three students per grade level, so in our combined grade level classes that would be six students who would be streaming instruction.  At that point, it would not be practical for our teachers to try to instruct both students in his or her classroom at online.  Likewise if When we have more than two of our teachers out for quarantine, we would not be able to secure enough substitute teachers to cover their in-class instruction; therefore, the administration is recommending that our trigger points for going to all online instruction schoolwide would be 50% 33% of the students (twenty-six) out for Covid-related absences or no more than two of our teachers out. Any individual cohort group-- (preK, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second/Third Grades combined, Fourth/Fifth Grades combined, Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade combined) will be placed into online instruction if 50% of the students in that cohort group are out of school for Covid-related absences.
• Once we go into the online instructional mode, we will remain in that mode for two weeks seven five (5) calendar days—returning the Monday after the seven-day five-day period. and then The administration will reassess where we stand relative to the two trigger points- having 50% of the students out or more than two certified teachers out to determine whether or not to return to face-to-face instruction. Note: The “50% of the students out” metric will be used by the administration to determine both when a cohort group of students or the entire school needs to shift into online instruction.

First Grade Class Goes Virtual

CORRECTION ON RETURN DATE

STUDENTS CAN RETURN ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST

EXPLANATION FOR MISCALCULATION OF DAYS

When started counting the days of online instruction with Wednesday, January 26th. So technically seven days out starting with the first day of online instruction would have taken us to February 2nd; however, the students have been away from the classroom for seven calendar days as of today, so they can return tomorrow, Tuesday, February 1st.

Sorry about any confusion this might have caused. Thank you to one of our parents for pointing out the error in our count.

A first grade student tested positive for COVID, so according to our Return-to-School Plan approved by our school board, the first grade class will shift to virtual (online from home) learning starting on Wednesday, January 26th.  The Return-to-School Plan states that if more than 50% of the students in any one classroom are not present at school due to quarantining or other absences, then that class will shift to virtual instruction for a period of seven calendar days.  As a result, the first graders can return to face-to-face instruction on Wednesday, February 2nd.  The teacher will be communicating with the parents of the first graders that they can pick up the necessary resources (computers, books, etc.) at school at the end of the school day-- Tuesday, January 25th.

Federal Non-Discrimination Statement

Nondiscrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

As required by ESSER Federal Compliance requirements, we have reviewed and revised our Safe Return and Continuity of Services Plan (locally called- Return-to-School Plan).  The administration sought input from stakeholders including representatives from the staff, the school board, and the community.  Our school board approved the revisions at a special board meeting on September 27, 2021.  The full text of the Plan is shown below.

Potomac School District Return-to-School Plan

(aka Safe Return and Continuity of Services Plan)

2020-21

(Revised December 14, 2020)

(2^nd Revision- May 13, 2021)

(3^rd Revision- September 27,2021)

The Potomac School District #11 will begin the first day of instruction for the 2020-21 school year on August 26^th. The Potomac School District Board of Trustees and staff members recognize that these are unusual times as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Because the health and safety of our students and staff members are of primary importance, some policies and procedures will be in place until such time as the COVID-19 emergency no longer exists. The school board approved the 1900 Series – COVID-19 Emergency Policies in June. This Return-to-School Plan is based on those policies, and the procedures and practices outlined in this plan will be followed until the school board determines that the emergency measures are no longer needed.

While the desire of the school board and the staff members is to provide a learning environment that is as close to “normal” for our students as is feasible, we are required to follow the directives and mandates of the governor and our county health department.  The steps outlined in this plan are subject to revision at any point should the directives from either of these two entities change. Any references in this plan to “Phases” are based on the phased reopening included in the directives from the governor. At the time of the origination of this plan, schools in Montana were in Phase Two of the governor’s reopening plan, and the steps outlined are based on remaining in that phase.  Should the governor choose to move the state forward to Phase Three or return to Phase One, the plan will be modified accordingly.

GOVERNOR BULLOCK’S PHASE TWO REOPENING PLAN WITH NOTED LOCAL MODIFICATIONS

Below are the specific requirements that impact schools under the current Phase Two of the governor’s plan. In the process of adopting the 1900 series of board policies, our school board chose to modify some portions of these policies based on the fact that our school enrollment is relatively small. This allows us more flexibility in how we address social distancing and other accommodations. An asterisk next to bullet points from the governor’s Phase Two components below indicates that our school board has exercised their local decision-making authority with regard to that specific point.

CLEANING AND SANITATION

• Frequent disinfecting of door handles, desks, and other common spaces.

• Require hand washing in regular intervals.

• Keep libraries, gyms, and playgrounds off limits unless they can be sanitized between groups.*

• Provide hand sanitizer.

*We will continue using these facilities with sanitization taking place daily. at intervals including before and after school.  Hand washing will be required of all students prior to lunch and after any recess periods as well as at times where students come into contact with frequently touched objects such as in the gym, library, or playground.

SICK POLICIES

• Implement temperature checks and/or symptom screening when practical. *

• Require anyone (students or staff) with COVID-19 symptoms to stay home.

*All students, staff members, volunteers, or visitors will have their temperature checked upon entry into the school buildings.

LIMIT CLASS SIZES

• Consider breaking larger classes into smaller groups.

• Students may alternate school days or attend for half days.*

*We will operate a normal schedule except that recess and library groups will be staggered

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE

• Consider use of face coverings by all staff and students*

• Keep students with the same group and in the same classroom, with teachers rotating when practical.

• Consider students eating lunch in the classroom to help limit mixing of students.**

• Cancel extracurricular activities.

• Prevent any non-school staff, including parents, from entering school buildings.***

• Consider reducing bus loads to allow for one student per seat. Locally, face coverings will be required of anyone riding on a school bus.

*At the time of the first publication of this plan, the governor’s directive requiring the wearing of face coverings did not apply to schools; however, on August 12^th, the governor included all public and private schools in his mandate to wear face coverings while indoors.

**Lunch will be served in the gym with the tables spaced apart and seating arrangements controlled. There will be no salad bar.

***This does not apply to parents/guardians, or volunteers. Other visitors will be required to wear face coverings and be subject to a temperature check.

ACCOMMODATIONS for students, teachers, and staff in an at-risk group:

• Schools that reopen will need to take into consideration that some teachers and staff will fall into the at-risk category because of their age or other health risks. These individuals should have additional accommodations including: teaching classes remotely, utilizing a larger classroom where social distancing can be maintained, or given an option not to return until the risks are reduced.

• Students who are high risk or who have family members who are high risk should not be penalized for failing to attend and should continue to receive remote support.

• Accommodations should also be extended to students and staff who are required to quarantine due to exposure or potential exposure.

CONFIRMED or SUSPECTED case of COVID-19

• Collaborate with public health to ensure each school has a plan for reporting, contact tracing and both short-term or extended closures in the case of a positive COVID case related to the school or community.

• Utilize CDC guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-schools.html

Potomac School implementation steps and requirements:

1. All students, staff members, and visitors will be screened for temperature upon entering the building at the start of the day. Students showing a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher (confirmed by a second reading) will be isolated in a temporary holding area, and their parents will be asked to come and take the child home.

Note: The temporary holding area will be the room adjacent to the main office except on those days when our special need student who needs access to a changing room is present.  On those days, the teacher workroom area will be used as a temporary holding area for students with temperature readings above 100.4 degrees.

2. Parents will be asked to complete a Daily Health Assessment (guide provided) before sending their child to school each day.  They are asked to also send a mask to school with their students to be worn at all times when inside school facilities.

Note: On August 12^th, the governor expanded his original mandate requiring the wearing of face coverings to include all public and private schools in counties with more than 4 active Covid-19 cases. All students, staff members, volunteers, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings while inside our school facilities.

3. Wearing face coverings in the classroom is required for both students and staff members. When inside school facilities, all adults and children 5 years old or older will be required to wear face coverings unless they have a medical condition that prohibits wearing a mask.
4. Parents will be asked to send their own water bottle to school for their children’s use. The drinking fountain spigots will be covered and not be used.  The bottle fillers will be available for use.
5. The movement of students in the staircases will be restricted directionally-- Up Only and Down Only staircases.  The exterior door to the basement will be for Exit Only.
6. Morning recesses will be scheduled to allow only one classroom group in a designated area of the playground at a time.
7. Students will wash their hands immediately prior to and immediately after recesses.
8. PE classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible.  PE equipment will be cleaned/sanitized before the next use.
9. Library sessions will be restricted to one class at a time.
10. Inter-school competitive flag football and volleyball will not be offered this fall. Conditioning or skill development clinics may be offered with some restrictions in relation to social distancing and physical contact. 
11. School events and other gathering involving more than 50 people will be scheduled only when such gatherings follow the restrictions imposed by our government agencies-- governor's office or the health department.
12. Student seating during lunch periods will be controlled to allow for social distancing-- Tables will be separated and the number of students per table will be limited.
13. Hand washing prior to lunch will be required of all students.
14. Hand sanitizer will be available for use in all classrooms.  Use of hand sanitizers by students in grades preK through third grade will be done under adult supervision only.
15. The number of students permitted in the restroom will be limited to no more than three students at a time.

Note: This plan may be modified at any time based on directives from the state or county government. These directives are from the health department and the school district must comply with them. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

MISSOULA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTIVES IN THE EVENT OF EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS

Note: The following are directives from the health department to which the school district must comply. If you have questions regarding these requirements or their interpretation, please contact the Missoula City-County Health Department.

Schools with a Staff/Student with COVID-19: What to Expect/Who Can Attend?

What will happen when a student/staff tests positive for Covid-19?

·       The MCCHD is notified of all positive Covid-19 test results for residents living in Missoula County. MCCHD staff will then contact the positive individual/family and start an investigation.

·       The positive individual will be asked to Isolate at home and not be allowed to come to school or activities until the end of their Isolation period (to be determined by public health).

Does the School need to Close?

·       Not necessarily. If the school is able to remove everyone from the areas that need to be cleaned, the school may clean those impacted areas without closing.

·       Some students and staff with potential exposure may be asked to temporarily not attend while the school works with MCCHD to determine who had close contact with the person with a positive Covid-19 test.

Who will be notified that they were exposed?

·       All Close Contacts-People who were within 6 feet of the person who tested positive for 15 minutes or more. MCCHD will work with the school to notify these individuals/their families.  People who do not receive a phone call from MCCHD have not been identified as a close contact.

·       Above information is gathered by MCCHD staff during their investigation.  MCCHD will work with school staff to get information needed-names and phones numbers of close contacts.

Who cannot come to the school after someone tests positive for Covid-19?

·       Students and staff who had close contact with the person who tested positive will need to stay home(quarantine) until 14 days after their last contact with the person who tested positive. This may be a different time for people depending on when they attended or last worked with the positive person.

·       A close contact cannot come back early if they have a negative test during the 14 days-they could still be incubating the virus.

When can someone who had a positive test return?

·       People with a positive test can return when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever reducing medication, and it has been at least 10 days since their symptoms started. This may be shorter than the time a close contact needs to stay at home.

·       People with a positive test do not need a negative test to return.

Can siblings/parents of someone who tested positive come to school?

·       No, siblings and parents would have close contact if living in the same home and must stay home until they meet MCCHD criteria for returning (the exact timeline will vary by individual).

Can siblings/parents of a close contact come to school?

·       Yes, they were not exposed to someone with Covid-19 so they can still come.

Revisions to Original Return-to-School Plan- Presented to the Board for approval on December 14, 2020 and revised through board action on September 27, 2021.

• As we approach the potential for an ever-increasing number of Covid cases in and around our community, we are having to prepare for the potential that face-to-face instruction in schools may not continue to be possible. In anticipation of this possibility and to address some concern issues we are having with students who are not present for face-to-face instruction, we have made some revisions to our Opt-Out Option. Currently we have a few families who are asking for their students to be served through online instruction even though their students have not been required to be quarantined by the health department nor do they have family members at home who are at risk.  The Opt-Out Option was put in place in response to our recent 1900 policies that were adopted by the board to address the emergency resulting from Covid. Once the Opt-Out Option has been selected by a family and approved by the principal, the student will continue online instruction until the end of the quarter.  All Opt-Out requests will need to be resubmitted for approval each quarter. If the reasons for the Opt-Out request must be related to the impact of Covid on the student or his or her family.  If a student failed to complete his or her assignments during a prior Opt-Out period, the request for a renewal of the Opt-Out Option will be denied unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the principal. If a student is absent from school due to normal childhood illness, that student should follow our regular procedures for completing his or her assignments while absent rather than attempting to participate through our online protocols involving extra planning and effort on the part of our teachers.
• Policy 1905 that gave us the authority to grant credit to students for online learning requires that we are able to assess the students’ learning and document their progress. Students who do not complete and submit their online assignments by the deadlines established by their teacher will receive an “Incomplete” for those assignments and assessments. Students who fail to consistently complete assignments and/or assessments may lose the option to Opt Out of face-to-face learning. The principal will consider extenuating circumstances before removing Opt Out option.
• As the number of Covid cases increases, we will shift to full online instruction even if the health department does not mandate school closures if we reach a target threshold in terms of students or teachers who are not able to attend school for face-to-face instruction.  For example if we have a third or 33% percent of our enrolled students (or 26 students) who are being quarantined, that would average three students per grade level, so in our combined grade level classes that would be six students who would be streaming instruction.  At that point, it would not be practical for our teachers to try to instruct both students in his or her classroom at online.  Likewise if When we have more than two of our teachers out for quarantine, we would not be able to secure enough substitute teachers to cover their in-class instruction; therefore, the administration is recommending that our trigger points for going to all online instruction schoolwide would be 50% 33% of the students (twenty-six) out for Covid-related absences or no more than two of our teachers out. Any individual cohort group-- (preK, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second/Third Grades combined, Fourth/Fifth Grades combined, Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade combined) will be placed into online instruction if 50% of the students in that cohort group are out of school for Covid-related absences.
• Once we go into the online instructional mode, we will remain in that mode for two weeks seven calendar days—returning the Monday after the seven-day period. and then The administration will reassess where we stand relative to the two trigger points- having 50% of the students out or more than two certified teachers out to determine whether or not to return to face-to-face instruction. Note: The “50% of the students out” metric will be used by the administration to determine both when a cohort group of students or the entire school needs to shift into online instruction.

"The Potomac School Board is committed to working together to listen openly to the students, parents, teachers, staff, and community; set policies that guide effective decision making and create a safe environment; adopt budgets that support the school’s goals and curriculum; support high-quality learning experiences based on a broad and balanced curriculum; and empower collaborative teaching/learning through the recruitment and retention of quality staff members at all organizational levels."

Approved: November 8, 2021