TESTING/VACCINE

Question

Response

What is pooled testing?

Pooled testing involves mixing several test samples together in a "batch" or "pool" and then testing the pooled sample with a PCR test for detection of COVID-19. 

Can schools test students without parental consent?

No.

Why is the testing only for staff who are in the building 3 days a week? There are a lot of staff who will be back on 1/27 for SPED testing, but will only be at school 1 day a week.

Starting 1/25, PCR Testing will be available to ALL staff.

When and where will testing be available for staff?

A schedule will be provided to enable staff to get tested weekly.

What's the plan for handling false PCR positives?

We are not able to provide an alternative plan for handling false PCR positives.

Is the free, voluntary PCR testing for in-person staff conducted via drive-through or is the testing done in the building?

Testing is done in buildings. Drive through is available for staff who are asked by the District to quarantine due to a school-based exposure.

If you have tested positive with COVID-19 over the last few months, do you need to get tested? If so, when is it recommended?

Surveillance testing (like we are doing at school) is not recommended for 90 days after previously having COVID-19 because you can continue to test positive to intermittent viral shedding which does not make you contagious. However, if you have COVID symptoms, CDC and DPH recommend getting retested after 6 weeks.

Is student testing voluntary?

Yes, there will be a consent form for student testing. More details will be forthcoming once we learn more from the DESE.

Have the pools been decided on at the schools yet?  

Not yet. Groups will be clustered by grade, cohort and proximity. For example, one 3rd grade class may be a pool, or one 3rd grade class with adjoining classrooms may be pooled together.

What is the process if there is a positive result after the pooled testing?

If a pooled test result is negative, then all individuals within that pool are presumed negative and may remain in school. If a pooled test result is positive, then all individuals in the pool must be retested individually.

Are these tests rapid? If not, how long do the results take to come in?

Turn around time for testing is generally no more than 24 hours.

If someone tests positive, how far back does the contact tracing go?

Following CDC and DPH guidelines, contact tracing is done from 2 days before the first symptom or the positive test (whichever comes first).

If a staff member tests positive, whom do they contact?

Staff who test positive should contact their supervisor asap.

Pooled testing seems like an extra step, why not test each individual?

Pooling samples involves mixing several samples together in a "batch" or pooled sample, then testing the pooled sample with a diagnostic test. This approach increases the number of individuals that can be tested using the same amount of resources. 

What is the schedule for the testing? What if I am teaching during that time?

A testing schedule will be provided to staff as our COVID Team finalizes the expansion of the currently scheduled weekly PCR testing. Building administrators will work with staff to make necessary accommodations for staff to be tested. Once registered, the process only takes minutes to complete.

Will the student athletes be required to test?

Yes.

It says that pooled testing will be used for K-12. Why will BLOCKS staff and students not be included if this is approved?

Students will be included in pooled testing and staff will continue to be tested individually.

Is there any indication when the vaccine will be available for staff?

According to the Commonwealth, in February-March 2021.

Is it mandatory for staff to receive the vaccine?

No, but it is strongly recommended.

How do you define close contact?

Close contact is defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

STAFF RETURN/LOGISTICS

Question

Response

Please confirm the dates of staff return.

February 1, 2021.

Do staff who are part of phase 3 & 4 have to remain in the building after the asynchronous days? Specifically 2/3-2/9?

Yes, all staff are expected to return on February 1, 2021 and continue working from their classrooms or offices for the remainder of the school year unless other accommodations have been made through Human Resources.

Are staff still expected to return if our numbers are not trending downwards?

Yes. Unless a pivot to remote is necessary and directed, the significant PPE, physical plant modifications to ensure appropriate social distancing, weekly PCR testing and soon a vaccine for staff are all risk-mitigation efforts that prove more reliable than community metrics alone.

Please clarify the definition of a downward trend?

Less daily positive COVID cases and a lower percentage of positivity week-over-week

Will the FHS daycare be opening on 2/1 or 2/3? What about other childcare options?

The District is generously offering childcare to align with the first day that staff are expected to return, in-person, on February 1, 2021. Starting February 1, 2021, FPS will be providing an offsite full-day childcare program for teachers managed by the Office of Community Resource Development (CRD). The program will operate at the Plymouth Church in Framingham between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm.  This program is available for Elementary school-age students and aims to support students during their remote learning. The rate is $285 per week, and financial assistance is available. All staff that completed the HR Childcare Survey will be prioritized; any additional requests will be reviewed upon availability. Official registration for this will launch Monday, January 25th.

Contact Person: Kelley Ratcliffe, Manager of Elementary Out of School Time Programs

Kratcliffe@framingham.k12.ma.us

Will high school hours shift on 2/1?

No. Per the MOA between the Framingham Teachers Association (FTA) and the Framingham School Committee, the start time changes upon the return of Phase III students as provided below:

For the High School, the Addendum in the Unit A CBA shall be waived for the COVID-19 period for the 2020-2021 school year to allow the FHS schedule to change to allow for a modified schedule with a later start time. This schedule will be piloted for that period of time beginning on September 16, 2020 and continuing until the District is able to bring high needs students into schools for in-person learning (Phase 3), currently scheduled to begin October 26, 2020. During this pilot period, the student day shall begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m. The teacher workday shall begin at 8:50 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m. to allow for a 7 hour workday. Upon the return of high needs students (Phase 3, currently scheduled for October 26, 2020) the school start time will be 7:20 with other adjustments necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FHS Remote and Hybrid Schedules are included. 

Are there going to be available locations for staff to eat?

Staff can eat wherever they like when everyone returns provided they follow physical distancing and hygiene rules. With that said, eating creates a higher risk situation because masks are off, so staff should avoid doing so together when possible. If you are eating with others, as noted, maintain physical distancing, follow hygiene procedures, and try to face the same direction rather towards one another.

Will 2/1 and 2/2 be asynchronous days of teaching and learning?

Yes. Teachers should plan independent, asynchronous lessons for their students to complete on these days so staff are able to prepare for the in-person return of students.  

What will happen to the current late start at Framingham High School when students begin in-person or hybrid learning?

Per the MOA between the Framingham Teachers Association (FTA) and the Framingham School Committee, the start time changes upon the return of Phase III students as provided below:

For the High School, the Addendum in the Unit A CBA shall be waived for the COVID-19 period for the 2020-2021 school year to allow the FHS schedule to change to allow for a modified schedule with a later start time. This schedule will be piloted for that period of time beginning on September 16, 2020 and continuing until the District is able to bring high needs students into schools for in-person learning (Phase 3), currently scheduled to begin October 26, 2020. During this pilot period, the student day shall begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m. The teacher workday shall begin at 8:50 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m. to allow for a 7 hour workday. Upon the return of high needs students (Phase 3, currently scheduled for October 26, 2020) the school start time will be 7:20 with other adjustments necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The FHS Remote and Hybrid Schedules are included. 

For those who are granted permission to continue remote teaching, will they be instructing only those students who also continue to be remote (as in a remote academy model) or will they be delivering instruction from home to students at school and at home? And how will this work?

Our goal is to maintain established relationships between staff and students. Ideally, staff would continue to work with their students, whether in-person or remotely or a combination of the two (concurrent classroom model). However, where necessary due to staffing shortages, adjustments may be made.

STUDENTS

Question

Response

What is the rationale for the Phase I and II students coming back 1 week prior to Phase 3 & 4 students? Why not have all students come back together?

Staggering the return of staff and students in multiple phases ensures a safer adjustment period so that everyone can become acclimated to physical plant changes and movement through the building. It also allows for technology staff to manage any bandwidth challenges that will accompany the start of remote teaching from classrooms and offices. It is also important that the community learn to adjust to significant changes in traffic patterns with the addition of more than 70 school buses that have not been on the road since last spring.

Many other districts have done a staggered return of students by age/grade level, has Framingham considered this?

We have determined our phasing in Framingham based on highest and high needs students and based on family commitment to sustained remote learning or an interest in returning to school for hybrid learning.

Will students be required to complete the health attestation app on a daily basis? What happens if they do not complete the survey?

Yes. We are asking staff and students to complete the health attestation app as an added risk mitigation measure. This is not intended to be punitive.

Where will students be eating lunch?

Lunch is organized at the school level. Principals will communicate this plan to their staff.

METRICS/RISK MITIGATION

Question

Response

Are there new/different metrics we will be following for the return since the 4% and 10 new cases were put in place before these new mitigation efforts?

While there have not been changes to the target metrics, testing has proven to be a key factor to getting staff and students back to school in communities like Framingham where percentages of positivity and daily new COVID cases are higher than recommended community targets. 

How do we ensure that students/staff stay home when they have symptoms?

The attestation app is intended to be a daily reminder of symptoms which may warrant staff or students to stay home from school. Like many of the COVID risk mitigation efforts, individual responsibility is critical.

Is it possible to have “percent of students tested” as a metric for return to school?

Staff and student testing results will be tracked and reported. Testing of staff and students will prove to be a more reliable benchmark and decision-making tool than linking only to the city metrics.

What is the protocol for students that refuse to wear a mask in the school building?

Face coverings are a proven risk-mitigation strategy and are expected for all staff and students unless there are special circumstances which would warrant otherwise. Those instances would be rare and remote learning may be the preferred alternative depending on individual situations. Building administrators and the District COVID Team will address those matters when and if they should arise.

What is the metric for shutting things down again when the regular testing comes back with positive results?

PCR and pooled test results will be the determining factor as to if and when there is a necessary pivot from hybrid to full remote teaching and learning (classroom quarantine) or closure of any kind. An executive order from the Governor could also result in a school closure. 

HUMAN RESOURCES

Question

Response

If I am feeling sick, can I teach my classes virtually that particular day?

If you can't come in to teach in person once the students return hybrid, then you should log a sick day. If you are not in with your class, you are out sick. If there is an opportunity for us to allow teachers to telework while a Classroom Supervisor covers the class, we will make every attempt to do so. However, staffing is a challenge and will continue to be a challenge.

Will staff that tests positive have the option to continue working remotely while it isn’t safe for them to come in-person?

That largely depends on our ability to obtain coverage, either internally or by using an available Classroom Supervisor. We certainly believe that it is best for students to continue receiving instruction from their teachers, but we must also recognize that staffing challenges will occur.

What is the protocol if you have to travel out of state to bring a child to college? MA requires quarantining or a negative covid test.  Do you have to use sick time until you receive test results? or can you work from home?

You will need to use accrued sick time until you receive your negative test results and present them to the District.  Where possible, we will try to allow staff to telework. We approve the requests based on: job duties, work availability, and programmatic needs. This arrangement, even if approved,  is not a guarantee and can be terminated at any time based on the needs of the school as determined by the administrator. 

It would be very helpful to clarify the process of applying for leaves, FMLA, and use of sick time.

To apply for a leave of absence, go to Talent Ed -- Available Forms -- Request for Leave.  To apply for FMLA, got to Talent Ed -- Available Forms -- FMLA Leave Request. To learn more about FMLA, eligibility, and the use of accrued sick time, visit the MyHr page.

Will teachers be granted permission to continue to teach remotely based on health factors and if so, what is the criteria for such permission to be granted? 

It depends. The interactive process under the ADA is highly individualized under the law. Our ability to grant the accommodation depends on the availability of Classroom Supervisors and the principal's determination whether a Classroom Supervisor would be a viable option in the specific class. All of these factors are taken into consideration.

If you feel sick one day and stay home, do you need to have a Covid test before you come back?

A member of the COVID Team will reach out to you and discuss your symptoms, but there is a good likelihood that you will. 

If staff choose to participate in the pool testing, will they have to use their own sick time if they have to quarantine? 

If the pool comes out positive, the entire pool will need to quarantine, so the class can function remotely as a whole. In the secondary level, that is not necessarily possible, so if coverage can be provided for the teacher to provide remote instruction, that will be what we try to do. 

Could you explain some of the new roles being established in the District? I.e. Classroom Supervisors.

A Classroom Supervisor provides proctoring and supervision of students when an educator teleworks and provides virtual instruction to in-person students.

Some families may miss calls from the contract tracers due to an unfamiliar number.  Do they leave messages and/or call back again?

Yes, we do leave messages for families and try to call back. 

Will those hired as "Classroom Supervisors" be used only to cover staff who are out on quarantine?

Classroom Supervisors are being hired to be an in-person presence in the classroom to enable staff to telework when facing underlying health conditions under the ADA. Even so, we are struggling to find enough Classroom Supervisors to accommodate all ADA requests.  In case staff need to be quarantined, and where possible due to staffing availability/needs, the Classroom Supervisors can certainly be deployed to assist whenever teachers are out.

Is the COVID Team an authority-making body? 

No. The District COVID Team makes recommendations to administrators regarding COVID-related matters. 

QUESTION

RESPONSE

What is being considered for childcare options for parents who cannot work from home? 

The department of Community Resource Development (CRD) is planning to provide full day programming during the period when school is remote. In a hybrid model, CRD is coordinating with community partners to provide full day programming for students on their off weeks.  

How will emergency ALICE drills happen now that we have to socially distance?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: The physical safety of our students and staff is our first priority. In an emergency situation, our primary responsibility is to ensure everyone in the school is kept safe from any immediate danger. The emergency evacuation and lockdown plans for each school will be reviewed to identify if there are ways to allow for adequate physical distancing within the plans. However, in the event of an emergency, the risks of exposure to COVID-19 will be weighed against the imminent threat of physical harm to staff and students. 

If I already registered for transportation but I choose to drive my child until a vaccine is available, will my seat be saved?

We will be scheduling students based on the questionnaire that will be distributed the week of August 24th. If a student does not ride for 5 consecutive days, without good reason, the seat will be re-assigned to a student on the waiting list.

How will the district protect students on school buses with respect to social distance?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: Precautions will be taken while on the bus including physical distancing through assigned seating, requiring students to remain in their seat for the duration of the ride, required use of masks by the bus driver and all passengers, prescribed boarding and disembarking procedures, and explicit behavior expectations.

School buses will be disinfected twice per day (once after the AM route and again after the PM route). Cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be provided to drivers to enable them to spot-clean any surface as needed. If a driver or passenger on a bus has tested positive for the virus, the particular vehicle will be taken out of service for a minimum of 24 hours prior to disinfecting it and putting it back into service. To increase ventilation, windows will remain open whenever possible while buses are in use.  

What will transportation look like in the Remote Model? The Hybrid Model?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: Based on the cost and bus availability, this will significantly limit the number of students that we can reasonably and safely transport to school each day. We have carefully considered alternatives to increasing our transportation capacity including staggered start times to create multiple bus runs at the elementary level, acquiring additional buses, and shortening the school day. We have determined all of these options are not sustainable, are unrealistic and/or not educationally sound. To adhere to the guidelines, FPS will prioritize bus transportation for all eligible riders (students in Grades K-6 living more than two miles from their assigned school) who request a seat. For ineligible students (students in Grades K-6 living under two miles from their assigned school and all Grades 7-12 students) who request bus transportation and are provided transportation based on available space, FPS will offer a seat, for a fee to be determined. FPS is also designing a plan that will address special circumstances such as daycare drop-offs, multiple residences, and hardship waivers.

Why are you using building and grounds employees rather than hvac professionals, who have expertise in this area, to assess air filtration and circulation in buildings?

We do have qualified B&G staff for maintenance and planning for HVAC upgrades in the District. We review and oversee design and specifications for equipment. We also contract with HVAC design and consulting engineering firms and review our processes and procedures on many projects and on a regular basis.

We also consult with the local Board of Health and certified industrial hygienists firms when evaluating IAQ at school buildings. 

What are the expectations of child care centers for school age children in regards to supporting remote learning?

Framingham Public Schools intends to provide professional development open to community partners on strategies to support remote learning for families and community partners.

Assuming FPS starts with a remote or hybrid model. Suburban/SMOC is interested in learning more in order to support the children enrolled in our school age programs. We would love to have discussions about how that will work. For example, if each grade (regardless of child's school) had to be on the computer at the same time this would make a huge difference with our capacity and staffing. Does every child have headphones, and a chrome book? We have opened our centers and would be happy to share how things have gone so far if this might be beneficial. We have had a good reopening thus far!

As FPS begins with a remote model we are committed to making sure each student has the materials necessary to fully access learning. Ensuring each student is equipped with a chromebook and a hotspot if needed is a priority. Additionally, students will receive learning bags with needed materials for the remote experience. 

What is being done to improve the water fountain system and ensure it’s safe for use?

The District performs water flushing at all school buildings daily and maintains a record of the flushing log at each location. Water quality is insured by sampling and testing annually by the City Water Department.

200 Water drinking fountains are being replaced and upgraded with water bottle filling stations throughout the District.

Is it possible to contact community partners to help with remote learning?

The district has been working with community partners to meet the increasing needs of families throughout this pandemic. In partnership with the Department of Public Health and the Mayor’s Office we coordinated a 3 tier food distribution model that provided 3 different levels of access to emergency food: 1) Through existing providers such as Daniel’s Table and the United Way and through the establishment of 4 school based food distribution sites. 2) Coordinated delivery through SMOC to emergency food locations including homeless shelters 3) The establishment of an emergency food insecurity line through the city. 

We have also worked extensively with our Faith Based Community to coordinate weekend food delivery to families in need. These efforts have taken place since the Spring and will continue throughout the COVID crisis. 

Through a collaboration with the Foundation of MetroWest we coordinated a COVID-19 Emergency Food Fund that led to over $100,000 in donations to support emergency food sites in Framingham. 

Through Wayside’s Family Resource Center we have been able to identify and refer families in need. Mass Hire has been a strong resource in referring families for support in career readiness and employment assistance. 

Currently we are working with DPH to examine the potential to develop community hubs with community partners to provide some level of childcare support for families in need. 

Will buildings be COVID19 compliant by August 31?

Yes. Our schools currently comply with code requirements and ASHRAE guidelines. Below are the guidelines and FPS commitments related to air movement in school buildings:

• ASHRAE recommends increasing air flow in buildings by opening dampers to 100% and increasing air volume to 100%. FPS is committed to comply and continue to increase airflow and increase run times of HVAC equipment.
• ASHRAE also recommends upgrading air filters from MERV 8 to MERV 13. FPS is committed to comply and install filters where possible.
• ASHRAE also recommends that we should consider adding portable room air cleaners that have HEPA or a high-MERV filtration that complies with air delivery rate, (AHAM 2015). FPS is committed to provide portable air purifiers for every classroom in the District.

What will happen to after-school activities, clubs, and teams?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: The District recognizes the significant need to provide programming for our students before and after school. Careful consideration and planning will take place to provide programming that we feel we are able to offer that ensures the health and safety of all students and staff. Areas that need to be addressed before any programming can be offered include staffing and supervision, transportation, attendance, and scheduling. All before and after school programming, at all levels, will follow the same social distancing and personal hygiene protocols that exist during the school day.

Can my child use their own chromebook vs. a school issued chromebook? (Updated 9/2/20)

QUESTION

RESPONSE

What happens if my child does not wear a mask because they are not comfortable?

Children ages PreK-12 will be required to wear masks during the school day except during mask breaks and recess when 6ft physical distancing can be maintained. Some children may find masks uncomfortable, but if they're heading back to school, it is important to help them get used to wearing them. It is also important to help them understand why all of us are wearing masks and to help them feel as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips for helping your child learn to be comfortable wearing a mask:

• Explain why it is important to wear a mask.
• Lead by example by modeling the wearing of a mask.
• Teach them how to take the mask on and off.
• Offer choices. If your child is having difficulty, find a safe place for them to take mask breaks.
• Decorate the mask to make it more fun.
• Practice wearing the mask at home.

Helping Your Child Wear a Mask

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: Students and staff will receive direct instruction on the correct way to properly use face coverings/masks. The school community will be reminded frequently of these routines and expectations; signage in multiple languages will be used to support and reinforce practices that help reduce the spread of COVID and other infectious diseases.

Time will be provided throughout the day for “mask breaks” when students do not have to wear them.. 

Schools are developing age appropriate responses to address situations in which students do not wear face coverings appropriately.

What will "attendance" requirements look like for the 100% virtual option you are going to offer parents?

Regardless of the learning model, students are expected to attend classes every day.  Teachers will take and report attendance in the Aspen student information system daily.

Hospitals are still reporting that they have shortages of PPE. How is the school (and student community) going to be able to secure effective PPE while competing with the healthcare system which we can argue should have priority? What action has the district taken given possible anticipated shortages in securing PPE for staff and for school participants in the event they can’t secure their own PPE?

The District has been able to obtain PPE through various vendors since the beginning of the virus; monitoring of the supply is and will continue to be ongoing.

Is the District considering outdoor education options?

Yes, it has been discussed but the District has to take into consideration the potential for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV).

How many students will be in the classroom?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: In order to address the physical  distancing and other safety measures necessary due to COVID-19, the school day will be adjusted for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students will be placed into cohorts.

At each level the number will be different.  Please review the FPS Back to School Plan for specifics on the school day.

Will students, teachers and staff be tested prior to reopening schools and how frequently?

Currently there are no plans to test students and staff prior to the reopening of schools. Also, at this point in time, in-school testing is not recommended by DESE. Families and staff should discuss testing with their health care provider. As the accuracy and availability of quick point-of care COVID testing increases, the district in collaboration with the Framingham Department of Public Health, may investigate the possibility of testing within the school community.  

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: The Framingham Public Schools has developed a Staff Plan for COVID-19 for Fall 2020 that outlines the rights and responsibilities of staff as it relates to maintaining the health and safety of our students and employees during this pandemic. All staff members are required to participate in a mandatory virtual training and sign off on a checklist to ensure all staff members understand the steps they must take to do their part in minimizing the spread of COVID-19.  Managers and supervisors must follow these same requirements and have additional responsibilities to monitor compliance with physical  distancing, cleaning, and hygiene protocols as well as communication in the event of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in their school.

The District’s Staff Plan for COVID-19 for Fall 2020 also addresses special considerations including individuals with a disability, vulnerable individuals, pregnant employees, lactating employees, mental illness and employee fears.  

What is the plan to help students with food insecurities, technology support, class supplies and social emotional support during the remote learning period?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: The District is committed to ensuring teachers and administrators regularly communicate with students’ parents and guardians, including providing interpretation and translation services to limited English proficient parents and guardians. 

Principals, Teachers, and Support Staff will have access to a variety of tools including Blackboard (mass notifications), Smore (newsletters), Remind (two-way communication app for parents and/or students) - all of which allow for ongoing communication to families and staff via push notifications, email, call, and/or text. Accessibility and message translation is a priority for all family communication. In addition to completing the outreach to families, teachers must log communication with families, for example, within the District’s Student Information System, to ease coordination, particularly in a virtual environment, with admin and support staff.

Is there a list of what is needed that has been identified by students and families?

The district has maintained a list of items that would be considered necessary for a robust remote learning experience and is in the process of creating a plan to disseminate these learning bags (in addition to necessary technology) to students.  The district is working through community partners to collect and distribute back to school materials. Food and toiletries continue to be distributed through community partners. Any resident or business looking to contribute to these efforts can contact Joseph Corazzini at jcorazzini@framingham.k12.ma.us or at 508-328-6798. 

How will classes without sinks assure hand washing is done several times a day?  Especially if/when lunch is eaten in classrooms?  

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: A plan will be developed in each school to promote good hygiene practices across the building. All students and staff are expected to practice frequent handwashing. Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is a simple but effective precaution that can prevent virus transmission. Hand sanitizer units will be provided by the district in classrooms, building entrances, and other common areas. Hand sanitizer should be used when handwashing with soap and water is not possible. Regular opportunities for students to wash hands or hand sanitizer will be incorporated into the school day.

The plan indicates that students with symptoms of COVID will go to the COVID room. However, minor symptoms mirror other common illnesses. How will you determine who is a COVID person and who should go to the nurses office? Will you separate everyone in case of a misclassification?

Every school has a full time professional school nurse on staff. School nurses will assess students and staff using a COVID algorithm for reviewing symptoms. The nurse will determine if and when a student/staff will be directed to the medical waiting room. 

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: FPS will establish and reinforce a culture of health, safety, and shared responsibility as we navigate the return to school, be it in-person, hybrid, or remote learning. At the heart of all planning are five important elements for which each of us owns responsibility:

• Wearing a face covering/mask
• Regular handwashing
• Practicing physical distancing
• Vigilance about monitoring COVID symptoms in students and staff
• Staying home when sick

A district level COVID Team co-chaired by the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and the Director of Health and Wellness (with representatives from each school) will be tasked with planning for, implementing and disseminating COVID-19 policies and protocols, overseeing training of protocols for students and staff, providing consultation to building and district leaders regarding specific COVID situations with students/staff, providing limited contact tracing to notify various individual//cohorts if they may have been exposed, and ensuring staff are aware of privacy policies regarding disclosure of COVID-19 status. The COVID-19 Response Team will be in regular communication with the Framingham Department of Public Health and will implement all DESE/DPH directives and ensure building-based compliance with COVID-related policies and protocols.

Prioritize staying home when sick

• Students and school staff are to stay home when not feeling well 
• Staff will provide a daily self-certification that they are free of symptoms per the Staff Plan for COVID-19 for Fall 2020
• A medical waiting room will be identified in each building where individuals who become ill during the day can isolate. 

In the event a student or staff member becomes ill or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, the school and District will take swift action following the protocols outlined in the Protocols for responding to COVID-19 scenarios in school, on the bus, or in community settings July 17, 2020. 

Will parents be able to see that the appropriate safety measures are being implemented prior to any staff or children coming back into the building?

All of this information is outlined in the FPS Back to School Plan - FPS Back to School Plan

Will out of district students be transported to school in school vans alone due to size and social distance issues.

Van Pool has created a reduced capacity limit on their vans per the state transportation guidance.  

QUESTION

RESPONSE

Question about kids who take a language. It was difficult trying to teach another language to my child. Will there be more support for this?

Learning an additional language, either in Dual Language or World Language programs can be challenging doing it remotely, but the District is committed to providing support for students and families to continue language learning at home. There are lots of resources on the Multilingual website in English, Spanish and Portuguese with online programs that students can access easily and without cost. Teachers have also been in contact with their students, summer programs in ESL, Spanish and Portuguese continued until August 14th. Many of our families participated in these free opportunities for their children. As we start the year, we will have a multilingual meeting on Sept. 10th for all families on incoming kindergartners in Dual Language Programs to provide information on enhancing language learning in the home. I hope that many of our families will participate. Information links will be sent prior to the meeting. 

Across the country, families are considering homeschooling in large numbers as an alternative. What message would you give to those Framingham families?

Homeschooled students are withdrawn from the Framingham Public Schools and the families become responsible for the curriculum and instruction of their children.  Remote learning, on the other hand, means that students remain enrolled in their school and receive their instruction from FPS teachers.

Will remote learning be actual teaching this year or more of what I would call busy work?

In the remote learning model, students receive 100% of their instruction through virtual means. Students will be expected to participate in live synchronous lessons at designated times throughout the school day. Asynchronous lessons will work to enhance the live synchronous opportunities utilized by teachers to engage students with content.  We do not expect--nor do we want--students to be fixed to a screen for the duration of the day. Rather, through professional development and good planning on the part of our excellent teachers we will rely on educators to design lessons that provide a combination of both live, synchronous interactive instruction and some independent activities. By creating a set schedule we are ensuring teachers' plans do not conflict with each other forcing a student to choose between subjects (as happened at the secondary level in the spring). By building teachers' capacity to shift to authentic remote teaching we will be able to meet the necessary demands of our curriculum while providing students with opportunities for tech and no tech learning experiences.Teachers will take attendance in each course every day and this will be reported in Aspen.  

Can you please provide an update with regards to Technology and how the curriculum will be delivered?

Increased technology will include providing all students with an assigned Chromebook (1:1) and delivery of content through digital means whenever possible. Google Classroom, with Google Meet, at the elementary level, and Canvas with Zoom, at the middle and high school levels, will be used to ensure all materials are accessible to students.  

If we are going remote at first, how is the district getting technology out to students in a timely manner?

The school year will begin with a remote learning model. As such the District is developing a system to distribute instructional materials including textbooks, Chromebooks, workbooks, and other essential resources to all students.

Can you please discuss the platform and expectations for remote learning? 1. will all teachers be unified in both platform and expectations? 2. Will it be like a regular school day.. all live.. but just online? Or will it be just a few live lessons per week? Can they be recorded? 

In the remote learning model, students receive 100% of their instruction through virtual means. Students will be expected to participate in live synchronous lessons at designated times throughout the school day. Asynchronous lessons will work to enhance the live synchronous opportunities utilized by teachers to engage students with content.  We do not expect--nor do we want--students to be fixed to a screen for the duration of the day. Rather, through professional development and good planning on the part of our excellent teachers we will rely on educators to design lessons that provide a combination of both live, synchronous interactive instruction and some independent activities. By creating a set schedule we are ensuring teachers' plans do not conflict with each other forcing a student to choose between subjects (as happened at the secondary level in the spring). By building teachers' capacity to shift to authentic remote teaching we will be able to meet the necessary demands of our curriculum while providing students with opportunities for tech and no tech learning experiences.Teachers will take attendance in each course every day and this will be reported in Aspen. 

Increased technology will include providing all students with an assigned Chromebook (1:1) and delivery of content through digital means whenever possible. Google Classroom, at the elementary level, and Canvas, at the middle and high school levels, will be used to ensure all materials are accessible to students.

What accomodations can be made for students on IEPs where remote or distance learning is of lower effectiveness than the general student population? Is anyone looking at staggered returns depending upon the needs of the students (rather than as an entire population?)

Students identified as high needs will return to school earlier than the general population, if deemed safe by the Department of Public Health, per the schedule attached here. 

If we have children in different grades/schools and end up returning in a hybrid format, what are our options if our kids end up on opposite weeks?  Will we have the opportunity to talk with other parents in our classes about switching weeks with them? Thank you for your time.

The hybrid learning model ensures all students who are physically able will receive some in-person instruction while increasing our ability to keep students and staff physically distanced. Per DESE guidance, high-needs students will be prioritized for full-time in-person learning as these students should receive as much in-person instruction as possible. The Framingham Public Schools hybrid learning model will prioritize special populations including students with disabilities, students with IEPs or 504 plans with vision and/or hearing impairments, preschool-aged students with identified disabilities, students who are McKinney-Vento, in Foster Care or Group Home settings as well as a population of English learners (foundational level students and students on English Learner Success Plans) that require direct services on a daily basis as outlined in the DESE Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance. All other students will be assigned a group (Group A or Group B) for alternating weeks of in-person and remote learning (Week A and Week B). Special care will be taken to ensure that all students from the same household will be assigned to the same group.

How does the district plan to make up compensatory services for sped students?

• How are they proposing to deal with IEP revaluations and supporting kids with IEPs?
•  For students in out of district placements, will framingham be determining the schedule or the out of district school?  Can you speak more specifically about how you are prioritizing these students?

The Department of Secondary and Elementary Education has not released guidance on recovery support and Covid-19 compensatory services yet.  

• We are currently planning to start testing at the beginning of the school year. Staff will reach out to families to schedule times for the testing to occur at the schools. 
• Each out of district school is required to submit a plan to the DESE for approval and determine if they will be fully remote, fully back in person or in a hybrid model to start the year. As out of district schools are making those determinations, they are information us and the families.  

Will kindergarteners / preschool be required to wear masks?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: Face Coverings/Masks are the single most important risk management measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings will be required to be worn by all students and staff PK-12 with exceptions only for those students or staff for whom it is not safe to do so due to a medical condition or other considerations

In any model with remote or hybrid - At the high school will there be instructor led classes? that was the key piece lacking from the spring model

The remote and hybrid learning models will utilize all existing staff to support students while they engage with in person and remote teaching. All staff will utilize live teaching using the Google Classroom platform in elementary school and the Canvas platform in middle and high school for both in person and remote teaching to provide consistency and access for students. Teachers will take attendance for both in-person and remote student groups which will be reported in Aspen.

At the high school level, all scheduling and cohorting practices outlined in the in-person model, including the revised schedule, will continue to be implemented in the hybrid and remote models. Students will participate in synchronous learning whenever possible. Teachers will be asked to live stream their lessons or video conference with remote students every day so that students who are learning remotely can participate in lessons and interact with their peers in real time whenever possible. All lesson materials will be available in Canvas for students to access whether they are in person or remote.

How would you deal with siblings in different grades, regarding On/OFF weeks. Would it be possible to request that they attend the same ON/OFF week— sending them to the building the same day.

The hybrid learning model ensures all students who are physically able will receive some in-person instruction while increasing our ability to keep students and staff physically distanced. Per DESE guidance, high-needs students will be prioritized for full-time in-person learning as these students should receive as much in-person instruction as possible. The Framingham Public Schools hybrid learning model will prioritize special populations including students with disabilities, students with IEPs or 504 plans with vision and/or hearing impairments, preschool-aged students with identified disabilities, students who are McKinney-Vento, in Foster Care or Group Home settings as well as a population of English learners (foundational level students and students on English Learner Success Plans) that require direct services on a daily basis as outlined in the DESE Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance. All other students will be assigned a group (Group A or Group B) for alternating weeks of in-person and remote learning (Week A and Week B). Special care will be taken to ensure that all students from the same household will be assigned to the same group.

Would it be possible for kids that have 1 on 1 support that they get this type of 1 on 1 service remotely?

This will be determined on an individual basis after reviewing the Individual Education Program (IEP), the purpose of the 1:1 support, and the staff who will be providing the support when we are fully remote. 

BLOCKS

• Should we assume that BLOCKS preschool will follow all the same procedures/schedule as FPS?
• How will BLOCKS work remotely?
• Will BLOCKS families still have to pay for preschool even if they are remote? 

BLOCKS staff are part of the FTA bargaining units and therefore will follow the decisions negotiated and agreed upon by the respective bargaining units and the district.

BLOCKS will provide remote learning using the guidelines negotiated and will modify based on the age and needs of the children.

BLOCKS will not charge families tuition during the remote learning time.

Can you speak about what 100% remote learning will look like, for those students who can't return to school due to health risk (or if we go to 100% remote for all students)?  Will there be full days of  live teacher-led classes?

In the remote learning model, students receive 100% of their instruction through virtual means. Students will be expected to participate in live synchronous lessons at designated times throughout the school day. Asynchronous lessons will work to enhance the live synchronous opportunities utilized by teachers to engage students with content.  We do not expect--nor do we want--students to be fixed to a screen for the duration of the day. Rather, through professional development and good planning on the part of our excellent teachers we will rely on educators to design lessons that provide a combination of both live, synchronous interactive instruction and some independent activities. By creating a set schedule we are ensuring teachers' plans do not conflict with each other forcing a student to choose between subjects (as happened at the secondary level in the spring). By building teachers' capacity to shift to authentic remote teaching we will be able to meet the necessary demands of our curriculum while providing students with opportunities for tech and no tech learning experiences.Teachers will take attendance in each course every day and this will be reported in Aspen. 

Has there been any discussion around grade retention for anyone who chooses?

All students' needs are different. Parents are encouraged to engage in two-way communication with teachers and staff regarding the progress of their students. 

If Framingham is remote in September and October, there has to be more consistency with a regular schedule of live teaching, collecting, and grading work. What are your thoughts for a schedule for the elementary school, and accountability for collecting and grading student work?

In the remote learning model, students receive 100% of their instruction through virtual means. Students will be expected to participate in live synchronous lessons at designated times throughout the school day. Asynchronous lessons will work to enhance the live synchronous opportunities utilized by teachers to engage students with content.  We do not expect--nor do we want--students to be fixed to a screen for the duration of the day. Rather, through professional development and good planning on the part of our excellent teachers we will rely on educators to design lessons that provide a combination of both live, synchronous interactive instruction and some independent activities. By creating a set schedule we are ensuring teachers' plans do not conflict with each other forcing a student to choose between subjects (as happened at the secondary level in the spring). By building teachers' capacity to shift to authentic remote teaching we will be able to meet the necessary demands of our curriculum while providing students with opportunities for tech and no tech learning experiences.Teachers will take attendance in each course every day and this will be reported in Aspen. 

Grading Expectations:

Elementary School

Teachers will utilize formative and summative assessments as well as anecdotal records to monitor student progress towards standards mastery. Additionally, teachers will provide ongoing feedback to students regarding their progress towards grade level personal and social growth indicators. This feedback should be individualized and focused on a student’s current level of understanding and provide next steps to move the student academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally. With respect to feedback, teachers will monitor and support student engagement regardless of the learning model. Formal parent conferences will be held in the fall and spring, and report cards will be issued electronically in January and at the end of school. Parents are encouraged to engage in two-way communication with teachers and staff regarding the progress of their student. 

Middle School

Teachers will utilize formative and summative assessments as well as other appropriate measures to monitor student progress towards standards mastery.  Teachers will provide regular feedback to students regarding their progress towards meeting these standards. In any learning model, this feedback should be individualized and focused on a student’s current level of understanding and provide next steps to help the student grow. While some assignments may need to be modified if learning is occurring virtually, academic work will continue to be assigned, submitted, and graded regardless of the learning model.       

Middle school students will receive comments on midterm progress reports and letter grades on report cards each trimester, as they have in the past. 

High School   

Teachers will utilize formative and summative assessments as well as other appropriate measures to monitor student progress towards standards mastery.  Teachers will provide regular feedback to students regarding their progress towards meeting these standards. In any learning model, this feedback should be individualized and focused on a student’s current level of understanding and provide next steps to help the student grow. While some assignments may need to be modified if learning is occurring virtually, academic work will continue to be assigned, submitted, and graded regardless of the learning model.       

High school students will receive comments on progress reports and letter grades on report cards each term, as they have in the past.

How can the Library can play a role to support the schools and children and families in accessing resources needed to ensure school success?

The Library and the District enjoy a strong partnership. The Library’s continued outreach to community partners to help families obtain library cards to allow access to online and print materials will continue to grow. Additionally, the use of the Bookmobile (once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted) offers access to books for students and families. The Library and the Library Media Specialists at the schools will continue to partner to enhance the experience for our students. 

Please consider establishing community hubs for learning and I would be interested in moving these discussions from theory to action and what the next steps will be to continue these conversations

The Department of Public Health has shared some of the work other communities have done to create community hubs to support students with limited means. We are currently working with community partners to assess the viability of this option. 

Can we build off of the SEL curriculum and provide tools for parents as much as students?

The district, in collaboration with our student support staff, will develop resource materials for parents to help support their children's social emotional wellbeing.  These materials will include strategies to  support students' social, emotional and behavioral/mental health, particularly during  the remote learning period. These resources will be drawn from a variety of sources, including the various SEL curricula currently utilized across the district.  

What is the plan to distribute textbooks, technology and supplies needed for students to participate in remote learning?

The district is planning for materials and technology to be distributed in early September.  More details to come.

I have concern for the kindergartners that are starting school for the first time. They are transitioning into a whole new environment. How do you make it successful with remote learning for those students?

The most important building block for our kindergarten students and families is a connection to the classroom teacher, classmates and their school community. A significant amount of time will be dedicated to building these relationships. Additionally,  

When schools will move to the hybrid model. will it still be the option to study remotely?

Yes. Parents will have the option of having their students continue to learn remotely.

Is there a way to “pair” homeless students with other students where the homeless student would ‘go to school’ each day at a specific student’s home so they have a set location to participate remotely effectively.

While we cannot pair homeless students with other students, we are looking at potential community hubs sites to provide safe oversight and support to promising students with limited resources including homeless students, low income students and students struggling to access online learning. 

Once the hybrid model has transitioned to students back in school, if parents exercise the option to keep their students home, does that mean that the student will interact with *their* class in real-time, or will there be a dedicated teacher for that grade to teach remote kids separately from those physically present in the classroom?

The plan is for students to continue to engage with their classmates and remain connected to their assigned teacher.  

For kids who need a new IEP assessment, how will that go forward?

We are currently planning to start testing at the beginning of the school year. Staff will reach out to families to schedule times for the testing to occur at the schools. 

How are teachers assessing where students left off with the curriculum last year to know where to begin this school year?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: Due to the substantial changes to how and where students may be learning in 2020-2021, it is inevitable that instructional time will need to be reprioritized to support students’ social emotional needs and ability to safely access technology. For this reason, the District acknowledges that in no grade level or content area will we be able to teach the entire curriculum this year. However, our goal is to maximize learning and to provide students with a full day of instruction of grade-level content regardless of the learning model. For this reason, the curriculum and scheduling decisions for all three learning models are intentionally the same.

Content leaders, including district staff, coaches, and department heads, will review pacing guides and curriculum maps to identify foundational standards that may need to be taught prior to introducing new grade-level content standards, highlight opportunities for compacting curriculum, and determine standards that will not be covered. Collaboration opportunities at all levels will be paramount to support consistency of pacing within and across schools.  

Will there be traditional grading or will it be the same as the Spring?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: Elementary - Formal parent conferences will be held in the fall and spring, and report cards will be issued electronically in January and at the end of school. Parents are encouraged to engage in two-way communication with teachers and staff regarding the progress of their student. 

Middle school students will receive comments on midterm progress reports and letter grades on report cards each trimester, as they have in the past. 

High school students will receive comments on progress reports and letter grades on report cards each term, as they have in the past.

Cross Posted from Physical Operations Section (Updated 9/2/20)

Can my child use their own chromebook vs. a school issued chromebook? 

QUESTION

RESPONSE

Will there be more social emotional support for our students during our remote time?

Information taken directly from the FPS Back to School Plan as of August 12, 2020: The District will address student, family and staff needs through a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) accessible across all learning models (in-person, hybrid and remote) to address academic, emotional, and behavioral health. Please see the FPS MTSS Support Framework for more detailed information on tiered supports for staff, students and families for in-person and remote learning models. These plans will be culturally sensitive, ensure equity of access, be mindful of the potential added trauma related to the pandemic, and be available to all students in each building.  

QUESTION

RESPONSE

How will children of teachers be accommodated in a hybrid model since students will be part time in school and their parents expected to be there full time. Will there be consideration for Framingham residents who teach in neighboring districts and have students enrolled in FPS if the hybrid model is put in place?

Superintendents in the area were seeking to create an inter-district agreements to allow such accommodations; however, because Framingham is fully remote while the other districts are hybrid, we cannot participate. OST is looking to create fee-based childcare programs for staff in Framingham.

If schools do continue to be fully remote for Sept/Oct, has there been any talk about educators being able to work at least part time at school versus at their home? This could ensure access to printing/mailing materials to students, better wifi, and resources like white boards/tech that could help with full online learning.

This is still subject to bargaining with the FTA.

I think we have to be honest in saying that the social distancing/mask/disinfecting requirements will be very hard for teachers to enforce, especially at the elementary level. Is there any possibility for additional staff support in these areas so that teachers can focus more on instruction?

Additional custodians have been approved to support clearing efforts.

Since it looks like school will be remote for at least the beginning of the school year, what is being done to better train teachers on using technology? AND, are the teachers being trained to present online, being supplied with computer monitors and webcams better suited to online learning?

The PD Committee, which has members of the FTA in it, is including technology training. Each employee has a laptop. Each classroom also has a projector. There is no plan at this time to order monitors or webcams. If you need something for your classroom, please contact your building administrator.

Will teachers have the choice to teach remote from their homes or the classroom?

This is still subject to bargaining with the FTA.

With regards to staff that have been in the buildings, have you had any reported cases of COVID? What plan was in place to deal with that?

There was only one reported case in early June.  There have been none since. However, no one can guarantee 100% safety from illness, and our goal is risk reduction. The COVID-19 Plan outlines the communication and next steps when an employee tests positive (i.e. contacting close contacts, etc.).

Are there any plans for FPS employee children regarding childcare so that the FPS employee can go to work?

Superintendents in the area were seeking to create an inter-district agreements to allow such accommodations; however, because Framingham is fully remote while the other districts are hybrid, we cannot participate. OST is looking to create fee-based childcare programs for staff in Framingham.

If teachers have to teach in the classroom are aides and assistants expected to be back as well?

This is still subject to bargaining with the FTA.

Will subs be trained on safety protocols, PPE, online platforms?

Long Term Substitutes will receive the same training as other educators. 

QUESTION

RESPONSE

What is the District’s Communication Plan and what measures will be taken to ensure families are not overloaded with information?

Given the importance and urgency of messaging that will need to be shared at various stages throughout the school year, the District will look to prioritize the information and intentionally space out messaging as much as possible. The District has increased and expanded our communication tools so that families may receive messaging where they want it and from all levels including the classroom, school and District overall. It may take some time and two-way engagement to ensure we are reaching our community in the best ways - but we are more equipped than ever before to make this happen. It will be a collaborative effort and we look forward to working together with our families to refine the process over time.

When is the first day of school and what, if any changes, to the school year calendar (no school, vacations, etc) will there be?

The new calendar, approved by the School Committee on August 5, 2020, is linked below.  The new calendar reduces the number of school days from 180 to 170 days for the 2020-2021 school year, allowing for 10 additional days for teacher preparation.  The first day of school for remote learning is now scheduled for Wednesday September 16th. Updated FPS School Year Calendar