Sherman ISD Reopening Plan
Fall 2020

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Sherman ISD staff and administration have been working since the end of last year to determine the best and safest way to return to school this fall. All of our efforts have been focused on creating a strategic reopening plan that allows us to provide our families with options for learning. We take great pride in creating meaningful learning opportunities for every student in our district while also ensuring we maintain a safe learning environment.

Please keep in mind that as our understanding of COVID-19 evolves, so will our response. Circumstances related to COVID-19 may change throughout the coming school year, and we will keep all parents informed if conditions warrant adjustments to this plan.

Parents can expect weekly communication via email and the district website from now until school starts. We encourage you to review the Operation Reconnect Reopening plan thoroughly, and if you have additional questions, please click here to submit your question.

Table of Contents

• Health and Safety Measures

• Infection Control

• Health Screenings and Isolation Procedures

• Screening Protocols
• Isolation Protocols

• Return to Work or School Criteria
• Health Reporting Procedures
• Social Emotional and Mental Health Support Systems
• Elementary Daily Operations
• Secondary Daily Operations
• Technology Operations
• Teaching and Learning
• English Learners
• Career and Technical Education
• ExtraCurricular/CoCurricular Activities

Health and Safety Measures

SISD will consider guidance from local and national health authorities and implement best practices regarding:

• Health & safety information
• Social distancing
• Infection control practices (handwashing, use of face coverings)
• Personal protective equipment (PPE), and
• Management and isolation of students showing signs of illness

Infection Control

Employees/Staff

• SISD team members will comply, or consider when given the option, with the governor’s executive order regarding the wearing of face coverings.

• For the purposes of this document, face coverings include non-medical grade disposable face coverings, cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth), or full-face shields to protect the eyes, nose, and mouth.

• SISD will require all employees and staff to use a face covering. Gloves will be used when needed.
• SISD will provide PPE as needed to staff.
• SISD staff will use hand sanitizer and/or hand washing practices upon entering the campus and frequently throughout the day.

Students

• SISD students will be required to wear face coverings at all times when on campus, using district transportation, and when instructed by any teacher.

• For the purposes of this document, face coverings include non-medical grade disposable face coverings, cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth), or full-face shields to protect the eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Parents are responsible for ensuring their students are wearing face coverings to school.
• Parents are responsible for taking temperature and attesting to the health of their children daily. Students with a temperature greater than 100 F and who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should remain at home.
• Students will be expected to use hand sanitizer frequently and wash their hands at least twice daily.

Visitors to Campus

• SISD will restrict nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups or organizations.
• All parents and visitors will follow general guidelines listed in this document and are required to wear face coverings at all times.
• Campuses will utilize virtual meeting options to limit campus visitors when possible.
• Non-emergency drop offs of snacks, lunches, and instruments are discouraged
• School visits are restricted to those that are essential to school operations and visitors must follow social distancing guidelines and other requirements.

Learning Environment

• Sherman ISD will consider guidelines provided by CDC on cleaning schools to prevent COVID-19 and will:

• Provide instruction to students on appropriate hygiene practices and other mitigation practices adopted in the school
• Increase custodial cleaning practices focusing on high touch areas such as desks, restrooms etc.
• Have students clean their own spaces when appropriate and safe
• Utilize hand sanitizer in each classroom, at all entrances, and throughout common spaces
• Provide additional entrance/exit points during arrival/dismissal to promote social distancing
• Arrange desks and classroom space to maximize distance between students
• Provide visual aids to illustrate appropriate spacing and traffic flow throughout the building
• Limit sharing of personal items and supplies
• Limit mixing between cohort groups as much as possible
• Limit the number of students participating in small group instruction at one time
• Gather larger groups of students outside rather than inside, when safe and appropriate
• Monitor and limit the access to water fountains for filling of water containers only
• Limit the use of personal items (i.e., backpacks, purses, gym bags, phones, keys, etc.) individuals bring to school to reduce the potential of cross-contamination of surfaces between environments and the necessity to assign storage areas for such items.
• Student lockers will not be issued.

Cafeteria - Breakfast/Lunch

• SISD has partnered with Aramark to ensure safe practices, enhanced cleaning, and protective barriers in kitchens and across service counters.  
• SISD will implement a readiness checklist for kitchen facilities and food service staff including verification of proper handwashing procedures, wearing of face coverings, social distancing in service line areas, surface cleanliness and sanitation, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), symptom and temperature screening of food service staff, and visual reminders of safe behaviors.
• SISD staff will engage in repeated cleaning of high-touch areas, such as door handles, tables, trays, and other materials frequently used by food service personnel.
• Students will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer while entering and when departing the cafeteria.
• All tables will be sanitized between lunch periods.
• Students will be encouraged to not share food with others.  
• SISD will eliminate self-service food distribution, condiments and utensils.  
• Schools will consider practices that reduce the likelihood that students will be in close contact with one another while moving through the food service line and eating breakfast/lunch.  Strategies may include a grab-and-go breakfast, increasing schedule times for lunch periods to accommodate fewer students per period, spreading apart tables and students as much as feasibly possible in the cafeteria, and/or allowing students to eat in alternative locations such as classrooms or other appropriate common spaces.  
• A drive-up, grab-and-go, food program will be provided to students participating in remote learning. (Note: A food program for remote learners will be dependent upon the USDA continuing to waive the standard, cafeteria-based, meal requirement.)

Transportation

• Busing students is considered an essential and necessary service in order for many children to attend school.  
• Bus capacity will be determined based upon 2 students in each seat.
• Families are encouraged to drop students off, carpool, or walk with their student to school to minimize the possibility of close contact with other individuals outside of their immediate family.
• Students will be required to wear a face covering when boarding, riding and departing from school district transportation.
• Students will be required to use the hand sanitizer dispenser installed just inside the doorway of the school bus.
• Buses will be thoroughly cleaned after each bus route, focusing on high-touch surfaces such as seats, steering wheels, knobs, and door handles.  
• Windows will be opened by district personnel to increase ventilation when possible.

Health Screenings and Isolation Procedures

Screening Protocols

• Sherman ISD will follow TEA’s guidance for monitoring COVID-19 symptoms:

• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Sore throat
• New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (or, for students with a chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
• New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever

• Staff will be required to complete a self-screening process prior to entering a Sherman ISD building, and the district may require further screening of employees at any time based on current state and federal guidelines.
• A parent or guardian will be required to screen their children for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending them to school. Parents will need to take their child’s temperature daily. Additional screening may be conducted during the school day.
• Parents must ensure they do not send a child to school on campus if the child has COVID-19 symptoms (as listed in this document) or is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and instead should opt to participate in Distance Learning until the conditions for re-entry are met.
• Staff and students should not enter campuses or district buildings if any of the following apply. The individual is:

• Sick or has been sick in the past 14 days. Symptoms to watch for: fever (100°F or higher), cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, recent loss of taste or smell.
• Has a confirmed case of COVID-19 or has been in close contact(as defined in this document) with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19. These individuals must follow all isolation and quarantine guidelines from the local health authority or their physician.

Close Contact Definition per TEA:

This document refers to “close contact” with an individual who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19. The definition of close contact is evolving with our understanding of COVID-19, and individual scenarios should be determined by an appropriate public health agency. In general, close contact is defined as:

1. being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on); or
2. being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes; however, additional factors like case/contact masking (i.e., both the infectious individual and the potential close contact have been consistently and properly masked), ventilation, presence of dividers, and case symptomology may affect this determination.

Either (a) or (b) defines close contact if it occurred during the infectious period of the case, defined as two days prior to symptom onset to 10 days after symptom onset. In the case of asymptomatic individuals who are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, the infectious period is defined as two days prior to the confirming lab test and continuing for 10 days following the confirming lab test.

Isolation Protocols

• Students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 should contact the school nurse, will be required to isolate a minimum of 10 days, and must meet the return to work/school criteria below.
• If a student has displayed symptoms of COVID-19, the school nurse will provide a clinical assessment to determine any necessary action. If a student or staff member is assessed and exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 during the school day, the cohort will be located to an alternate area while the room is being disinfected
• Students or staff who come into close contact (as defined in this document) with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days and should contact the school nurse regarding the return to work/school criteria.
• Staff members displaying COVID-19 symptoms will follow district protocols for self reporting including isolation from students and other staff members until they meet the return to work/school criteria below.

• Any student requiring isolation or self-quarantine will transition to Distance Learning for the period of isolation or self-quarantine.

• District communication will be provided to the staff and students who came in contact with anyone who tests positive for COVID-19.

Return to Work or School Criteria 

Any individuals who themselves either: (a) are test-confirmed to have COVID-19; or (b) experience the symptoms of COVID-19 (listed below) must stay at home throughout the infection period, and cannot return to campus until the school system screens the individual to determine any of the below conditions for campus re-entry have been met:

• In the case of an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19, the individual may return to school when all three of the following criteria are met:

1. At least one day (24 hours) has passed since recovery (resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications);
2. The individual has improvement in symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND
3. At least ten days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

• In the case of an individual who has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and who is not evaluated by a medical professional or tested for COVID-19, such individual is assumed to have COVID-19, and the individual may not return to the campus until the individual has completed the same three-step set of criteria listed above.

• If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school before completing the above stay at home period, the individual must either:

• Obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis OR Obtain an acute infection test (at a physician’s office, approved testing location (https://tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/ , or other site) that comes back negative for COVID-19.

Health Reporting Procedures

Employees

• If any symptoms appear, or if there has been any close contact (as defined in this document) with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, or if an employee tests positive for COVID-19:

• Complete the Sherman ISD “COVID-19 Employee Reporting Form” HERE and wait for further instructions from the Human Resource department.
• Call the 24-7 emergency reporting line 903-821-5027 Grayson County Health Officials

Students

• If symptoms appear, or if there has been any close contact (as described above in this document) with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, or if a student tests positive for COVID-19:

• Staff members will be sent home, and students will be isolated from other students until parent arrives and student will be escorted to vehicle upon parent arrival
• The campus nurse will notify the campus administrator to move the student’s class so that the space can be disinfected
• The campus nurses will call the 24-7 emergency reporting line 903-821-5027 Grayson County Health officials immediately for guidance
• Teachers will need to contact the campus nurse to report. Campus nurse contacts are:

Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Notification Process

• Once Sherman ISD receives a notification of a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 from a staff member or student, contact tracing will be conducted. Individuals or parents of the student(s) with close contact(as defined in this document) to the individual with the confirmed case will be contacted.
• The Sherman ISD Communications Department will routinely share information regarding a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 within the district and provide the campus location. An email will be sent directly to parents.

Social Emotional and Mental Health Support Systems

Sherman ISD recognizes the challenges many families are experiencing during the COVID-19 public health crisis.  Whether students learn at home or at school, Sherman ISD will strive to meet each student’s academic, social, and emotional needs, build community, and provide a safe and caring learning environment for everyone. We will address the social, emotional, and mental health of students and staff by following these best practices:

Social Emotional Learning

• Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
• Sherman ISD will provide SEL  lessons and activities to support students and address COVID-19 experiences, resiliency, coping skills, and school closure.
• SEL lessons will be accessible to both in-person and at-home learners.
• Sherman ISD will continue to provide updated information for families on Sherman ISD COVID-19 Counseling and Student Services Resources
• Additional resources for developing SEL at home:

• SEL 101 for Parents video by CASEL
• Parent Toolkit offers developmental markers and resources for parents
• PBS television clips to initiate age-appropriate conversations
• The Parent Guide to Resilience

School-Based Mental Health Services

• Sherman ISD counselors will be trained in all COVID-19 safety protocols.
• Children’s Health TeleBehavioral Health is available for all secondary students (5th-12th grades).  

• With parent permission, students can video chat with a licensed behavioral health provider.  
• Contact your school counselor for more information on the program.

• Counselors and staff will use a referral system for identifying and serving individuals who need targeted support, especially related to the significant stress or trauma from COVID-19.  If you have a concern about your student, please contact your child’s school counselor for a referral to the Student Intervention Team.

Staff Support

• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program through Blue Cross Blue Shield begins September 1, 2020.
• Training in self care, trauma informed care, social emotional learning, and mental health first aid will be provided.

Family Resources

We will continue to partner with community agencies who support local families. Some local and national resources are listed below:

Elementary Daily Operations

Learning Environments

• Teachers will provide explicit instruction, modeling, and practice of procedures during the first weeks of school. Campus staff will provide this information to parents to be reinforced at home.
• Face Coverings will be worn by all staff and students.
• Students will be asked to limit the use of items/materials traveling back and forth to school to essential items like backpacks, take-home folders, planners, homework, etc.
• Pre-K  and elementary teachers and staff will utilize Class Dojo or SeeSaw for distance learning communication. Principals will utilize Blackboard Connect and email for all-school communication.
• Students are asked to  provide personal water bottles.  
• Teachers will arrange desks and tables to maximize space between students, with students facing the same direction if possible.
• Group or pair work will be implemented while maintaining as much physical distancing as possible.
• Teachers will maintain social distancing and disinfecting requirements within station rotations or decrease the number of students in each station, when possible.
• When possible, technology will be utilized in the place of learning manipulatives. When appropriate, teachers will consider assigning individual students a specific set of manipulatives in order to reduce the possibility of exposure.
• Students will use individual containers/boxes/baggies with supplies.
• Outdoor learning spaces will be used when possible. Classroom groups working outside will maintain social distance following health and safety protocol.
• Staff will maintain separation of class groups to the greatest extent possible.
• Hand sanitizer will be prominently placed  in each classroom, entrances, and throughout common spaces.

Common Areas

• Each campus will determine appropriate procedures and schedules for the use of common areas such as computer labs, campus libraries, conference rooms, cafeterias, gyms and meeting rooms.
• Assigned groups and individuals will travel to the right of the hallways, maintaining a maximum distance between passing groups.
• Virtual meetings will be utilized when possible.  In-person meetings will maintain social distancing. Face coverings will be required.

Restrooms & Transitions

• Restroom capacity will determine the number of occupants.
• If there is a private restroom in the classroom, the teacher will use that restroom for student breaks.

• Proper handwashing technique will be taught to all students and consistently reinforced.  
• Teachers and staff will limit mixing between cohort groups as much as possible to ensure social distancing guidelines.
• Common area water fountains will only be used to refill water bottles.
• Visual aids will be used to illustrate appropriate spacing and traffic flow throughout the building.

• During transitions in instruction in departmentalized grade levels, teachers will move to students and students will remain in class.

Arrival

• Students may not be dropped off until the building opens.  Any exceptions would need to be arranged with campus administration.
• Periodic temperature screenings will be conducted.
• Campus staff will open multiple entrance points during arrival to promote social distancing.
• Campus staff will greet parents and students at the entrance to the campus where parent-child goodbyes and hugs will occur.
• Students will go straight to their classroom upon arrival.
• Students that arrive via school transportation may be asked to wait in a designated area.  

Dismissal

• Sibling connections will be arranged, if possible.
• Campus administration  will designate staggered dismissal groups. As appropriate.
• Campus administration will open multiple exit points during dismissal to promote social distancing.

Campus Visitor Procedures

• Elementary

• Nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups or organizations will be limited.
• Lunches will be closed to visitors.
• ARD meetings will continue to be held virtually or face to face at parent request.  
• Visitors will complete a self health check list before entering the building.

Breakfast and Lunch

• All elementary students are eligible for a free breakfast and lunch.
• Staff will monitor the cafeteria, classrooms and hallways.
• Each campus will develop procedures that ensure social distancing and sanitization.
• Campus breakfast and lunch procedures will be shared with parents by the campus principal.
• Teachers and staff will monitor and limit access to water fountains for filling of water containers only.
• Visitors are restricted during mealtimes.

Recess

• Teachers will limit mixing between cohort/class groups as much as possible.  
• Hand sanitizer will be used before entering and exiting the playground.
• School playgrounds will remain closed to the general public until further notice.
• Teachers may provide mask breaks, brain breaks and movement activities in addition to recess.

Specials Classes in Elementary

• PE classes will be conducted outdoors whenever possible. Appropriate health and safety guidelines will be followed.
• Teachers will limit student sharing of supplies and equipment.
• Supplies and equipment will be sanitized regularly..

Campus Events

• Nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups or organizations are limited.
• Traditional campus events, such as First Day of School, Meet the Teacher or Open House, will be held in a variety of ways such as by appointment, virtually or outside.  
• Kinder Bearcat Camp will be virtual.  

On and Off-Campus Student Activities

• Off-campus field trips will not be scheduled at this time.
• Virtual field trips will be considered.
• Extracurricular and cocurricular activities will occur when it is safe to do so.
• Adventures after-school program will be available for those students participating in In-Person Learning.

Secondary Daily Operations

Staff will teach students appropriate procedures and protocols regarding health guidelines to maximize student and staff safety.    

Learning Environments

• Staff will wipe down high hand-touch areas daily.
• Hand sanitizer will be prominently placed in each classroom, at building entrances, and throughout common spaces.
• Administrators will designate multiple entrance/exit points during arrival/dismissal to promote social distancing.
• Teachers will  arrange desks to maximize space between students.
• School playgrounds will remain closed to the general public until further notice.
• Teachers and staff will utilize Remind and Google Classroom for distance learning communication. Principals will utilize Blackboard Connect and email for all-school communication.
• Nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups or organizations are restricted throughout the district.
• Teachers and staff will limit student sharing of personal items and supplies.
• Teachers and staff will limit mixing between cohort groups as much as possible.
• Teachers and staff will limit the number of students participating in small group instruction at one time.
• Lockers will not be issued.

Student Entrance

• Intermediate

• Three separate entrances will be designated.  A campus map will be provided showing car drop off/pickup, and bus lanes
• Students will enter their homeroom hall upon arrival.
• Students will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entering the school.
• Students will wear face coverings when inside the building.
• Students will report to an assigned area upon arrival.
• Visual aids will be used to illustrate appropriate spacing and traffic flow throughout the building
  

• Middle School

• Specific entrances will be designated. A campus map will be provided (car drop off, buses, grade level specific.)
•  Students will wear face coverings during arrival and in hallways at all times.
• Students will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entering the school.
• Visual aids will be used to illustrate appropriate spacing and traffic flow throughout the building.
  

• High School

• Three separate entrances will be designated. A campus map will be provided (car drop off/pickup, and buses, student parking).

• Student drivers will use ‘H’ North Wing entrance (student parking lot)  
• Bus riders  will enter from the South Cafeteria entrance.
• Parent Drop/Pickup will be the West door Auditorium entrance.

• Students will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer upon entering the school.
• Students will enter the building wearing a face covering and will continue to do so per health and safety protocols.

 Arrival Procedures

Families/Students will self screen for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the building each day.

• Intermediate and Middle School

• Students may not be dropped off until the building is open.  
• Daily check-in areas will be designated. A campus map will be provided.
• Students must wear face coverings upon arrival and per health and safety protocols throughout the day.
• Parents will not be permitted to escort students inside the school building.
• Social distancing protocols will be maintained as much as  feasible.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be  placed at entrances and exits as well as throughout the building.
• Lockers will not be issued to students.
  

• High School

• Students may not be dropped off until the building is open.
• Students must wear face coverings upon arrival and per health and safety protocols throughout the day.
• Parents will not be permitted to escort students inside the school building.
• Social distancing protocol will be maintained as much as  feasible
• Hand sanitizer stations are placed at entrances and exits, in all classrooms as well as throughout the building.
• Lockers will not be issued to students.

Dismissal Procedures

• Intermediate

• Students will use hand sanitizer before leaving the classroom.
• A defined dismissal procedure will be established..

• Car tag system will be initiated with all students.
• Car riders will remain in the 6th grade classroom wings for 6th grade.
• 5th grade students will dismiss at staggered times to the cafe/gym for waiting.  
• Bus students will remain in classrooms for dismissal.

• Visual aids to illustrate appropriate spacing and traffic flow will be placed throughout the building.
  

• Middle School

• Bus students will remain in classrooms for dismissal.
• Students will be expected to leave the campus at the dismissal of school, unless participating in a school approved activity.
• Social distancing & face coverings/face coverings must be worn during passing periods
  

• High School

• Students will be expected to leave the campus at the dismissal of school, unless participating in a school approved activity.
• Social distancing & face coverings/face coverings must be worn during passing periods

Campus Visitor Procedures

• Intermediate, Middle School, High School

• Nonessential visitors and activities involving external groups or organizations will be limited.
• Lunches will be closed to visitors.
• ARD meetings will continue to be held virtually or face to face at parent request.  
• Visitors will complete a self health check list before entering the building.

Class Transitions / Teacher Transitions

• Intermediate, Middle School, High School

• Students will use outside walkways as much as possible.
• Students will wear face coverings throughout the building during the school day.
• Social distancing will be implemented as much as possible.
• Visual aids to illustrate appropriate spacing and traffic flow will be placed throughout the building.

Restroom Breaks

• Intermediate, Middle School, High School

• Proper handwashing technique will be taught to all students and consistently reinforced.  
• Teachers and staff will limit mixing between cohort groups as much as possible to ensure social distancing guidelines.
• Common area water fountains will only be used to refill water bottles.
• Visual aids will be used to illustrate appropriate spacing and traffic flow throughout the building.

Breakfast / Lunch 

• Intermediate

• Students will use hand sanitizer as they enter the cafeteria.
• Students will practice social distancing and wear face coverings.
• Students may not share/trade food.
• Social distancing will be in place at the cafeteria tables, lines & serving areas.
• Students may remove face coverings while eating but will put face coverings back on before leaving the table.
• Teachers and staff will monitor and limit access to water fountains for filling of water containers only.
• Condiments and pre-wrapped silverware will be included with all meals.
• “Grab and go” meals will be available for breakfast at all levels.
  

• Middle School

• Students will use hand sanitizer as they enter the cafeteria.
• Students will practice social distancing and wear face coverings.
• Microwaves & water stations will not be available.
• Students may not share/trade food.
• Social distancing will be in place at the cafeteria tables, lines & serving areas.
• Students may remove their face covering while eating but will put face covering back on before leaving the table.
• “Grab and go” meals will be available for breakfast at all levels.
  

• High School

• Students will use hand sanitizer as they enter the cafeteria.
• Students will practice social distancing and wear face coverings while waiting in line.
• Microwaves & water stations will be removed from the cafeteria.
• Students may not share/trade food.
• Social distancing will be in place at the cafeteria tables, lines & serving areas.
• Students may remove their face covering while eating but will put face covering back on before leaving the table.
• The master schedule has been set to four lunches to allow for a reduction of lunch sizes.

Recess (Intermediate)

• Teachers will limit mixing between cohort/class groups as much as possible.  
• Hand sanitizer will be used before entering and exiting the playground.
• Teachers may provide face covering breaks, brain breaks and movement activities in addition to recess.

Technology Support

Sherman ISD is committed to the success of our students by providing technology for SISD students who do not currently have devices or access to the internet. Sherman ISD will request information from all families regarding device and Internet availability in the home through the Learning Commitment Form.
        
Once parents complete the Learning Commitment Form, Sherman ISD will use the information to assess each student's need for equipment. Information about the distribution and retrieval of devices will be communicated to families as soon as possible.  

The following equipment will be distributed based on need,  grade level and course content: iPads, Chromebook and  laptops. Technology items will be sanitized before the devices are distributed to students. Equipment will be distributed to students who elect distance learning or if distance learning is required for quarantine.  Devices will be checked out to students at their home campus along with textbooks and other items. In the event of a school closure, the distribution of devices will resume at the Sherman ISD Administration building.

Sherman ISD students and families will have access to Internet connectivity via the following options:

• Campuses - External Wifi Access

• Sherman ISD WAN will be available 24/7 outside each campus at designated locations.

• Buses Equipped with WiFi

• Placement of buses with WiFi will be determined  based on data from the Learning commitment form. Location of WiFI equipped busses a will be available on the Operation ReConnect webpage.

• Hotspots

• Individual Hotspots will be available on a limited basis. Students at SHS and PLC  will be given priority for checking out Hotspots.
  

Sherman ISD will provide technical support through the Sherman ISD Technology Help Desk system.  Hours for the Help Desk will be posted on the website.  Sherman ISD Campus Technology Specialists and Technology Services staff will be available to assist students and staff with technology questions, issues, and training.

Technology training, designed by the Sherman ISD Instructional Technology Team,  will be available for students, parents, and staff in a variety of formats.  A schedule will be posted on the Sherman ISD Website.

Teaching and Learning

Learning Options for the 2020-2021 School year

Sherman ISD encourages families to commit to either in-person or online learning for the first nine weeks of school after reviewing the Operation Reconnect Reopening Plan.  Due to the constantly changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that circumstances could change for our families, and adjustments to commitments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis at the end of each grading period. If Sherman ISD needs to close school buildings again for an extended period of time, all students will transition to distance learning.

In-Person Learning Option

• Students in Pre-K through 12th grade learn on campus with face-to-face instruction Monday- Friday
• Curriculum aligned with the SISD Distance Learning Option
• Use social distancing practices, face coverings, temperature checks and follow other health requirements based on state and county guidelines as much as possible
• Opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities as allowed by TEA, UIL and health officials
• Opportunity to transition to distance learning at the start of each new grading period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Parents evaluate student’s health at home, prior to attending school daily

Distance Learning Option

• Students in Pre-K through 12th grade learn at home with online instruction through the SISD Distance Learning Program Monday through Friday
• Curriculum  aligned with SISD In-Person Learning Option
• Technology devices provided by Sherman ISD for students who need them for online
• learning
• Opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities as allowed by TEA, UIL and health officials.
• Transportation to and from school is provided by parents.
• Opportunity to transition to in-person learning at the start of each new grading period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis
• Student will need internet access, appropriate electronic devices, and parental guidance and supervision to complete school work
• All classes for secondary students will be available in-person. Some classes will not be available online. A complete list of those courses is located here.

Virtual Teaching and Learning Plan Overview

• Teachers will follow the district curriculum scope and sequence.
• Teachers will use an online or e-learning lesson planning template to design virtual instruction.

• Elementary E-Learning Lesson Plan Template
• Secondary Online Lesson Planning Template

• Students will be provided both synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities based on the instructional delivery method and individual student learning needs.

• For example, a teacher may notice in her review of submitted student work online that some students are struggling with the addition and subtraction of decimals.  Instead of re-teaching this concept to her entire class, the teacher might decide to schedule a small group synchronous (live virtual) lesson with those students, offering differentiated instruction based on their needs.  
• Asynchronous (not live, accessible at multiple times/locations) instruction could also be provided to the remaining students who have mastered the addition and subtraction of decimals, providing them with an opportunity to apply this in a real world problem solving situation such as a weekly grocery budget.  

• The goal for virtual learning is to allow for continued instruction while acknowledging the additional challenges that come without traditional, face-to-face classroom learning. Sherman ISD understands the difficulties faced by students and families.  SISD’s plan for virtual teaching and learning will be most effective when parents also commit to supporting their children in the learning process.  

Daily Instructional Schedule

Sherman ISD teachers will structure the instructional day to follow the SISD Daily Instructional Minute Schedule, according to the student’s particular grade level. Within each content instructional block, teachers will plan for students to participate in synchronous and asynchronous learning depending on the identified learning model. Teachers will structure small group time to differentiate instruction within the instructional block. This will require teachers to set up small group instruction schedules for students.

Intervention & Enrichment

Intervention and Enrichment time will be scheduled for students to best meet their academic needs. During this time, students may engage in assigned group activities, project based learning, small group instruction and digital learning platforms. Teachers will design and communicate appropriate intervention and/or enrichment opportunities for all students.

Special Education

Sherman ISD will ensure that students with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). We will ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, each student with a disability can be provided the special education and related services identified in the student's individualized education program (IEP).

General Guidance

Students with disabilities will follow guidelines for at home and in person learning set forth in the Elementary and Secondary Operations sections of this document.

 Child Find – Special Education Evaluations

Evaluation timelines will continue to apply for compliance, however, SISD will prioritize the health and safety of students and their families, along with their staff, over meeting compliance deadlines. Obtaining written consent for requested evaluations will not be delayed, and parents will be informed that face-to-face evaluations will not be conducted during a time when distance learning is enforced or social distancing requirements prohibit one-on-one testing. During this time, general education interventions will be considered/continued and documented.  Informal parts of the evaluation will be completed, such as gathering classroom data, parent information, and performance history.  Once face-to-face operations resume, the evaluation will be completed.  All evaluation procedures will follow standardization procedures. Evaluations will be sufficiently comprehensive to address the referral question and to yield accurate results.  

ARD Committee Guidance

Annual ARDs, Revision ARDs and Manifestation Determination ARD Meetings will continue to be held, virtually or face to face at parent request.  Progress/regression data will be discussed at the Annual ARD meeting to discuss what, if any, post COVID services may be needed. Legally established timelines will apply for all meetings. Click here to review ARD Committee Meeting Guidance 

In-Home and At-School Support for Students with Complex Needs

Students with significant disabilities often have unique needs to access the curriculum. The individual needs of these students are varied and require educators to collaborate with families to address the unique needs of each student. The collaborative instructional plan will focus on integrating academic and functional skills that have been taught at school into the home setting with materials and routines the family has readily available.

• Teachers will reach out to inform each family of the teacher’s desire to support their student’s ongoing learning.
• Teachers will communicate with parents to obtain information about available resources and regular routines in the home.
• Teachers will review current services and identify priorities to provide appropriate distance learning opportunities.
• Teachers will revisit the PLAAFP statements, IEP goals and objectives, in order to update information received from the families.
• Teachers and families collaboratively will Identify the critical skills that will best assist the student in continuing his/her progress.

In Person Learning

• Behavior Support Class

• Special education teachers for the Behavior Support Classroom will:

• Follow the student’s IEP and behavior plan as created by the ARD committee.
• Complete lesson plans in social skills as well as in all core subject areas as appropriate.
• Provide behavioral support to the students as outlined in their IEPs.
•  Collaborate with general education teachers as needed for inclusion, fine arts, PE and extracurricular classes.
• Complete differentiated lesson plans to meet the needs of each student according to the student’s IEP.

• Functional Academic Class

• Special education teachers for the Functional Academic and Life Skills Classroom will:

• Follow the IEP created by the ARD committee.
• Prepare students with significant disabilities to participate as independently as possible in critical natural environments.  
• Provide an individually paced curriculum  developed for each student, focusing on reading, writing and math with a strong emphasis on pre-vocational skills.
• Support the  participation of students in appropriate activities and classes with their non-disabled peers.

• Structured Learning Class

•  Students in the Structured Learning Class will receive:

• Instruction using research-based interventions that have been proven effective for students with autism which may include but are not limited to direct instruction using discrete trial training and pivotal response training
• Research based supports to address communication, behavior and social skills needs as outlined in the student’s IEP. These supports may include but are not limited to visual supports, social narratives, social skills training and behavior supports.
• Support from SLC and general education teachers to participate in inclusion, fine arts, PE and extracurricular activities as appropriate.

• Resource Support

• Special education teachers will follow the general education guidance and complete lesson plans for each resource class whether virtual or face-to-face. Special education teachers will complete differentiated lesson plans to meet the needs of each student according to the student’s IEP.

•  Inclusion Support

• Special and general education teachers will collaborate to ensure lessons are designed to meet the needs of all students.

• Services for Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing

• Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will follow general education guidance and complete lesson plans to address student needs whether virtual or face-to-face. Interpreters, Hearing Assistive Technology, teacher consult will be provided as needed.

• Related Services

• Group sizes will comply with state and local regulations. When feasible and appropriate, students will receive services outside rather than inside to reduce potential spread of contagions.  Providers will develop schedules that maximize time in a single classroom and minimize the number of rooms visited per day.  Face coverings and protective barriers will be used when appropriate.

•  Speech Therapy

• Face to face speech therapy services will be provided in small groups and/or individual sessions with specific implementation of health and safety precautions as outlined by the district. All special education students who require speech therapy services will receive those services as outlined within each student’s Individual Education Plan with regard to schedule of services and goals/objectives, regardless of the service delivery option.

Learning at Home

At the Annual ARD meeting, the student’s present level of performance for the previous year will be compared to the current year. Students that failed to meet the expected level of progress may be eligible for post COVID services outside of the current school day. Post COVID services may be provided before or after school, or during the summer, and may be provided virtually or face to face.

Specific Support for Students

• Behavior Support Class

• Special education teachers for the Behavior Support Classroom will:

• Develop individualized lessons, provide direct instruction through scheduled synchronous and asynchronous sessions, collaborate with general education teachers as needed, and provide links to district approved virtual platforms for lesson participation.
• Upload weekly lesson materials to the district-designated virtual platforms (e.g., Seesaw, Google Classroom, Canvas, etc.);
• Document student participation and attendance on the student’s log;
• Collaborate weekly with the student's parents and assign general education and inclusion teachers to assist the student in academic and behavioral success.
• Collect data and monitor progress.
• Request an ARD/IEP committee meeting to address any concerns with progress on IEP goals/objectives or in the general education curriculum.

• Functional Academic Class

• A structured environment will be provided to the parents and students indicating the required times for participation in approximately 4 hours of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. The individual student’s schedule will reflect short periods of synchronous instruction followed by asynchronous learning activities. It will also include breaks and lunch.  The collaborative instructional plan will focus on integrating academic and functional skills that have been taught at school into the home setting with materials and routines the family has readily available. A caregiver will need to be available to support the student in navigating the daily schedule and assist with the lesson as needed.

•  Structured Learning Class

• For students who choose to learn at home, special education teachers will:

• Develop individualized lessons, provide direct instruction through scheduled synchronous and asynchronous sessions, collaborate with general education teachers as needed, and provide links to district approved virtual platforms for lesson participation.
• Use research-based instruction and strategies that are proven to be effective for students with autism.
• Provide research-based supports to address communication, behavior and social skills needs as outlined in the student’s IEP. These supports may include but are not limited to visual supports, social narratives, social skills training and behavior supports.
• Utilize designated virtual platforms (e.g., Seesaw, Google Classroom, Canvas, etc.)

• Resource Support

• For students who choose to learn at home, resource teachers will develop individualized lessons, provide direct instruction through scheduled synchronous and asynchronous sessions, and provide links to virtual platforms for lesson participation.

•  Inclusion Support

• Special and general education teachers will collaborate to ensure lessons are designed to meet the needs of all students. Supplemental lesson materials will be provided through the use of online learning supports.

• Services for Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing

•  Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will follow general education guidance and provide synchronous and asynchronous lessons to address student needs whether virtual or face-to-face. Interpreters, Hearing Assistive Technology, and a teacher consult will be provided as needed.

•  Speech Therapy

• Virtual speech therapy services will be provided via a district-approved virtual platform for small groups and/or individual services.  All special education students who require speech therapy services will receive those services as outlined within each student’s Individual Education Plan with regard to schedule of services and goals/objectives, regardless of the service delivery model.

• Related Services

• Related Services, such as counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and psychological services will be provided virtually through a secure platform in collaboration with the parent.

• Privacy and FERPA Considerations for Virtual Instruction

• Sherman ISD will adhere to applicable laws with respect to online or virtual services and learning in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA.)  Special education service providers will ensure FERPA and privacy considerations for virtual instruction as outlined by the Texas Education Agency.         

• Additional Resources for families

• Accessibility Support for Students with Disabilities
•  Supporting Students with Complex Needs

• Post COVID (Compensatory) Services

English Learners

Sherman ISD will continue to support English Learners virtually or in person with the district services students require along with the accommodations given to them by the LPAC.

Each campus will provide an effective plan for English Learners to be successful via remote learning. The  Best Practices for English Learners in Remote Learning will guide each campus in how to prepare for remote learning before it is started, the steps of communication with families necessary to make it successful, and specific differentiation for English Learners.

There are some instructional practices that may be essential for those who are learning English and academic content simultaneously. Teachers will use these  student accommodations as determined by the LPAC whether online or in-person.

Qualifying students that participate in the SISD Dual Language program will continue using the Sherman ISD Dual Language Program Model. The district will continue to provide quality instruction delivered by an appropriately certified teacher.  All bilingual classes, whether remote or in-person will adhere to the same expectations and follow the same Sherman ISD scope and sequence.

Career and Technical Education

Career and Technical Education programs prepare students for leadership, employability skills and technical skills within a specialized career field. Sherman ISD will ensure, to the greatest extent possible, students will continue to learn these skills in the regular classroom setting or remotely. To ensure safety within our programs, the following guidelines have been created:

General protocols

• Interactions with internship mentors will be guided by both SISD and participating mentor institution protocols.
• Some course requirements may be adjusted to ensure adherence to the necessary safety protocols from Sherman ISD or other governing bodies.
• All CTSO and club meetings will be held virtually.
• All CTSO events will be monitored and participation will be guided by TEA and SISD.

Virtual Instructional Model

• Teachers and students will have the tools they need to be successful in this learning environment.  Some course content may be adjusted to accommodate for software and hardware issues, which may limit readiness for industry based certifications. However, to the greatest extent possible, electronic access to learning materials and platforms, including a district supplied Chromebook or laptop for home use, will be made available if needed.
• Some advanced level CTE courses require some face-to-face training and students will be required to attend, in small group settings, to complete the skills necessary to pass the course.

AG and Construction Shop Guidelines

In addition to the safety protocols utilized in every SISD classroom, the Ag Shop will follow these additional guidelines:

• Practice safety protocols while working in the shop including using  gloves (required for shop work), mask and safety glasses.
• UV cabinets will be available to sanitize safety glasses and helmets.
• One student at a time will work at each workstation (tool).
• Students will be responsible for disinfecting surface areas and gloves after use.

SISD Agricultural Barn Guidelines

• Equipment, such as scales, treadmill and stands will have disinfecting sprays placed on them for cleaning of the equipment after each use. It is the responsibility of each student to clean equipment before and after use.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be located at each entrance, exit, and common working area.
• Adequate supplies will be on hand for staff and students to disinfect throughout the day.
• Large items shared by the team, must be wiped down BEFORE and AFTER use. Disinfecting sprays or wipes will be provided.
• Students will sanitize their hands before, during and after working at the Project Center.
• Students will be given designated areas to keep tack.
• Students should NOT enter or touch other students’ tack, animals, feed containers and gates.
• Students should limit their time at the barn to only the time needed to feed, clean pens and exercise their animals. Students should not bring guests to the barn. Only one family member is allowed to assist them in managing their animal project if needed.

Work-Based Learning/Internships

• Some CTE courses require a student internship or require students to participate in learning activities at a work site.  Due to the current public health situation, some internships or student work sites may not allow students on site. If students are unable to complete internship or work hours, alternative options will be provided to complete their Sherman ISD coursework.  However, it may not be possible to complete some industry certifications without the required internship or work experience hours.  
• If students are allowed to participate in an internship or off site work experience, students and parents will be required to complete additional documentation to allow participation.  Students will be required to follow the safety protocols utilized by the internship site.

In addition to the safety protocols utilized in every SISD classroom, the Culinary department will follow these additional guidelines:

• Practice safety protocols during food preparation: gloves, mask, aprons
• Reduce group sizes allowed in the kitchen when possible
• Use disposable items used when available
• Require mandatory stops throughout class for hand washing and sanitizing and disinfecting
• Use stainless steel utensils and food preparation equipment when available
• Sanitize all equipment with 185 degree sanitizing setting on dishwasher

Bearcat Bistro

When open, the bistro will follow these guidelines:

• Adhere to guidelines published by the Texas Restaurant Association https://www.txrestaurant.org/
• Require patrons to sanitize hands before entering restaurant
• Sanitize hands between interactions with customers, and wear face coverings and gloves
• Maintain tables spaced 6 feet apart
• Limit reservations
• Allow only two guests at each table
• Regularly and frequently clean and disinfect any regularly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, tables, and chairs
• Disinfect any items that come into contact with customers
• Clean and disinfect the area used for dining (table, etc.) after each group of customers depart, including the disinfecting of tables and chairs
• Use disposable menus
• Use disposable items used when available (pre-packaged utensils, plastic cups, paper napkins, pre-packaged salt/pepper packets)

School Store - The Claw

When open, the school store will follow the following guidelines:

• Limit number of students in the school store to 2 at a time
• Ask store patrons to follow social distancing practices and keep six feet away from each other.
• Disinfect surface areas between customers
• Practice safety protocols while stocking and running school store: gloves, mask
• Utilize a safety partition at the cashier area as appropriate

ExtraCurricular/CoCurricular Activities

The Athletic and Fine Arts departments are preparing to give our students the opportunity to participate in extra/co-curricular activities.

Cheer

• Practices and performances will be conducted following guidance from SISD, UIL and TEA. This will include COVID screenings, group size adjustments, sharing and sanitizing of equipment, limited locker room usage, and temperature screening.

Athletics

• Athletic practices and contests will be conducted following guidance from SISD, UIL and TEA. This will include COVID screenings, group size adjustments, sharing and sanitizing of equipment, limited locker room usage, and temperature screening.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available in gym facilities and equipment will be sanitized on a regular basis.
• Locker room use will be determined by TEA/UIL. If locker rooms can be accessed, all locker room space will be utilized to follow social distancing guidelines.
• Bus travel will follow transportation guidelines provided by SISD and TEA.
• Spectator attendance at games and contests will be limited based on TEA and UIL guidelines. Electronic ticketing for events will be utilized to control capacity of facilities.
• Postgame sign out procedures for athletes will be communicated to parents prior to the beginning of each season.
• Event procedures will be in place to minimize face-to-face interactions.
• Separate entrances and exits will be utilized to minimize physical contact.
• Spectator seats will be marked and configured in a way to enforce social distancing.
• Concession sales will follow health and safety guidelines.
• Athletic contests will be streamed online whenever possible. 

Fine Arts

• Large group practice sessions, sectionals and rehearsals will adhere to social distancing guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., SISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
• Fine arts music private lesson teachers will not be allowed to teach on campus facilities until further guidance is provided by an authorized entity. Private lessons may continue to be conducted virtually if agreed upon between individual families and the lesson teacher. All district guidelines and pricing will continue to be adhered to.
• Off-campus fine arts performances will only be conducted if specific guidance is provided by an authorized entity (e.g., SISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
• Concerts/performances may be adjusted based on health and safety guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., SISD, TEA, UIL, etc.) including but not limited to transportation procedures, number of attendees, and the orientation of concerts.
• All fine arts performances will be streamed online when possible.
• Booster club meetings will be conducted in accordance with large group gathering guidelines. Use of virtual meetings may be used to respect social distancing guidelines.

On-Campus Events

• Any school wide events that are approved to be held on campus need to adhere to social distancing requirements outlined by SISD, TEA and UIL. (Examples: grade level pep rallies, assemblies, performances, etc.)
• School wide events will be live streamed and/or occur virtually when possible.
• To limit larger gatherings, campus club meetings should be held virtually when possible. If meeting in person is required, groups should utilize larger meeting spaces or multiple meeting opportunities will be provided.

Off Campus Events and Outdoor Events

• Campuses will limit students from leaving campus after school prior to travel or start of extra-curricular or co-curricular activities.
• Student participation in academic contests will occur if the event is determined to be safe and specific guidance provided by an authorized host site can be followed.
• Special Education Community Based Instruction (CBI) and Work Based Learning (WBL) guidance will be followed to ensure these learning environments are available to our students per ARD/IEP recommendations.