THOMAS JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

IN  ACCORDANCE WITH THE VALPARAISO COMMUNITY SCHOOLS RETURN TO LEARN & IDOE’S IN-CLASS PLAN

Student Arrival

We encourage parents to provide transportation for their child, if possible.

• Students should only be dropped off at door 5 on the east side of the building. Please enter through the Viking Arena (football/soccer stadium) entrance and follow the marked path  to the east parking lot. To allow buses to enter their designated drop off locations, please watch for signs to leave open the area near where the football field parking lot meets the TJMS parking lot/drive.
• When dropping off a student please pull well past door 5 to allow students to safely exit multiple cars at one time.
• Students who are eating breakfast will be able to enter the building at 7:50 a.m. using door #8 on Roosevelt Road.
• To provide social distancing during breakfast time, students who are not eating breakfast will not be able to enter the building prior to 8:04 a.m. For supervision and social distancing  reasons, students cannot be dropped off early and wait inside the building.
• Bus riders, car riders, and walkers may enter the building at 8:04 a.m.
• There will be hand sanitizing stations located at each entrance.
• Upon entry into the building, students will wear masks and practice physical distancing.
• Students should report directly to their locker, if needed, and continue directly to their 1st period class to limit gatherings of students in large groups.

Car Riders

• Cars dropping students off at TJMS in the morning should follow the green route shown on the map below. Please note the exception for students eating breakfast described above.
• Please pull past door #5 and stop along the sidewalk to allow multiple students to be dropped off at the same time.
• Please note the red/white boxed area on the map as this area needs to be kept free from waiting cars to allow buses to enter their designated drop off/pick up area.

Bus Riders

• All students riding a bus will wear a mask and have an assigned seat.
• Pick up and drop off information can be found on Skyward Family Access by clicking on the “Busing” tab. Be sure your child is at the bus stop at least 5 minutes ahead of the scheduled pick up time and please understand that the afternoon drop off times are an estimate only and will most assuredly run a little later the first few weeks of school.

School Breakfast

• Breakfast will be served daily.
• Students will be in assigned physically distanced seats in the cafeteria.

Passing Periods & Hallways

• Masks will be worn by students and staff when in the hallway and adhere to physical distancing guidelines.
• Students and staff should stay to the right side of the hallway.
• Every student is assigned a locker.  Students should take necessary supplies with them and limit their need to go to their locker as much as possible throughout the school day.
• Passing periods will be 4 minutes between classes.
• There should be limited personal belongings going to and from school.

Classroom Seating & Room Configuration

• Students will be physically distanced as much as possible.
• Per the governor’s order, students must wear masks covering their mouth and nose. An exception will be made for those students with specific health-related issues. Our school nurse, Mrs. White, should be contacted if there are health-related issues.  
• Students will be facing forward and in the same direction whenever possible.
• If classes are held outdoors and are able to be physically distanced,  masks may be removed.
• Every attempt will be made to provide mask breaks during the school day in situations that are socially distanced.
• Exposure to shared items will be reduced and when sharing is necessary, items will be sanitized.
• Student desks, chairs, stools, tables will be sanitized at the end of each period.
• Teachers are encouraged to utilize technology as much as possible to diminish the need for the collection and passing of papers.  Any items will be collected by the adult.

Water Bottles

• Because water fountains are considered high touch areas, designated water bottle stations will be placed throughout the building.  
• Students should bring their own water bottles to use for refilling throughout the school day.
• Names should be clearly marked on the water bottle.
• The bottle should have a lid that prevents spills.

Hand Washing/Hand Sanitization

• Hand sanitizing stations will be stationed at various locations throughout the building.
• Students will be encouraged to appropriately and regularly wash their hands as well as use hand sanitizer.

Restrooms

• Restroom access will be provided to students by using a QR Code system allowing staff members to ensure physical distancing requirements are met and provide contact tracing information, if necessary.
• Restrooms will be sanitized multiple times throughout the school day and  disinfected at the end of each school day.
• Specific restrooms are designated for students in specific areas of the building.

Lunches

• Students will be physically distanced.
• Alternate settings in addition to the cafeteria will be utilized.
• Students will be assigned to a specific lunch area based on their class immediately prior to lunch to ensure seating capacity, social distancing are followed as well as provide contact tracing, if needed.
• Seating charts will be maintained and students will select their seat within their assigned seating area and remain in that seat for the duration of the nine week period.

Student Schedules

• Middle School Schedule

Visitors & Guests

• No volunteers or general visitors (including lunch, classroom, mentoring programs) will be permitted into the building.
• Parents/Guardians will use contactless drop off in the main office/front entrance area at Door 1 on Roosevelt Road.
• Parent meetings with staff members will be by appointment only.  All attendees will be required to wear a mask whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained.  When possible, other meeting platforms will be utilized.
• When needed, seating in the office waiting area will be physically distanced.

Assemblies

• We will not be having in person convocations.

Media Center

• The media center will utilize a ‘drive thru’ or delivery pick up system of books being checked out.
• Books will be sanitized upon their return to the media center before being returned to circulation.

Nurse

• A 2nd nurse’s station has been established  for any student/staff member the nursing staff determines has symptoms in line with possible COVID-19 infection.

Student Dismissal

• Bus riders will be dismissed first followed by car riders, walkers and bike riders to stagger the number of students in the hallways as much as possible.  
• Walkers and car riders will be dismissed after a majority of buses have left TJMS.

Club Meetings

• Clubs/groups with large memberships will plan to utilize Zoom meetings or hold meetings multiple times with small groups (attendance would need to be recorded of members present in each meeting).  Remote learners will be included through a Zoom meeting.

Athletics

• Coaches and athletes will follow protocols set forth by the IHSAA for high school athletics with modifications specific to the middle school athletic setting. Highlights of this plan include:
• Athletes are expected to wear masks when physical distancing is not possible.
• Equipment will be disinfected after use.
• Athletes should take all clothing home daily to be washed.

General Information

• All students will be provided with portable barriers to take with them throughout the day and use in all settings.

Maintaining Good Health

Protocols for Screening and Related Actions for Parents and Guardians

Daily Parent Screening Measures

A student should be excluded from attending school if they *test positive for COVID-19 or exhibit one or more of the symptoms of COVID-19 based on CDC Guidance that is not otherwise explained:

*The parent or guardian must notify the school immediately of any test results

For the 2020-2021 school year all perfect-attendance recognitions and incentives will be discontinued.

Return to School After Exhibiting One Symptom and NO COVID-19 Test

A student may return to school after exhibiting one of the symptoms listed above and not having had a COVID-19 test if:

• At least 10 calendar days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
• They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
• Other symptoms have improved or resolved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
• The parent or guardian has completed the Parent Affirmation Form for Return to School

The state website has a *list of over 200 testing facilities, their location, and hours of operation.

*This list is updated frequently.

Return to School After Exhibiting One Symptom and Testing Negative for COVID-19

A student may return to school after exhibiting one of the symptoms listed above and testing negative for COVID-19 if:

• The parent or guardian completes the *mandate to notify the school immediately of any test results
• They have had no fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
• They have completed the Parent Affirmation Form for Return to School

*It is the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) to secure documentation of test results and to provide those results to the school.

Return to School After Exhibiting One Symptom and Testing Positive for COVID- 19

A student may return to school after exhibiting one of the symptoms listed above and testing positive for COVID-19 if:

• The parent or guardian completes the *mandate to notify the school immediately of any test results
• The individual has received two negative tests at least 24 hours apart
• At least 10 calendar days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
• They have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use of medicine that reduces fevers)
• Other symptoms have improved or resolved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
• The parent or guardian has completed the Parent Affirmation Form for Return to School

Return to School After Having No Symptoms and Testing POSITIVE for COVID-19 (Asymptomatic)

Students who have not had symptoms but test positive for COVID-19 may return when:

• They have gone ten calendar days from the day the test was taken without symptoms
• They have a documented release by a healthcare provider to return to school
• The parent or guardian has completed the Parent Affirmation Form for Return to School

If Someone in Your Home Has Symptoms or is Being Tested for COVID-19

Students should remain home for 72 hours if someone in the household has COVID-19 symptoms or is being tested for COVID-19.  A student may return to school if:

• After the 72 hour period they are symptom free
• Test results for the household member are negative
• The parent or guardian has completed the Parent Affirmation Form for Return to School

If Someone in Your Home Has Tested Positive for COVID-19

If an individual in one’s home has COVID-19 or is quarantined because of COVID-19, those in the household should also stay home for a minimum of 14 days.  A student may return to school if:

• After 14 days they have remained symptom free
• They have a documented release by a healthcare provider to return to school
• The parent or guardian has completed the Parent Affirmation Form for Return to School

Addressing COVID-19 Incidence in Valparaiso Community Schools

The level of incidence will be determined by the *Porter County Health Department

Level of Incidence

*Click here for Porter County Health Department’s current COVID-19 statistics In Porter Co/Center Twp

Instructional Model in Response to Level of Incidence

Remote Learning

What Is Remote Learning?

Valparaiso Community Schools has placed an emphasis on relationships and continuity of learning for the 2020-21 school year.  Recognizing that some students may not return to the brick-and-mortar setting of school due to COVID-19, VCS has implemented a Remote Learning Option for students.  The principles of the Remote Learning Option are as follows:

1. Students will be assigned a full complement of classes (6-12) or permanent homeroom (K-5) to create a continuity of learning throughout the year regardless of medium.  Those teachers will remain consistent throughout the term of Remote Learning and upon return to the Traditional Setting if applicable.
2. Students will be able to connect with their teachers and peers in meaningful ways through VCS learning platforms (CANVAS, Google Meets).  Thus, the Remote Learning student experience will be a combination of class recordings, “livestream” learning  and interaction (via Google Meets) whenever necessary and appropriate.   Remote Learning assignments and assessments will utilize CANVAS .  
3. Remote Learning will be synchronous as much as possible with the Traditional setting; students will have regular assignments, support, feedback, and accountability built in to the learning sessions for core classes.  Students are expected to complete assignments and participate in eLearning and livestreaming learning activities when assigned by the teacher.  
4. In order to be effective, Remote Learning requires frequent communication and interaction between the teacher, student, and parent(s)/guardian(s).  It is essential that students keep up with assignments, attend all scheduled Google Meets (video conferencing), respond to feedback provided by the teacher, and complete projects in a timely manner.  Remote learning students will be assessed in the same manner as Traditional students as much as possible.  Should the Remote Learner demonstrate unacceptable academic achievement, a conference will determine the appropriate action with a return to brick-and-mortar experiences possible.
5. Extracurricular and cocurricular opportunities will be limited to those activities that can be engaged in remotely or individually (e.g., streamed club meetings, remote academic teams or competitions, etc.). IHSAA has determined that athletic eligibility is unaffected by Remote Learner status.

The Valparaiso Community Schools has established remote learning policies that include: 

Remote Learning (also known as “eLearning”) is also covered by relevant electronic device rules in the student handbook and the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) relating to the Valparaiso Community Schools' students and parents.

Remote Learning shall incorporate Valparaiso Community Schools’ values of safety, health, and respect for the learning environment as well as a commitment to academic excellence. To that end, it is VCS mandate to create the best environment conducive to learning. VCS expects the students, parents and/or guardians to act responsibly in the following areas:

1. Treat all students, teachers, aides and members of the VCS community with dignity and respect in face-to-face interventions and in electronic communications;

2. Comply with the information technology policies of VCS;

3. Make sure you have supplies needed daily to contribute to your Remote Learning classes. Those include, but are not limited to, a laptop, a reliable connection to the internet, books, work books, pencils, power cord, headphones, charger and other items commonly used in Remote Learning;

4. Participate in class activities in a polite and respectable manner;

5. Maintain a tone of voice consistent as being present in a live school learning activity. This includes parents and guardians who are in the same surroundings as their student during class instruction hours;

6. Be familiar with and abide by all policies of the teacher you are engaged with. This includes, but is not limited to, emails, assignments, attendances, video conferences, intellectual property rights and various guidelines of the program that may be used;

7. Refraining from usage of cell phones, internet messaging, listening to or downloading music, or playing games on your laptop during an Remote Learning session;

8. Students should dress comfortably and appropriately for Remote Learning. Such dress, while covered in the student handbook, should not be offensive or distracting to anyone. Shirts should cover the midriff area and thin-strapped tank-tops should be worn with shirts by boys and girls alike. Messages and pictures on shirts should be positive and appropriate for the Remote Learning environment and must not be disruptive to the educational process. Hats, ball-caps or other headwear should not be worn unless done so because of religious beliefs. At no time, should pajamas or undergarments be visible. The instructor will make the final decision regarding what is or is not appropriate dress, and students dressed inappropriately will be disqualified;

9. Snacks, drinks and food should not be visible except during the lunch period;

10. Graffiti or signs are not to be visible during anytime Remote Learning is being conducted, and parents and students shall be held accountable for any violations. Remember Remote Learning environments will be treated as if the student or parent is in the school he or she would normally attend;

11. No publication of notices, documents, videos, soundbites and/or pictures shall be posted in social media relating to the Remote Learning environment;

12. Students, parents and/or guardians shall not tape any class instruction, discussion, or presentation done on the Remote Learning environment;

13. Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. Students will be expected to complete his or her own work product. Violators of this protocol will be handled as if a violation occurred in school and pursuant to the VCS handbook;

14. Students will become familiar and abide with all VCS Remote Learning policies including, but not limited to, attendance, assignments, plagiarism and cheating, and actions during Remote Learning sessions;

15. VCS will mandate protection of the privacy of its classrooms, students, teachers, and other employees involved in the Remote Learning environment; and

16. Valparaiso Community Schools reserves the right to remove anyone whose behavior impedes the learning environment of Valparaiso Community Schools. By agreeing to Remote Learning, students and their parents or guardians assume the responsibility of becoming familiar with and abiding by the Valparaiso Community Schools student handbook and the above policies.

Updates to the remote learning policies and expectations can be found  here.