2020 Return to School Blueprint (2020 RSB)

Updated 10/13/20

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The purpose of this document is to provide a framework that outlines possible plans the district may implement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2020-21 school year.  It is understood that circumstances could remain fluid throughout the year and may change as the year progresses. Final decisions will be dependent upon guidance and requirements from state and local officials, and plans may need to change as the year progresses.  The district continues to be tremendously appreciative of the support of our families and it is our hope to return students to on-site learning experiences to the maximum extent possible.

Plans are based on two primary guiding principles from the EPS Strategic Plan.

  • High levels of learning for all students (Strategic Plan Goal #2)
  • Safety for all students (Strategic Plan Goal #5)

Elkhorn Public Schools is committed to supporting students, families, and staff.  Each Learning Plan is intended to assist staff, students, and families in providing for the meaningful continuation of learning in the event that the district would need to adjust their normal operating procedures due to health and safety concerns. Implementation of each plan will require collaboration and communication among staff, students, and families.  It is understood that families may face a variety of challenges and that all groups will need to work toward strong communication and problem-solving.  These contingency plans are not intended to replace processes that are used for individual student or staff absences when school is in session.

Key Considerations and Parameters:

  • Maximize the goals of both learning and safety to the extent that is possible during a pandemic
  • Structure plans in a way that will allow the district to move to alternate plans as the situation warrants
  • Provide allowances as possible for students and staff who are unable to participate in on-site learning due to health reasons

Pandemic Level

Contingency Plans

Plan Overviews and Links

Level 1

(100% - All students and employees on-site)

PLAN A

Full Capacity

Normal School Calendar

The district began the school year with Plan A.  Alternative plans have been developed in the event that health directives may change through the year based upon the impact of COVID-19.

  • ALL students and staff attend classes in school buildings 5 days a week.
  • Students will follow their normal daily schedule.
  • Additional health and safety protocols such as socially distanced arrival and dismissal procedures and mask-wearing will be in place based on guidelines and Directed Health Measures.
  • The board approved calendar will be followed.
  • Remote learning accommodations will be available for students who are not able to attend in-person due to health reasons. Information and a request form are included later in this document and this option will exist when the district is implementing plans A-D.

Links for PLAN A Full Capacity Information

PLAN B

Full Capacity

Delayed Start Calendar

Plan B was written as a contingency in the event that medical interventions were developed over the summer to the extent that a delayed start could assist in ensuring student safety. An early start calendar was not considered due to the fact that the district is opening two new buildings.

  • ALL students and staff attend classes in school buildings 5 days a week with a normal daily schedule.
  • The school calendar would be adjusted to begin after Labor Day and end in June.
  • Additional safety protocols such as socially distanced arrival and dismissal procedures and mask-wearing will be in place based on guidelines and Directed Health Measures.

Links for PLAN B Late Start Calendar Information

Level 2

(50% -Blend of on-site  and off-site learning in order to enhance social distancing)

 PLAN C

Half Capacity Blended Learning

Plan C  is currently deemed to be the most likely of the blended learning plans.  It would allow the district to operate at half-capacity with a goal of increasing social distancing at all levels, while still maintaining some on-site learning.

  • Students will be divided into two groups by last name.  Each group will attend school in their building two days a week.
  • When not on-site, each group will participate in synchronous distance learning one day a week and independent learning two days a week.
  • Students will follow their normal daily schedule when they are in the building.
  • Additional safety protocols such as socially distanced arrival and dismissal procedures and mask-wearing will be in place based on guidelines and Directed Health Measures.
  • The board approved calendar will be followed.
  • Tentative Schedule Overview

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Group 1 Families (A-K)

IN-PERSON

INDEPENDENT LEARNING

DISTANCE

IN-PERSON

INDEPENDENT LEARNING

Group 2 Families (L-Z)

INDEPENDENT LEARNING

IN-PERSON

DISTANCE

INDEPENDENT LEARNING

IN-PERSON

Links for PLAN C Half Capacity Blended Learning Information

PLAN D

Stable Classroom Blended Learning

Plan D is not a preferred plan, but could be put in place in the event that health directives require stable classrooms that keep a small group of students and staff together for the full day.  The goal is to limit the contacts of students and staff to a small number and to provide some on-site learning for grades PreK-8.

  • High School students will participate in distance learning as outlined in plan E.
  • Elementary and Middle School students will be divided into two groups by last name.  
  • Each group will attend school in the building two days a week.
  • When not on-site, each group will participate in synchronous distance learning one day a week and independent learning two days a week.
  • Students will follow a modified schedule and remain with the same group of students throughout the day.
  • Additional safety protocols such as socially distanced arrival and dismissal procedures and mask-wearing may be in place based on guidelines and Directed Health Measures.
  • The board approved calendar will be followed.

Plan D is under construction and will be linked at a later time

Level 3

(0% -Off-site distance learning)

PLAN E Distance Learning

  • All students will participate in distance learning each day, including students who requested Remote Learning Accommodations.
  • The Temporary Distance Learning Plan from the 19-20 school year has been revised based on input from families, students, and teachers.  The 2020-21 Distance Learning Plan has a variety of changes including an expanded amount of time for live-online learning.
  • A combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning will be included in the plan. The current draft plan includes synchronous (live-online) learning five days per week.
  • The board approved calendar will be followed.

Links for PLAN E Distance Learning Information

2020 RSB Health and Safety Protocols

  • Below you will find current EPS Student Services 2020 RSB Health and Safety Protocols which outline responses that will be in place for areas like screening, pick up and drop off, food service, cleaning, transportation, etc.  These protocols will generally be the same for Contingency Plans A-D.

2020 RSB Health and Safety Protocols

2020 Remote Learning Accommodations

As a district, we believe that we can provide the strongest support for academic and social development when students are at school with their peers and our dedicated staff.  However, we also recognize that we are in unprecedented times and some families face circumstances that will prevent them from participating in on-site learning.  Any K-12 EPS family may request COVID-19 Remote Learning Accommodations during the 2020-2021 school year if EPS is conducting classes under a contingency plan that includes in-classroom instruction.  Please read the information below and complete the linked request form if you would like to request remote learning accommodations.  

Technology

  • All students in grades K-12 will be provided with a Chromebook.
  • Parents will have access to a Technology Help Desk via the district website