Re-Opening Plans for 2020-2021
08/08/2020 *Parents - please check your emails for complete details.
Health
How will faculty and staff prepare for reopening?
All staff will receive training on updated health and safety protocols related to COVID-19.
Will there be COVID-19 testing for staff and students?
No, students and staff should consult with a physician for testing.
Will students and staff be screened for COVID-19?
Parents will be asked to complete screening steps each morning before bringing their children to school. Staff also will self-screen. As needed, non-touch temperature checks and screening of students, by a staff member, will occur at designated spots.
Will CCS have a space for students who develop symptoms while at school?
Yes, an “isolation area” will be designated to separate a student who reports symptoms.
What if a student or staff member gets sick?
If a student or staff member in school is sick, has been exposed to COVID-19, or tests positive for COVID-19, CCS will follow all guidance from federal, state, and local agencies. The individual will be required to stay home throughout the infection period, and will not be able to return to campus until certain conditions for campus re-entry have been met. A staff member or student will need to meet the CDC criteria for return if they are displaying symptoms, presumed positive or have received a confirmed positive COVID-19 test. CCS is following TEA guidelines regarding next steps for those who have been exposed to a diagnosed individual. Details below.
What process will the school follow if a student/staff member receives a COVID-19 diagnosis?
CCS is required to notify the Health Department to report the case. The Health Department will take appropriate steps regarding contact tracing. The school will deep-clean classrooms, shared space, and/or areas where that individual had been. The school will notify classmates and parents, although federal privacy laws prevent a patient from being identified by name. CCS will use guidance from local health authorities to determine the "reach" of notices and quarantine plans.
How long will the individual have to stay out of school?
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 (after 10-14 days of quarantine):
1) At least 24 hours have 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 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
What if a student exhibits symptoms that could be associated with other illnesses?
If a student displays COVID symptoms, CCS will follow protocol as outlined in the TEA "SY 20-21 Public Health Planning Guide" released June 23, 2020 for reopening school. These symptoms include: fever, cough, loss of taste/smell, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, headache, chills, sore throat, shaking or exaggerated shivering, significant muscle pain or ache, and diarrhea.
Students displaying these symptoms will be moved to the isolation area and parents will be asked to pick up the child within 30 minutes. *Parents it is urgent to self-screen your children before dropping them off at school.
If the individual has symptoms that could be COVID-19 and wants to return to school before completing the standard 10-14 stay-at-home period, the individual must either (a) obtain a medical professional’s note clearing the individual for return based on an alternative diagnosis or (b) receive one confirmations that they are free of COVID via acute infection tests at an approved COVID-19 testing location.
What if someone was in close contact, or may have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19?
CCS is following TEA guidelines regarding next steps for those who have been exposed to a diagnosed individual (see Close Contact). Depending on the level of exposure, next steps may range from self-monitoring and taking additional safety precautions while on campus, to staying home and self-monitoring for 10-14 days, or even undergoing testing prior to return.
Close Contact
TEA 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:
a. being directly exposed to infectious secretions (e.g., being coughed on, sneezed on); or
b. being within 6 feet for a cumulative duration of 15 minutes; however, additional factors like case/contact, face coverings (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.
COVID-19 Symptoms
The following symptoms are consistent with COVID-19.
For self-screening and campus evaluation, consider the following question: Have you recently begun experiencing any of the following in a way that is not normal for you?
o Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
o Loss of taste or smell
o Cough
o Difficulty breathing
o Shortness of breath
o Fatigue
o Headache
o Chills
o Sore throat
o Congestion or runny nose
o Shaking or exaggerated shivering
o Significant muscle pain or ache
o Diarrhea
o Nausea or vomiting
Will school shut down if a staff member or student with COVID-19 exposes other members in the school?
Although we do not anticipate another closure, the need to shut down an entire campus will depend on the number of cases, the level of contact, isolation of groups and guidance from health authorities.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
What safety protocols will be taken inside buildings?
CCS is following all guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other governing authorities that assist with the safety of facilities and determining appropriate measures such as: controlling building access, reducing touch points, increasing cleaning, and planning for social distancing.
Additionally, CCS has provided face coverings, desk dividers and limited on-campus capacity.
How will CCS ensure social distancing in classrooms?
Where feasible and without disrupting the educational experience, measures will be implemented for students to maintain six feet between each other to support social distancing. In classrooms where students are regularly within six feet of one another, the following will be applied: individual desk dividers, facial coverings, more frequent hand washing and/or hand sanitizing, and considerations for increased airflow when possible. Campus will operate in smaller groups and at a lower capacity.
Will students and staff be required to wear face coverings?
Yes, both staff and students for whom it is developmentally appropriate will be required to wear face masks or some type of face covering while in the building, which is aligned with Governor Abbott’s order issued July 2, 2020. There are exceptions when face coverings can be removed (e.g., activities, eating, etc.). Each staff and student will be provided one face covering (face shield). However, due to limited national supply, staff and students will be encouraged to replace any lost or missing face covering.
What if a student has a health condition and is advised not to wear a face mask?
Allowances may be considered for students who have conditions that prohibit them from wearing a covering. If a student is medically unable to wear a face covering, we will develop a plan to accommodate that student’s learning needs. Please contact the director.
How will the use of face coverings by students be enforced?
Campus staff will remind students when they notice a covering is not being worn correctly. Signs will also be placed throughout campus.
What if a student forgets a face covering?
Parents will be notified to bring their student the proper face covering. The CCS office will have disposable face masks (not shields) available for students. These are limited in supply.
How will personal hygiene be reinforced?
Aligned with CCS policies already in place: students will receive instruction on appropriate hygiene practices and will be reminded and requested to wash hands frequently. Signage will be prominently displayed in appropriate areas, hand sanitizer will be available at multiple locations throughout the campus, and thorough hand washing will be required after recess, before and after eating, following restroom breaks, and periodically throughout the day. Lower elementary students have hand washing stations in classrooms and hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the building.
Is CCS taking any steps regarding ventilation that may help with circulation?
CCS is taking into account recommendations from national sources including the CDC to increase ventilation and increase the amount of fresh air in rooms and the buildings.
Are dividers going to be used?
CCS is providing individual desk dividers for all students in every classroom: based on grade level, room layouts, tables vs. desks, and type of class. These will be placed in a way that will provide an extra layer of separation between students in classrooms where the layout or age level is challenging with regard to social distancing.
How will the campus be cleaned?
Commonly used surfaces and areas will be thoroughly and frequently disinfected. Classrooms and restrooms will be professionally deep cleaned weekly, and disinfected daily, with concentration on high-touch and common areas, the cafeteria will be disinfected between lunch periods and staff will have access to disinfectant to sanitize working surfaces and shared objects after each use and during breaks in instruction. Each student will be responsible for maintaining a clean workspace, cleaning up their personal belongings, and isolating their provided supplies (not sharing).
What will classroom cleaning protocols for younger elementary grades with more hands-on areas look like?
Designated areas of campus will be equipped with various disinfectants. Teachers (at all grade levels) have disinfectant spray bottles to touch up areas throughout the day. Hand-Held Mist Sprayers will be available in each classroom to be used as frequently as needed, to disinfect high-touch areas in pods and classrooms, potentially spraying classrooms when students are at lunch, in another location, and at the end of each day.
How will physical items, equipment or books be cleaned/disinfected?
The practices regarding sharing items will be revised to minimize use by multiple students as CCS provides each student with their own manipulatives, school supplies, etc. For some items, students may use their own (laptops, etc). PE and other shared equipment will be sanitized and wiped down after each use.
How will bathroom breaks be structured for elementary students?
CCS implements practices that limit the number of students in restrooms at a given time, especially with consideration given to social distancing recommendations. Protocols will vary slightly by grade level depending on layout of the building, location and size of restrooms, etc.
Will visitors be allowed on campus?
Parents are asked to please limit visits to campus as much as possible. Because activities that typically attract groups of visitors will not be held (assemblies, etc.), the flow of visitor traffic will be minimal. Virtual meetings will be used as a first option and maximized as the mode for meetings. For situations that still require parents or others to enter school buildings, they will be required to wear face coverings, maintain physical distancing, and use the hand sanitizer located at all entry points.
All parents are asked to self-screen for possible symptoms before entering the building.
How will campus meetings/conferences for parents be held?
We will proceed virtually or by phone to minimize on-campus presence. CCS hopes to resume on-campus meetings/conferences as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
How will meals be offered to students?
Will school close if a staff member or student with COVID-19 exposes other members in the school?
The need to shut down an entire campus will depend on the level of contact, isolation of groups and guidance from health authorities.
Staff
What do I do if I get sick?
If an employee becomes ill or presents with the list of symptoms consistent with COVID-19, he/she is directed to not come to work. Employees are asked to seek appropriate medical attention. Please contact the school’s office to report lab-confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses to the director as soon as possible. This allows CCS to make appropriate notifications to those who may have been exposed and to ensure appropriate disinfectant steps can be carried out in the workplace.
What do I do if I think I may have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19?
Employees who think they may have been exposed to an individual with COVID-19 are asked to self-report to the director for next steps. CCS is following TEA guidelines regarding next steps for those who have been exposed to a diagnosed individual (see Close Contact). Employees who have been exposed are to report to the director to walk through a series of questions to determine appropriate next steps. Depending on the level of exposure, next steps may range from self-monitoring and taking additional safety precautions while working, to staying home and self-monitoring for 10-14 days, or even undergoing testing prior to return.
Will I be informed if I was exposed to illness at work?
Yes, although CCS will not disclose the identity of persons in the workplace who report in a confirmed case of COVID-19, notice of exposure in the workplace will be sent to those potentially exposed while working who came into close contact with the individual confirmed to have COVID-19.
Do I have to wear a face covering?
Yes, per the Governor’s Order and as outlined in the CCS safety protocols.
Will face coverings and gloves be provided?
Yes, face coverings and (optional) gloves will be available for employees.
How are facilities being cleaned?
Staff are asked to please maintain a clean workspace and disinfect their personal area as needed throughout the day, and again at the end of each day. Administration is disinfecting shared areas used by staff each day including but not limited to offices, restrooms, staff break rooms and common areas. Bottles of disinfectant are available in designated areas allowing for those areas to be sanitized or wiped down as needed by office personnel throughout the day.
What is the plan for staff during in-service and the first three weeks of remote learning?
CCS staff are expected to continue working in a role to serve students, whether instruction is remote or in-person.
Due to the constantly changing conditions under which we are operating, which include health data and guidance from state and county authorities, FAQs are subject to change.
7/21/2020 *Parents - please check your emails for complete details.
Well…these are unprecedented times in education and our community. Due to the rising number of positive COVID-19 cases in the area, which could include students/staff/parents, the decision to delay face-to-face instruction was not an easy one to make. After MUCH deliberation and prayer, CCS has decided to begin the 2020-2021 school year virtually and begin face-to-face classes Tuesday September 8th (Monday September 7th is Labor Day). We are committed to ensuring health and safety for all so that we do not contribute to the number of new COVID-19 cases. This date is subject to change based on COVID-19 conditions across the City of Victoria and guidance from local, state, and federal health officials.
Re-Opening Dates:
August 17th, 2020: First day of school (Virtual only)
September 8th, 2020: Face-to-face instruction begins (prayers up)
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional guidance.
While I share in the disappointment of not meeting face-to-face as scheduled, I want to safeguard your child’s education and ensure they continue to learn. Reopening strategies are not only driven by federal, state and local entities, but also by the many students, parents, staff and community members that have engaged in this process. Thank you to all the parents that participated in our Spring ThoughtExchange. We listened! We have been working diligently to identify ways to continue improving and providing quality education while ensuring the health and safety of our students, staff, and families.
New Programs
Because of your feedback, CCS has recently partnered with additional education companies and educational consultants that will not only enhance our on-line programs, but take us to a level we’ve only dreamed. We have added a massive library of over 27,000 bite-sized instructional videos across all subjects. CCS teachers are busy busy busy building personalized lessons based on your child's educational needs. Teachers are creating lessons for every student, at every grade level, and for every type of learner (K-12).
Your child’s courses will include video tutorials, games, engaging interactive lessons and personalized instruction coupled with optional pre-made packets, printables, or on-line work. Worksheets, assessments, and lessons can be fully on-line or a blend of both.
Our engaging instructional videos, interactive lessons and one-to-one tutoring will alleviate the burden of parents thinking they will have to carry the load of instruction while students are at home. Our K-12 online interactive award-winning programs combine the technology kids love with the education they need to make learning fun! Concepts are presented using humor, animated lessons, instructional videos and fun assessments.
Choice:
Because it’s important for parents to have the ultimate choice on determining what is best for their child, there will always be an option to opt out of face-to-face instruction entirely for the fall semester and 2020-2021 school year. We are committed to ensuring that all students receive the support and services that they need. We understand the importance of choice for families, so families will be able to choose how their children will learn, including the option of 100% at-home learning.
Staff:
The safety and well-being of our staff is a significant concern as we will soon transition to returning to campus. Further training and additional practices and protocols have been implemented to follow recommended safety guidelines from federal, state, and local health officials.
CCS will continue to ask staff to self-screen before they arrive on campus. Face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes will be made available. CCS staff will practice frequent hand washing and social distancing, especially in common areas.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) update
The shift to full-time online learning in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has brought change and challenges to everyone. The uncertainty and disruption to our daily routines makes navigating COVID-19 precautionary measures challenging. Social and emotional learning (SEL) provides an opportunity to not only build school-based skills such as communication, teamwork, and valuing the perspective of others but likewise allows us to build greater resilience, mindfulness, and the ability to manage stress during challenging times.
We are working closely with local mental health coordinators for Online Wellness Workshops. Additionally, CCS is collecting several relevant resources for parents and students to use at home and we offer multiple pathways for virtual inclusion so no child will feel isolated or left out. We understand that we all need emotional support right now and we hope to provide as much as possible.
We can all look forward to another great year.
More parent emails to follow...
7/11/2020
*Parents - please check your emails for complete details.
Masks
The Texas Education Agency requires all schools to comply with the governor’s executive order regarding the wearing of masks.
The Texas Education Agency defines masks to include: 1non-medical grade disposable face masks, 2cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth), or 3full-face shields to protect eyes, nose, and mouth.
Furthermore, the Texas Education Agency states that, not masks, but face shields may be better in many circumstances, given the improved ability to see mouth movements and improved air circulation.
* CCS is providing face shields at no cost to the parent. CCS has purchased Safety Face Shields that are breathable full-face protective visors with eye & head protection and adjustable elastic band. Their full-length wrap-around design provides over-the-top, side and front face protection. Staff and students will be offered one face shield.
Parents and staff may still choose to use a mask or other face covering or a combination of both.
Distribution of face-shields will be determined soon and update to follow.
Social Distancing
Guidance from the Texas Education Agency states that
Where feasible without disrupting the educational experience, encourage students to practice social distancing.
1. In classroom spaces that allow it, placing student desks a minimum of six feet apart when possible.
2. In classrooms where students are regularly within six feet of one another, necessitate more frequent hand washing and/or hand sanitizing and increased airflow from the outdoors when possible.
We found solutions that will support social distancing, without moving away from the connected open spaces essential for social interaction: individual desk dividers for all students. These dividers help us work in a safe and healthy environment while helping to maintain the sense of teamwork and togetherness that is so important.
Re-Opening Plans for 2020-2021
7/10/2020
*Parents - please check your emails for complete details.
With the start of the school year being only a month away, CCS has been busy planning for what the return to school will look like and feel like for our students, staff, and families. Ensuring the health and safety of our community continues to be our priority as we plan for the 2020-21 school year. With this in mind, reopening strategies are not only driven by federal, state and local entities, but also by the many students, parents and community members that have engaged in this process.
In short, we will open campus and can’t wait to see you!
We are committed to ensuring health and safety for all so that we do not contribute to the number of new COVID-19 cases.
As we plan, we are committed to our guiding principles:
Maintaining the health, wellness, and safety of the entire school community
- Flexibility for all students, staff, and families
- Compliance with social distancing recommendations and all COVID mandates
- Preparedness for responding to local, state, and federal orders
- Commitment to developing fair and innovative re-opening approaches that meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all students
- Support all staff to adapt and respond to the instructional and operational needs of our community
- Sustain open communication
Click for our Academic Calendar
Students will begin the school year on August 17th 2020. We currently have no plans to alter breaks or extend the year. If we need to suspend classes due to health and safety conditions (state directives), teaching and learning will continue online. For the most updated information, please check your emails often, our Facebook page, our website, and don’t forget to sign up for remind (info at the bottom).
We are looking forward to welcoming students and families on the first day of school!
Teaching & Learning
CCS is ready to smoothly transition between on-campus teaching and learning, at-home teaching and learning, and/or a combination of the two, as our local COVID-19 conditions change and as families make decisions.
We are committed to ensuring that all students receive the support and services that they need. We understand the importance of choice for families, so families will be able to choose how their children will learn, including the option of 100% at-home learning. No matter what your family chooses, there is a place for every student at CCS. We will offer robust and engaging instruction in a variety of ways. Below are the three instructional models we offer:
On-Campus Face-to-Face Teaching and Learning
On-campus face-to-face learning occurs when the teacher and the student meet physically in a classroom for a set time for whole-group lessons, small-group lessons, guided practice, and independent practice with social distancing and health and safety measures in place.
At-Home Distance Teaching and Learning
Distance learning occurs when the learner and teacher are separated by distance and either meet online at an agreed upon time, or the student receives instructions for learning and completes their assignments at their own pace. The teacher and student do not meet in a traditional physical classroom setting.
Hybrid Teaching and Learning
Hybrid learning occurs both in the classroom and through distance learning. It is a combination of on-campus and at-home teaching and learning.
Health & Safety Protocols
please check your emails for complete details.
To keep students and staff safe while at school, safety measures will be put in place.
- Conduct checks and health screenings upon arrival for each student and staff member
- Require teachers and staff to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before coming onto campus each day. The self-screening includes teachers and staff taking their own temperature. Teachers and staff must report to the school system if they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and, if so, must remain off campus until they meet the criteria for re-entry. Additionally, they must report to the school system if they have had close contact with an individual who is lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and must remain off campus until the 14-day incubation period has passed.
- 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.
- Provide hand sanitizer stations throughout campus
- Where feasible without disrupting the educational experience, encourage students to practice social distancing.
1. In classroom spaces that allow it, placing student desks a minimum of six feet apart when possible.
2. In classrooms where students are regularly within six feet of one another, we will necessitate more frequent hand washing and/or hand sanitizing and increased airflow from the outdoors when possible.
3. Individual desk dividers provided for all students.
- Place tape markings demonstrating 6-foot social distancing in all common areas and walkways
- Disinfect commonly used surfaces and areas frequently
- Promote frequent 20-second hand washing practices among staff and students
- Remove soft furnishings, soft toys, and toys that are hard to disinfect
- Identify isolation space for students and Immediately separate any student who does not pass arrival screenings and/or become ill with COVID-19-related symptoms and must wait for parent or guardian pick up
- Require students and staff to stay home if they, or anyone in their household, have tested positive for COVID-19 and/or are showing any symptoms
- Provide a facial covering to staff and students ( Executive Order 29 requires all persons above the age of 10 to wear masks ).
The Texas Education Agency states schools are required to comply with the governor’s executive order regarding the wearing of masks. For compliance purposes, all staff and students and approved visitors, must wear a type a face covering.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Before coming onto campus all individuals MUST screen for any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19 if exposure to the active confirmed case occurred within the last 14 days
Individuals with any of these signs or symptoms must STAY HOME and will not be permitted on campus. Please continue to monitor yourself and your household.
Visits to School
please check your emails for complete details.
Meal Service:
please check your emails for complete details.
Respond: Practices to Respond to a Lab-Confirmed Case in the School
please check your emails for complete details.
Communication
please check your emails for complete details.
