Elementary Reopening Planning and Timeline
February 8, 2021
East Lyme Public Schools Elementary School Reopening Plan Why Work Towards a Phased Reopening Now: ▪ COVID positivity rate is decreasing across Southeastern CT. Down to 3.77% across CT as of 2/4/21. ▪ COVID 19 cases among LLHD residents has decreased each of the last three weeks. (1/16/21=804 1/23/21=610 1/30/21= 467) ▪ LLHD and our Medical Advisor are in full support of a phased in approach to returning elementary students. ▪ Integrated Preschool students have been back four days a week since August 2020. ▪ Mitigating strategies (PPE) have been effective within our schools all year long.
East Lyme Public Schools Elementary School Reopening Plan District Trends That Support Reopening: ▪ Concerns are peaking regarding the mental health and academic issues coming forth in our children.
▪ We are receiving recommendations from faculty/principals for students to attend four days a week (V4). ▪ We have had a high number of parent requests for students to attend school four days a week. ▪ A significant number of referrals to special education/504 have been taking place.
East Lyme Public Schools Elementary School Reopening Plan Additional Considerations (Phasing in Students): ▪ Important to provide teachers/staff as much advanced notice and planning opportunity in preparation for a return. Hence, beginning a phase in on March 1. ▪ There are children and staff fearful of a full return. Gradual approach supports all. ▪ Administration working with individual staff to address concerns/needs related to health and safety protocols. ▪ Virtual Viking will remain an instructional pathway for the remainder of this year. ▪ Cohort requests/changes will be frozen as of March 1, 2021.
ELPS TOTAL COVID-19 POSITIVE CASES School
September
October
November
December
January
February
Cases
Flanders School
0
0
1
5
6
2
14
Lillie B. Haynes School
0
3
5
8
8
0
24
Niantic Center School
0
1
3
9
9
0
22
East Lyme Middle School
1
4
7
6
17
8
43
East Lyme High School
1
4
14
4
30
8
61 TOTAL CASES: 164 as of 2.8.21
East Lyme Public Schools Elementary School Reopening Plan Action Steps: ▪ Reopen four days a week (eliminate Hybrid model but temporarily maintain the Wednesday remote workday). ▪ Utilize a 'Phased In' approach to allow for ongoing monitoring of COVID numbers across the community and allow for school adjustments.
▪ Align with a potential timeframe for teacher/staff vaccinations. ▪ Survey parents to gain feedback to track numbers and understand exactly what class sizes will look like and where support may be needed. ▪ Order additional PPE requested by building Principals.
East Lyme Public Schools Elementary School Phased in Timeline
Grade
4-Day Return Date Mon./Tues./Thurs./Fri.
PK
August 31, 2020
K
March 1, 2021
1
March 1, 2021
2
March 15, 2021
3&4
March 29, 2021
Wednesday
Follow Current Schedule
Grades
5-Day Return Date Monday-Friday
K-4
May 3, 2021