High School Reopening Planning and Timeline
February 24, 2021
East Lyme Public Schools High School Reopening Plan Reopening Rationale (Metrics): ▪ COVID positivity rate continues to decrease across Southeastern Connecticut and the entire state. ▪ COVID-19 cases among LLHD residents continues to decrease. (1/16/21=805 1/23/21=612 1/30/21= 477 2/6/21=363, 2/13/21=273)
▪ LLHD and our Medical Advisor are supportive of a return of all students (K-12) to school buildings. ▪ Mitigating strategies (PPE) have been effective within our schools. ▪ In-person learning is what's best for all students.
East Lyme Public Schools High School Reopening Plan
Reopening (Trends): ▪ Concerns continue to increase regarding the mental health and academic issues coming forth in our students. ▪ We are receiving recommendations from faculty, administration, and parents for students to attend four days a week (V4). ▪ An increased number of referrals to special education/504 continues to take place.
East Lyme Public Schools High School Reopening Plan Additional Considerations: ▪ Governor and the CSDE are pushing for all K-12 students to return to inperson learning. ▪ Vaccine rollout for school staff will begin in March (alignment with a return of students) ▪ Working to provide teachers/staff as much advanced notice and planning opportunity in preparation for a return. ▪ There are children, staff, and parents fearful of a full return. There are children, staff, and parents wanting an immediate return. ▪ Administration will work with any/all individual staff members to address concerns/needs related to health and safety protocols.
East Lyme Public Schools High School Reopening Plan Action Steps: ▪ Reopen the HS building to all grade 9 – 12 students (permanently eliminate Hybrid model). ▪ Maintain ongoing monitoring of COVID numbers and potential variant strains across the community. ▪ Survey parents next week to gain feedback to track numbers and understand exactly what class sizes will look like and where support/adjustments may be needed. ▪ Order additional PPE requested by building administration. ▪ Investigating a modified Wednesday schedule for students (once back 5 days a week) for the remainder of the year.
East Lyme Public Schools High School Phased in Timeline
Grade
4-Day Return Date Mon./Tues./Thurs./Fri.
9
March 22, 2021
10
March 22, 2021
11
March 22, 2021
12
March 22, 2021
Wednesday
Follow Current Schedule
Grades
5-Day Return Date Monday-Friday
9-12
Monday, April 5, 2021