Fall 2020-2021 Reopening FAQ

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) will be updated as information becomes available. If you do not yet find your question answered here, we encourage you to contact your child(ren)’s school or contact askthedistrict@smsd.org.

Learning Models
Q: What are the Learning Models?
In-Person Learning: This will be based on COVID-19 conditions in Johnson County, and our ability to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Students are assigned to their home school based on their address or approved transfer school. Students may receive instruction through an In-Person Learning, Hybrid Learning, or Remote Learning model.

Remote Learning (Full-time Online for First Semester): Students will be assigned to a Remote Learning Shawnee Mission School District teacher and will remain in that class for the semester. Enrollment at the home school will remain intact. Students will not attend class in person anytime throughout the semester.

You can watch videos about the Learning Models here:
In English: https://youtu.be/tj-32_jsffg
En Español: https://youtu.be/VYbf4d3pbxY

Q: Why do families have to decide a Learning Model by August 5?
We recognize the challenge of making this decision with limited information. Knowing how many students will be in each model allows us to plan staffing for In-Person Learning and Remote Learning.

Q: How long will our student(s) be enrolled in the Learning Model we choose?
Families are asked to select a Learning Model for their child(ren) for a semester. Families will be able to select a new Learning Model for the Spring semester sometime this fall.

Q: How do new families/families with Kindergartners and Pre-Kindergarten students select their Learning Model?
Individual school staff will work to get in touch with families new to the district to solidify their selection.

Q: We are new to the district. How do we find out how where our student will attend? How do we select a learning model?
Families new to the district are encouraged to enter their address into School Finder. School Finder will identify your child(ren)’s home school and provide contact information so you can begin the enrollment process. School staff will assist in determining the learning model selection.

Q: How many minutes will students log for learning each day? In the Shawnee Mission School District, students will be required to log 390 minutes of daily learning activity. The 390 minutes are logged for the time students are engaged in school work.

Q: Will 390 minutes of instruction time be required for students of all ages? (Even Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten?)
We will log 360 minutes for Kindergarten students, and 165 minutes for Pre-Kindergarten.

Q: Why is Shawnee Mission requiring 390 minutes of daily learning activity?
This is a requirement through the Kansas State Department of Education, in order to meet requirements for minutes of instruction.

Q: Do the choices of in-person or remote learning apply to Pre-K students as well?
Yes

Q: Where would Shawnee Mission fall under the Gating Criteria at this time?
If school were to start on August 5, Shawnee Mission would be in the yellow phase. It is important to understand that the mode in which In-Person Learning operates (all students in class, hybrid: students attending class on two assigned days during the week with the other days remote, or remote only) is subject to change during the semester based on health indicators. We will provide a minimum 14-day notice, and share that information broadly, when moving from one mode of instruction to another, except in situations requiring immediate action. Information regarding the gating criteria status for the first days of school will be shared prior to the first days of school.

Q: What happens if no choice for learning is made by Aug 5th?
We have asked building administrators and secretaries to reach out to families who have not made a choice. We have to have all students assigned to one of the models in order to make staffing assignments, and if we do not receive a different choice, we will need to assume that the student will be attending in-person.

Instructions for making your selection in Skyward

Spanish Instructions for making your selection in Skyward

Reopening Schools 2020-21 by Topic

In-Person Learning Model

Q: How will families know which instructional strategy their students will be in if they are enrolled in the In-Person Learning Model?
SMSD is working closely with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment to monitor health data and make decisions about when In-Person Learning is safe to conduct. We will receive guidance from JCDHE the week of August 17, 2020 that we will use to determine which mode we will use to begin the school year. Student and staff safety is a top priority when conducting In-Person Learning. Please understand that the mode in which In-Person Learning operates (all students in class, hybrid: students attending class on two assigned days during the week with the other days remote, or remote only) is subject to change during the semester based on health indicators. We will provide a minimum 14-day notice when moving from one mode of instruction to another, except in situations requiring immediate action.

Q: How will students enrolled in CAA/CTC work in both models? Will students still be bussed from all the schools?
Yes, all in-person students enrolled in CAA and CTC courses will continue to participate in the programs at the CAA and the CTC; bus services will be provided.

Additionally, if these courses are not offered in the remote learning program, then remote students will be allowed to participate on-site for these courses; however, these students will be responsible for their own transportation.

Q: How many students will be in a classroom?
SMSD will follow established class size guidelines. Hybrid classroom student numbers will be based on square footage in a classroom and capacity, based on 6 feet of social distancing between students.

 Q: Will students attend specials? (Gym? Art? Music Class?)
Yes, students will still have elementary special courses in both in-person and remote programs. At this time, we are still working on how this course content will be instructionally delivered.

Q: In a hybrid model, will siblings be able to attend school on the same day?
Yes, siblings will be able to attend on the same day. In Pre-K-12th grade, students will be assigned based on the last name of the oldest student in the family.

Q: Will dividers be installed in classrooms to separate students?
No.

Q: If a student enrolls in the In-Person Model, can the family choose to keep their child home at times or is In-Person attendance required?
State law requires student attendance. In SMSD, attendance is governed by Policy JBD.

Q: Will middle and high school students be assigned to just one teacher or will they move from class to class?
Middle School and High School students will continue to move from class to class. Each building is working to establish additional safety protocols for passing periods.

Q: How will lunch be handled during In-Person Learning?
Please see the Food Services section of the FAQ.

Q: How will recess be handled? What will recess look like?
Students and staff will follow safety protocol and guidelines during recess. More details about how recess will be handled can be found starting on page 10 of the SMSD Elementary Reopening plan.

Q: If we choose In-Person Learning, but we follow a hybrid model, what will the students be required to do for the 3 days they are at home?
Possible lessons and opportunities for students learning remotely in a hybrid setting includes a variety of instruction options. Some examples might include (and are not limited to) online whole class meetings, independent projects, virtual guest speakers or virtual field trips, or choice boards. A sample schedule for elementary students learning in a hybrid model can be found on page 64 and 65 of this Reopening Plan document.

Q: Will you be allowing volunteers into the school?
There will be no volunteers allowed in the schools at this time in an In-Person or Hybrid Learning model, as outlined in the district reopening plans.

Q: Are all kids dismissed at passing and end of the day together?
We will have a dismissal process in place to allow us to maintain social distancing. That process will be specific to individual buildings, and will be developed as staff return to their buildings.

Remote Learning Model

Q: Will a remote teacher be the same all day?
Elementary- Students of families selecting Remote Learning will be assigned a Remote Learning teacher and will remain with that class for the semester.

Middle School and High School- Students will enroll in a full schedule and will have multiple classroom teachers through the remote learning day.

Q: Will students be enrolled in their home school?
Yes. Students will remain enrolled in their home school. Their records will remain with the home school entity. Report cards and transcripts will continue to be associated with the student's home school. And students will continue to receive communications from their home school. Students enrolling in remote learning will receive a course schedule that is cross-enrolled into the remote learning program.

Q: Will students in remote learning have flexibility in their instruction time or will they be required to attend remote learning from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.?

Q: What will a typical schedule be like for a student enrolled in Remote Learning?

● PreK School typical schedule

● Elementary school typical schedule

● Middle school typical schedule

● High School typical schedule

Q: Will students be able to meet one-on-one or contact their teacher for more help if they need it?
Teachers will be available to meet with individual and/or small groups of students during the week.

Q: Will the district provide technology for Remote Learning?
Yes, students Pre-K-6 will be issued an iPad, and 7-12 will be issued a MacBook.

Q: Will there be elementary specials in Remote Learning?
Elementary students will receive instruction from art, music, physical education teachers and librarians in the Remote Learning program.

Q: What gating criteria is the district following?
A: You may view the Gating Criteria by clicking here.

Q: Why is SMSD not following the Gating Criteria established by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment?
SMSD is following Gating Criteria guidance provided by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE). That guidance is found here. JCDHE guidance represents what is allowed within the gating criteria. School districts may choose to be more restrictive in their application of the guidelines. SMSD has chosen to begin the school year by aligning elementary and secondary modes of instruction for in-class learning.

For example, when health conditions are in the yellow zone we will have all students K-12 in a hybrid mode. While the JCDHE Gating Criteria allows districts to have all elementary students attend school when in the Yellow zone, starting in a hybrid mode allows time for new safety procedures to be implemented and practiced. Specifically, we will have time to educate children in safe practices related to wearing masks, social distancing, daily interaction, sanitation procedures, and new protocols for lunch, hallways, building entrance/exit, exiting the building, transportation and other daily tasks.

As staff and students practice and successfully implement important new safety protocols, we can then evaluate if and when we can bring more students into school within the JCDHE guidelines. Throughout this process we will maintain close contact with JCDHE to ensure student and staff safety.

Q: If I choose Remote Learning will we still have access to a social worker?
Yes.

Q: How will Remote Learning students’ wellbeing be followed up on and checked on?
Students enrolled in Remote Learning will be assigned to Shawnee Mission School District educators who will have regular contact with students online. That frequent, scheduled contact is an essential part of Remote Learning and will be one potential opportunity to address student wellbeing.

General Questions

Q: Will this school year look like it did when we went remote in Spring 2020?
The learning experience is designed to be different in Fall of 2020 than it was in the spring. Feedback and input provided by thousands of students, families, staff, and community members since this spring have informed the planning of the 2020-2021 school year. Some notable differences: There will be assessments, grades, attendance, and students will have regular instruction with Shawnee Mission School District teachers/support staff.

Q: Do I need to buy school supplies? What school supplies do we need for each learning model?
Continue to watch your school websites and watch for communication from your principal regarding school supplies. This applies to both In-Person and Remote learning.

Q: When is the first day of school?
School begins for students in grades 1-6, 7, 9 and 12 on September 8, 2020. Click here for the newly approved calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. This calendar was revised with multiple changes and we encourage everyone to review it closely. These changes were needed so we could meet the state requirements to reach 1,116 hours of instruction time for each student.

Q: Will Remote Learning follow the same curriculum as In-Person Learning so that if my child does Remote Learning the first semester, they will not be confused if they go in person the second?
Yes, all students will learn based on the same curriculum.

Q: How do students get their school provided supplies (like textbooks)?
Continue to watch your school websites, and watch for communication from your principal. Individual school communities will determine plans for making sure these supplies are provided.

Q: What options are there for childcare?
Before and after school care programs will continue to be available for Pre-K and elementary students at select sites.

Q: What do we do if we have a student that struggles to keep up in class, but does not have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place? Will there be any additional supports, curriculum modifications, etc?
In each learning model, students will be connected with a licensed Shawnee Mission School District teacher who has been provided training to address modifications and supports regardless of whether students have an IEP or not. Our objective is to provide a personalized education plan for students who have selected Remote Learning and In-Person Learning.

Q: Will there be any back-to-school events or meet-the-teacher events?
This is being organized at the individual building level, so reach out to your principal to know what is being planned.

Q: How will standardized testing work this year? How will we know that students are still learning at their level and actively being challenged?
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) and Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessments will be administered remotely. We anticipate beginning testing within the first two weeks of school. Students will also still be responsible for other standardized tests, including state assessments. As of Aug. 5, we are waiting for further clarification from the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE).

Special Education

Facilities/School Buildings

Q: What cleaning and sanitizing practices will be followed in Shawnee Mission school buildings?
Custodial teams follow well-established cleaning procedures as outlined by the district in maintaining healthy and clean environments. With the COVID-19 pandemic, additional steps will be taken to address the frequency, equipment, materials, and products identified for use in Shawnee Mission facilities. Protocols for custodial staff are outlined in the District Operation Plan for Reopening Schools.

Shawnee Mission School District custodial staff will prioritize building disinfection throughout the school day. High frequency touch points such as door handles, hand rails, receptions desks, product dispensers and restroom fixtures will be disinfected on a rotation that will be repeated multiple times each day. Additionally, CDC approved disinfectant will be made available for teacher use in each classroom.

At the conclusion of each school day, custodial staff will disinfect all building surfaces using an atomizing mister. This equipment provides the ability to thoroughly treat soft and hard surfaces without leaving behind any harmful residues.

For more details: District Operational Plan for Reopening Schools.

Q: How often will the schools be sanitized?
Shawnee Mission School District custodial staff will prioritize building disinfection throughout the school day. High frequency touch points such as door handles, hand rails, receptions desks, product dispensers and restroom fixtures will be disinfected on a rotation that will be repeated multiple times each day. Additionally, CDC approved disinfectant will be made available for teacher use in each classroom.

For more details: District Operational Plan for Reopening Schools.

Q: How will Shawnee Mission address air quality in buildings?
Shawnee Mission will:

Increase capacity of outside air dampers to 30% wide open wherever possible. This will allow an increase of fresh air to enter buildings.
Increase the cubic foot per minute (CFM) on all capable equipment. This will introduce more outside air into classrooms, increasing circulation.
Upgrade air filters from MERV-8 (Minimum Efficiency Report Value) to MERV-11. This will increase filtration and improve air quality.
Upgrade air filters from MERV-8 to MERV-13 in specifically identified locations where equipment is capable of this type of filtration.

For more detailed information about Air Quality measures: 2020-2021 District Operational Plan for Reopening Schools

Q: What filtration systems will be in place in Shawnee Mission school buildings?
In working with Children’s Mercy, Trane and 2 independent Engineers, The Shawnee Mission School District is utilizing these recommendations for Air Quality Control.

We will be replacing all filters District wide from a MERV-8 to a MERV-11.

If possible, because of supply and demand, we will be replacing filters in Nurse’s office, Isolation rooms, Gym’s/Cafeteria’s and with the possibility of Choir/Band/Orchestra rooms (Only if equipment can handle this type of filter and if the supplier can deliver) to a MERV-13 filter. These same locations will have an occupied schedule to run continuous M-F or 24/5 for complete air turnover and filtration. Complete building occupancy schedules will be in place at a minimum of 2 hours before student arrival. All building exhaust fans will be running 24/5.

All capable HVAC units will have Outside Air Dampers programmed to have a minimum open position of at least 30% open, when feasible. This will allow us to have sufficient outdoor air to each classroom and it will be filtered through the HVAC units to supply the conditioned air. The 30% outside air damper position will vary with humidity and certain outside air conditions. If conditions dictate units will be placed back into automatic damper mode.

Health and Safety

Q: Will masks/cloth face coverings be required?
Yes

Q: Will there be temperature checks conducted as students enter school?
We will have parents/students check at home each day by completing a Daily COVID-19 Self-Assessment

Q: What mitigating measures will be followed in an In-Person Learning Model?
Educational information will be sent to students, staff, and parents prior to school starting regarding mitigating measures, social distancing protocol, protective wear, hand hygiene, and other health and safety measures. More details are provided in the District Operational Plan for Reopening Schools.

Q: Will Masks be provided to students/staff in an In-Person Model?

Cloth face coverings/masks will be required for all students, staff, and visitors 5 years and older.
We will work on a case-by-case basis with those students/staff unable to wear a mask.
Masks will be provided to students/staff who soil/forget theirs.
Educational information regarding the proper use of masks will be provided to students, staff, and parents.
Staff PD will include information related to proper use of masks.

For more Information, please see: District Operational Plan for Reopening Schools

Q: Will families be informed if a student or staff member reports COVID-19 symptoms, or is diagnosed with COVID-19?
The District is creating internal measures, and partnering with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) to assist in contact tracing for each and every suspected case. Each case will be individually assessed and, in the event of an exposure, notification procedures will be applied as appropriate, in order to conduct contact tracing. All individuals who have been exposed will be notified by JCDHE. Because of Federal privacy laws, the identity (name or other identifying information) of a person who has tested positive cannot be disclosed by the District, except to the county health department as required.

Q: If someone in our family is diagnosed with COVID-19, do I quarantine my student?
There are so many different scenarios that it is impossible to detail them here. Each case will be evaluated individually. Here is the link to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) information on various scenarios related to quarantine, which will provide a general idea of how decisions will be made.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html

Q: Will an entire class be shut down/quarantined if a student or teacher tests positive?
We do not yet have guidance from JCDHE related to isolation and quarantine protocols in our schools. We anticipate this guidance by the end of this week (the week of August 3).

Information and Communication Technologies

Q: Why am I not getting the district emails?
Families are encouraged to make sure their contact information and preferences are up-to-date in Skyward.

Q: How is the school district addressing the problems with Virtual Private Network? (VPN)?
The school district has purchased and will provide a cloud-based system called Lightspeed for student content filtering, which will replace the VPN.

Q: Will the district provide technology for students who are enrolled in Remote Learning?
A technology device will be provided to every Shawnee Mission School District student. Research and investigation continues into providing WiFi access for students without access at home.

Q: What is Canvas?
Canvas is a new Learning Management system that will be used by students, teachers, and families. In the 2020-2021 school year it will become a central hub for content and course management, learning and parent communication. A key goal in providing this resource is to provide a simplified, more connected learning experience for everyone in the Shawnee Mission School District.

Q: Will younger students receive iPads?
Yes, students in Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade will be issued an iPad, and students in grades 7-12 will be issued a MacBook whether they are enrolled in In-Person Learning or Remote Learning.

Food Services

Q: Will meals be provided to students in August?
Yes, breakfast and lunch will continue to be provided at select sites through Aug. 21. Click here for more information.

Q: How will breakfast and lunch be served for students attending In-Person Learning?
Goal: to provide meal service with minimal contact, lessening opportunities for contamination and exposure wherever possible.

Lunches must be served between 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
Breakfast must be offered at or near the beginning of the school day.
The students will come to the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch. They will verbally tell the food service employees what entrée they prefer and then the student will pick up their side dishes that are individually packaged from the salad bar.
The student will be provided wrapped spork kit and individual condiments.
All meals will be served on a disposable compostable tray.
At middle and high schools each station/serving area will have all entrée and side dish options available to avoid cross-traffic and ensure social distancing.
Food service would appreciate an adult staff person to act as “gatekeeper” allowing only a specific number of students into the serving area at one time and to ensure 6’ social distancing.
Students should take the first item they touch when selecting milk/juice and items from the salad bar.
Students should wash hands / use hand sanitizer prior to entering the cafeteria.

Cashier Stations

Cashiers will have acrylic barriers. This year during COVID-19, food service will NOT have students use the PIN pads to enter their ID number in the cafeteria line. Elementary students must come to the cafeteria in their classroom groups. This will enable the food service staff to identify the student without the student entering their ID number in the PIN pad. Middle and high school students must come to the cafeteria with their ID badge. The student will scan their ID badge on the scanner. The PIN pad will not be utilized. A student can give their name or ID number to the cashier and the cashier can pull up their food service account.
Parents will be encouraged to pre-pay on their child’s account online thus reducing money that would be given through the breakfast and lunch lines.
If money is given during breakfast/lunch it will be placed on the counter by the student and the cashier will pick it up from the counter. Thus, no hand to hand contact.

More details are provided in the District Operational Plan for Reopening Schools.

Q: Will breakfast and lunch be served/provided to students enrolled in Remote Learning?
Plans are still being developed on how to serve Remote Learning students.

Q: Will my child still be able to bring a sack lunch?
Yes, students are allowed to bring sack lunches just as they have in the past.

Transportation

How will students social distance on a bus?
A number of outside organizations were consulted and recommendations were researched and reviewed in developing the safest plan possible for moving forward with student transportation during the COVID-19 Pandemic. References include the National Association of Pupil Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Kansas Department of Education, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

In an effort to transport students in the safest way possible, a number of measures will be followed for transportation of students by bus and passenger vehicles in the Shawnee Mission School District. An outline of the protocol may be found on page 16 of the District Operational Plan for Reopening Schools. These guidelines will be further modified as additional information and recommendations are published.