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Check out questions from SDoL’s first community town hall

The School District of Lancaster on July 16 hosted its first community town hall meeting on its back to school plan for the 2020-2021 school year. During the presentation, a panel of administrators responded to more than 100 public questions.

The Q&A is provided below. Use the search tool to find specific answers to questions you may have. Please note: These questions were submitted by viewers and answered rapidly by staff. Please forgive spelling or grammatical errors!

#QuestionAnswer(s)
1What are the attendance reqirements? If a child or family gets sick and child needs to not attend in person for 3-5 days. Can they comelete virtual work, not through cyber program but through the hybrid model?To date, attendance requirements have not changed. However, schools will work closely with parents around attendance needs and work completion. A detailed explanation of attendance tracking will be provided prior to the start of school. We are looking into flexible strategies that will ensure students who are unable to attend can stay connected.
2What is the plan for the special education resource room at McCaskey?Staff or parents should contact the building leader to determine the protocols for a specific classroom.
3Will high school traveling students still have to travel between campuses as much as if normal scheduleThis would still occur however the details will be distributed by the Campus team once schedules are finalized.
4What is the plan ?Full plans are located at the link below:

http://go.boarddocs.com/pa/lanc/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BQDM9Y5008A6
5Will siblings in the same school be able to attend at the same times?Absolutely. Our school leaders will make every effort to ensure that happens.
6what protocols will be put in place to report exposure inside and outside of school?The District will follow the guidelines established by the CDC and the PA Dept. of Health. Health services department (Nurses) will be monitoring illness, positive cases and be in close contact with the Department of Health
7If students do the cyber-school through SDoL will they be able to also participate in music programs?Yes! However, we may not be able to guarantee music programming through the cyber platform. By Cyber Pathways Academy students are entitled to participate in any SDoL programs.
8Who is the principal at McCaskey? Is s/he permanent?Mr. Luis Diaz and Ms. Jazmin Torres are serving as interim co-Principals. We will be searching for a permanent Principal in the spring of 2021.
9Are you considering staggering start times?At this time the start times are status quo...however this is an element for consideration in our planning.
10Will we be able to enroll our children in Cyber Pathways if we start school in the building and then feel uncomfortable?We recommend transfering in and out of Cyber Pathways at key points in the school year, such as the beginning of marking periods or semesters.
11Where can I find the appendices notes in the plan?Plan and appendices are located at the link below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/pa/lanc/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BQDM9Y5008A6
12will information be sent home to families so it is clear what the procedure is for exposure outside of school. for example, a family member is covid positive but the student is not, what is the protocol for that student being in school.We are developing a special section of our website to outline the plan and all associated protocols for families. We will also send a mailing in English and Spanish in early August with an overview of the plan for all residents. We will take direction from the Department of Health regarding contacts and contact tracing.
13Will half-day transportation be provided to/from day care facilities for elementary students?Half-day transportation would follow the normal process as if we were in full day school operations.
14Is the preference form binding? Or can we change our mind as we get more information about how the cyber program may look?The form is non-binding.
15So we need to decide if we want our kids in school or cyber school by Wednesday?No. You only need to indicate your schedule preference for hybrid learning by then.
16I don't feel my child will be safe in the school with this virus.. this virus hit home with the lost of my grandmom & other love ones. I feel there should be home schooling on line classrooms..Homeschooling is your choice; however, we encourage families concerned about sending children to school to consider our Cyber Pathways Academy: https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/.
17what is the number for principalYou can search our staff directory here:

https://sdlancaster.org/contact-us/search-directory/
18Thank you to everyone at the school district for all the work you’ve done since March. It is very much appreciated by parents and kids.Thank you for the comment. It is our pleasure to support the community.
19My kids are transported by bus through their daycare for after and before school childcare. Will this form of transportation still be acceptable?Please contact our transporation office for further details:

Transportation Department at 717-945-1440 or email us at transportation@lancaster.k12.pa.us.
20How is the ventilation in older schools being addressed?There are five schools that do not have a/c systems. We will have plans on how we will address their specific needs in the next few weeks.
211. Can students that do cyber play sports for their home school.
2. Why aren’t the middle and high school students able to follow the same 4 half days as the elementary schools or vs versa? This might actually help some parents trying to juggle work and school.
1. Yes, Cyber Pathways students may participate in any school-sponsored activies they are eligible for.
2. Teachers and administrators determined the elementary and secondary schedules based on the instructional needs at those grade levels. We recognize the challenges for working families. As Dr. Rau said, there are no perfect answers.
22Will this slideshow be available in other languages?All of the information in this slide show and more will be published on our website in the coming days. Non-English speakers can use the translation tool at the top of the page for assistance.
23will there be zoom classes on days they are at home?On home learning days, students will be doing work that teachers covered on the days they were in face to face classes. Teachers may record lessons on those days, but will not be available for live Zoom teaching. They will be working with other students in school during that time. The hybrid plan will have half the students in school face to face while the other half are doing at home learning.
24Are the results of the parent and student surveys available?Not at this time. We will communicate the results once they are validated.
25Support staff returns also August 17?Support staff should follow their approved calendar. Please contact your direct Supervisor for further clarification.
26What feedback did you receive from teachers earlier today during their townhall meeting?We are analyzing the feedback through the Thoughtexchange and other survey data.
27Is there any chance the elementary schools will consider the same type of schedule as the secondary schools? If not, what kind of cleaning will take place between the AM/PM sessions?We have enhanced our cleaning services by 20%. Daily cleanings will occur and additional cleanings for high touch, entry and other designated areas will be a focus.
28Is the Cyber Academy poised to handle a large demand? I am considering this option and worry that if I wait it will be "full."We are closely monitoring inquiries and interest in Cyber Pathways. We are preparing to "scale up" to meet the demand as quickly as possible.
29I see dates for info sessions for the Cyber Academy, but I'm unsure how to sign up or join. Will more information be sent out? Thank you.Yes. Watch your email tomorrow for links to those sessions. They will be presented in the same format as this evening with opportunities for questions.
30If we have the iPad from the summer school program we can just keep them?Yes...they were assigned to the student for next school year.
31What will happen at recess?We are planning to greatly restrict or eliminate the use of playground structures and provide adequate equipment to limit sharing of play items.
32Why aren't staff supposed to quarantine when exposed to COVID when the CDC recommends self quarantining? Instead the policy is to see if they have a fever or symptoms? Viruses spread before you actually have symptoms.Protocols are based on the guidelines given by the PA Department of Health. They will be updated if the guidelines are changed.
33What was the reason that the board approved the plan prior to both town hall meetings (teacher and parents)? Could the vote have waited one week to make their final decision to seek feedback from the community?The Board only approved the hybrid portion of the reopening. They have not approved a full return date at this time. They will continue to evaluate based on information from PDE and the Governor.
34Are students going to receive an Ipad or Laptop?Students will receive an iPad.
35Will there be typical combined programs offered, such as CTC and/or HACC classes for secondary students?Yes.We are getting their plans. It may be online only.
36What are the AM and PM hours (from-to time)?While the hours may vary slightly, most schools will operate 8:30-11:30 and 12:30-3:30.
37What is the District’s plan for when there is no substitute teacher available to cover the classes of a sick teacher? In the past, some schools have split the class up amongst other classrooms. This is no longer a safe practice due to social distancing. How will this issue be addressed?The District is evaluating how to address substitutes. We will communicate a plan once it is developed.
38I am VERY concerned about the group of students staying in the same room together for 7 hours. Studies are showing that indoor spread is exponentially higher the longer people are together in the same indoor room together. Please consider outdoor instruction.Outdoor instruction is being considered. Having students with the same group decreases the number of contacts and was based on recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, PA Department of health and Pa Department of Education
39Will my child have to make up the missed Keystone exams last year?All state assessments were cancelled for 2019-2020. Once PDE publishes new guidelines, we will inform students, staff and families.
40Will there be enough iPads this year for each child to have their own? Will kids need masks?Every student, kindergarten through 12th grade, will have their own iPad. All students and staff will be required to wear masks while in the building, per the Governor's order.
41Will the Cyber Pathways program include AP and IB courses?Please reach out to our program experts at the link below who can review the course guide with you:

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/
42What child care options will be available for Martin elementary students?Since this school is offering a unique schedule, we are working with a community partner to provide extended day camp to Martin students.
43How I can apply for Cyber school for my kids? Is cyber school live teaching or only online classes? will it be full five days a week?Cyber Pathways courses vary by age. There is more online teaching for younger students, more assignemnts for older students. You can inquire by completing the form on this page: https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/. It is full-time, five days a week, and there are opportunities for students to seek help from advisors in person.
44Will masks be available for students that need them?Yes. The District will have masks available for students that may need them.
45What will be the actual am/pm schedule? From what time to what time?8:30-11:30 a.m. for the morning session
12:30-3:30 p.m. for the afternoon session
(These times could vary slightly for Wickersham Elementary)
46What is going to happen for parents like me we cannot have my kids going to school just for 4 hours because I work and babysitter is to expensive.We are collaborating with community partners to develop plans to supplment the condensed school day. However, child care will be extremely limited. We encourage all parents to start working on plans for child care as we cannot guarantee coverage at this time.
47My granddaughter has asthma and she can’t have her mask on too long because she can’t breath correctly and I want to know if I can keep her in the house every day on online leaningPlease go here to look into our Cyber Pathways Academy to accomodate your specific needs:

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/
48How does cyber pathways address those students who are in AP and IB programs.Information for our Cyber Pathways Academy is at the link below. Please contact our experts who can review the course schedule.

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/
49will cyber offer hard materials such as books to help with their learningCyber provides a computer, reimbursement for home internet services and access to online course materials 24/7. See FAQs here: https://sdlancaster.org/frequently-asked-questions/.
50Based on only two days of synchronous instruction students may not be able to complete all the lessons they usually would. Is that the case or are teachers expected to be able to complete the curriculum as usual?Given the adjusted schedule, we know we will have to exercise flexibility, while providing a rigorous instructional experience for students. We will be closely assessing students to determine what their academic needs are. We know that the closure and online instruction have not been ideal for their progress.
51I feel that my child, my family is much safer with online schooling. online classrooms.. we don't know what other students & there family members having this virus. Then bring it home to my family. My family can't take a risk with my oldest son's health & anyone else in my family household.. My oldest son is a life value injuries..at Hershey rehabilitation center brain unit for head trama.. so I don't feel it's safe for my child to be in the school...Thank you for sharing. All the best to you and your family! You may want to consider our Cyber Pathways Academy:

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/.
52Will you provide mask for the kids?We will have masks available for students who do not provide their own.
53Is the school allowing exemptions, since there are so many issues with people wearing face mask. I personally feel safer that they are requiring mask in the building.There will be a specific process in place for exemptions. They will need health care provider documentation in addition to team approach to determine the appropriate accommodations which may be needed.
54Thank you for all your work in planning, hosting these meetings and answering our questions.
A follow-up to my last question: To clarify, will cleaning as you described take place between AM and PM sessions?
Yes, cleaning will take place between AM and PM sessions.
55Will band camp take place this summer?We have a plan to begin band camp, but it is not yet approved. The board will be reviewing that plan again next week.
56will ER Martin's K4 classroom follow the middle school schedule or the elementary school schedule?K4 will follow the Martin School schedule. We wanted to be sure that we were considering the needs of families with mulitple students within the school.
57Schools already check IDs and dress code for students as they go in, why can't we add temp checks and a hand sanitizing station before they go into school?Temperature checks may not be accurate upon arrival. The recommendation to have temperature checks at home and not school is based on scientific research on the impact of temperature checks and mitigation in the pediatric population. An acurate temperature should be taken 30 mins after exercise, but many students run to school or play prior to entry. This decision was based on reccommendations from American Academy of Pediatrics and recent studies on the effectiveness of this measure. Hand sanitizer stations will be in place througout the building. In addition, students will be given time to use hand sanitizer and wash hands during the day.
58are people required to report positive tests results? what is in place for contact tracing. if a student reports positive test will families be notified of potential exposure?The District will follow the CDC guidelines and the PA Dept. of Health for these matters.
59Will letters or emails still be sent out with the kids teachers name/class?Schools will be sending out that information, but in order to do so, we need information from you. There is a parent questionnaire that asks for preference with AM/PM for elementary or which days for secondary. The questionnaire also asks about child care, meals, and information about students who are already eligible for transportation. Be sure to respond to the email for the questionnaire. It is also posted on the district website.
60For families that are looking for child care options, their Early Learning Resource Center: https://caplanc.org/our-programs/household-stability/early-learning-resource-center/ is available to help families learn more about available child care programs. Families can also access Child Care/Early Learning Seach online: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/compass.web/ProviderSearch/Home#/BasicSearchThank you for sharing!
61Will someone contact us if our child has a medical 504 plan?Please contact your home school to get this information.
62Are you using non-toxic cleaning supplies?We will be publishing our cleaning supply list in a supplemental plan in a few weeks.
63I will like to know what are the step George Washington school is taking?The plan we are presenting this evening is for all schools. Specific steps for Washington Elementary will be communicated to you by the building principal and teachers.
64What will happen at orchestra and bandWe are still working on plans for music ensembles, beginning with marching band. Those plans will be released in the coming weeks.
65Are students and teacher going to be expected to wipe down and clean their spaces? If so are the supplies safe for children to use? Is this an appropriate way a cleaning?Students will not be required to do this in school. They will be educated on many Covid related safety issues and ways to do daily living in a safe manner, but will not be expected to clean in the classroom or school.
66Why is ER Martin not following the educational plan for elementary aged students?A indivualized plan was developed for ER Martin because it is both an elementary and middle school.
67What exactly are the hours for the hybrid schedule? If a student attends a morning session, are they done for the day or are they expected to connect at home as well?When students are not learning in school, there will be at home learning expectations.
68What are the AM/PM hours?8:30-11:30 a.m. for the morning session
12:30-3:30 p.m. for the afternoon session
(These times could vary slightly for Wickersham Elementary)
69what would be the bus schedule for dual language program­?Bus schedules will be published later in August.
70Do the online assigmnets during the hybrid phase need to be completed during the normal school hours? For example, if an elementary student attends in AM, are they expected to complete other assigments between 12-3pm?The at online assignments will be completed at home. There is certainly flexibility regarding "when" students complete the work at home.
71Will Cyber Academy students have access to the same schedule they would have face-to-face? We are hoping that our student can continue to work toward the IB diploma as planned.Cyber Pathways offers some AP and IB courses. Please contact your child's school counselor or Cyber experts here:

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/
72When kids aren’t in school.. will they be required to be doing online work all day?We don't expect students to be online all day. We learned from the spring experience that it is difficult to have that much screen time. We are working on finalizing recommendations for how much time we expect students to be online. We will absolutely share those specific details.
73Is there differentiation within the cyber program as there would be in a regular classroom, as far as students who may need remediation or an extra challenge?Cyber Pathways academic advisors are availble to provide support, including in person (if desired), for students needing assistance with lessons and concepts.
74Do you need a mask/face covering for the whole day of school? If so will the school Ofer them?Yes they will be required when the child is in school, but they will have organized breaks based on social distancing. For example if they are at their desks and 6 feet apart they will be able to remove the mask. The parent will be asked to provide the face covering but they will be available at school if the child doesn't have one.
75FYI, it was written in the plan that middle schoolers would be wiping down their own desks and area.Middle school students will be provided disinfecting wipes for their use, if they wish. They will not be required and the desks will be professionally cleaned daily.
76Because the air flow due to heating and/or air conditioning can help spread the virus within a classroom and the school how will this be compensated for? ie no student or teacher desks in the path of the air flow? ductwork cleaned? EtcWe will forward this question to our Facility Team to evaluate.
77Can you give us some idea of the balance between synchronous and asynchronous learning in the Cyber Academy for young students (K, first grade, etc.)?Yes! Please see this page for sample schedules of students attending Elementary Pathways:

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-academy/elementary-pathways/
78Will cyber have classes like anatomy or honors classesContact your child's school counselor or Cyber staff to discuss current course offerings:

https://sdlancaster.org/frequently-asked-questions/
79Can we specify a preference for AM vs PM session? If so how early do we need to notify the school?A preference form was emailed to families this week. This can also be accessed at this link:
https://sdlancaster.org/start-schedule-request-form/
80How are safety precautions such as masks being enforced? Will there be face shields available for those that don’t wear masks?live answered
81Can you talk about special education and how that will look? What will learning support look like? Are learning support/autistic support (LS/AS) classes going to be doing full day like the other special education classes?LS/AS programming will follow the same schedule as our Vulnerable populations - 4 full days per week (M, T, Th, F).
Learning Support will follow the typical school schedules
82What type of professional development is being provided to teachers to develop virtual learning instruction-in addition to assignments. I understand teachers will not be available "live" I know it is a lot to ask of teachers to plan instruction for both in person and virtually, and not what most teachers have had the opprotunity to have support. Will coaching be available for teachers who need additional support? Peer to Peer Learning Communities etc?Great question. Back in April we provided professoinal development on various topics including providing online instruction, best practices for using our learning management systems, how to create lessons, etc. We have continued to provide trainings throughout the summer,but will also start the year with a focus on supporting teachers in planning and instructing online, in person, or given the fact that students have not been in traditional classrooms for an extended period of time.
83What is the difference between Cyber academy and Homeschooling?Cyber Academy is an online learning platform with its own curriculum and teachers.

Homeschooling is when a parent provides the curriculum and instruction for the student.
84This may seem like an odd question but uniforms will still be required this year correct? And is there rules on color of masksAs of now, there are no changes to our dress code/uniform policy.
85So there is no cyber schooling for K4?Correct. The Cyber Pathway Academy begins with K5.
86Can I opt to do the Cyber option initially and then send my children to physical school sometime later in the school year either after a vaccine is available or when I feel that the precautions and measures taken by the district are adequate and actually effective?Yes. Typically, counselors recommend students transfer at the end of marking periods or semesters, as it is a transition point when students could experience academic disruption.
87A question was asked about publishing the results of the parent survey, and the response is that the annual survey results are published every fall. This is not an annual survey. This is a health-related survey and parents are seeking information to make decisions. I would urge you to publish this information for transparency’s sake.Results will be published once validated.
88it is written in the Health and safety section under classroom recommendations: desk cleningThank you for bringing that to our attention. We will review this and address in the question section on the website.
89Can you change your mind from the hybrid model to cyber academy?Yes. Typically, counselors advise students to transfer at the end of a marking period or semester so not to be too academically disruptive.
90If I have two children in middle school... will they be going to school on the same days?We are making every effort to ensure siblings attend school on the same day. Please be sure to complete the Preference Survey. It will allow you to enter data for both students.
91When is this questionnaire supposed to get to the parents? I never received oneThe Schedule Preference Form can be found at this link:
https://sdlancaster.org/start-schedule-request-form/

Please add your email address to ParentVUE to receive district communications:
https://pa-lan-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login.aspx
92If I already filled out the preference survey, but have decided to have my kids attend the cyber academy, who do I contact?Please complete the inquiry form here:

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/
93Is cyber school have AP /IB ?Please visit our site to speak connect with one of our content experts:

https://sdlancaster.org/explore-our-schools/cyber-pathways-academy/
94When will we know if our child is enrolled in Cyber school?You will complete an application (if you have not already), and you will be contacted by a counselor or academic advisor to discuss the transfer.
95With schools like Washington that provide medical services, is Covid testing available through the health centers?Not at this time.
96Where will High School students have lunch?McCaskey students will eat lunch in the cafeteria, in a greatly reduced capacity. This is one of the largest spaces, where we are able to spread students out for meals.
97What can parents and PTOs do to help the school district and fellow SDOL families? What are the greatest needs that the SDOL can't meet, but parents possibly could?Childcare for families and staff during this hybrid period.
98What additional training have faculty received in distance/online teaching & learning?In April we provided professoinal development on various topics including providing online instruction, best practices for using our learning management systems, how to create lessons, etc. We have continued to provide trainings throughout the summer,but will also start the year with a focus on supporting teachers in planning and instructing online, in person, or given the fact that students have not been in traditional classrooms for an extended period of time.
99Will covid testing be available within schools?Not at this time.
100What about breakfast and lunch being provided for those who do cyber school?Parents/Guardians and/or students will have the ability to pickup meals during the hybrid phase at their closest neighborhood school.

During the normal cyber program (when all students are onsite), students would have opportunity to have meals at either their hub school.
101how was your sanitizing and cleaning done before this covid outbreakDaily cleaning of all buildings in accordance with our standard operating procedures.
102Thank you for all your work to get our kids back to school. I truly appreciate all the choices you have provided and am thankful that you are not bringing full classes of children into school like many of the county schools! I sure the hybrid model will be difficult for many but it really is what is best right now if PA is requiring schools to open up.Thank you for your support!
103If a student has an IEP in place are they considered vurnerable or special education? Which would me that they will attend school 4 full days?Students in self-contained special education classrooms are considered vulnerable populations. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to your buildings ESS or Special Education Coordinator regarding your child.
104how would speech services workIndividual and small group therapy will occur as per the students IEP. Safety measures will be taken to ensure the students health and well being.
105My daughter has social and emotional problems?live answered
106Is this plan indefinitely or until mid September?The school board did not want to put a target date for the district to return to full-day instruction for all. The board will monitor and determine that date in the future.
107Are there any resources to support parents who may want to help a group of students do online work together, when they’re not in school? We are hoping to find a small group with other parents for childcare and online work supervision.The Office of Teaching and Learning will work with our Parent Engagement Program to ensure we are providing families with resources and strategies for at home learning.
108Even if the kids go back to school full time, would masks still be required?We are following the Governor's mandate and will evaluate requirements should the mandate change.
109Thanks for the response to my question. The sample schedule doesn’t really say whether each item is live with a teacher or whether it’s asynchronous. Can you clarify?The at home times were listed on the slide. Those are the asynchronous hours. The school hours are face to face with a teacher
110I appreciate that we will be following CDC and DOH guidelines, though I am not sure they make me feel safe. That response has been used frequently. In regards to letting families know if COVID cases in the school, I am still unclear on how the district will or will not communicate this because I don’t know the CDC and DOH guidelines. Can you be more specific?The District will notify anyone that has been exposed as defined by the CDC. When there is a case, we consult with the Department of Health and determine next steps for those who may have been exposed.
111Is the school district going to be hiring more teachers for support?We are monitoring our staffing numbers closely to ensure we are adequately staffed.
112What if a student has a 504 plan but attends Cyber. How will they be helped?Cyber teachers are expected to adhere to 504 plan accommodations. The cyber platform may be reason to change the types of accommodations in the plan, though.
113Knowing the school can be shut down at any time, is it worth it to make everyone purchase uniforms?There are no changes to our uniform policy at this time.
114Okay, so I can sign my kindergartener up for phyically going 2 days and IF anything changes, I could remove him and send him to cyber instead?We recommend you attend a Cyber Pathways info session and ask these questions directly. They will be able to provide more expert advice!
115What childcare options will be available for when in-person instruction is not being held, so as to not interfere with employment?We are working to connect more partners for child care. We highly recommend working on plans for child care as we cannot guarantee child care.
116Can you add an evening session for these Cyber info sessions?We will share your request with the Cyber team. Watch our website and your email for announcements of future sessions.
117Will students with iep need to request a meeting or will all get a meeting scheduled.IEP teams will reconvene within 30- 45 days of school reopening to review and revise the IEP accordingly
118How will it work if I have a special student and I want to do cyberWe recommend you attend a Cyber Pathways info session and pose your questions directly to the team. They can give you good advice on your options.