Update, as of April 15, 2021 | Addendum to The Track Back School Re-Opening Plan
IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION
COHORTING - The District had already implemented the cohorting model mentioned below in September, creating A and B cohorts as well as 100% virtual cohort of students across the District.
Cohorting is a measure in place to prevent intermingling across different groups of students, and to make reasonable efforts to ensure that cohorts contain the same students – for the duration of the school year. Faculty may instruct more than one cohort so long as appropriate physical distancing is maintained.
With changes to the physical distancing parameters detailed in the NYSDOH revised guidance, the District will combine A and B in-person cohorts in grades pre-k - 8 to four days a week of full day in-person learning beginning Thursday April 29, 2021.
All current PK-12 remote students will continue to attend live lessons as scheduled on these days.
Wednesdays will continue to be facilitated remotely for all students across the District. Wednesdays offer a unique opportunity in these unusual times for teachers to meet the needs of all learners and for our maintenance and custodial staff to fully disinfect our buildings.
District-issued devices will continue to be used by our students through the remainder of the school year.
As of August 2020 - NYSED has required all School districts to have a Hybrid model plan.
Students will attend both in-person and virtually. This model allows us to use the expertise of our staff for the in-person instruction as well as the innovations we have learned through virtual instruction.
Online and in-person instruction will be balanced and organized at the building.
• Group A will attend on Mondays, and Tuesdays, with virtual instruction occurring on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
• Group B will attend virtually on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with in-person instruction occurring on Thursday and Friday.
• Essentially, all students are being instructed virtually, on Wednesdays.
• Students will be grouped by household to attend on the same days when possible.
SCHEDULE FOR ECSD REMOTE LEARNING @ HOME
While in a remote learning environment, time management is critical to success. Students and teachers must remain in communication regarding daily schedules and assignments. As with any traditional course, there is a risk of receiving a lower grade if a student falls behind. If students are struggling with time management, then the parent or student should contact the teacher for additional assistance.
ATTENDANCE AND CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM
The Elmira City School District has a mechanism to collect and report daily teacher/student engagement or attendance while in a remote or hybrid schedule. The District will utilize online and in-person attendance systems to ensure all student engagement is collected and reported in accordance with NYSED criteria. Systems will include Schoology and School Tool for collecting and recording data and School Messenger for notifications.
Regardless of learning environment, the Elmira City School District is committed to ensuring that students have an equitable experience and access to high quality instruction.
Elmira City School District will utilize the strategies and best practices in the classroom and using technology associated with blended learning to design learning activities for all students.
Learning experiences are designed to meet the needs and environment of the learner where they are.
• Students, regardless of learning environment, will engage in daily high quality learning experiences aligned to Elmira City School District curriculum and NYS Next Generation Standards.
• Students who begin the year in face-to-face learning at school may move into remote learning for a period of time if needed for school closure due to student/staff illness or county or state regulations.
• Both the remote and face-to-face experience will utilize Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Schoology, providing similar expectations, instruction and coursework and following the same grading guidelines.
Tools for Virtual Learning
ECSD is preparing for ECSD REMOTE LEARNING @ HOME and possible school closures due to COVID-19 as follows:
• Learning devices will be provided as need.
• No deposit is required.
• Students and families are expected to follow guidelines for care and use in order to ensure these public resources are effectively maintained.
• Relevant notifications, instructions, procedures, policies and processes are available on the ECSD website and Facebook page.