Aug 6, 2020 | District
Earlier this week, the BCPS Board of Education approved our Reopening Plan for the fall: If Michigan remains in phase 4, the plan is to begin the year with in-person schooling for grades K–5, fully remote schooling for grades 6–12 and a Virtual Academy option available for families of students who wish to participate in online learning for at least the first semester of school regardless of the MI Safe Start phase. If Michigan is moved back to phase 3, all schooling will be done remotely. Read our blogpost about the phase 4 plan here.
As we progress into the school year, we will continuously re-evaluate this plan in accordance with state and local guidelines, and with the health and safety of our students, families and staff top of mind.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions we’ve received from our community about our reopening plan. This blogpost will be updated on an ongoing basis with any new information as we approach the first day of school on August 26.
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Overview
When is the first day of school?
The first day of school is on August 26, and will be a half day for all K-12 students.
Why send K–5 to school in person but not 6–12?
Based on current local data, the Calhoun County Health Department supports face-to-face instruction with proper mitigation strategies in place. A key strategy to reduce risk of COVID-19 spread is to reduce group sizes and student interactions by minimizing movement throughout the building and the number of students who come into contact with one another. In our elementary schools, students will remain either within their classrooms or outdoors for all instruction. Students will participate in art, music and gym either in-classroom or outdoors, will eat lunch in classrooms, and attend staggered recess times that are divided physically by cohort. It is simply not possible to reduce group sizes and movement throughout the building in these ways for middle and high school.
While we know these risk-reduction steps are less possible in middle and high school, we also know that students in grades 6–12 are better-suited developmentally to actively engage in distance learning than their younger peers. Based on data from the spring semester, we know that less than 30 percent of our elementary students engaged in remote learning. Younger students need more guided direction, while middle and high students are more able to engage in self-directed learning. We will be harnessing the power of self-directed learning in our instructional approach to distance learning for grades 6–12.
What is the plan for pre-K students?
We are currently waiting on additional guidance from the state to inform our plans for pre-K instruction this fall. The start date for pre-K programming is not yet final as we await funding and guidance from the state. When instruction does begin, class sizes will be capped at 16 students. Applications are being accepted now at mychildneedspreschool.com. Please call 269-965-9780 for more information and stay tuned for further updates.
What will happen if Michigan’s reopening status regresses back to phase 3?
If the spread of COVID-19 increases and the state reverts back to phase 3, all schooling will be remote across all grades and buildings. Virtual Academy will continue as a separate option for all students K–12 who would like to attend school virtually for at least the entire first semester of the school year. Students enrolled in the Virtual Academy will remain in that program regardless of the phase of virus recovery that the state is in.
What is happening with athletics?
According to the Michigan High School Athletic Association and National Federation of State High School Associations guidance, outdoor athletics training and inter-school competitions are permitted in phase 4 provided that strict safety protocols are followed.
All student athletes, coaches and volunteers must complete the BCPS COVID-19 Return to Athletic Activity Daily Monitoring Log to self-report on symptoms or contact with ill individuals.
When checking in, all participants will have their temperature taken and will be required to use hand sanitizer while maintaining social distancing. All participants must bring their own water/fluids and should use the restroom before arriving. Bathrooms will not be open. All indoor facilities will be closed and equipment will not be shared. If the state reverts back to phase 3, athletics activities will be cancelled.
As of July 29, all fall sports scrimmages are eliminated — the only occasions where students from different schools would be together is for official games, matches, meets and competitions.
Low-risk sports (golf, tennis, cross country and swimming) will be allowed to begin practice and competition as scheduled on August 12. Swimming can begin indoor practice and competition once pools are opened with capacity limitations being followed.
Moderate-risk sports (soccer and volleyball) will be allowed to begin practice as scheduled on August 12, but competitions will be delayed for now. The start of football practice with full player pads and equipment has been delayed until August 17. Decisions on timelines for returns to competition will be made by August 20. For more information, visit www.MHSAA.com.
What is the plan for my IEP, special needs or ELL students?
Students with special needs such as IEP needs, English-Language learning needs and special health needs will receive individualized support. This support may include in-person schooling full time for grades K–5, or in-person appointment-based support where needed for grades 6–12.
Families will be contacted individually regarding their options, which will be customized for each student’s needs. Families of students with special needs should reach out to Tammy Robinson with any questions: Trobinson@battlecreekpublicschools.org.
What is the plan for families with students in different grade levels or attending different schools?
Students in grades K–5 will attend school in person and students grades 6–12 will be fully remote during phase 4. Any family with students in grades K–12 who wishes to do so may enroll their child in an all-virtual school option called the BCPS Virtual Academy.
Will there be before- and after-school programming?
Based on state regulations, before- and after-school programming will be subject to tight protocols that limit the number of students that can be enrolled. We will provide a more detailed update once we receive the full state guidelines.
Will meal pickups be offered?
We know that meal pickups have been an important source of nutrition for our families while schools have been closed, and we are working to continue this service for all students engaged in the Virtual Academy or 6-12 remote learning program this fall. Continuation of meal service is dependent on the state receiving federal waivers. We will continue to provide updates as we learn more.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the district’s health and safety procedures?
Please contact the director of buildings and grounds, Charles Lipsey, at clipsey@battle-creek.k12.mi.us.
K–5 Students
What are the safety precautions being taken for K–5?
The safety of our students, families and staff is our top priority. We are only planning to send K–5 students to school in person because we are confident that we can adequately reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. We are using a plan that reduces the number of students who interact with one another and reduces movement throughout school buildings.
To minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19, school activities will largely take place in cohort in-class environments, or outdoors. Portions of district secondary level custodial staff will be redeployed to elementary schools to support enhanced cleaning protocols.
Elementary students will remain either within their classrooms or go outdoors for all instruction and recess time. Students will participate in art, music and gym either in-classroom or outdoors, eat lunch in classrooms, and attend staggered recess times that are divided physically into smaller groups.
To ensure we can safely reopen classrooms, we will also be implementing additional safety precautions, including required facial coverings, increased hand washing and sanitizing stations and signage, pickup and dropoff procedures to reduce crowding, and cancellations of any large group events. We will deploy a district disinfecting team to all buildings to ensure regular cleaning and disinfecting of school buildings throughout the day. We have also developed a system for monitoring air filters and changing them out regularly to ensure good air quality.
All buildings will have a designated Care Room for any students who are waiting to be examined by the school nurse. All elementary buildings will have a full-time registered nurse. Students who are sick will be isolated in a designated Sick Student Area, separate from the Care Room, until they are able to go home or to a healthcare facility. Both areas will be well-ventilated, allow for social distancing and be disinfected after each use.
How will you ensure that students wear masks at all times?
Facial coverings will be required for students at all times, except for while eating or drinking. This includes during outdoor activities, PE and recess when social distancing of 6ft more more cannot be maintained.
Any student who cannot medically tolerate a mask, or any student who is incapacitated or unable to remove the face covering without assistance must not wear one. Masks will be provided by the district in cases where students do not have access to masks.
Parents will be contacted for assistance with students who have trouble following facial covering guidelines. If students are not able to adapt to prolonged use of facial coverings, we will discuss alternative options for schooling and may recommend the Virtual Academy program.
What types of face coverings will be permitted?
Face coverings may be homemade or disposable (e.g. surgical masks). Homemade face coverings must be washed daily and disposable face coverings must be disposed of at the end of each day. Face shields will not be permitted as an adequate form of face covering.
How many students will be in a classroom?
Class sizes will remain unchanged but may be impacted by the number of families who have already indicated that they will enroll their child in the Virtual Academy. Each classroom group will serve as a “cohort.” Contact with be minimized between cohorts.
How will social distancing be maintained if class sizes for K–5 in-person schooling are the same as before?
We anticipate that in-classroom environments will not allow for six-foot social distancing in most cases. However, we plan to arrange desks and workstations to allow as much physical distance as possible and to encourage students to distance when possible. All K–5 activities will occur within “cohorts” to the extent possible in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread and limit the number of close contacts occurring throughout the school day.
For grades K–5, what safety precautions will be taken during recess/lunch and on playgrounds?
Recess:
- Recess will take place outdoors when possible and during recess, students will remain in their “cohorts” or small groups. Playground use will be staggered so that multiple classes do not mix together.
- All students will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after recess.
- All students will be instructed to maintain at least six feet of space from each other as much as possible and there will be visual cues throughout the school yard to reinforce social distancing.
- Staff will be on duty for every recess.
- Playground equipment will be cleaned each evening with a hospital-grade disinfectant.
Lunch:
- Lunch will be served in classrooms.
What happens if a student or staff member in my child’s class gets sick or tests positive for COVID-19?
If a student or staff member gets sick or tests positive for COVID-19, BCPS will notify the local public health department immediately to coordinate a safe and expedient response.
The health department will notify students, families and staff about any possible case of COVID-19 while maintaining confidentiality consistent with federal and state privacy laws. The health department will also directly contact any close contacts of the affected individual — defined as anyone who has spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of them up to two days before they started exhibiting symptoms or were last present at school.
Students who test positive and students who have had close contact with students who have tested positive will need to quarantine at home for 14 days before returning to school. A student may decide to get a COVID-19 test after possible exposure, but a negative result will not shorten the length of the quarantine period. If an entire class is quarantined for 14 days, at-home instructional materials and support will be provided to continue student’s learning.
How do I report if someone in my family tests positive for COVID-19?
Positive cases of COVID-19 should be reported to your student’s building principal, school nurse or county health department. All HIPAA and FERPA confidentiality requirements will be strictly adhered to.
How will student pick-up and drop-off work?
Student pick-up and drop-off will occur outside the school gates/entrance. To minimize crowding, parents may be required to stay in cars for drop-off and pick up. Exceptions will be considered based on individual circumstances and building property capabilities. Each building will have staff assigned to assist students entering and exiting the building at designated entrances.
Will transportation be offered and what safety precautions will be implemented?
Transportation will be provided for K–5 students, with facial coverings required for students and bus drivers. Students will also be required to use hand sanitizer before boarding, which will be provided on the bus. Buses will be cleaned, disinfected and sanitized before and after every transit route.
Will there be more buses and bus routes to ensure social distancing?
We are implementing additional safety precautions to ensure that students and staff can stay safe while on the bus. In addition to cleaning before and after each trip for each vehicle, students and staff will be required to use hand sanitizer upon entering the bus, as well as required to wear masks for the duration of the trip.
Seating charts will be implemented on busses to promote physical distancing when possible. We also encourage parents to educate their children about why distancing is so important, to help make sure that students distance themselves as much as possible at the bus stop and while boarding the vehicle. Students are also encouraged to sit with siblings, relatives, or another student whom they interact with regularly in their classroom.
Will families be allowed in the school? Will parents be able to meet their student’s teacher?
Family members or other guests are not allowed in the school building except under extenuating circumstances determined by district and school officials. Open houses and parent-teacher conferences will all take place virtually, so families will still have the opportunity to get to know teachers and staff.
Why is BCPS not spreading students out between all buildings (including secondary buildings) to maximize distancing?
All K-5 students will remain in our elementary buildings when school reopens in the fall. While we understand the desire to make use of all of our facilities to promote distancing, the safety of our students is our number one priority. Our secondary bathrooms and facilities are not set up to safely accommodate younger students. Additionally, we would not be able to ensure adequate supervision from certified educators if we spread K-5 students across all school facilities.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the district’s instructional plan for K–5?
Please contact the Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Chandra Youngblood at cyoungbl@battlecreekpublicschools.org.
Grade 6–12 Students
Why not aim to have grades 6–12 reduce building movement and group sizes like in K–5, or why not use a hybrid model where students attend school both virtually and in person on a staggered schedule?
BCPS considered a hybrid approach for grades 6–12, but determined that because of the unique challenges presented by the large groups and high levels of movement throughout the building that are typical of secondary education, we did not feel we could adequately reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread to allow for any in-person schooling at this time.
We also felt that a hybrid approach could exacerbate inequities by stretching our staff, students and families too thin while trying to balance teaching and learning in both in-person and remote settings. Our commitment to you is 100% success for all Bearcats.
How will we ensure that 6–12 students engage meaningfully in coursework?
Students will engage in distance learning through live remote lessons with their assigned teachers five days per week, based upon the students’ course schedule. Teachers will be taking attendance daily in these scheduled remote sessions. Grades will be issued based on engagement, student attendance and course work completed.
Will 6–12 students be able to participate in elective courses?
Remote learning for 6-12 students will include all courses that a student is normally enrolled in, including electives. Some elective courses will be modified to ensure that students are able to meaningfully engage while remote.
Will students continue to have access to dual enrollment courses?
Yes, although the details of how participation at KCC will be handled is not currently available. For students enrolled in GVSU courses, a GVSU instructor will continue with remote learning during the regularly scheduled course time.
What if my student doesn’t have access to a device or internet?
We have increased our investment in digital resources to ensure that we will have enough devices for every student in the district to access a BCPS Chromebook.
We’ve also purchased additional cellular hotspots for students who may have connectivity issues at home. These hotspots allow multiple devices to connect with unlimited data.
Additional technology distribution will take place prior to the first day of school as needed. Please stay tuned for more information. If you have concerns about technology or connectivity issues, please contact helpdesk@battle-creek.k12.mi.us.
How will the district determine whether to stay virtual for grades 6–12 after the nine-week initial remote learning phase during phase 4?
Before the end of the first nine weeks of school, BCPS will re-evaluate to consider if a return to the classroom is a safe next step based on Michigan’s current phase of the virus, the state of community spread in the Battle Creek area, as well as staff, student and family feedback.
Will students be able to visit the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center (BCAMSC) or the Calhoun Area Career Center (CAC)?
BCAMSC will begin with remote learning for all students the first nine weeks of school. The district is awaiting communication from the Calhoun County Intermediate School regarding the CACC’s program structure for the fall. It currently appears CACC will be all virtual for the first 9 weeks of school. We will update families once we receive additional information.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the district’s instructional plan for grades 6–12?
Please contact the director of secondary education, Dr. Deborah Nuzzi, at dnuzzi@battle-creek.k12.mi.us.
Adult Education
Will Adult Education still be offered?
Students engaged in the Adult Education program are used to an individualized way of work with varied subjects and content. The goal of Adult Education during this time is to continue to prepare students to take the Ready Tests or the terminal Equivalency Test as soon as students are able to do so. This philosophy of support and flexibility will continue in the 2020-2021 school year.
During Phase 4, Adult Education students will engage in learning at scheduled times and at designated sites with strict safety protocols in place. Students and staff will be expected to follow strict hygiene, sanitization, and face covering practices. Additionally, learning materials will not be shared between students. If that state moves back to Phase 3, Adult Education courses will be fully remote.
We will ensure that a variety of instructional sites and times will be available throughout the city to allow students the flexibility to select a location and time that works best with their schedule and to support their needs. Once a student selects a site for learning, a teacher from the site will contact the student to schedule weekly times for instruction. Scheduled instructional times are required to carefully control the number of students at a site during any given time and to ensure social distancing protocols are followed. Drop-in learning will not be allowed at this time.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the district’s instructional plan for Adult Education?
Please contact Wes Seeley, Director Of Grants, State/Federal Programs, & Adult Education at wseeley@battlecreekpublicschools.org or by calling (269) 965-9451.
Virtual Academy
What’s the difference between the Virtual Academy and remote learning for grades 6–12?
Remote learning for grades 6–12 is for students who will be taking part in regular BCPS curricula. This remote learning is scheduled for at least the first nine weeks of school, and participating students will return to in-person schooling as soon as Michigan moves to phase 5 or it is determined that in-person schooling can happen safely in phase 4. Remote learning for grades 6–12 during this first nine weeks will feature live teaching sessions by BCPS teachers. These sessions will have a typical school schedule feel.
The Virtual Academy is available for all students K–12 who would like to attend school virtually for at least the entire first semester of the school year regardless of the phase of the virus. Virtual Academy programming will include lessons and teacher mentorship, but will be largely self-guided and self-paced. This program will be best for students who are able to thrive in either a self-guided or a parent/ guardian-supported learning environment, with less frequent teacher interaction.
Learn more about and sign up for Virtual Academy here: battlecreekpublicschools.org/VirtualAcademy
What is the plan for K-5 Virtual Academy?
The K-5 Virtual Academy program will include weekly small group meetings and activity times, organized by grade level and led by BCPS teachers. These times will be used to provide student-to-student interaction and will feature relationship-building activities, TrueSuccess character education lessons, virtual field trips and more.
Will there be any staff support for the Virtual Academy?
Each student in the Virtual Academy will be assigned a mentor, who is a certified BCPS teacher. If students are in need of additional support, virtual 1:1 sessions can be scheduled with their mentor.
Why do families have to commit to at least the full first semester school year for the Virtual Academy?
Because the Virtual Academy will follow a different approach to instruction than the in-person K–5 curriculum and the 6–12 remote learning curriculum, it may be difficult academically for students to transition in and out of this program mid-semester. For this reason, we only recommend this option for families who wish for their children to attend school virtually for at least the entire first semester, and for students who are able to thrive in a self-guided learning environment with less frequent teacher interaction.
How do families enroll in the Virtual Academy?
Learn more about and sign up for Virtual Academy here: battlecreekpublicschools.org/VirtualAcademy
When is the deadline for families to choose in-person/remote schooling or the Virtual Academy? What will be the default if they didn’t voice their choice?
Any family K–12 who wishes to do so may enroll their child in an all-virtual school option called the BCPS Virtual Academy. We ask that families sign up by August 14 for planning purposes but families will have an opportunity to sign up after that date as well. If a family does not opt their student into Virtual Academy, they will be enrolled in in-person K–5 or remote 6–12 schooling by default (assuming we remain in phase 4).
Is the Virtual Academy being taught by the same instructors as in-person and temporarily remote classes?
No, we anticipate that BCPS teachers will be designated either Virtual Academy or primary BCPS curricula instructors. Virtual Academy teachers will act as online facilitators assisting each student as they progress through the Virtual Academy online curriculum.
Will Virtual Academy students have the opportunity to work with partners/small groups?
Virtual Academy is an independent online learning platform. There is no formal small group instruction. However, in response to parent feedback, BCPS is investigating how to create opportunities for assigned teachers to have a virtual class meeting to allow time for socialization with grade-level peers using the Virtual Academy platform.
How long per session and how many sessions per day are expected in Virtual Academy?
The Virtual Academy platform permits each student to work at their own pace. Students will need to complete approximately 3 to 5 hours worth of work per day, depending on grade level. The Virtual Academy platform monitors the length of time the student is logged in and working. A Mentor Teacher will communicate with the student and parent related to a lack of progress. Students are able to work in Virtual Academy seven days a week, at their own pace and in their own space.
If a parent selects Virtual Academy, can the student still participate in BCPS extracurriculars?
Yes, as long as the extracurricular activity is after school hours. Parents must provide transportation.
Will BCPS provide technology for each student in Virtual Academy?
Yes, Virtual Academy students have the option to borrow a device from BCPS. There will be a device available for each student enrolled in Virtual Academy.
How will testing be administered and proctored to ensure integrity?
Course testing will be administered within the online platform and teachers will monitor the assessment. There are guardrails within the assessment that ensure integrity.
Will there be interaction with Virtual Academy students and in-school peers?
Virtual Academy and in-school students are all BCPS students; however interactions between the two groups during the school day will most likely not be possible. Extracurricular activities are open to all.
What is the parent responsibility for Virtual Academy?
Because Virtual Academy is a self-contained, self-paced curriculum, a parent's role will be different depending on a student's ability to work on their own. Parents will need to provide the basics for success and also help monitor a student's progress. Parents and students are seen as partners in their student’s learning program.
Once I sign up for Virtual Academy, then what?
Procedures will be in place to schedule device pick-up, enroll in classes, provide tutorials on logging into the online platform and answer any questions about the program.
Can work be completed on the weekends? Are teachers available after hours or on weekends to answer questions?
Students are able to work within Virtual Academy seven days per week. Mentor teachers will be available during school hours.