165 Question Update

JFT held member meetings after the Jefferson Strong Start Plan was released. As a result of those meetings, members posed 165 questions. The responses are in green. Questions that have not been addressed at this time are denoted with an asterisk (*). Some questions have been addressed at individual school sites. To see a printable copy of these answers, click here.

Bus/Transportation; Arrival and Departures

1. Are bus drivers taking temperatures? No. Parents should ensure that their child reports to the bus stop free of COVID-19 symptoms. If a student is sick and exhibits COVID-like symptoms (fever of 100.4 or higher, persistent cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea), s/he should stay home and consult a doctor.
2. If a child has a fever of over 100.4 does the bus driver still put them on the bus? If so, that can potentially expose everyone on the bus. If the student remains on the bus, how will the school district provide for the safety of the other students? If the student is removed from the bus, how will the school district protect the safety of that student by verifying that the student actually returned home? Bus drivers are not taking temperatures.
3. If buses are making extra trips, how does this impact instructional minutes? Will instruction start later due to arrival times and allowing the students to eat breakfast? Schools may provide additional time for transitions.
4. When the bus arrives at school in the morning and the bus driver opens the bus door for students to unload, how will the school make certain that students comply with social distancing and face covering requirements? Those on duty will monitor

*5. If other buses arrive at the same time, and other students arrive at the same time, how is the school going to make certain that all students comply with social distancing and face covering requirements? If teachers are assigned to duty, who will supervise students as they enter classrooms? 

*6. When the bus departs in the afternoon, how is the rule governing social distancing and face covering going to be implemented and enforced? 

7. How much extra time will be needed daily for buses arriving and departing school and with extra routes? Will this interfere with instructional minute requirements? Schools may provide additional time for transitions.

*8. How will it be decided if a bus has to make two or even three trips to the same neighborhood, who decides what “trip” they are in. Will kindergarten students be dropped off while their older siblings are on a different “trip.” If students are separated by trips what safety measures have been put in place to ensure siblings are kept together? 

9. For car riders; will students' temperatures be taken inside the car to ensure the parent can take them home if their temperature is above 100.4?  This will vary by school. To minimize traffic congestion, parents may not be required to wait for a student’s temperature to be checked. 

10. What happens if a parent drives away and lets the child out down the street and the student “walks to school” and still has the elevated temperature? Will they be allowed in school?  Anyone registering a temperature of 100.4℉degrees or higher, or 99.4℉ or higher if using an infrared non-contact thermometer, will not be admitted to the facility. Parents or guardians will be contacted to pick up their student. It is encouraged that parents check their student’s temperature at home before sending them to school. –JP Start Strong FAQ
11. How much extra time is going to be needed to screen carpool lines every morning? Schools may provide additional time for transitions.
12. Who will ensure social distancing for students that are dropped off shortly before the bell rings waiting to enter school?  Schools will maintain static groups and physical distance to the maximum extent possible.
13. Will a child who isn’t wearing a face covering be allowed to board the bus? If so, who/how will the school district protect the safety of the other students, and that student? Or will the bus driver have extra face coverings to distribute? Bus drivers will be issued a limited supply of disposable face coverings to students who report to stops without a mask. However, this cannot be a daily occurrence from the same student and will have to be addressed with the parent.
14. If a child comes to school without a face covering, how will the school district protect the safety of other students to make certain they are not exposed to that child, and what consequences are imposed on that student? The expectation is for all students and employees to report to school with a face covering. All students and employees will receive a washable/reusable cloth face covering at the beginning of the year. However, if a student reports without one, schools will have a disposable mask available.
15. The district says to utilize multiple points of entry. That goes against the single-point of entry for campus safety. Isn’t the school district sacrificing one point of safety to ensure another?
16. Who takes the students' temperature? This will vary by school. All employees responsible for taking temperatures will receive training about the district’s temperature protocol.
17. Where will the students’ temperature be taken? Where do they wait? If there’s a line of students waiting to enter the building, who will make certain that social distancing and masking requirements are followed, and make certain that students are orderly? The line could get very lengthy…who monitors? This will vary by school. Temperatures may be taken upon school arrival or in the homeroom. 
18. If the students line up outside, who will protect them from rain and extreme heat or cold? This will be determined in an individual school’s duty plan.
19. Who will enforce the 100.4 temperature screenings and inform the parent their child cannot attend school with that temperature or needs to be picked up from school? If a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms on campus, s/he will be isolated in a safe and secure place while waiting for pick-up. In most instances, the school nurse will be the one calling the student’s emergency contacts for pick-up.
20. What happens when a student refuses to have their temperature taken? What if the student is special ed? Anyone registering a temperature of 100.4℉degrees or higher, or 99.4℉ or higher if using an infrared non-contact thermometer, will not be admitted to the facility. Parents or guardians will be contacted to pick up their student. It is encouraged that parents check their student’s temperature at home before sending them to school.
21. How long is the process of taking student temperatures expected to take each day? Doesn’t this impact instructional minute requirements? There will be multiple stations for temperature checks during arrival times to avoid long lines and group gatherings.
22. If waiting outside in August, September, October, March, April, and May heat, how does one know if their temperature is high because they were standing in the heat, or that they are really ill? How much time passes before they are checked again and where do they wait? If the temperature is 100.4℉ or higher, the temperature screening can be repeated only one time after having the student wait in a cool area for at least five minutes.  If the second reading is still 100.4℉ or higher, the student should be isolated from others and sent home as soon as possible.
23. What happens when no one answers or the parent refuses to pick up the child because “he/she was fine when they left!” The student will be isolated in a safe and secure place to wait until s/he gets a safe way home.
24. If one student is 100.4 or above, what is done with the siblings or students who share the same address? Are they placed with that child and have to leave? If that child has to be fever free for 24 hours, does it hold true for all the siblings or other students living at the same address? If a student has a fever, but is not presumed COVID positive, the absence will follow normal protocol and siblings may remain at school. If a student is presumed COVID positive or tests COVID positive, anyone who has been in close contact with that individual should remain home and quarantine for 14 days.
25. If a child’s sibling is in the system, is the siblings’ school notified of the high temperature and are those siblings or others living at the same address pulled out of class and need to be picked up for fear of having the virus? If a student has a fever, but is not presumed COVID positive, the absence will follow normal protocol and siblings may remain at school. If a student is presumed COVID positive or tests COVID positive, anyone who has been in close contact with that individual should remain home and quarantine for 14 days.
26. If there are 800 students at a school and one thermometer for every 100 students, where does the manpower to conduct the temperature screenings in a safe, socially distant, and timely manner? There will be multiple stations for temperature checks during arrival times to avoid long lines and group gatherings.
27. The district suggested extended homeroom time to allow for breakfast, but isn't this cutting into instructional time? Schools may provide additional time for transitions.

*28. It requires more time than the school day allows, will teachers and school employees be paid for the extra time?

Classroom Issues 

29. In the past we were told to keep our classroom doors closed for safety, but now we are hearing that we should keep them open for circulation for virus purposes. Safety breaches can occur during a pandemic. How is the school district keeping students and staff safe from both risks? We should minimize points of entry into the building and classrooms to the greatest extent possible, including closure of doors. Students and employees should always wear a mask and maintain social distance to the maximum extent possible to minimize the potential for transmission within the classroom.
30. Do all classrooms allow for proper safe distancing? How are guidelines going to be handled for social distancing? There are guidelines for churches, restaurants, hair salons, etc. Once you add teachers, paras, custodial, cafeteria, office staff, and hundreds of students in a school how do the guidelines apply?  Student desks should be spaced 6 feet apart to the maximum extent possible. Desks will be arranged facing the same direction where possible. Unused furniture and items in classrooms can be removed to allow for extra space.
31. Is every student going to be given a Chromebook? If not, who is disinfecting classroom computers in between uses? We are working towards a 1:1 device ratio for our K-12th grade students by the start of school.

Teachers may need to share the responsibility for disinfecting student desks in between groups as school custodial staff may not be able to conduct disinfecting for every classroom change.    

32. Who makes certain that the Chromebooks were disinfected as they were supposed to be? Will there be a sheet adjacent to each Chromebook, for the employee to verify that it was cleaned at a certain time? If not, how does the school district know for certain that students’ safety was protected? Students will be discouraged from sharing electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids.
33. Circulating air is not easy when not all classrooms have windows, windows that open or air conditioning systems that function at full capacity. How is this protecting the safety of students and employees? Windows are to remain closed to minimize points of entry into the building for the safety of our students. The air conditioning systems in all Jefferson Paris facilities pull in fresh outside air as opposed to recirculated air. If an air conditioner is not operating, please notify leadership or plant staff so we can address the issue as quickly as possible.

*34. Will I be provided a plexiglass shield on my desk for when I talk/counsel students? 

35. Are workstations/centers no longer allowed since it will require disinfection after every rotation? If workstations/centers are allowed, who disinfects them, and who monitors to make certain that they were in fact disinfected? Will there be a verification sheet on the workstation/center, to be signed by the person who does the cleaning? If not, how does the school district verify that students’ safety has been protected? Students will be discouraged from sharing electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids.
36. If teachers are going to be required to do the disinfecting, how will they meet instructional minute requirements? Schools may provide additional time for transitions.
37. With sanitizing and safety habits a top priority, all students should have their own supplies. Will sharing be prohibited? How is the district/school going to handle students that do not bring any supplies to school? Who will provide the supplies? Students will be discouraged from sharing electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids. Nothing is mentioned in the Start Strong plan about student(s)s who do not bring supplies and how those supplies will be provided to the student(s).
38. School employees are trained in CPI (restraint) techniques. Those techniques require the employee to be in close physical contact with students. How is the school district protecting the safety of students and employees in those situations? When deescalating a student who requires CPI hold so they do not hurt themselves or others, how can I do so without risking contact with a student. Educators have been pushed, punched, spit on, bitten, kicked, shoved, etc. What is being done to protect the safety of school employees in a pandemic where social distancing is required? Is it really prudent to open schools under the circumstances that currently exist? CPI emphasizes de-escalation techniques that should be implemented before staff contemplates retaining a student.
39. And, even worse, if the student is exempt from wearing a face covering, or if the face covering slips off while a school employee appropriately uses CPI, how is the school district protecting students and employees? CPI emphasizes de-escalation techniques that should be implemented before staff contemplate retaining a student.
40. What resources are being provided to make sure that we have a safe and clean classroom daily? At many schools, classrooms aren’t cleaned every week much less every day. How is the school going to make certain that desks are cleaned “regularly throughout the day?” Schools will conduct frequent cleaning throughout the day with a focus on high touch surfaces.  Commercially available cleaning solutions, including EPA-approved disinfectants, will be used.

Commercially available cleaning solutions, including EPA-approved disinfectants, will be available for teachers to use if a room is used by more than one group in a single day. Teachers may need to share the responsibility for disinfecting student desks in between groups as school custodial staff may not be able to conduct disinfecting for every classroom change.

41. What happens when a student takes off their face covering during class and interferes with instruction? What is the protocol? And how is the school district protecting other students, and employees when that occurs?  If a student refuses to comply with wearing a face covering, disciplinary action will be taken using the uniform dress code policy and the parent will be notified immediately of the infraction.
42. Will my classroom be disinfected/cleaned more than once a day? If my class goes to PE/Library, will it be cleaned when students leave and before they return?Providing a safe environment for our students and employees is of paramount importance. When groups of students change classes, student desks, tables, and door knobs must be sanitized after every change. Teachers will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing teacher and student desks, tables and/or hard, non-porous surfaces throughout the school day. Plant staff will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing classrooms at the end of the school day.
43. Will the district be getting rid of tables in lower elementary school (PreK-1) and replacing them with individual desks?  Students may be seated at tables as long as partitions are used to separate individuals at the table, or they are physically distanced to the maximum extent possible. 

*44. If you can’t eat in the cafeteria because sitting at a table poses a risk, how can it happen in a classroom?

45. What is the safety protocol for itinerant teachers? We see many students at many different schools. How is the school district protecting the safety of those students when the teacher travels from school to school and being with students from different schools each day? How is the school district protecting teachers in those situations? We are minimizing the number of schools an itinerant staff member services on any particular day. In addition, mitigation measures, such as, temperature checks, masks, washing hands/hand sanitizing when switching schools will be followed.

*46. Do students take books home or leave them all at school? The virus can live on hard surfaces for 24-hours, will that be transporting the virus to school? How is this protecting student safety? 

47. Will the rubric for observations be changed to warrant the “new normal” we are teaching in? The NIET Instructional Framework Rubric will continue to be used to conduct formal observations.
48. Will the district provide us with a rubric before the first cycle of observations are to take place? The NIET Instructional Framework Rubric will continue to be used to conduct formal observations.

*49. If students are supposed to keep all their supplies and learning materials separate from others, is the district providing personal bins, cubbies, or lockers so students can isolate their belongings. This is very important in lower elementary grades because many do not understand boundaries. 

50. How do pre-k through 1st graders social distance walking six feet apart? Who will monitor? Walking in a socially distant line will take some practice; but is achievable with creativity. Teachers will monitor their students as they walk to the bathrooms and on campus.
51. When will teachers have time to teach in between being safety enforcers and cleaning up after students if they are required to do so? Throughout our professional development, we have demonstrated how teachers can maintain order in the classroom while continuing to deliver quality instruction. We have released a classroom sanitizing protocol that teachers must follow when groups of students change classes. This includes BETCO disinfectant that must sit on the surface for 60 seconds before being wiped down.

Special Education

52. Will school employees be required to change diapers? How is this protecting the safety of students and employees?Yes, changing diapers will be an expectation for certain students as it has been in previous years. These staff members will be provided additional PPE.
53. How is the school district protecting the safety of students and employees if some sped students are exempt from wearing face coverings? It depends. For individuals with health or other concerns that make wearing a face covering difficult, exceptions will be considered on an individual basis. Students and employees can use this district-provided exemption process.
54. The district's plan mentions social distancing but nothing specific. What exactly are the proper guidelines? Below is what the district provides as far as facility organization and social distancing.

• Schools will maintain static groups and physical distance to the maximum extent possible
• Schools may remove unused desks and furniture in classrooms to maximize physical distance and minimize objects that must be cleaned.
• Schools may provide additional time for transitions.
• Schools may designate areas of the hallway (i.e., lanes) as flow paths to keep students separated and to minimize congregation of students.
• Schools may plan staggered class changes (e.g., by hall, odd/even room numbers, grade/discipline) to decrease the number of students in hallways at one time. • Students will be discouraged from sharing electronic devices, toys, books, and other games or learning aids.
• Schools may assign restrooms to be accessed by specific classrooms, and restroom capacity will be limited

*55. Given that asymptomatic students can transmit the virus, how is the school district protecting students and employees if some students are exempt from face covering requirements? 

56. How are we supposed to implement social distance requirements inside the SPED classroom when so many students have accommodations that require or allow close contact? Staff members such as teachers and paras in the severe profound classes have received additional PPE.

Washing Hands: Bathrooms and hand sanitizer issues 

57. Where do students wash their hands as they enter and exit the school? It was stated that they will be in each school, but many schools still do not have them installed and staff is due to report in a few days. This will vary by school.
58. Did the school system purchase extra handwashing stations to accommodate students the number of students at each school, particularly when they arrive and before they leave? Not at this time. In addition to sinks in the restrooms, there will be hand sanitizer available for students and employees to use.
59. Have all sinks in the parish been repaired? Many have been broken and hanging off the wall for years, and hand washing with warm water is the safest way to prevent the virus. The district is in the process of repairing sinks. Broken sinks should be reported to the school plant manager. No, the use of soap and scrubbing of the hands works to kill the virus. Schools may use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available. 
60. Will bathrooms now have warm water to safely wash hands?  No, the use of soap and scrubbing of the hands works to kill the virus. Schools may use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available.
61. Who ensures that students – particularly PreK through 1st graders - properly wash their hands? Are there handwashing stations provided in the hall? Teachers and Paras do not go into the students’ restrooms with students present. Signs will be posted on bathroom walls to remind students and employees to follow proper handwashing procedure by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
62. How is the school district protecting the safety of students and employees if students aren’t monitored to make certain that they are washing their hands at all, much less for 20 seconds? Signage for proper hand washing will be placed in all restrooms. Additionally, each teacher will be given a gallon of hand sanitizer and can enforce hand sanitizing upon entering the classroom if there are concerns with students’ hygiene and hand washing practices.
63. How much time is allowed out of instructional time to be dedicated to supervised handwashing in the lower grades? Schools may provide additional time for transitions.
64. Students are required to wash their hands a minimum of 9 times a day (upon entering the school, before they eat breakfast, after they eat breakfast, before lunch, after lunch, before PE, after PE, scheduled restroom breaks, and exiting campus). The Rule states that water and soap washing is preferred. How will that be carried out and at the same time implementing social distancing requirements and at the same time monitoring student behavior? This will be monitored at each school site.
65. How often are the restrooms going to be cleaned and disinfected each day? If custodians perform that function, how will they have time to clean other high contact surfaces in the school? Bathrooms and other frequently used shared areas will be cleaned every other hour, with a focus on high touch spaces - door handles, sink handles, soap dispensers and other areas that are touched frequently.
66. Will soap and paper towels now be required in the student and adult bathrooms or will students have to bring their own, as many times there is no soap, paper towels or toilet paper in the restrooms because some administrators say, “I’m not buying it, it’s not coming out of my budget!” Schools and educators will be provided adequate access to hygienic supplies.

*67. The district has cut 8-hour employees and reduced them to 4-hours. Isn’t this going to create cleaning deficiencies considering the Start Strong Plan calls for “increased cleaning and disinfecting.” 

68. What types of cleaning and disinfecting formulas are going to be used? Some students have asthma and allergies and the harsh chemicals can make breathing difficult and irritate students' eyes making them more inclined to rub their eyes and have their fingers touching their faces. Schools will conduct frequent cleaning throughout the day with a focus on high touch surfaces.  Commercially available cleaning solutions, including EPA-approved disinfectants, will be used.
69. Are the custodians going to be trained on how to clean and properly disinfect high-touch surface areas? Yes. All of our custodial staff have been trained in proper sanitizing treatments. Additionally, all teachers will receive sanitizing protocols for their classrooms.
70. Do classrooms have biohazard receptacles in place in the event a student has a nosebleed, sneezes, or vomits in their mask? No.
71. Have custodians been trained on how to handle biohazard material? Yes. All of our custodial staff have been trained in handling biohazard material.

*72. Do all bathrooms have a receptacle with a lid on it? Cafeteria/Eating in 

Classrooms 

73. Who disinfects surfaces prior to students eating in their classrooms, and after they eat?Commercially available cleaning solutions, including EPA-approved disinfectants, will be available for teachers to use if a room is used by more than one group in a single day. Teachers may need to share the responsibility for disinfecting student desks in between groups as school custodial staff may not be able to conduct disinfecting for every classroom change.

*74. Where do students place their mask while eating breakfast and/or lunch? Leaving it on the table is not sanitary and exposes others to the virus. 

*75. When students are finished eating breakfast and lunch inside their classroom, who comes in and disinfects that classroom since masks were removed and hands were in students' mouths and touching their desks? 

*76. Breakfast used to be in the classroom years ago and in some schools, it was put back into the cafeteria due to roaches, rodents, and filth. What is JP Schools doing to ensure this does not happen again? 

*77. Will all classrooms have receptacles with a lid for Kleenex, paper towels and wipes? 

*78. Is there enough custodial staff at school sites to maintain cleansing and disinfecting the cafeteria between each class picking up their lunch as well as clean and disinfect classrooms after eating breakfast and lunch all at the same time? Prior to the pandemic, many of these positions were eliminated or reduced 

*79. Do students still grab their milk themselves? This means many hands grabbing into the milk cooler and touching cartons other kids could grab. It’s similar to why students do not share supplies: too many hands equal too many chances to spread the virus.

80. Am I expected to stay with my students as they eat their lunch? When do I get my lunch? My contract says I am entitled to a 30-minute duty free lunch. Are we going to be expected to supervise students to monitor their behavior, social distancing, and cleaning and at the same time eat our lunch every day? Duty Free Lunch The teacher shall receive an uninterrupted thirty (30) minute duty-free lunch period each full day. On those days when students are not in attendance at lunch time (e.g. exam days, parent conference days, records days, etc.) teachers shall be given one (1) hour of duty-free lunch. --Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article VI
81. What is the district's plan to ensure enough class coverage for teachers and paraeducators so they can have their lunch? Who will monitor my students while I eat? Individual schools will work out duty schedules with the JFT leadership team to ensure that everyone has at least a 30-minute duty free lunch

 Isolation/Sick Room 

82. What is the criteria to be sent to the sick room? Who will enforce this? Students who are symptomatic or have a high temperature during arrival will be sent to the isolation area.
83. Who monitors the sick room? How will their safety be protected? It has been stated that employees will be written up if they refuse to risk their safety and monitor the isolation (“sick”) room. The nurse or CNA will help monitor any students in the isolation area.  Appropriate PPE will be provided for isolation area monitors. Students and employees will be required to wear a face covering and social distance while in the isolation area. 
84. Some Covid-19 symptoms are similar to other ailments (vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, headache, sore throat). If a student who is ill from something other than COVID-19 is placed in the sick room with a student with COVID-19, you are exposing a student to a virus they do not have and can potentially catch and bring home to their family infecting others. More than one student is allowed in the isolation area. Students and employees will be required to wear a face covering and social distance while in the isolation area. Surfaces in the isolation area will be cleaned and disinfected after every use.
85. What happens when no one comes to pick up the student from school? Are they allowed to go home on the bus? How will that affect the requirements limiting the number of students on a bus? The entire reason for separating them is not to contaminate others, but how does that student get home? The school bus would not be safe for others in this case. The student will be isolated in a safe and secure place to wait until s/he gets a safe way home.
86. My principal mentioned that we would have to take planning time to sit in the sick room to monitor students on a rotating basis. I do not feel safe watching sick students and planning time is for just that, planning lessons. I do not want to run the risk of bringing the illness into my house and exposing my family. Additionally, planning time is also a part of our contract.  “We are also working on an agreement to have a Certified Nursing Assistant in every school to help monitor the isolation area in the event a student shows COVID-19 symptoms.”

87. Will I get Hazard Pay if I sit in the sick room? We have hired CNAs who will be helping to monitor the isolation area in addition to the school nurses.
88. If I catch the virus from the sick room, are my days excused? You are entitled to up to two weeks of paid sick leave for up to $511.00 per day and $5,100 total in the two-weeks period. The school board may not deduct accumulated sick leave days during this time. LFT Chart: Source is the CARES ACT
89. Will I have to quarantine if the student in the sick room has COVID-19? We have hired CNAs who will be helping to monitor the isolation area in addition to the school nurses.
90. Will I have to use my sick days while quarantining because I caught the virus from monitoring the sick room? The school board may not deduct accumulated sick leave days during this time. LFT Chart: Source is the CARES ACT.

*91. My principal told us the student that is sick will sit in view of the school secretary. So, the sick room is the front office where everyone (teachers, para educators, cafeteria, custodial, students, parents, delivery drivers) pass though at some point in the day? How is the school district protecting their safety? 

92. Wouldn’t putting employees in the sick room open the district up to lawsuits if you mandate that employees monitor the sick room and they become ill or you are forcing them in harm's way? “We are also working on an agreement to have a Certified Nursing Assistant in every school to help monitor the isolation area in the event a student shows COVID-19 symptoms.”

PPE and Cleaning

93. My school never had soap in the bathroom for students or employees. How is this time around going to be different? If we don’t have soap, isn’t that going to compromise student safety? Schools and educators will be provided adequate access to hygienic supplies.
94. Does the school provide students with face coverings? The expectation is for all students and employees to report to school with a face covering. All students and employees will receive a washable/reusable cloth face covering at the beginning of the year. However, if a student reports without one, schools will have a disposable mask available.
95. What is the backup plan when the school and systems run out of supplies? We are one of thousands of school districts trying to obtain the same supplies as everyone else. Schools have the necessary cleaning and sanitizing supplies and the district has a process to purchase and distribute these supplies to schools on a recurring basis and as needed.
96. What supplies will be given to us to keep in our room? Teachers will receive hand sanitizer, disinfectant, gloves, and brown paper towels.
97. How will the district and school ensure cleaning and disinfecting will be increased? Schools will conduct frequent cleaning throughout the day with a focus on high touch surfaces.  Commercially available cleaning solutions, including EPA-approved disinfectants, will be used.
98. Are the details for cleaning and disinfecting outlined for staff?  The district developed a checklist, “Disinfecting and Cleaning Daily Checklist for Custodial Staff.” Checklists are to be signed and submitted to the plant manager at the end of the day.
99. Who or how will the school sanitation be documented for accountability? The district developed a checklist, “Disinfecting and Cleaning Daily Checklist for Custodial Staff.” Checklists are to be signed and submitted to the plant manager at the end of the day
100. Who verifies that high touch surfaces are cleaned properly throughout the school day? Will there be a signature sheet to provide proof? The district developed a checklist, “Disinfecting and Cleaning Daily Checklist for Custodial Staff.” Checklists are to be signed and submitted to the plant manager at the end of the day.

*101. Our rooms are not the most sanitary on a normal day. There is mold in some AC vents, and many of our sinks have been broken for two years or more. How will these issues be addressed with a reduced custodial staff and budget? 

102. Who will supply the large amount of sanitation and PPE supplies we will need?  Every school has been provided beginning of the year hygienic supplies including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels, and tissues.  The quantity of hygienic supplies will be appropriately provided to employees, according to the role and the number and age of students or adults served by that employee. Like every year, schools will purchase additional supplies throughout the school year as necessary. 

*103.If all these cleaning supplies are really going to be available, why does it take a pandemic for things to be cleaned properly and stocked? 

PE Concerns 

*104.The pupil teacher ratio for PE is 1:40. Now class sizes are smaller. Did the district hire more staff? 

105. Some schools have gyms or PE rooms. Gyms and PE rooms need an actual partition dividing the groups. Will that be provided? Yes, partitions should be used between static groups in a large indoor area. Partitions must be at least 6 feet high. Hanging dividers are acceptable, as long as they meet all other safety regulations.
106. Do kids have to wear their masks outside in 103-degree heat index? Yes. We encourage students and employees to keep face coverings in place during the entire school day, except when eating or drinking. 

*107. Will time be built into the school schedule to allow PE equipment to be cleaned and disinfected between classes? 

Face Coverings 

108. What happens when a student refuses to wear his/her face covering? If a student refuses to comply with wearing a face covering, disciplinary action will be taken using the uniform dress code policy and the parent will be notified immediately of the infraction.
109. Who enforces face covering requirements? All staff; follow discipline protocol outlined in individual school plans.
110. Students are not required to wear a face covering while eating. If they eat in class, and desks are not 6 feet apart, how is that protecting the safety of students and staff? Teachers may take their students outside to eat.
111. What happens when a student soils their mask? Will the office have an additional supply for those inevitable situations? The expectation is for all students and employees to report to school with a face covering. All students and employees will receive a washable/reusable cloth face covering at the beginning of the year. However, if a student reports without one, schools will have a disposable mask available.

Substitutes

112. How will teacher absences be handled? What is the plan? Does the school district have a sufficient number of substitutes lined up, considering that teachers may be absent while being tested for COVID-19 and may test positive and be absent for a considerable period of time? Schools have a process for handling staff absences.

113.Will substitutes be allowed on campus? Yes. Like we did last year, we are working with Kelly Services to provide substitute teachers when needed.

*114.Who have they been around and will they be tested prior to coming to campus?

*115. When there are no substitutes, will classes be split? If so, then that will be too many students in a class.

*116. Can I refuse to substitute because I need my own planning to plan for instruction? If I can’t refuse, then I will never get to effectively plan for my students' instruction and I also run the risk of being exposed to more students when my goal is to maintain static groups. 

*117. Has the district thought about employing non-certified teachers to be assigned as school substitutes?

Miscellaneous

118. What are the instances that hand sanitizer may be substituted for soap?Signage for proper hand washing will be placed in all restrooms. Additionally, each teacher will be given a gallon of hand sanitizer and can enforce hand sanitizing upon entering the classroom if there are concerns with students’ hygiene and hand washing practices.
119. My principal told me I had to provide my own hand sanitizer for my classroom. Is that going to be required?  No. Every school has been provided beginning of the year hygienic supplies including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels, and tissues. The quantity of hygienic supplies will be appropriately provided to employees, according to the role and the number and age of students or adults served by that employee. Like every year, schools will purchase additional supplies throughout the school year as necessary.
120. Will I be reimbursed for the cleaning supplies I buy to keep my room clean, disinfected and safe? Every school has been provided beginning of the year hygienic supplies including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels, and tissues. The quantity of hygienic supplies will be appropriately provided to employees, according to the role and the number and age of students or adults served by that employee. Like every year, schools will purchase additional supplies throughout the school year as necessary.
121. What safety measures will be taken when signing in, in the morning? You cannot have the employees all using the same pen to sign in. This will be addressed at each school; it is suggested that each employee use their own pen to sign in, or multiple pens should be provided so that employees do not have to use the same pen

*122. Will grace be granted due to the number of people signing in and not everyone can be in the office? 

*123. Has the district thought about contactless sign in? 

*124. Schools run off data: test data, attendance data, racial, nationality and gender data. Why is the district ignoring that cases are rising and it isn’t safe to have in person learning yet? 

125. What is the number of infected students or staff members that would compose a cluster to require a class or school closure? The school superintendent, in consultation with the Office of Public Health, will determine if the school should remain open or closed for a period of time. A positive case of COVID-19 does not necessarily warrant classroom or school closure. Determinations regarding school/class closures will be made on a case by case basis using guidance from our local health officials.
126. With water fountains out of order, who will supply water for students who do not bring in their own water bottle? Schools will close shared water fountains; but may keep bottle filling stations open. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
127. Is it safe for students to bring water bottles, when they leave them lying around and someone must touch them to dispose of them?  Schools will close shared water fountains; but may keep bottle filling stations open. Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
128. What is the protocol if a parent refuses or is unable to pick up a student? The student will be isolated in a safe and secure place to wait until s/he gets a safe way home. 

*129. Will the district’s discipline plans be adjusted for unruly students who refuse to social distance or follow procedures that may endanger themselves or others? 

*130. When students get into fights, what are school employees expected to do without compromising social distance requirements?  

*131. Are teachers responsible for planning virtual and in-person learning? 

*132. What protocol will be followed if a student reports that an immediate family member has COVID-19?  

133. Has the district partnered with anyone for rapid COVID-19 tests in order to get us back to work as soon as possible? The district has partnered with Ochsner. This was released in the press conference held by Superintendent Dr. James Gray on 8/10/2020. “Latest on Reopening Plans Updated 8/10/2020” https://www.jpschools.org/StartStrongLatest
134. We don’t have soap at our school and our students wipe their hands on their clothes. How is bathroom hand washing every two hours going to take place with no supplies? Every school has been provided beginning of the year hygienic supplies including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels, and tissues. The quantity of hygienic supplies will be appropriately provided to employees, according to the role and the number and age of students or adults served by that employee. Like every year, schools will purchase additional supplies throughout the school year as necessary.
135. What is the safety protocol for itinerant staff? We are minimizing the number of schools an itinerant staff member services on any particular day. In addition, mitigation measures such as temperature checks, masks, washing hands/hand sanitizing when switching schools will be followed.
136. Even as schools attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the school still must comply with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. This means that if school leaders become aware that a student has contracted the virus, they may not reveal the infected student’s identifiable information. They school may give public notice that a student in the school community is infected but may not offer any information that would allow someone to identify that individual. What protocol will the school district follow? We will communicate with employees and parents of students who were in close contact with the affected COVID-19 individual.

*137. Who will pay for the cost of COVID testing if the school directs an employee to be tested?

138.If a student has a note exempting him/her from wearing a mask, can I refuse to teach them? No.

139.With the virus running rampant, will we be getting any additional sick days? CARES ACT

*140. What is the plan for when a parent chooses to jump parish lines and enroll their children in a JPPS? If we are the only parish in the area that is offering face to face instruction, what is JPPS’s plan to deal with the additional enrollment of students? Will you still be able to keep the ratio 1:24? 

141. In order to limit the amount of exposure to staff and employees will all PD’s be conducted virtually? PDs have been conducted virtually as well as in socially distant small groups within the state guidelines of Phase 2.
142. Has the school district established contact tracing if a student tests positive for COVID-19? All positive case information will be tracked across schools to facilitate contact tracing and help identify clusters.

*143. There are studies that establish that children can spread COVID-19. Is it prudent to open schools at this time? 

*144. Students invariably get into fights, thus breaking rules that prohibit them from fighting. Students get out of their seats, become unruly, and they talk in class, violating teachers’ instructions. Why would the school district believe that all students will dutifully wear their face coverings at all times, and will not at times congregate together socially, within 6 feet of each other? Students will at times not be compliant, thus exposing everyone. How is that protecting the safety of students and employees? 

145. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, will the school district require the entire class, or anyone in the class, or the teacher, to quarantine? It sounds like the school district is saying let’s put everything into motion for a few weeks and wait for people to get sick and possibly die before we close schools. 

• Given levels of COVID-19 in our communities, we expect that some students and employees will get COVID-19 throughout the school year.
• Students, families, and employees should notify the school or their immediate supervisor if they test positive for COVID-19.
• Students or employees who have COVID-19 should stay home and remain isolated until they have recovered and are determined to no longer be infectious by their doctor.
• We will communicate with employees and parents of students who were in close contact with the affected COVID-19 individual.
• Schools will ensure continuity of education for students who are quarantined. • Rolling closures of individual classes and/or school closures may be necessary based on clusters of positive COVID-19 cases.

146. Strong Start Jefferson 2020 states, “Students will wash or sanitize hands upon arrival at school, at least every two hours, before and after eating, before and after using outdoor play equipment, and before exiting school. Hand sanitizer may be used in place of handwashing in some instances. That leads us to conclude that the preferred method is soap and water for most occasions. Is that correct? Yes. Additionally, each teacher will be given a gallon of hand sanitizer and can enforce hand sanitizing upon entering the classroom if there are concerns with students’ hygiene and hand washing practices.
147. Are teachers supposed to devise handwashing schedules? Given that there are multiple students in multiple classrooms with only a limited number of washbasins, isn’t it likely that students will be lined up in hallways throughout the day? 

• Schools may designate areas of the hallway (i.e., lanes) as flow paths to keep students separated and to minimize congregation of students.
• Schools may plan staggered class changes (e.g., by hall, odd/even room numbers, grade/discipline) to decrease the number of students in hallways at one time
• Schools may assign restrooms to be accessed by specific classrooms, and restroom capacity will be limited.

148. Who will monitor them to make certain that they maintain 6 feet social distance while they wait and when they are in the bathroom?This will vary by school, and should be in each school’s strong start plan.

*149. Won’t this defeat the purpose of static groups?

150. Who will monitor bathrooms to make certain that students are actually washing their hands? That’s basic, but in a pandemic, it’s absolutely required, without exception. How is the school district truly protecting the safety of students and employees without full and complete monitoring and enforcement? The district developed a checklist, “Disinfecting and Cleaning Daily Checklist for Custodial Staff.” Checklists are to be signed and submitted to the plant manager at the end of the day. Bathrooms and other frequently used shared areas will be cleaned every other hour, with a focus on high touch spaces - door handles, sink handles, soap dispensers and other areas that are touched frequently.
151. Who disinfects the bathrooms between student groups? The district developed a checklist, “Disinfecting and Cleaning Daily Checklist for Custodial Staff.” Checklists are to be signed and submitted to the plant manager at the end of the day. Bathrooms and other frequently used shared areas will be cleaned every other hour, with a focus on high touch spaces - door handles, sink handles, soap dispensers and other areas that are touched frequently.

*152. Won’t this result in an immense interruption of classroom instruction? 

*153. By opening schools, how on the one hand is the school district truly protecting the safety of students and employees and on the other hand knowingly exposing students and employees to the virus? How is the school district protecting students and employees when lapses in 100% implementation and enforcement are inevitable? 

154. Will schools have an adequate supply of cleaning supplies? At one school, teachers were told that there wasn’t enough money for hand sanitizer; and they must bring a gallon of sanitizer. Will that be required? No, the district is providing hand sanitizer.  Every school has been provided beginning of the year hygienic supplies including soap, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfectant wipes or spray, paper towels, and tissues. The quantity of hygienic supplies will be appropriately provided to employees, according to the role and the number and age of students or adults served by that employee. Like every year, schools will purchase additional supplies throughout the school year as necessary.
155. Where will students eat lunch? Who will clean classrooms after students eat? How is the school district protecting the safety or students and employees if students are eating without face coverings in a classroom? For in-person on-campus meals, students will pick-up meals in the school cafeteria or designated location. Students will eat in their classrooms or outside when weather permits.

*156. Who will clean desks after students eat? Who is supposed to clean up when a student spills their entire drink on the floor of the classroom? There are rumors that teachers will be required to clean desks and even bring rags and cleaning supplies. Is there any truth to that?

157. Is every classroom and every area of every school fully ventilated? Before schools open, will the school district obtain certification from a company that is certified to conduct such tests?   Schools will assure ventilation systems operate properly.

*158. Will there be a hotline to report violations of policy? If so, what procedure and process has been created to immediately rectify those problems? Will someone from Central Office be dispatched to the school to immediately remedy safety violations? How many employees have been designated to undertake that responsibility? 

*159. What protocol will be followed for pregnant teachers? 

*160. As more and more teachers contract COVID-19 because of being exposed to students at school, who will teach the students while they are absent? 

*161. It was reported on national news that in another state, at a school that already opened, the school district sent parents a letter informing them that their child was exposed to someone at school who tested positive for COVID-19, and the child must quarantine for 14 days. Why is JPPSS considering opening schools now, with the circumstances that exist? 

*162. Ballplayers in the NBA, Major League Baseball, and NFL are being regularly tested for COVID-19, daily in some situations. Are athletes more important than our students? Why are our students and employees only getting the benefit of minimum measures? 

*163. Many school employees take care of elderly parents, and/or parents who have medical conditions that place them at high or increased risk of contracting COVID. Many school employees have young children who have medical conditions that place them at high or increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Both the elderly and the young could die if they are expose to the virus. School employees who are exposed to the virus because of students who remove their face coverings, or congregate in close proximity to each other, or because high-touch surfaces aren’t being cleaned regularly, place their parents and children at risk of being on ventilators for days or even weeks, and at risk of death. Is it worth opening schools given the data at the present time? 

*164. Scientists have acknowledged that even those who test positive and are asymptomatic may have long-term consequences. How can the school district even consider opening schools? 

165. School districts around the state and around the country aren’t willing to take that risk. School districts around the state and around the country have acknowledged that there simply are too many deaths, hospitalizations, and incidents of citizens testing positive and have decided to delay opening schools. Why not Jefferson? Jefferson delayed by two weeks

Please complete this form if there are still concerns at your school/worksite:  https://forms.gle/nyuAf4NysCx61fQKA