Please Note: The information in this document is subject to change as directives are provided by governing agencies and/or health officials or as environmental needs change.

Student and Staff Safety Protocols

Corsicana ISD is committed to the health and safety of every student and staff member as well as our community. We will follow the guidance and best practices of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), Navarro County Department of Health, Texas Education Agency, and local governance.

General Safety and Health Procedure

• Staff and students are highly encouraged to wear face coverings when in hallways and common areas as well as during arrival and dismissal.
• Physical distancing of at least six feet is encouraged at all times.
• Students and staff should wash hands and use hand sanitizer frequently throughout the day as well as during specified times.
• PPE will be provided to the extent it can be obtained for staff and students.
• Visitors will be required to complete health screening upon entry to the campus.
• During the fall semester, CISD will avoid scheduling non-essential large group gatherings and events where adults and students must comingle indoors or where students would be unnecessarily exposed to the virus in public places such as field trips, assemblies, dances, public pep rallies, PTA fun nights, etc.

Social and Emotional Support

CISD will address the mental and social-emotional health of students and staff by support in the following areas:

•   Beginning of the school year lessons and engagement with teachers.
•   Emotional support of school counselors, to include three CISD mental health counselors.
•   Information for families on how to access resources for mental health and wellness.
•   At-home learning support provided to parents through consistent, scheduled communication with teachers.
•   Continuation of the mental health hotline, with the addition of a virtual counseling mental health request form.

Screening and Isolation

All students and staff will be regularly screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals who present with symptoms will be separated from the general population and sent home.

Screening

• Staff will be required to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms prior to reporting to work each day.
• Parents/guardians are expected to screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending their students to school.
• Teachers will monitor students and refer to the nurse if symptoms are present. 

Isolation: Student or Staff Displaying COVID-19 Symptoms

• Should a student display COVID-19 symptoms, the school nurse will provide a clinical assessment to determine if a student needs to be sent home.
• Students who are ill will be separated from their peers and should be picked up within 30 minutes and no later than one hour from the time the school contacts the parent/guardian.
• Other students will be removed from the classroom and taken to an alternate location on campus (e.g., go on a walk outside, move to a different classroom, etc.) so that the classroom can be disinfected.
• District communication will be provided to the parents of students who came in contact with a COVID-19 positive student or staff member
• Staff members displaying COVID-19 symptoms will following district protocols including isolation from students and other staff members.
• Students or staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be required to submit a letter of good health from a physician’s office prior to returning to school.
• CISD will follow District and State policies and procedures for applying sick leave and FMLA requirements should a staff member become ill. 

Face Coverings

The use of face coverings is required for staff and students ages 10 and above in all common areas and during arrival and departure. Face covering are not required when outside, unless students are in close contact. The District will rely on guidance from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS), Navarro County Health Department and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) along with executive orders from Governor Greg Abbott and local city and county officials. 

Community Transmission Levels

Staff Requirements 

•   Staff will wear face coverings when physical distancing is difficult and during substantial and moderate transmission levels. This requirement may be modified as the county enters Minimal to Low Transmission.  
•   Maintain up-to-date contact information with the Human Resources office and campus administrative staff.

Student Requirements

•   Students in grades 3-12 will wear face coverings as feasible during substantial and moderate transmission levels, including in the classroom at the substantial transmission level. This requirement may be modified as the county enters Minimal to Low Transmission. 
•  The individual needs of students will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Requests for accommodations should be submitted to the campus administration.

Campus Visitors

Campuses will utilize virtual meeting options to limit campus visitors whenever possible. All visitors who enter the building will be required to wear a face covering during substantial and moderate transmission levels. individuals who proceed beyond the reception area will follow specific guidelines for visitors. Parents picking up students during the day will call ahead so that students can be sent or accompanied to parent vehicles upon arrival.

Visitor Screening/PPE Requirements

•   All individuals entering a building will be required to wear a face covering during substantial and moderate transmission levels.
•   Virtual meetings will be used whenever possible.
•   Individuals proceeding beyond the reception area will follow the following guidelines: 
  • All visitors will be subject to screening by completing a symptom screening form.
  • Visitors and staff will maintain physical distance (6 feet or greater) for ARD and other meetings in smaller conference areas.

Disinfecting and Hand Sanitizing

•   Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be available at the main entry to each campus, in classrooms, in the cafeteria, and in common areas throughout the campus.
•   Shared objects will be disinfected between each use.
•   Staff will be expected to regularly wash and/or sanitize their hands.
•   Requirement for hand washing and/or use of District-provided hand sanitizer:
  • Provide hand sanitizer upon entry to classrooms and have periodic teacher reminders throughout the day.
  • Thoroughly wash hands upon entry to the campus, when returning from outside/outside the classroom, before eating, and after restroom breaks.
  • Staff will have access to disinfecting wipes to regularly sanitize high-touch and working surfaces and shared objects.
  • Staff will limit the use of shared supplies.

Campus Cleaning and Disinfecting

General Procedures

Cleaning and disinfecting will occur nightly in every classroom, commons areas and on high-touch surfaces.

•   Ensure ventilation systems are working properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible if this does not pose a safety threat to students or staff.
•   Campuses are deep cleaned during the summer months, prior to schools opening. Additional deep cleaning is done during holidays as a general procedure. This is intensified as described below if a case is identified on a campus.

Daily Campus Cleaning

•   Each classroom and restroom will be disinfected daily.
•   All high/frequent touch areas will be disinfected daily.
•   Cleaning cloths will be changed for each classroom and commons area to maximize room-to-room cleaning.
•   Custodians will wear masks and gloves during work hours.
•   The cafeteria will be disinfected between lunch periods.
•   Staff will have access to disinfectant wipes to sanitize working surfaces and shared objects after each use and during breaks in instruction.

Additional Cleaning Measures for COVID-19 Positive Cases on Campus

•   If a classroom or facility is closed due to COVID-19, quaternary disinfectant, which is recommended for use on the virus that causes COVID-19, will be used to defog and disinfect.
•   Custodial staff will defog and disinfect classrooms, restrooms, athletic and gym facilities, and all additional areas to include the entire building. 

Transportation

Although CISD is implementing the safety protocols and disinfecting efforts described below, families are encouraged to drop students off, carpool, or walk with their student to school to reduce possible exposure on buses.

•   Students should have on masks and practice social distancing while waiting at the bus stop
•   Hand sanitizer will be provided at the bus entry, and students will be directed to use hand sanitizer upon entering the bus.
•   Drivers will wear face masks.
•   Students are encouraged to wear face masks while on a school bus. During Moderate and Substantial, students are required to wear face masks while on a school bus.
•   Buses will be cleaned daily and between routes.
•   Windows will be lowered as often as possible.
•   Students will have assigned seats on the bus. Seating will be assigned in family groups (siblings). 

Work and Learning Environments

Classroom Configuration

•   Desks and/or tables will be socially distanced as much as instructionally possible.
•   When possible, eliminate shared supplies. Sanitize supplies between use.
•   Campuses will be organized so that students remain in the same groups (pods) for as much of the day as possible. For Pre-K through 4th, this will be the full day.
•   Remove bean bag chairs, blankets, pillows, and other shared, non-essential items from the classroom.
•   Recommended procedures will be applied to all classrooms, including special education when possible and appropriate. Students’ individual needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Collaborative Work and Projects

•    When possible, technology will be utilized when students are involved in collaborative work.
•    Group or pair work can be implemented while maintaining physical distancing.
•    It is recommended that students wear face coverings when working in pairs or groups.
•    Students will be provided every opportunity to opt-out of physical face-to-face group or pair work.

General Classroom Supplies

•   Age-appropriate signage will be posted in all classrooms regarding protocols and prevention.
•   Multiple locations of hand sanitizer, tissues, and trash cans will be available in several locations to limit student and staff movement.
•   Each room will have a door stop for no-touch entry between classes.

Specialized Classrooms

•  When appropriate, students will be provided face shields instead of facemasks for safety when there is an increased risk of burn or injury.
•  Specialized equipment will be sanitized between each use. There will be adequate supplies to minimize the sharing of high touch materials or limit use of supplies of equipment to one group of students at a time.  
•  Procedures and protocols will be put into place to address locker rooms. Protocols will be in place for disinfecting of equipment, students changing clothes, students showering, distancing of students, etc.
•  Career and Technical Education classes, including those at the CTE Center, will follow industry-based safety guidelines as appropriate to the equipment and course content. 
•  Special education classrooms and service locations may have additional protective barriers in place to support a safe environment for our students

Physical Education Classes

Whenever possible, physical education classes will be held outside to allow for maximum physical distance between students

• Any activities bringing students into close physical contact will be avoided.
• Visual markers will be on the gym floor and bleachers as reminders of social distancing rules.
• Procedures will be implemented in the locker rooms to limit social distancing
• Equipment will be disinfected after each use
• Activities requiring multiple students to touch or handle the same equipment will be avoided
• Sanitizing areas and access to handwashing will be provided.

Common Areas 

Meeting Spaces

•  Meetings will be limited to video conferencing when possible.  
•  If meetings must be held in person, all social distancing protocols will be implemented.
•  Face coverings during substantial and moderate transmission levels
•  Physical distancing
•  Limited sharing of materials/supplies

Administrative Spaces - Reception, Offices, Conference Rooms, Mail Room

• When possible, meetings will be conducted virtually. However, if the need arises to meet in person campuses will follow these guidelines
• Facial coverings or masks will be utilized during substantial and moderate transmission levels.
• Please stand behind the shield guard installed at the reception desk.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided in front office spaces
• Distances of 6 feet will be provided between all occupied seats and workspaces.

Flexible Learning Spaces

•  The number of students in these areas will be limited as driven by available space and social distancing guidelines.
•  Common spaces and supplies in these spaces will be disinfected frequently.

Elevators

• Only students and staff with a physical impairment or the need to move large/heavy equipment will be able to use the elevator.
• No more than 2 people will ride in the elevator at the same time.
• Masks will be worn when on the elevator.

Restrooms

• Students must wash hands and then use hand sanitizer before entering the classroom.
• Increased disinfecting will occur throughout the school day.
• Each campus will comply with health agency recommendations and physical distancing.

Library

• Visual reminders will be added and furniture rearranged to help students maintain social distancing while in the library.
• Students and staff will wash/sanitize hands upon entering and after visiting the library.
• High touch surfaces (i.e. tabletops, chairs, door handles) will be disinfected regularly.
• Occupancy will be limited.

Transitions

• Students and staff will follow protocols for face coverings.
• Staggered releases from each class will be organized to limit the number of students in the hallway during transitions.
• Classroom doors will be propped open to reduce high touch areas when possible.
• Traffic patterns will be established throughout the campus that separates individuals to the greatest extent possible. 
• When transitioning between classes, students shall travel corridors as far to the right as possible.
• Where possible, one-way traffic throughout campus corridors will be established.
• Staff and signage will be posted to reinforce physical distance expectations.

Arrival

• Entry doors will be designated based on arrival method: bus riders, parent drop-off/walk to school, student drivers, students with unique needs. Entry points for CTE Center buses and other midday arrivals will be designated to facilitate social distancing.
• Designated entry doors will be propped open for no-touch entry. Any open doors will be continuously monitored by staff to stop unauthorized access and to monitor for threats.
• Entry protocols will be established to maintain physical distance.
• Sanitizer stations will be placed at each entrance and students will sanitize hands upon entry.
• Students will go directly to the first period class (secondary), their classroom (elementary), or designated location upon arrival.
• Lockers will not be assigned - students will carry all needed materials and lunch with them.
• Parents may not accompany students into the building.

Dismissal

• Dismissal times will be staggered to limit the number of students in hallways and exit areas at any given time.
• Sanitizer stations will be placed at each exit and students will be encouraged to sanitize hands prior to exit.

Breakfast and Lunch

CISD will provide breakfast and lunch for all students, on campus, or remote. Information on when and how students learning remotely can pick up meals will be sent to families and posted on the District web site at cisd.org before school begins. The Texas Department of Agriculture has advised Texas school districts that meals will be provided under the regulations of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program (NSLP). All CISD students may have free breakfast and lunch daily.

• Students Pre-K through 6 will have breakfast and lunch in the classroom. Students in grades 7 through 12 may have meals in both the cafeteria and classrooms, depending on the number of students in the school and the current guidelines.
• Signage and staff will reinforce physical distancing and traffic patterns in the cafeteria.
• High School and Middle School students will have breakfast and lunch in the classroom, when possible.
• Meals will be packaged as “grab and go” for ease of pick up and transport to eating locations. 
• Hand sanitizers will be available at entrances and exits of the cafeteria.

Outdoor and Off-Campus Student Activities

• Campuses will limit students from leaving campus after school prior to travel or start of extra-curricular or co-curricular activities when possible.
• Student participation in academic contests will only be attended if specific guidance is provided by an authorized entity (TEA, UIL, CISD, etc.)
• Special Education off-campus and work-based learning guidance will be followed to ensure these learning environments are available to our students per ARD/IEP recommendations. 

On-Campus Activities

• Any school-wide event that is approved to be held on campus should adhere to physical distancing requirements outlined by CISD, TEA, and UIL. (For example: grade level pep rallies, assemblies, performances, etc.)
• School-wide events will be live-streamed and/or occur virtually when possible.
• To limit large gatherings, campus club and organization meetings should be held virtually. In-person meetings require prior administrative approval.

Extracurricular Programs

Cheer

• Practices and performances will be conducted following safety protocol provided by guidance from CISD, UIL, and TEA. This will include COVID-19 screening, group sizes, sharing and sanitizing of equipment, locker room use, etc.

 Athletics

• Athletic practices and contests will be conducted following safety protocol provided by guidance from CISD, UIL and TEA. This will include COVID screening, group sizes, sharing and sanitizing of equipment, locker room usage, etc.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be in gym facilities and equipment will be sanitized on a regular basis.
• Locker room use will be determined by TEA/UIL. If locker rooms can be accessed, all locker room space will be utilized to follow social distancing guidelines.
• Bus travel will follow transportation guidelines provided by CISD and TEA.
• Spectator attendance at games and contests may be limited based on TEA and UIL guidelines. Ticketing for events may be utilized to control capacity of facilities.
• Postgame sign out procedures for athletes will be communicated to parents prior to the beginning of each season.
• Event procedures will be in place to minimize face-to-face interactions.
• Separate entrances and exits may be utilized and event doors may be propped open to minimize physical contact with handles.
• Spectator seats may be marked and/or configured in a way to enforce social distancing.
• Concessions and/or concession sales will be controlled to allow for physical distancing and to follow health and safety guidelines.

Fine Arts

• Large group practice sessions, sectionals and rehearsals will adhere to social distancing guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
• Staff members will be screened prior to participating in UIL activities.
• Hand washing and hand sanitizer will be available to participants and frequent use encouraged.
• Parents must ensure that they do not send a student to participate in UIL activities if the student has COVID-19 symptoms.
• Before visitors are allowed access to areas where UIL activities are being conducted, all visitors must be screened to determine if they have COVID-19 symptoms or are lab-confirmed with COVID-19, and if so they must remain off campus and away from areas where UIL activities are being conducted until they meet the criteria for re-entry. (UIL Guidelines)
• Visitors will be screened to determine if they have had close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed as having COVID-19, and if so they must remain off-campus and away from areas where UIL activities are being conducted until the 14 day incubation period has passed.
• Off-campus fine arts performances will only be conducted if specific guidance is provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CISD, TEA, UIL, etc.)
• Concerts/performances may be adjusted based on health and safety guidelines provided by an authorized entity (e.g., CISD, TEA, UIL, etc.) including, but not limited to, transportation procedures, number of attendees, and the orientation of concerts.
• All fine arts performances will be streamed online when possible.
• Booster club meetings should be held virtually.

Instructional Delivery Models

For the 2020-2021 school year, CISD will offer both in-person (On-Campus) learning and remote instruction (At-Home and/or Virtual Self-Directed). Regardless of which option is selected, grading will return to CISD grading policy standards, not the making progress standard used this past Spring.

Parents will be asked to select a method of instructional delivery beginning on July 20 and ending two weeks prior to the first day of school. Parents will have an opportunity to change their choice up to 11:59 p.m. on August 3rd. Parents will need to contact their child’s counselor to make the change. After August 3rd, this will commit students to the selected model for at least nine weeks.

Instruction will be delivered using the following models:

1. On-Campus Learning in a traditional classroom setting (Pre-K through 12)
2. At-Home Learning (Synchronous Model, Available for Grades 3 through 12)
3. Virtual, Self-Directed Learning (Asynchronous Model, Available for Grades Pre-K through 12)

On-Campus Learning

This option consists of in-person instruction, which includes face-to-face, in-classroom learning using safety protocols to protect our students and staff. On July 7, the Texas Education Agency released its public health planning guidance for reopening schools in August for the 2020-2021 school year. The District has reviewed these guidelines and incorporated them into the draft protocols for health screenings, social distancing, and modifications to campus operations. The in-person instruction will be held Monday through Friday. Students will also complete projects and assignments on-line, making it easy to transition to virtual learning should there be a need to cancel school or limit access to a campus building.

•   Students will attend school on a regular instructional schedule.
•   Elementary students will be assigned to grade level classes that will be taught by a single teacher.
•   Intermediate students will remain in pods (groups of the same students), and teachers will change classes.
•   Secondary students in grades 7-12 will follow their class schedules by transitioning to different classrooms for instruction.
•   Students will have a traditional schedule that includes core courses and electives.
•   Students who require support (special education, English language learners, etc.) and interventions will receive them in person.
•   Parents or guardians will complete weekly student health screenings. Students without a health screening will be screened by the campus nurse.
•   Classroom instruction will be designed for mastery of student learning outcomes based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) for each content area.
•   Students and teachers will prepare for potential future distance/remote learning by increasing blended (face-to-face with technology) learning opportunities. Teachers will directly instruct students on the processes to access online instruction.
•   Coursework expectation and grading for in-person and at-home learning will be the same.
•   Students participate for five full days each week.
•   Instruction is provided by CISD teachers and staff.
•   Instruction is in the core content (math, science, social studies, and English).
•   Teachers utilize the District curriculum and pacing guidelines.
•   Social-emotional support is provided.
•   Accommodations and support services are provided.
•   Implementation of preventative safety measures occurs throughout the day.
•   Should students participating in Learning on Campus be required to quarantine, learning will continue through remote at-home learning for the duration of the quarantine period.

At-Home Learning

This option is entirely virtual and requires students to have a consistent online presence to complete their assignments. Students who enroll in At-Home Learning will be required to log in daily and follow a schedule with their teacher, completing assignments on-line. Some courses may not be available virtually. Electives and extracurricular activities not available through At-Home Learning may be offered on campus. 

This option is not available to students in Pre-K through Grade 2.

•   Students remain at home and engage in learning activities that are primarily delivered by their teacher using on-line instruction.
•   Teacher-led instruction and peer interaction will be scheduled throughout the day for students to interact with their teacher and classmates.
•   Teachers will teach from on-campus classrooms and will be on campus for the full contract day. The only exception to this is teachers who have documented health conditions that prohibit them from being on a campus.
•   Teachers will directly instruct students on the processes to access online instruction.
•   Parents/guardians commit to support and cooperate with the learning process and the unique requirements of virtual instruction
•   Daily student participation in the learning activities is required.
•   A portion of the instructional time may be dedicated for teacher-directed independent learning activities.
•   Students are required to follow a structured schedule, which includes required time for participation in a total of 3-4 hours of live, synchronous instruction each day.
•   The schedule will include breaks and lunch.
•   A caregiver will need to be present to guide younger students in following the daily schedule and providing assistance, as needed.
•   For secondary students, the At-Home learning schedule will follow the same daily schedule as In-Person learning.
•   Remote At-Home instruction will be designed for mastery of student learning outcomes based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) for each content area.
•   Coursework expectation and grading for in-person and at-home learning will be the same.
•   At-home courses that earn graduation credit will count in GPA calculation and class rank.
•   Student participation is required five days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) each week.
•   Instruction is provided by CISD teachers.
•   Social-emotional support is provided.
•   Accommodations and support services are provided.
•   Internet connectivity and a computer are required.
•   CISD will provide a laptop and connectivity.
•   Students and teachers will interact using Canvas and Edgenuity online learning management systems.
•   Teachers will provide training for students and parents on how to use these digital tools.

Virtual Self-Directed Learning 

This option is entirely virtual and requires students to have a consistent online presence to complete their assignments. Students who enroll in Virtual Self-Directed Learning will need to be self-motivated and capable of logging in daily to complete assignments on-line. Some courses may not be available virtually. Electives and extracurricular activities not available through At-Home Learning may be offered on campus.

•       Students remain at home and complete assignments without direct teacher instruction; however, a teacher is assigned to each student for support and progress monitoring.
•       Teachers will teach from on-campus classrooms and will be on campus for the full contract day. The only exception to this is teachers who have documented health conditions that prohibit them from being on a campus.
•       Time management is critical to the success of this model.
•       Students and teachers must stay in communication regarding daily schedules and successful completion of assignments.
•       Students may show proof of participation in daily student learning by satisfactorily completing assignments that demonstrate evidence of student learning, i.e., video, picture, activities submitted as lessons and/or completed assignments.
•       Virtual Self-Directed Learning will be designed for mastery of student learning outcomes based on the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skill (TEKS) for each content area.
•       Coursework expectation and grading for in-person and at-home learning will be the same.
•       At-home courses that earn graduation credit will count in GPA calculation and class rank.
•       Student participation is required five days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) each week.
•       Parents/guardians commit to support and cooperate with the learning process and the unique requirements of virtual instruction.
•       Internet connectivity and a computer are required.
•       CISD will provide a laptop and connectivity.
•       Students and teachers will interact using Canvas online learning management system.
•       Teachers will provide training for students and parents on how to use these digital tools.

Assessments will be administered at the start of the school year to establish an academic baseline for all students.

Bibliography

The American Academy of Pediatrics. June 25, 2020.  https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools/

Center for Disease Control https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Georgia’s Path to Recovery for K-12 Schools, Georgia Department of Education, Georgia Department of Public Health. https://www.georgiainsights.com/uploads/1/2/2/2/122221993/georgias_k-12_recovery_plan.pdf

Texas Department of State Health Services https://dshs.texas.gov/closures/covid19.aspx

University Interscholastic League (UIL) https://www.uiltexas.org/music/marching-band/marching-band-summer-practices-rehearsals-2020