Instructional Models
The Connecticut State Department of Education, through it's guidelines outlined in Adapt, Advance, Achieve: Connecticut's Plan to Learn and Grow Together, charged districts with developing three models of instruction with the goal of maximizing in-person instruction but preparing for modifications should the data demonstrate a need for change. Additional interim guidance has been provided by the state through Addendum 4 regarding indicators for transitioning from one model to another.
Families who chose temporary remote learning, when school is in hybrid mode or full in person learning, must be aware of the following:
- Family members are expected to supervise and support student attendance and engagement
- The nature of the voluntary remote learning programming may not result in matching instructional hours 1:1 with an in-person learning model and as such, identification of the anticipated active instructional time
- This voluntary family choice is clearly differentiated from the circumstance where classes are cancelled for a broader population, should public health data require it
- In order for students to participate in school activities not related to the core curriculum (such as extracurricular activities or electives), students must be attending in school in-person and not have opted into remote learning programming
- All students are expected to remote-in via their class links and follow their school schedule as if they were attending in person and will be expected to adhere to the times noted on their daly schedule
- Should a family wish to change instructional models, it may take up to 5 school days to have your child transition to in-person instruction from temporary remote learning
Coventry Public Schools has prepared 3 instructional models in preparation for the 2020-2021 school year.
For more detailed descriptions, please see below.
In-Person
Schedules by Building
- Coventry Grammar School (Grades K-2)
- G. H. Robertson School (Grades 3-5)
- Capt. Nathan Hale School (Grades 6-8)
- Coventry High School (Grades 9-12)
- Coventry Academy (Grades 9-12)
Coventry Grammar School (Grades K-2)
G. H. Robertson School (Grades 3-5)
Student Time Schedule - 8:40 AM - 3:10 PM
Class Time
- Classes will follow traditional schedule
- Grade 4 Science and Social Studies and Grade 5 Math and Science teachers will travel to classrooms rather than students moving through halls.
- Physical Education, Art and Music teachers will travel to classrooms rather than students moving through the halls. If possible, Physical Education will be held outside.
Capt. Nathan Hale School (Grades 6-8)
Student Time Schedule - 7:40 AM - 2:20 PM
Class Time
- Classes will follow traditional schedule with extended passing time
- Bell Schedule Extended Passing Times 2020-21 DRAFT
Coventry High School (Grades 9-12)
Student Time Schedule - 7:40 AM - 2:20 PM
Class Time
- Classes will follow traditional schedule with extended passing time
- Bell Schedule Extended Passing Times 2020-21 DRAFT
Coventry Academy (Grades 9-12)
The following information outlines specific physical health and safety protocols, and in-person school structures.
- A. Masks
- B. Hand Washing
- C. Classroom Distancing
- D. Cohorts (K-5)
- E. Classroom Setup/Design
- F. Hallway Travel
- G. Lockers/Student Belongings
- H. Arrival & Dismissal
- I. Meal Service
- J. Recess
- K. Bus Transportation
- L. Restroom Procedures
- M. Sanitation
- N. Health Practices
- O. Health Promotion Communication
- P. Signage
- Q. Illness Protocols
- R. Isolation Room
- S. Return to School After Illness
- T. Attendance Tracking
A. Masks
Masks will be mandatory, with a few exceptions for medical reasons. Students must wear face coverings or masks that completely cover the nose and mouth while inside the school and on the bus. “Mask Breaks” will be provided during the day. Parents/guardians will be responsible for providing students with face coverings or masks. Schools will have backup cloth or paper masks available for students who forget them.
B. Hand Washing
C. Classroom Distancing
D. Cohorts (K-5)
Elementary students will stay in the same cohort throughout the day. They will eat together, and special area teachers will come to them whenever possible, as we want to minimize students traveling in the building as much as possible. Each area of the building will have bathrooms assigned for usage.
E. Classroom Setup/Design
F. Hallway Travel
Grade K-5 buildings will have a split line for all hallways. Markings will be installed on floors to illustrate foot-traffic expectations. Grade 6-12 buildings will have designated one-way traffic patterns for hallways. This will limit face-to-face encounters during transitions.
CHS Map Hallway Traffic Pattern
G. Lockers/Student Belongings
Most grades will have students keep their belongings in their backpacks in a designated area in their classroom(s). Lockers assigned in grade 2 and grade 5 will be alternated by class to increase social distancing. Therefore, classroom cohorts will use their lockers at designated times. Students in grades 6-12 will not be using lockers.
H. Arrival & Dismissal
Grades K-12 arrival and dismissal will be staggered due to bus arrival/dismissal schedule. In grades K-5, there will be different locations for drop off/pick up and buses. Grades 6-12 students will have staggered dismissal from multiple building exits based on their last period classroom location. Exterior classroom doors will be utilized to assist with arrival and dismissal procedures.
I. Meal Service
Students in all schools will eat breakfast and lunch using a cafeteria pick-up model. For breakfast, students will report directly to the cafeteria upon arrival at school, purchase their meal and eat in the cafeteria with socially distanced seating. At lunch, students will come to the cafeteria service line in their cohorts in small staggered waves. Plexiglas and spacing decals will be used in the serving line. Students will eat with socially distanced seating within their cohorts in the cafeteria and alternate spaces as much as possible. Weather permitting, schools with outside seating capability may be able to move some tables outside to improve social distance seating and reduce the number of students in the cafeteria. Cafeteria/group seating should be maintained with a goal of 50% of capacity.
J. Recess
K. Bus Transportation
Current guidance from the state is that we do not need to limit the number of students on our buses as long as all are wearing face coverings and community transmission is low. When boarding the bus, students will be encouraged to sit in the back row first, loading toward the front. Unloading the bus will be from front to back. Dismissal times will be staggered at each building to reduce congestion. Bus drivers will have a supply of face coverings for those students who have forgotten them.
L. Restroom Procedures
M. Sanitation
N. Health Practices
Prior to the start of school staff will receive training on:
- masks/face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth
- physical distancing where possible
- frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer
- cough/sneeze etiquette
- enhanced cleaning/disinfection of surfaces
- the use of barriers such as plexi-glass and face shields
- procedures for sick students/staff members
Students will be trained with age- appropriate videos on mask wearing, physical distancing, handwashing, and cough/sneeze etiquette on the first day of school. Periodic verbal reminders and school announcements will support these practices.
O. Health Promotion Communication
Prior to school starting in August, Coventry Public Schools will send information to families including the following:
- The symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever (temperature greater than 100°f) or chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or a new loss of smell/taste.
- The importance parents/guardians actively monitor symptoms of their children and all family members each day prior to sending students to school. Should anyone in the household be symptomatic, keep children home and notify the school nurse immediately.
- If anyone in the household has been exposed to someone with a known case of COVID-19, students should stay home from school and notify their child’s school nurse. The expectation is all household members will be quarantined for 14 days.
- Parents/guardians must call the school nurse on the morning of their student’s absence indicating the reason prior to the start of each school day.
- Proactive use of face coverings, physical distancing where possible, and handwashing at school and other public areas is essential.
- Emphasize required health assessments (physical examinations) and state mandated immunizations prior to school entry, working with families to comply with all state requirements.
- Strongly encouraging flu vaccination during the pandemic.
- Dismissal procedures should a student present with COVID-19 symptoms at school.
- Return to school requirements after illness.
P. Signage
Q. Illness Protocols
It is critical students and staff members stay home when they are sick or have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. They will be advised to seek advice from their health care provider and notify their school nurse for record keeping and contact tracing. If a student should become ill at school, the teacher must first call the nurse prior to sending the student to the health office. The student will be evaluated by the nurse then monitored in the designated isolation room if symptoms are suspicious of COVID-19. Parents/guardians of the student will be contacted by the nurse for immediate pick-up and consultation with their health care provider. Staff members will be dismissed and directed to consult their health care provider immediately.
R. Isolation Room
Each school has identified an isolation room, separate from the health office. Building principals will assign staff to monitor each room. This monitor will be equipped with a medical grade mask, an isolation gown, gloves and a face shield. Anyone in contact with the isolated student will be logged into the nurse’s SNAP program.
S. Return to School After Illness
Laboratory Confirmed Case of COVID-19
The ability for students or staff to return to campus will be determined based upon research-based guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
1.Symptom-based Strategy: Isolation and precautions can generally be discontinued 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms.
2.Time-Based Strategy: (for those asymptomatic but tested positive)
- At least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test assuming they have not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test.
- If they develop symptoms during this period then the symptom-based strategy should be used.
Suspected Case of COVID-19
For those students or staff that are dismissed (or out of school/work) due to symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may return to the school setting by following the below criteria.
- If not tested, then symptom-based strategy detailed above is met, OR;
- If not tested, then physician’s clearance note provided and symptoms improve consistent with standard school guidelines, OR;
- Negative COVID-19 test result provided and symptoms improve consistent with standard school guidelines.
T. Attendance Tracking
Parents/guardians and staff will be directed to notify the school nurse for the reason of any illness related absence. Nursing staff will follow-up (call, email, etc.) on each unaccounted student and staff absent in their building daily. All COVID-19 related absences and school dismissals (symptoms or confirmed cases) will be entered confidentially into the SNAP nursing program. A report will be generated and totals will be shared with district nurses, the superintendent and building administrators. Diagnosis of positive COVID-19 cases will be immediately communicated with Eastern Highland Health District officials to coordinate further action by the district. Coventry School District will notify families via email, phone blast, and our district website of any altered school schedules or temporary closures.
Hybrid
The goal of the Hybrid Instructional Model is to reduce the school populations as a result of a surge in COVID-19 yet continue teaching and learning for all students. The plan outlined in this document describes our K-12 contingency instructional plan if we are obligated to move into a hybrid model of blending learning as directed by state and/or federal officials. In this plan, smaller groups (cohorts) of students are returned to school (alternating 50% of students based on alphabetical listing of student’s last name) whereby granting all students in-school instructional time as well as remote (distance) learning time at home with materials provided from the teacher and school. Two alternate possible school schedules (Option A and Option B) are outlined on the next page.
Hybrid Format
Students go to school on alternate days with one day of distance learning for all students where teachers hold office hours in the morning and in the afternoon students have time to catch up on work while teachers are engaged in professional development and meetings. When either Cohort A or Cohort B is not in school, the expectation is they are engaged in instruction through remote learning.
Schedules by Building
- Coventry Grammar School (Grades K-2)
- G. H. Robertson School (Grades 3-5)
- Capt. Nathan Hale School (Grades 6-8)
- Coventry High School (Grades 9-12)
- Coventry Academy (Grades 9-12)
Coventry Grammar School (Grades K-2)
G. H. Robertson School (Grades 3-5)
Capt. Nathan Hale School (Grades 6-8)
Student Time Schedule - 7:40 AM - 2:20 PM
Class Time
- Regular Monday Schedule: Periods 1-8/Blocks A-H
- Students will follow their Monday class schedule for both in-school and remote learning
- Monday Bell Schedule with Extended Passing Times 2020-2021
Coventry High School (Grades 9-12)
Student Time Schedule - 7:40 AM - 2:20 PM
Class Time
- Regular Monday Schedule: Periods 1-8/Blocks A-H
- Students will follow their Monday class schedule for both in-school and remote learning
- Monday Bell Schedule with Extended Passing Times 2020-2021
Coventry Academy (Grades 9-12)
Student Time Schedule - 7:40 AM - 2:20 PM
Depending on need, daily schedules may be individualized.
Class Time
Class Schedule is dependent on students' individual needs
Coventry Academy will group students to meet individual needs. Students will not be grouped alphabetically by last name. Groups may be fluid throughout the year and as such will be adjusted accordingly.
Instructional Delivery Modes
In-Person
The following information outlines specific physical health and safety protocols, and in-person school structures.
- A. Masks
- B. Hand Washing
- C. Classroom Distancing
- D. Cohorts (K-5)
- E. Classroom Setup/Design
- F. Hallway Travel
- G. Lockers/Student Belongings
- H. Arrival & Dismissal
- I. Lunch
- J. Recess
- K. Bus Transportation
- L. Restroom Procedures
- M. Sanitation
- N. Health Practices
- O. Health Promotion Communication
- P. Illness Protocols
- Q. Isolation Room
- R. Return to School After Illness
- S. Attendance Tracking
A. Masks
Masks will be mandatory, with a few exceptions for medical reasons. Students must wear face coverings or masks that completely cover the nose and mouth while inside the school and on the bus, with exceptions only for those students for whom it is not safe to do so due to medical conditions. “Mask Breaks” will be provided during the day. Parents will be responsible for providing students with face coverings or masks. Schools will have backup disposable masks available for students who forget them.
B. Hand Washing
C. Classroom Distancing
D. Cohorts (K-5)
Elementary students will stay in the same cohort throughout the day. They will eat together, and special area teachers will travel to the classrooms rather than students moving through the halls to their special area classrooms, as we want to minimize student travel in the building. Each classroom will have bathrooms assigned for usage.
E. Classroom Setup/Design
F. Hallway Travel
Grade K-5 buildings will have a split line for all hallways. Markings will be installed on floors to illustrate foot-traffic expectations. Grade 6-12 buildings will have designated one-way traffic patterns for hallways. This will limit face-to-face encounters during transitions. Markings will be installed on floors to illustrate foot-traffic expectations.
G. Lockers/Student Belongings
Most grades will have students keep their belongings in their backpacks in a designated area in their classroom(s). Lockers assigned in grade 2 and grade 5 will be split up among all of the grade level classes (For example, Teacher A lockers are spread apart-#1, #6, #12, etc.) to keep with social distancing guidelines. Therefore, classroom cohorts will use their lockers at designated times. Students in grades 6-12 will not be using lockers.
H. Arrival & Dismissal
Grades K-12 arrival and dismissal will be staggered due to bus arrival/dismissal schedule. In grades K-12, there will be assigned locations and procedures for drop off/pick up and buses. Grades 6-12 students will have staggered dismissal from multiple building exits based on their last period classroom location. Some exterior classroom doors will be utilized to assist with arrival and dismissal procedures.
I. Lunch
Meal distribution method(s) for students while in school: Regular meal pricing will apply. Parents are encouraged to apply for meal benefits.
- Onsite Lunches: Students in all schools K-12 will eat using a cafeteria pick-up model with students coming to the cafeteria service line in their cohorts in small staggered waves. Students will eat with social distanced seating within their cohorts in the cafeteria and alternate large spaces. Weather permitting, schools with outside seating capability may be able to move some tables outside to improve social distance seating and reduce the number of students in the cafeteria. Cafeteria/group seating should be maintained with a goal of 50% of capacity.
- Ensures better meal accountability
- Alleviates some custodial issues with classroom waste/clean-up
- Allow greater variety of meal choices and greatly reduce waste associated with pre-plated meals
- A small selection of a-la-carte items can be available at select Point of Sale (POS) stations for purchase upon request to help alleviate the financial impact of Covid-19.
- Plexiglas will be installed on all serving lines and POS stations
- 6’ distancing lines or markers will be placed in areas as needed
- Breakfast Service: Students will report directly to the kitchen upon arrival at school to purchase breakfast. Students will eat breakfast with social distanced seating in the cafeteria.
School Food Service Reopen Plans
J. Recess
K. Bus Transportation
Bus passengers should be spaced with family members sitting together and non-family members should be spaced 6 feet apart utilizing alternating diagonal seating. Passengers will be required to wear a face mask or cloth face covering that completely covers the nose and mouth during transit. The rider’s face covering must be in place prior to boarding the bus and must be kept in place until they are completely off the bus. Students should load into the bus from the back row to the front (where the first passengers onto the bus sit in the back row) and then unload the bus in a controlled manner upon arrival at the school from front to back by seat. This will reduce the number of people passengers pass by as they get on the bus and will prevent crowding in the center aisle when the bus arrives for unloading.
L. Restroom Procedures
M. Sanitation
Cleaning protocols in school have been greatly enhanced, and our custodians have been trained on cleaning in a pandemic. In addition, bathrooms will be cleaned at least twice daily. At the K-5 level and Coventry Academy, after eating in classrooms, desks will be wiped down and sanitized, as well as periodically during the day.
N. Health Practices
Prior to the start of school staff will receive training on:
- masks/face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth
- physical distancing where possible
- frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer
- cough/sneeze etiquette
- enhanced cleaning/disinfection of surfaces
- the use of barriers such as plexi-glass and face shields
- procedures for sick students/staff members
Students will be trained with age appropriate videos on mask wearing, physical distancing, handwashing, and cough/sneeze etiquette on the first day of school. Periodic verbal reminders and school announcements will support these practices.
O. Health Promotion Communication
Prior to school starting in August, Coventry Public Schools (CPS) will send information to families including the following:
- The symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever (temperature greater than 100°f) or chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or a new loss of smell/taste.
- The importance of parents/guardians actively monitoring symptoms of their children and all family members each day prior to sending students to school. Should anyone in the household be symptomatic, keep children home and notify the school nurse immediately.
- If anyone in the household has been exposed to someone with a known case of COVID-19, students should stay home from school and notify their child’s school nurse. The expectation is all household members will be quarantined for 14 days.
- Parents/guardians must call the school nurse on the morning of their student’s absence indicating the reason prior to the start of each school day.
- Proactive use of face coverings, physical distancing where possible, and handwashing at school and other public areas is essential.
- Emphasize required health assessments (physical examinations) and state mandated immunizations prior to school entry, working with families to comply with all state requirements.
- Strongly encouraging flu vaccination during pandemic.
- Dismissal procedures should a student present with COVID-19 symptoms at school.
- Return to school requirements after illness.
P. Illness Protocols
It is critical students and staff members stay home when they are sick or have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. They will be advised to seek advice from their health care provider and notify their school nurse for record keeping and contact tracing. If a student should become ill at school, the teacher must first call the nurse prior to sending the student to the health office. The student will be evaluated by the nurse then monitored in the designated isolation room if symptoms are suspicious of COVID-19. Parents/guardians of the student will be contacted by the nurse for immediate pick-up and consultation with their health care provider. Staff members will be dismissed and directed to consult their health care provider immediately.
Q. Isolation Room
Each school has identified an isolation room, separate from the health office. Building principals will assign staff to monitor each room. This monitor will be equipped with a medical grade mask, an isolation gown, gloves and a face shield. Anyone in contact with the isolated student will be logged into the nurse’s SNAP program.
R. Return to School After Illness
Laboratory Confirmed Case of COVID-19
The ability for students or staff to return to campus will be determined based upon research-based guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
1.Symptom-based Strategy: Isolation and precautions can generally be discontinued 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms.
2.Time-Based Strategy: (for those asymptomatic but tested positive)
- At least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 diagnostic test assuming they have not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test.
- If they develop symptoms during this period then the symptom-based strategy should be used.
Suspected Case of COVID-19
For those students or staff that are dismissed (or out of school/work) due to symptoms consistent with COVID-19 may return to the school setting by following the below criteria.
- If not tested, then symptom-based strategy detailed above is met, OR;
- If not tested, then physician’s clearance note provided and symptoms improve consistent with standard school guidelines, OR;
- Negative COVID-19 test result provided and symptoms improve consistent with standard school guidelines.
S. Attendance Tracking
Parents/guardians and staff will be directed to notify the school nurse for the reason of any illness related absence. Nursing staff will follow-up (call, email, etc.) on each unaccounted student and staff absent in their building daily. All COVID-19 related absences and school dismissals (symptoms or confirmed cases) will be entered confidentially into the SNAP nursing program. A report will be generated and totals will be shared with district nurses, the Superintendent and building administrators. Diagnosis of positive COVID-19 cases will be immediately communicated with Eastern Highland Health District officials to coordinate further action by the district. Coventry School District will notify families via email, phone blast, and our district website of any altered school schedules or temporary closures.
Remote Learning
- A. Grouping
- B. Schedules
- C. Devices/Charging Devices
- D. Synchronous & Asynchronous
- E. Hybrid Meal Service Model
A. Grouping
B. Schedules
Grade 6-12 students will follow their Monday Schedule during our Hybrid Instructional Model. Coventry Academy students will follow the designated schedule for the quarter.
C. Devices/Charging Devices
D. Synchronous & Asynchronous
E. Hybrid Meal Service Model
Hybrid Meal Service Model: Regular meal pricing will apply. Parents are encouraged to apply for meal benefits.
- If students are attending school on alternate days (A-K, L-Z model) students will be fed in accordance to the full return to school model on days they are attending school. A dismissal time distribution of a breakfast and lunch meal for students not attending school the following day will need to be provided. Staff will be scheduled to accommodate simultaneous operation of congregate and non-congregate meal service and ensure the social distancing of staff. Food, equipment and supplies, and storage space is being evaluated to ensure sufficiency.
- Distance Learning Families: Families who opt to distance learn despite a full reopening or hybrid plan will still be provided the opportunity to pick up meals for the school children. Pick up times and locations will be determined by the number of students participating and which school they attend.
Remote
The goal of the Distance learning instructional model is to provide continuity of learning during a short term (2-5 days, 2 weeks, etc.) or long term closure. Students engage in learning with materials and support from the school. Remote learning provides an opportunity for students and teachers to remain connected and engaged with the curriculum while working from alternate locations. It includes a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. A handbook for each school will be provided to help parents and students understand procedures and expectations for distance learning. Instruction at all grades will feature synchronous (real-time) teaching in addition to asynchronous lessons and resources, office hours, individual and small group conferencing, with integrated support based on individual student needs. Group sizes and screen time duration will vary based on developmentally appropriate guidelines.
The following information outlines specific structures and procedures for Distance Learning.
- Scheduling
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Districtwide Expectations and Guidelines for Staff
- Districtwide Expectations and Guidelines for Students and Families
- Resources
- Professional Development
- Family Supports and Communication Plan
- Food Services
Scheduling
Students will follow a daily schedule that adheres to the State Department of Education guidelines to include live daily contact between teachers and students, direct instruction, independent student work, and the opportunity for questions and feedback. Students K-12 will engage in both synchronous and asynchronous learning during the hours of 8:30 am-3:10pm. Staff will be present to answer questions and respond to emails during that time. Students will follow their daily schedule with synchronous learning (students logging in to each class at the proper time).
On Wednesdays, there will be a half day of school for students in the morning during which teachers will provide office hours for help and support. In the afternoon, students are encouraged to engage in Wellness Wednesdays. For staff, the afternoon will consist of ongoing professional development and meetings to include grade level meetings, department meetings, collaboration with special education and related services, content area coaching, technology integration training, and professional development related to effective instructional strategies to support distance learning.
Specific school schedules are linked below:
- Sample CGS Schedule
- Sample GHR Schedule
- Sample CNH Schedule
- Sample CHS Schedule
- Coventry Academy - Class schedule is dependent upon students’ individual need
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Coventry Public Schools is committed to providing equitable access to high quality online curriculum including necessary student supports. The need for additional instructional materials and blended learning instructional resources will be identified. Teachers will prioritize standards and employ curriculum compacting. Physical Education, Art, and Music Education as well as many electives will continue to be provided in Grades K-12 according to the school’s daily schedule via a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Activities will offer time away from the screen and movement.
Students will also be provided with explicit instruction on how to engage with distance learning and building independence.
To assess students, formative assessment practices, ( i.e., use of web based polling app., review of student work, entrance and exit tickets, student self-assessment, rubrics informing work in progress, etc.) will be implemented to gauge the impact of their instruction. Summative assessments may include such items as projects, discussions, Google forms, pictures of work, and presentations. PowerSchool will continue to provide updated information regarding work and attendance.
Social and Emotional Learning will be provided in a variety of ways. This includes the implementation of Second Step lessons and Morning Meetings in grades K-5. In Grades 6-12, SEL will be addressed during ELA (6-8) or English coursework (9-12), embedded in units of study.
Districtwide Expectations and Guidelines for Staff
All teachers will set up a Google Classroom or Seesaw the first week of school and maintain the online presence so that all are prepared if we need to transition to a different model. Teachers will post work daily at the K-5 level and weekly at the 6-12 level. Teachers will maintain ongoing communication with students and families. Certified staff will respond to emails using the @coventryct.org email address. Staff will respond to all emails within 24 hours of receipt during the school week. Weekly communication to parents is expected at K-5 and biweekly a 6-12.
All teachers will offer office hours several times a week to support students during distance learning. These are synchronous opportunities for students to meet with their teacher for help and support.
Districtwide Expectations and Guidelines for Students and Families
All students will access their Google classroom or Seesaw beginning the first week of school, which will allow for a smooth transition to distance learning if needed. Students will have continuity of learning in a virtual environment. Students will log in daily at 8:30 to meet with his or her first class.
Students will engage in both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning involves teachers meeting in real time with students for lectures, discussion, direct instruction, and presentations. This may involve whole class instruction with activities and discussions, or meeting with small groups of students over the course of a week. Conferencing tools in the upgrade Google Meets such as participant text chat, screen sharing, and breakout rooms support synchronous learning. Asynchronous work allows students to complete their work assigned on their own time. When asynchronous, students can access assignments and content at any time of the day (or night).
If a student will be absent, parents/guardians will be directed to notify the school nurse for the reason of any absence.
Resources
All students in grades 1 through grade 12 will have an individual Chromebook assigned to him or her. Kindergarten students will each have an iPad. Students should make every effort to charge their devices at home. Coventry Public Schools will evaluate family connectivity, and ascertain additional connectivity needs of families.
Students will be using a variety of technology platforms and programs. These include the platforms of Google Suite and Seesaw. Students may also be utilizing personalized online learning programs such as Lexia, Reflex Math, MobyMax, ALEKs math, Typing Club, or instructional Resources: such as Newsela, CommonLit, Pear Deck, Flipgrid, Screencastify, Edpuzzle, Padlet, Khan Academy, Wevideo, RazKids, and Brainpop. Coventry Public Schools will provide students with any physical resources needed to engage in learning, including workbooks, books, and manipulatives. Supplies will be delivered as needed.
Professional Development
Professional Development will be offered weekly on Wednesday afternoons to meet the continued needs of Coventry educators during Distance Learning. Based on survey results, topics such as curriculum compacting, formative and summative assessment strategies for distance learning, integration of high yield instructional strategies into distance learning, integration of technology to support achievement in distance learning, and instruction with new online curricular resources will be provided. New teachers will be provided with additional support and ongoing training as needed.
Family Supports and Communication Plan
Coventry Public Schools will continue to provide timely and ongoing communication to families. In the event of the need to move to distance learning, the Superintendent will determine if closure is appropriate in consultation with and at the recommendation of the local health officials. A district liaison will be available to respond to questions and concerns. Information will be communicated via SchoolMessenger and the district website.
A Distance Learning electronic information guide with sections for each school will be provided to all families. This will include family and student resources, expectations, and schedules. Support for families will also be provided in the form of supplemental learning resources on the district website, a virtual Help Desk, and frequently communicated literature and information to support distance learning, such as the Guide to Google Classroom for Families.
To support student engagement during distance learning, data regarding attendance, participation rates, and work completion will be monitored regularly. Educators will develop customized strategies to support students based on their individual needs and consider additional supports and resources that may assist families in supporting student engagement in distance learning.
Food Services
Under the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs students enrolled in Coventry schools are eligible for the Full Closure Meal Service Model. Parents are encouraged to apply for meal benefits. The distribution site for pick-up and take home meals will continue at Capt. Nathan Hale School. Meals will be served twice a week from 11:00 - 12:00 on the following schedule:
- Monday - pick up breakfast and lunch for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
- Thursday - pick up breakfast and lunch for Thursday and Friday
If the USDA allows schools to continue operating under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), all meals will continue at no cost on a three day pick up option.
- Monday - pick up breakfast and lunch for Monday and Tuesday
- Wednesday - pick up breakfast and lunch for Wednesday and Thursday
- Friday - pick up breakfast and lunch for Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Families will be updated by food services regarding the available options. Meals for non-pickup days will either be a cold entrée (deli sandwich) or will come fully cooked and ready for you to reheat at home. Please follow the instructions included in your meals regarding safe refrigeration, reheating and storage of food. All lunches include a serving of fruit, serving of vegetables, and a carton of milk. Included in each meal will be a breakfast which contains assorted pastry, fruit and/or juice and a carton of milk. Families will preorder using a meal order form.