Keeping Ogden Healthy

Ogden School District will follow the CDC guidelines for opening schools and will follow proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures to reduce exposure to covid-19 and maintain a clean environment. All custodial staff have undergone training to ensure each classroom, restroom and other high frequency touch points (e.g. doorknobs) are thoroughly sanitized multiple times each day. In addition, students will have access to hand sanitizing stations throughout the school building and other areas (e.g. school buses) during the day, as well as an increase in appropriate hand washing routines.

What Ogden School District will do

• Train all staff on appropriate cleaning and disinfecting techniques
• Clean each classroom, high-frequency touch points, and technology equipment frequently and daily
• Provide hand sanitizing stations in each classroom and other locations throughout the building
• Disinfect desks, tables and doorknobs during each recess

What students and families can do

• Keep your student at home if they have a fever, cough, cold or other symptoms of illness
• Teach your student proper hand washing techniques (i.e. 20 seconds with soap and water)
• Talk to your student about the changes they will see at school and reinforce that these measures are in place to protect them and others

Sanitation & Hygiene Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are the chemicals used to disinfect each classroom, restroom, cafeteria, and other areas of the school safe?
A. Yes. The custodial staff uses products that are safe for adults and children as well as those which are recommended for covid-19. Products include; GP Cleaner and Virex II 256 disinfectant and Pure FX which is a food grade sanitizer, disinfectant and deodorizer.

Q. Will the playground equipment be cleaned before and after each recess?
A. Yes. The custodial staff and other staff members will thoroughly disinfect all playground equipment before and after each recess.

Q. How will the cafeteria be cleaned?
A. Cafeteria workers and other staff members will clean and sanitize tables and benches before and after each use. Door handles and all food trays will be properly cleaned before and after each meal (breakfast and lunch). In addition, hand sanitizer will be available at each location.  

Q. I have a young child, will someone be helping them use hand sanitizer appropriately?
A. Yes. For children six years of age and younger, adults will provide assistance when using hand sanitizer. For older children, each hand sanitation station will be monitored.

According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. To reduce the spread of COVID-19, all students and employees will wear face coverings while on school property. Students may remove face coverings as instructed by staff and as needed for purposes such as meals in conjunction with appropriate physical distancing measures. Accommodations will be made for staff and students who have respiratory complications. While cloth face masks are required and preferred, the use of face shields may be used as needed for special education, language immersion, speech therapy and other approved special circumstances.

What Ogden School District will do

• Provide each employee and student with two reusable and approved face coverings
• Train all staff on appropriate use and care of approved face coverings
• Assist students (especially elementary students) with knowledge and resources to properly store and care for face coverings
• Ensure each student and staff member is respectfully reminded and retaught in an appropriate manner the proper use of face coverings when it is not taking place

What students and families can do

• Help children become accustomed to wearing a face mask before returning to school.
• Send your student to school with an appropriate face covering and remind them to wear it
• Talk to your student about the changes they will see at school and reinforce that these measures are in place to protect them and others
• Reinforce the importance of respecting the teachers and staff who need to enforce the use of face coverings at school and on school grounds

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are students required to wear a face covering at all times during the school day?
A. All students will be required to wear a face covering when physical distancing (6 feet) is not reasonably possible. Students will remove their face coverings for eating and drinking. Schools will provide guidance to students for the proper handling of face coverings.

Q. How do I make a request for accommodation, because my child has a medical condition and cannot wear a face covering at school?
A. Parents/Guardians may seek an accommodation to not wear a face covering by having their physician complete the Student Mask Exemption Request.

Q. Will face coverings be required on school buses?
A. All students, drivers and staff assistants will be required to wear face coverings on school buses

Q. What happens if students or staff refuse to wear face coverings properly or adhere to other guidance in this plan?
A. Everyone plays a part in keeping Ogden healthy. It is expected that students and staff comply with face covering and physical distancing strategies. If an individual is not following the outlined expectations, they will be respectfully reminded and retaught the strategy. If individuals willfully refuse to comply, additional corrective measures will be applied.

In order to reduce risk and create a safe and structured learning environment, all schools will adhere to physical distancing strategies and develop site-specific action plans based on the following evidence-based recommendations:
Minimize group interactions, safe transitions between classes, activities that limit contact and interaction, limiting time when people are in the building (e.g. before and after school) and have plans in place for contact tracing should a student or staff member contract COVID-19.

What Ogden School District will do

• Ensure adequate spacing between students in class (i.e. required seating charts), at breakfast, between classes and activities, including recess
• Increase the adult supervision in the building and especially during times when multiple students are out of class
• Limit hall pass usage to assist in identifying student contact and interaction and will post signs with clear expectations and instructions 
• Limit, log and record all approved visitors to the building and areas/individuals with whom they interact 
• Have multiple entry/exit points for student and staff and will prop open doors for minimal contact
• Limit activities and audiences during the day and for extra-curricular activities (i.e. athletics, dances, recitals, etc.)

What students and families can do

• Reinforce the importance of respecting the authority of teachers and staff to enforce physical distancing at school and on school grounds
• Practice physical distancing both at school and when not in school
• Talk to your student about the changes they will see at school and reinforce that these measures are in place to protect them and others
• Keep your student home if they have a fever, cough, cold or other symptoms of illness

Physical Distancing Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can students stay connected with friends and family in a safe way?
A. We encourage students to stay connected with friends and family using social media, video chat and other safe practices. If students choose to meet others, they should stay at least 6 feet from others who are not from the same household.

Q. If classrooms do not allow for physical distancing (i.e. desks 6 feet apart), will there be a limit to the number of students who are allowed in the space?
A. Every effort will be made to implement physical distancing, however, when we are unable to maintain recommended physical distance, face coverings will be required.

Q. Will students be allowed to attend and participate in assemblies, dances, athletics and other extracurricular events?
A. Assemblies, dances, literacy nights and other large gatherings which are not deemed essential will be conducted virtually or will not be allowed until further notice. Extracurricular activities such as sanctioned sports and other approved events and activities will follow guidelines in Keeping Ogden Healthy. Please communicate with your school for more information on approved activities.
 

Ogden School District continues to be mindful of our students’ emotional well-being. COVID-19 has caused major disruptions to daily life and our students are feeling these changes deeply. Our student surveys have been insightful and have helped inform Keeping Ogden Healthy and how to best support students upon returning to school. We know that the return to school will be welcomed and cause excitement for many students, others will be feeling anxious or even frightened.

Our teachers and staff have been preparing to welcome each student back to school. We are prepared to support students by checking on their academic progress, but also how they are doing emotionally. Our schools are intentionally setting aside time to strengthen and build relationships with students. Our teachers and staff will establish safe and supportive environments for learning.

What Ogden School District will do

• Set aside specific time to build and strengthen relationships with each student
• Targeted supports for students (e.g. interventions) will be implemented with full fidelity to meet the needs of identified students
• Survey students and analyze the results to continue to inform our approach to meeting their needs and provide support
• Identify students and families who need additional support and establish frequent contact

What students and families can do

• Re-establish daily routines for the school year (bedtime, homework schedule, reading at home, etc.)
• Talk to your student about the changes they will see at school and reinforce that these measures are in place to protect them and others
• Recognize good behavior and actions in your child and praise it frequently
• Reinforce the importance of respecting the teachers and staff who care deeply about your student’s success

Student Well-Being Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I help my child feel at ease about returning to school if they are nervous?
A. Reassure your child about safety measures in place to keep students and teachers healthy and remind them what they can do to help prevent germs from spreading by washing their hands with soap and coughing into their elbow. Also, remind your children about the positives - like being able to see their friends and teachers and to continue to learn new things.

Q. How can I determine how well my child is coping?
A. It’s important to be calm and proactive in your conversations with children, but please ask them how they are doing. Children adopt many of their emotional cues from adults in their lives, so it is important to manage your own emotions well and remain calm. Listen to your child’s concerns, speak kindly and reassure them.

Q. Will my child still have access to the school counselor and/or school therapist?
A. Yes. Each school in Ogden has a dedicated and trained school counselor to support your child in a variety of ways. In addition, our partner agencies (e.g. Weber Human Services), provide designated services in person with frequent communication to parents.

The amazing educators in Ogden School District are committed to both the learning needs and the emotional needs of every student. COVID-19 has also increased the levels of stress and trauma for our employees as well, however it has highlighted the resiliency, strength, and importance of our teachers and staff.
As our teachers and staff return to school, Ogden School District is committed more than ever to strengthening positive relationships and maintaining connectedness for our teachers and staff. We will continue to explore innovative ways to mitigate risk, maintain school connectedness, build relationships and cultivate a positive climate within Keeping Ogden Healthy guidelines.

What Ogden School District will do

• Provide employee well-being seminars based on survey data and grounded in research-based practices
• Survey employees and analyze the results to continue to inform our approach to meeting their needs and provide support
• Communicate and encourage employees to use personal leave days as a form a self-care and to re-energize
• Continue effective Professional Learning Communities and Collaborative Team Meetings
• Have frequent check-ins, observations and feedback sessions with employees 

What teachers and staff can do

• Set boundaries by creating and sticking to a schedule, asking for help when feeling overburdened and asking for space when needed
• Practice self-care throughout the day by getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and drinking plenty of water
• Nurture pre-existing relationships with students and co-workers and help create new trusting relationships with students
• Determine when to utilize your personal days with yourself and students in mind
• Respectfully remind and reteach students and co-workers the proper way to follow guidelines

Staff Well-Being Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will I be required to provide instruction to students in person and online? 
A. No. OSD will provide an online learning option for students who are unable to attend in person or choose to learn from home. Students participating in online learning will receive instruction from teachers and specialists dedicated to the online curriculum, allowing classroom teachers to focus on the students in class rather than dividing their efforts between students in class and students participating in online school.

Q. As a teacher, I am required to clean and disinfect my classroom?
A. The majority of the cleaning and disinfecting will be completed by trained custodial staff and every effort will be made to have other team members assist teachers in cleaning classrooms. Teachers will be asked to disinfect classroom desks or tables with provided disinfectant and spray bottles daily after the class has been dismissed (elementary) and during transition periods (secondary). Frequently touched areas will be disinfected during recess.

Q. Do students have to stay 6 feet apart in the classroom?
A. Physical distancing will be maintained wherever possible. This includes maintaining 6 feet distance in indoor and outdoor settings if possible. When 6 feet of distance is not possible, face coverings, hand hygiene, and disinfection is required as part of Keeping Ogden Healthy.

Keeping Ogden Healthy allows for high levels of instruction to continue and aims to remove barriers and disruptions in the learning process. Significant investments have been made in both technology and educator development to ensure each student in Ogden will be able to fully engage in high quality learning, regardless of location and/or mode of instruction. Ogden School District is one of only two districts in Utah to be recognized as a Google Reference District and has the highest concentration of Google Certified Educators  in Utah and othe highest number of Google Certified Trainers and Innovators. In addition, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, all students grades 3-12 will have access to an electronic device (1:1 technology).

We would like to acknowledge the efforts undertaken and accomplishments achieved across our schools for our students and families during the dismissal period. The pace of response and level of creativity has been truly inspirational!  As students return to our schools for the 2020-2021 school year, they may engage in the following modes of instruction:

• At-School Learning: Students will engage in their traditional classroom setting with portions of each lesson enhanced through targeted use of digital platforms and/or online tools. Secondary schools may personalize schedules to include both at-school and online courses (e.g. personalizing schedules with some at-school instruction on A days and online instruction on B days).
• Distance Learning: Students (Kindergarten through 12th grade) will remotely engage in an online classroom setting with all instruction delivered through digital platforms and/or online tools.

What Ogden School District will do

• Follow our instructional guides and instructional framework to provide each child access and opportunity within our system to engage in high-quality learning, achieve academic success, and participate in meaningful experiences that promote student well-being

• Administer diagnostic assessments to determine the students’ learning needs and address any identified gaps

• Provide an online learning option for students who are unable to return to school for in-person instruction

What Students and Families can do

• Reinforce the importance of school attendance and ownership of learning

• Read and be familiar with Keeping Ogden Healthy and its important guidelines for mitigating risks of COVID-19

• Reach out to your child’s school and understand any specific information and any additional guidelines related to a safe return to school

• Be an active participant in your child’s education

Student Learning & Engagement Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What should I do if my child has fallen behind academically?
A. Give extra support to your child at home by creating a routine around school and schoolwork. Ensuring your child reads at least 20 minutes per day is another way to help them continue to learn. Please contact your child’s school to ask questions and stay informed. Be sure to let them know if your child is facing any specific challenges.

Q. How do I know if Ogden Online School is right for my child?
A. We believe that face-to-face instruction is the preferred learning method. However, if your child has a medical condition which prevents him/her from attending face-to-face instruction, Ogden Online is a great alternative learning approach. If choosing Ogden Online, it is critical to have access to high-speed internet and appropriate child-care as Ogden Online will be primarily synchronous learning.

Q. How do I register my child for Ogden Online School?
A. Anyone interested in enrolling in Ogden Online should first complete the standard registration process. After the registration is complete you will receive information about enrolling in Ogden Online.