Downriver Today

Bath Community Schools issued the following announcement on April 20

CONTINUITY OF LEARNING AND COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN

There are varied states of readiness to provide continuity in learning among districts. Even within districts of multiple school sites, there are varied states of readiness. It is expected that schools will provide instruction at a distance using a variety of methods that meet local needs, including printed materials, phone contact, email, virtual learning, or a combination to meet student needs. We should avoid assuming that continuity in learning can only occur through online means.  While many educators have been providing distance learning opportunities, the Governor’s Executive Order (EO 2020-35) requires all schools to begin providing learning opportunities for all students no later than April 28, 2020.  Districts who are able to begin their plans earlier are encouraged to do so.          Each District shall submit a single completed Assurance Document, Budget Outline, and Continuity of Learning Plan to its Intermediate School District.  Each Public School Academy shall submit a completed Assurance Document, Budget Outline, and Continuity of Learning Plan to its Authorizer. A single Application should be filed for the district rather than multiple applications for individual schools within a district. The following items are required for the application which may be submitted beginning April 8, 2020:

1.      Assurances Document2.      Continuity of Learning Plan3.      Budget Outline

Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan Guiding Principles

As Districts and Public School Academies complete the Assurances and Continuity of Learning Plans, they should consider utilizing the following principles to guide their work: Keep Students at the CenterIntentional outreach to continue building relationships and maintain connections. Help students feel safe and valued. At minimum, plan to do the following:•      Plan for Student Learning: Build on each student’s strengths, interests, and needs and use this knowledge to positively affect learning.•      Develop a Weekly Plan and Schedule: Offer routines and structures for consistency and for the balancing of think time, work time, and play time for health and well-being.•      Contact Families: Partner to support student learning through ongoing communication and collaboration. This will not look the same for every student and family—safety remains the priority. Provide translations as necessary. Design Learning for Equity and AccessPlan and deliver content in multiple ways so all students can access learning.•      Teach Content: Set goals using knowledge of each student, content area standards, and of Michigan Merit Curriculum.•      Deliver Flexible Instruction: Consider how to deliver content depending on tools and resources accessible to each student. Alternative modes of instruction may include use of online learning, telephone communications, email, virtual instruction, videos, slideshows, project-based learning, use of instructional packets, or a combination to meet diverse student needs.•      Engage Families: Communicate with families about engagement strategies to support students as they access the learning. Families are critical partners. Provide translations as necessary. Assess Student LearningManage and monitor student learning and plan what’s next for learning including the potential need for summer and supplemental learning.•      Check Student Learning: Use a variety of strategies to monitor, assess, and provide feedback to students about their learning.•      Make Instructional Adjustments: Use formative assessment results to guide educators’ reflection on effectiveness of instruction and to determine next steps for student learning.•      Engage Families: Communicate with families about assessment results in order to inform next steps and the potential for supplemental summer learning. Provide translations as necessary.

Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan Assurances

Date Submitted: April 8, 2020                              Name of District: Bath Community SchoolsAddress of District: 6175 E. Clark Rd. P.O. Box 310 Bath, MI 48808District Code Number: 19100Email Address of the District: paul.hartsig@bathschools.net                  Name of Intermediate School District: Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency Name of Authorizing Body (if applicable): N/A This Assurance document needs to be returned to your Intermediate School District or, for Public School Academies, your Authorizing Body with your Continuity of Learning Plan and Budget Outline beginning April 8, 2020 to indicate that the District will adopt a plan to ensure continuous learning for all students through the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  

Districts should submit a single district plan that relates to all of their schools.   The applicant hereby provides assurance it will follow the requirements for a Plan for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year:1.      Applicant assures that all student learning will take place under the direction of a teacher of record for each student enrolled in the district. 2.      Applicant assures that it will continue to pay school employees during the balance of the 2019-2020 school year under the same terms and conditions established prior to the school closure order period.3.      Applicant assures that the Plan was developed in collaboration with district administrators, school board members, teachers, and local bargaining units.4.      Applicant assures that food distribution has been arranged for or provided for eligible students. 5.      Applicant assures coordination between applicant and Intermediate School District in which the District/PSA is located to mobilize disaster relief child care centers. 6.      Applicant assures that to the extent practicable the District/PSA will in good faith provide students with IEPs/Section 504 Plans the opportunity to participate in learning consistent with existing plans.7.      Applicant assures that Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan, Assurance Document, and Budget Outline will be posted immediately following approval to the District’s/PSA’s website.

Continuity of Learning and COVID-19 Response Plan  The goal of a Continuity of Learning Plan and COVID-19 Response Plan is to ensure that each District or Public School Academy is providing, to the best of its ability, each student with alternative modes of instruction to help them stay on pace in their learning. This application recognizes that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution; multiple means of engaging students and supporting families may be necessary that may vary by grade level, school building, or student population served.

For the purposes of the Plan, “district” refers to school districts and public school academies.

Date Submitted: April 8, 2020Name of District: Bath Community SchoolsAddress of District: 6175 E. Clark Rd. P.O. Box 310 Bath, MI 48808District Code Number: 19100Email Address of the District Superintendent: paul.hartsig@bathschools.netName of Intermediate School District: CCRESAName of Authorizing Body (if applicable): N/A

In accordance with Executive Order 2020-35 a Plan must include all of the following parts:

1.      Please describe the methods the district will use to provide alternative modes of instruction other than in-person instruction and a summary of materials each pupil and the pupil’s parents or guardians will need to access meaningfully the alternative modes of instruction included in the Plan. If the Plan relies on electronic instruction, the Plan must ensure to the extent feasible that pupils have access to a connected device capable of accessing the electronic instruction and must not penalize a pupil for the pupil’s inability to fully participate.“Alternative modes of instruction” means modes of pupil instruction, other than in-person instruction, that may include, without limitation, partnerships with other districts or intermediate districts or community colleges or institutions of higher education, use of vendors, use of online learning, telephone communications, email, virtual instruction, videos, slideshows, project-based learning, use of instructional packets, or a hybrid of multiple modes of learning that still promote recommended practices for social distancing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.District/ PSA Response:Bath Community Schools will utilize a variety of methods in place of face to face instruction.  A combination of online instruction, virtual learning through Google Classroom and paper packets for those students who have notified us of their inability to access appropriate Internet service will be utilized.  Students with an IEP or 504 plan will be accommodated to the best of our abilities.     For virtual and online resources Chromebooks will be available for those students who need a device.  Internet will accessible each certain school building in a manner that is compliant with all State of Michigan Executive Orders regarding safety and distancing.     Students will not be penalized for their inability to access the content provided by Bath Community Schools as we are utilizing a Credit/Incomplete grading system.  Students will have the ability to make up or relearn select material during the 2020-2021 school year.

2.      Please describe the methods the district will use to keep pupils at the center of educational activities, including outreach to continue building relationships and maintain connections, and to help pupils feel safe and valued.District/ PSA Response:Bath Community Schools will provide lessons and feedback to all students K - 12 through the methods described in answer #1.  BCS will note which students are participating and which are not.  Attempts to reach out to students and parents of those not participating in order to problem solve why they are unable to participate.       Bath Community Schools will also provide methods for school social workers and our licensed guidance counselor to contact students and parents who we believe are in need of social and emotional support.  Open office hours for all students will be available as well as target communication to various students.  BCS may do this through a variety of methods such as virtual, phone calls, texts, emails or other methods not yet anticipated.

3.      Please describe the district’s plans to deliver content in multiple ways so that all pupils can access learning.District/ PSA Response:Bath Community Schools will provide content through virtual methods such as Google Classroom or video conferencing which includes a call in number for those students without Internet access.  BCS will also offer paper packets for those students who cannot access the virtual delivery method.

4.      Please describe the district’s plans to manage and monitor learning by pupils.District/ PSA Response:For those students participating virtually in their education, Bath Community Schools will utilize Google Classroom login information and assignment completion to monitor student progress.  Content will be evaluated by teachers with feedback given to students.For those students not able to participate in the virtual component of education, paper packets will be available for pick up for student learning.  Those packets will be distributed via parent pick up, email, or other electronic means.  Teachers will connect, via phone or email, with students who are having difficulty doing or completing their coursework.

5.      Please attach a budget outline estimating additional expenditures associated with the Plan and sources of revenue to pay for those expenditures.District/ PSA Response:  Bath Community Schools estimates that we will need approximately $6,000 in new equipment and postage as part of the COL plan.The following items have already been purchased to support our Learning Plan.- 3 Ubiquiti Network UAP-AC-M-PRO US Mesh:     $582.06  (Provides Internet to parking lots for student use)- 30 Type C Fast Charge Cable USB Cords:     $298.20  (Charging component for HS Chromebooks)- 3 Ubiquiti Universal Antenna Mount:     $51.87  (Bracket for Internet to parking lots for student use)- 200   24W/30W Dual USB Port Wall Chargers:     $1,948.28  (Charging component for  HS Chromebooks)- 100  65W AC Adapter Charger for HP Chromebook:     $952.94  (Charging cords for Middle School Chromebooks)Other expected costs: Postage for packets ($1500 - $2000)

6.      Please describe the manner in which district administrators, board members, teachers, and any representatives of teachers collaborated in development of the Plan.District/ PSA Response:The Bath Community School's "Continuation of Learning Plan" was developed with input from administrators and teachers under the direction of the Bath Board of Education and Superintendent.  Teachers were able to provide input during virtual staff meetings for each of the buildings.  The plan was then given to the Board of Education for their review and "approval".       Bath Community Schools also used information provided by the State of Michigan, MDE, CCRESA, MASSP, MASA and other professional groups to ensure that we are using best practices whenever possible.

7.      Please describe the methods the district will use to notify pupils and parents or guardians of the Plan.District/ PSA Response:The "Continuation of Learning Plan" will be shared with pupils, parents, guardians and other stakeholders both through K-Swift automated announcement systems and the Bath Community Schools web page.

8.      Please provide an estimate of the date on which the district will begin implementation of the Plan, which must be no later than April 28, 2008.District/ PSA Response:The estimated date for full roll out of the Bath Community Schools "Continuation of Learning Plan" will be April 15th for grades 6 - 12 and April 20th for K - 5.  More time is needed at the K - 5 level as instructional packets will be the primary means of delivering instruction.  

9.      Please describe the assistance, to the extent feasible, to pupils enrolled in any postsecondary dual enrollment courses under Public Act 160 of 1996, as amended, MCL 388.511 to 388.524, and Career and Technical Preparation Act, 258 PA 2000, as amended, MCL 388.1901 to 388.1913, in completing the courses during the 2019-2020 school year.District/ PSA Response:  Pupils enrolled in any postsecondary dual enrollment courses and/or Career Technical Education courses at Bath High School will be provided direct support from the following entities via email, phone, virtual conferencing, mailings, and district social media accounts:Bath High School Licensed Guidance Counselor, Emily FritzBath High School Principal, Matt DodsonBath High School Administrative Assistant, Crystal HoardCareer and Technical Education Administrator, Jennifer BranchCareer and Technical Coordinator (In the Field), Cody LakinPost-Secondary Success Coordinator, Clinton County Regional Education Service AgencyOffice of Admissions, Lansing Community CollegeOffice of The Registrar, Lansing Community CollegeOffice of Assessment, Lansing Community CollegeBath High School Career Technical Instructor, Gloria Bond

10.      Please describe how the district will continue to provide or arrange for continuation of food distribution to eligible pupils.District/ PSA Response:Bath Community Schools has been serving lunch/breakfast to our students since the original EO to close schools on March 13th.  Currently we serve meals to all students under the age of 18 (26 with an IEP) twice a week.  School community members are able to pick up enough food for the week during those two dates.  Food distribution occurs on Monday and Wednesdays from noon to one at Bath Middle School.  All appropriate safety measures are practiced during this time.

11.      Please confirm that the district will continue to pay school employees while redeploying staff to provide meaningful work in the context of the Plan, subject to any applicable requirements of a collective bargaining agreement.District/ PSA Response:     Bath Community Schools has communicated to all of it's employees that they will continue to be paid during the school closure.  BCS staff has also been notified that they may be required to work during this shutdown and should expect to be called to work with an appropriate amount of notice.

12.      Provide describe how the district will evaluate the participation of pupils in the Plan.District/ PSA Response:   Participation in the "Continuation Learning Plan" by students will be measured by teacher taken attendance in programs such as Google Classroom, virtual meetings and other electronic platforms.  Students utilizing the packet method of instruction will be accounted for by who pick up and return the packets.  Teachers will be reaching out to students who do not participate in either of the instructional delivery methods.  

13.      Please describe how the district will provide mental health supports to pupils affected by a state of emergency or state of disaster prompted by COVID-19.District/ PSA Response:Bath Community Schools will provide social and emotional support to our students through regular contact by our social workers and licensed counselor.  These methods of communications will be provided via electronic, phone, or text means.  Office hours will be provided for students to reach out to our staff.  Staff will also reach out to the students that they would normally work with during "regular" school conditions.

14.      Please describe how the district will support the efforts of the intermediate district in which the district is located to mobilize disaster relief child care centers as described in Executive Order 2020-16 or any executive order that follow it.District/ PSA Response:Bath Community Schools continue to work collaboratively with CCRESA on any requests or tasks that are made.  Space will be made available for essential worker daycare if requested.Optional question:

15.      Does the District to adopt a balanced calendar instructional program for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year?  Does the District plan to adopt a balanced calendar instructional program for the 2020-2021 school year?  District/ PSA Response:Bath Community Schools does not plan on implementing a balanced calendar for the 2019 - 2020 school year.  At this time, we have not discussed a balanced calendar for the 2020 - 2021 school year as those changes typically take a year or two to implement.

Original source can be found here.