Q: What is the District's Reopening Plan? How was it developed?

A: The District's Reopening Plan outlines various considerations for the safe delivery of instruction for the 2020-21 school year. The plan defines clear guidance for the reopening of our five elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools, and aligns with the regulations developed in collaboration with New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), New York State Education Department (NYSED), and Centers for Disease Controls (CDC). It was developed and informed with input from stakeholders throughout our educational community, through their participation on Task Force committees and in our Family Surveys.

The reopening plan was submitted to the State on July 31, 2020, as mandated by Governor Cuomo.

Q: Is the Reopening Plan set in stone?

A: By design, this document is intended to be fluid and will change as necessary based on guidance from the NYSDOH, CDC, and NYSED and in consideration of our families and our staff. The original version inclusive of all required elements and required assurances was submitted on July 31, 2020. Future considerations and changes will be in line with all required assurances. To highlight any changes, a summary document of plan updates will be developed and posted on the District website alongside the plan.

Q: Will school buildings be open for in-person instruction for the start of the new school year?

A: Based on our enrollment, facility space, and ability to adhere to the New York State Department of Health requirements, we will be returning to school in a hybrid model for middle school and high school students and a full in-person model for elementary students to start the school year.

Elementary students that opted into the optional full remote model will be learning in that environment, and families of middle and high school students who wish for their child to stay home while the school is in a hybrid model will be able to indicate that in an upcoming survey. Middle and high school students staying home each day while the school is in a hybrid instructional model will simply take advantage of the remote instruction provided by their regularly scheduled teacher.

Q: What were the guiding principles in the development of this plan?

A: The development of this plan was guided by and grounded in the following guiding principles:

• Safeguarding the health and safety of our students and staff;
• Providing opportunities for all students to access education in the fall;
• Monitoring schools, students, and staff. When necessary, modifying this plan to appropriately contain COVID-19 spread;
• Emphasizing equity, opportunities, and support to the students and communities that are emerging from this historic disruption;
• Fostering strong two-way communication with partners, such as families, educators, and staff;
• Factoring into decision making the challenges to the physical health, social emotional well-being, and the mental health needs of our students caused by school closure; and
• Considering and supporting diversity in our schools as we provide education is essential.

Q: Who are the district’s COVID-19 Coordinators?

A: Dr. Jeff Woodberry, Assistant Superintendent for Districtwide Administration, and Ms. Debra Ferry, District Director of Interscholastic Athletics, will serve as the district’s COVID-19 Coordinators. They will serve as the central contacts for schools and stakeholders, families, staff and other school community members, and will ensure the District is complying with and following the best practices per state and federal guidelines.

Q: Does my child have to wear a mask all day?

A: In accordance with the New York State Department of Health guidelines and New York American Academy of Pediatricians recommendation, Half Hollow Hills will require all students and staff to wear masks or face coverings at all times, except during meals and brief mask breaks.

Q: How will mask breaks work?

A: Mask breaks for students will occur during meals, physical activities, when outside, or instruction when other protective measures are in place, such as six feet of distance between individuals or when positioned between desktop barriers/shields. Mask breaks will also be structured in ways that make them most protective of the safety of others, such as having every other student alternate their breaks so there is even greater distance between simultaneously unmasked students. Mask breaks will be less than the ten minutes that the Suffolk County Department of Health Services outlines as close contact.

Q: Can children bring their own masks from home?

A: All individuals may choose to utilize their own face covering, however face coverings can and will be provided by the District. Proper face covering includes, but is not limited to, a surgical mask, cloth mask, balaclava or bandana and must completely cover the individual's mouth and nose.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Q: Will masks be provided to students who do not have one?

A: Yes. Students are encouraged to provide their own face coverings, however, if a student forgets their mask or needs one, a mask will be provided by the district.

Q: Can a student wear a plastic face shield instead?

A: A plastic face shield alone is not an acceptable face covering. Face coverings must completely cover the individual's mouth and nose.

Q: Are there any allowable exceptions to the requirement to wear face coverings?

A: Students who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering, including students where such covering would impair their physical health or mental health, are not subject to the required use of a face covering. Parents who believe their child falls into this situation should contact Mrs. Allison Strand, Executive Director of Special Education, to have the child’s individual situation evaluated.

Q: How will the district enforce the use of a face covering?

A: Masks will be required when social distancing is not possible. Ongoing communication with students, parents, and staff will be a critical piece of this requirement.

Enforcement and possible disciplinary action will be handled by the school administration on an individual basis. Disciplinary action will be incremental and escalating, consistent with the HHH Code of Conduct and the consequences associated with insubordination.

Q: Where can I find information about contact tracing?

A: Please visit our special pull-out section on contact tracing.

Q: Will temperature scans or health screenings be required?

A: Prior to entering all District locations, individuals must complete a medical screening questionnaire. This questionnaire is accessible through the Half Hollow Hills website at (www.hhh.k12.ny.us/reopening) or through a QR code that is posted at all main entrances and provides a direct link to the survey using an iPhone or android phone.

Students will be screened for temperature prior to or upon arrival. Parents are encouraged to monitor for temperatures and symptoms prior to sending their student on a bus, however students will be screened at school for temperatures in the event this information is not provided prior.

Staff should complete this screening prior to arriving at work via the electronic submission form. Staff will be required to monitor their own temperatures prior to arrival on campus and throughout the day. Anyone whose symptoms response changes from a NO to YES during the day, must contact their supervisor immediately and await further instruction.

Q: Should a student or staff member stay home if they have come in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID 19?

A: Yes, they should stay home or go home immediately, and inform school staff. They must then quarantine for 10 days from the last date of contact with the person.

Q: Should a student or staff member quarantine if they are returning from a trip from another state or outside the United States?

A:

Domestic Travel:

As of April 1,2021, domestic travelers are no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or U.S. Territory.

Travelers from Canada crossing at land borders subject to the agreement between the governments of the United States and Canada are permitted to travel in accordance with said agreement and do not need to quarantine.

All travelers entering New York must complete the Traveler Health Form

International Travel

Current CDC guidance requires air passengers traveling to the U.S. from another country show either documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 within in the previous 3 months or a negative test result from no more than 3 days prior to day of travel to the airline before boarding the flight. This applies to both U.S. residents and visitors from other countries. (Documentation of vaccination status or antibody test results will not be accepted as proof of COVID status prior to boarding, per CDC guidance.)

The CDC does not require quarantine, work furlough, or testing requirements for asymptomatic international travelers.

Symptomatic travelers must immediately self-isolate and contact the local health department or their healthcare providers to determine if they should seek COVID-19 testing.

Fully vaccinated individuals who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in NY.

Unvaccinated international travelers who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are recommended to get tested 3-5 days after arrival in New York and consider non-mandated self-quarantine (7 days if tested on day 3-5, otherwise 10 days).

*Unvaccinated health care personnel who have not recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months are required to quarantine for 7 days with a test on day 3-5 after arrival in NY, or 10 days if not tested.

Q: What are the protocols if a student or staff member has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID 19?

A: Please visit our special pull-out section on testing.

Q: Will classes be quarantined if a student tests positive? Will the entire school be shut down?

A: School and district administrators will collaborate and coordinate with local health officials to make school closure and mass quarantine decisions.

Q: When will parents receive communication from the school district if a student tests positive?

A: The school begins communicating with parents once they are notified of a positive case. You will not be notified every time a student goes home feeling sick.

Q: How will the students change classes or move around the buildings?

A: Where feasible hallway traffic may be limited to single flow direction. Where single flow is not applicable, bi-direction traffic will be permitted. Directional flow will be identified by indications on the floor/stairs. Adequate distancing will be obtained between all individuals by taped off lanes on the corridor floors/ stair treads. All individuals must also allow for adequate space between when traveling in the same direction.

Q: How will recess work?

A: To the extent possible, students will remain in small cohorts if/when leaving the classroom, such as for recess or any necessary transition, so as to reduce their exposure to additional students. Activities that do not allow for social distancing will be strongly discouraged.

Q: How will the schools be cleaned and disinfected?

A: The District will ensure adherence to hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised by the CDC and DOH, including “Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19,” and the “STOP THE SPREAD” poster, as applicable. Cleaning and disinfection logs will be maintained that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities will occur, including more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high-risk and frequently touched surfaces. This will include desks and cafeteria tables, which should be cleaned and disinfected between each individual’s use. Cleaning and disinfection will be rigorous and ongoing and will occur at least daily, or more frequently as needed.

The district will ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of restrooms. Restrooms should be cleaned and disinfected more often depending on frequency of use.

Disinfectants must be products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and be appropriate for the surface as well as use in a school environment.

Q: Will visitors be allowed in the buildings?

A: No outside visitors or volunteers will be allowed on school campuses, except for the safety and well-being of students. Parents/guardians will report to the visitor management station or greeter station and not go beyond unless it is for the safety or well-being of their child. Essential visitors to facilities and parent/guardian visitors will be required to wear face coverings and will have restricted access to our school buildings.

Q: How can families help promote a safe and healthy environment?

A: Please continue to follow all recommendations from health officials, including:

• wearing a mask in public
• social distancing when possible
• limiting non-essential contact with others to minimize exposure
• washing hands frequently and thoroughly
• avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• coughing/sneezing into a tissue/your elbow
• disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces
• staying home when sick
• avoiding others who are sick

Q: How will the district disinfect their facilities?

A: The District will ensure adherence to hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised by the CDC and DOH, including “Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19,” and the “STOP THE SPREAD” poster, as applicable. Cleaning and disinfection logs will be maintained that include the date, time, and scope of cleaning and disinfection.

Regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities will occur, including more frequent disinfection for high-risk and frequently touched surfaces. Disinfection will be rigorous and ongoing and will occur throughout the day by dedicated custodians in each building.

Disinfectants must be products that meet EPA criteria for use against SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and be appropriate for the surface as well as use in a school environment.

Q: Where can I find information on the products being used to clean and disinfect our schools?

A: Here are the safety data sheets for the products being used:

• Safety Data Sheet - PERdiem General Purpose Cleaner

• Safety Data Sheet - Oxivir Disinfectant Cleaner

• Safety Data Sheet - BreakDown Odor Eliminator

• Safety Data Sheet - Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution

• Safety Data Sheet - Alpha-HP Multi-Surface Disinfectant Cleaner

Q: Will district facilities and grounds be available for public use?

A: The Half Hollow Hills Central School District will determine which facilities, grounds, or portions thereof (e.g., libraries, recreational facilities) will be closed to the public (i.e., not students, faculty, or staff) or offer limited, specific hours to members of the general public based on state and local Department of Health guidance.

Q: Will water fountains be available for students?

A: Only water bottle touchless water stations will be used; all traditional bubblers will be shut off or capped.

Q: What actions will the district take in regards to building ventilation?

A: The following actions will be taken as needed:

• Maintain adequate, code required ventilation (natural or mechanical) as systems were originally designed.
• Ensure all fresh air dampers and roof top units providing outside air circulation are functioning as intended
• Ensure all classroom univents are clear and free of any obstruction above, below or around each unit.
• In spaces where fresh air is limited due to original building systems, fresh air will be introduced through open windows and doors.
• Ongoing preventative maintenance and inspection of the systems will occur to mitigate extra strain on systems and ensure proper operation.
• Filter replacement schedules will be more frequent.

Q: What changes should we expect for breakfast and lunch procedures at the elementary level?

A: In an effort to prevent movement of students throughout the building, students will eat in their respective classrooms at their designated desk, which is socially distanced from other students. Students ordering from the cafeteria for either breakfast or lunch will place their order with their teacher at the beginning of the day for that day’s meal(s). Prior to consuming food, students will be encouraged to wash their hands properly (if in-classroom sinks are present) or utilize hand sanitizer.

Q: What changes should we expect for breakfast and lunch procedures at the secondary level?

A: Secondary level students will eat in designated cafeterias during their meal period. Traditional shared cafeteria tables will be folded and set aside. Students will eat at individual desks placed six feet apart from each other. Students who did not bring their meal from home will enter the cafeteria food service line, following the floor markings identifying six-foot separations, and select from cold, pre-bagged meals. Students will then proceed to the cashier and let that person know their personal identification number which is connected to the student’s pre-funded or free/reduced meal account. The cashier will then enter this information into the register and the student will proceed to his/her designated desk to consume the meal.

Q: How will food allergies be handled with students?

A: Since students are also able to bring in meals from home, any students with food allergies will be identified and may need to eat in a separately designated location for their safety.

Q: Will students be allowed to bring their own lunch from home?

A: Yes, students can continue to bring their own lunch from home.

Q: Will students be able to eat in the cafeteria?

A: At the secondary level, yes. At the elementary level, no.

Q: How will students have access to school lunch if they are learning remote?

A: Students who are learning in a fully remote or hybrid model will be eligible to pick-up grab-and-go bagged cold meals between the hours of 11am and noon at the student’s regularly attended building. Meals will be appropriately recorded in the student’s account.

Q: How can I apply for free or reduced price meals for my child?

A: To apply for free or reduced price meals for your children carefully complete one application for your household and return it to the Food Service Office, 525 Half Hollow Rd., Dix Hills, NY 11746. Applications for the 2020-2021 school year will be available for completion online through the Half Hollow Hills Parent Portal as of August 31, 2020 or can be downloaded at HERE and returned to the Food Service Office. Contact the Food Service Office at 631-592-3021 or email lpapalia@hhh.k12.ny.us if you have any questions about the free or reduced price meals application process.

Q: How will our district’s bus transportation change?

A: Students and school staff must wear acceptable face coverings at all times on school buses (e.g., entering, exiting, and seated) and should maintain appropriate social distancing to the extent practicable. Students will be reminded to maintain proper social distancing and/or wear a face covering while at the bus stop.

Other than immediately behind the driver, students will sit one per bench in each row along both sides of the aisle. This will result in approximately 22 students on a 72-passenger bus. Siblings or those who live in the same household must sit together, which will allow for additional capacity on each bus.

Students will have assigned seats. Bus drivers will utilize the assigned seating charts to track which children are present on an individual bus route versus those who are not. This practice will assist in contact tracing if necessary.

Q: How will the school buses be disinfected?

A: After each bus route, frequently touched areas of the bus (railing, seat backs) will be disinfected. At the end of every day, buses will be cleaned and disinfected.

Q: What is the protocol if there is a reported case of COVID-19 on a school bus?

A: If a positive case is communicated to the bus driver or driver assistant while a student is on a bus, the Transportation Supervisor will be immediately notified. The district will then notify building administration and a plan will be implemented to communicate with anyone who may have been at risk. Parents of students on that bus will be contacted. The bus will be taken out of service for 24 hours before the bus can be used again after a report of COVID-19. Bus will be disinfected following CDC guidelines.

Q: What do I need to do, as a parent or guardian, before my child boards a bus?

A: All parents/guardians will be required to ensure their child/children are not experiencing any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and do not have a fever of 100 degrees or more prior to them boarding their method of transportation to school.

Q: Will students without a mask be denied transportation?

A: Students who do not have a mask can NOT be denied transportation. Students who do not have masks must be provided one by the district; bus drivers will be given a supply of disposable masks for such situations.

Q: How will student arrival and dismissal be handled?

A: Students shall be loaded in sequential route order. First student on the bus sits in the back, when going to school, last student off sits in the back when going home from school. Dismissal times will be staggered to best suit building needs and to promote social distancing. We will add or modify bus routes to reduce load levels on buses.

Adjustments will be made by buildings:

o For unloading and entry, and loading and departure ;

o Route timing which will be affected by delayed loading/unloading processes; and

o Arrival and departure activities shall be supervised to ensure social distancing.

Q: How will parent pick-up and drop-off change?

A: You will receive detailed drop-off and pick-up information later in August, which will describe the procedures.

Q: How do I look up my student’s bus route information?

A: Bus routing will be developed based directly on the instructional model chosen, and all parents and guardians will be contacted when it is available.

Once it is available, your child's bus route information will be available on Infinite Campus. After you log into the Parent Portal, click on the "More" tab on the left panel, and then click on the Campus Backpack link. There you will be able to download a PDF of your child's bus pass letter. Hard copies of the bus pass letter will not be mailed. Click here for a visual of where to locate this information.

Q: How is transportation impacted for students attending out-of-district schools?

A: Whether school is in session remotely or otherwise, pupil transportation will be provided to nonpublic, parochial, private, charter schools or students whose Individualized Education Plans have placed them out of district and whose schools are meeting in in-person sessions.

Q: What if my child is unable to medically tolerate wearing a face covering on a bus?

A: Students who are unable to medically tolerate a face covering are not required to wear a face covering, but must be appropriately socially distanced. Parents who believe their child falls into this situation should contact Mrs. Allison Strand, Executive Director of Special Education, to have the child’s individual situation evaluated.

Q: What extra training are teachers getting to help them address the social emotional well-being of our students?

A: District educators will take part in special training this summer and fall for Trauma Informed Instruction with Frank Kross. This training will help teachers better understand how traumatic situations, including the current pandemic, can affect the educational experience. Teachers will be provided with clear guidance and useful tools to help identify and support students as they work through challenging situations.

Q: Will there be any additional SEL supports at the elementary level?

A: Elementary students and teachers will participate in a series of scheduled lessons and experiences throughout the year. We have named these days our Elementary Connects. Paired with the classroom learning, a Home Connect will be sent home with students that same day. This communication will give a brief description of the classroom learning and provide some talking points to assist families with a continued dialogue surrounding the theme at home.

Themes such as Diversity and Inclusivity, Empathy and Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving will be explored through a variety of literature and real-life situations presented to students. The district’s SEL Committee has written curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate for each of our grade-levels, K-5.

Q: Where can I find schedules for the different instruction models?

A: School schedules for in-person, fully remote and hybrid days at the elementary and secondary levels are available in the School Schedules section of the reopening plan.

Q: When is the first day of school?

A: The first day of the 2020-21 school year for students will be Tuesday, September 8. The district will host Superintendent's Conference Days for staff on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3.

The District Calendar is located here: https://www.hhh.k12.ny.us/calendar/all-district-calendar.

Q: How do the Blue and Green days work in a hybrid model?

A: Throughout the district, students will be grouped by household into two cohorts - Blue and Green. All household members will be grouped into the same cohort, regardless of the building they attend.

Q: How will attendance be taken if in a hybrid or fully remote learning scenario?

A: All schools in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District will take daily attendance whether school opens in September in-person, hybrid, or remote. Teachers will record daily attendance in Infinite Campus, our student management system, based on the required daily scheduled student contact and engagement. Daily reports will be generated to identify students who are absent and/or chronically absent. Contact with the families will be made daily to determine reasons for absence and needs or barriers the student may have to participate in daily lessons.

Q: Will all students be receiving a district tablet or laptop?

A: Beginning in September 2020 all students, grades kindergarten through grade 12, will be provided with a District device (Tablet or Laptop).

Q: What if my family doesn’t have access to broadband internet?

A: In the event that students do not have access to broadband internet, the district will take the necessary steps to meet their needs where plausible.

Q: Will school buildings be open for in-person instruction for the start of the new school year?

A: Based on our enrollment, facility space, and ability to adhere to the New York State Department of Health requirements, we will be returning to school in a hybrid model for middle school and high school students and a full in-person model for elementary students to start the school year.

Elementary students that opted into the optional full remote model will be learning in that environment, and families of middle and high school students who wish for their child to stay home while the school is in a hybrid model will be able to indicate that in an upcoming survey. Middle and high school students staying home each day while the school is in a hybrid instructional model will simply take advantage of the remote instruction provided by their regularly scheduled teacher.

Q: If the school buildings reopen for instruction, can I request that my child stay home for full remote learning?

A: Elementary parents had the opportunity to opt to keep their child home and request remote learning. The deadline was August 4.

Due to the unique needs of our youngest learners at the elementary level, the district will be individually staffing remote learning at each grade level. Therefore, families will be asked to make a decision on a trimester basis so the district can staff and prepare accordingly. The district will be making every effort to provide a quality education to students on a fully remote plan, however it is not a substitute for an authentic day of learning in the classroom.

At the secondary level, parents may opt to keep their children home in hybrid or full attendance models. It is important to note that the remote instruction provided while in these models is not an equivalent substitute for in person instruction. Students at home that have chosen to utilize full remote instruction within a hybrid or in-person model will have significant expectations for individual or collaborative student work, with less synchronous instruction than would be provided in a fully remote model.

Q: Can parents of secondary students elect to have their child learn in the full remote instructional model?

A: Yes, families of all students will have the option for a “full remote learning” program for their children even if the district is in a hybrid model. Basically, rather than alternating in-person and remote, they would use the remote platform every day. There will be specific accommodations and planning for tests and other assignments.

Q: Will all kindergarten students be going back to a full in-person instructional model?

A: Regardless of model at the elementary level, we will be bringing our most vulnerable populations and youngest learners in daily. This includes our students with disabilities in IPC and self-contained classrooms, along with our Kindergarten students.

Q: If we choose a specific instructional model, in-person/hybrid or fully remote, are we able to change our decision later?

A: If at some point during the first trimester or quarter, while school is still open, a family decides a different model would be a better option for their child, entry to these programs would be contingent upon enrollment numbers and available space within the grade level.

At the secondary level, all students will be given a Blue or Green designation to ensure social distancing. This will allow us to accommodate all students if they choose to participate in the hybrid model.

The optional elementary fully remote model will be planned on a trimester basis. Later in the fall, the district will provide an opportunity for families to exit and/or request entry to the fully remote model for the second trimester.

Q: What will in-person instruction look like at the elementary level?

A: Upon reopening, the number of students in each of our classrooms will be reduced to adhere to CDC guidance regarding proper social distancing. Class size will reflect the need to ensure that students’ desks/seats are positioned no less than three to six feet apart, in compliance with CDC requirements based on level of community transmission and grave level.

Students will have English Language Arts and Mathematics instruction in the mornings (Social Studies and Science integrated when instructionally appropriate). Afternoons will provide more direct instruction in Social Studies and Science. Afternoon schedules will also have designated times in school for small group instruction experiences including reinforcement of skills, guided reading, word work, and a writing workshop. When the district is following an in-school/hybrid model, the afternoons will provide time for more intensive teacher/student interaction during the times students are present.

All students at the elementary level will remain with their cohort (homeroom class) throughout the day. Special area teachers (Art, Music, and Library) will follow a push in model. This would mean the students stay in their classroom and the special area teacher will come to them. Physical Education classes will take place outdoors when weather allows, and in the gymnasium at other times.

Q: What will in-person instruction look like at the secondary level?

A: At the secondary level, in person instruction will continue to utilize the best teaching practices to the degree allowable. Although certain types of work will be limited, such as close proximity collaboration, students will experience lessons similar to what would be expected in a normal year. Throughout the scheduled class period, teachers and students will interact via question and answer, the solicitation of feedback and frequent opportunities for students to receive individualized instruction or clarification.

In this model, students would follow a regular bell schedule as they would in a regular school year.

Q: What will hybrid instruction look like at the elementary level?

A: In this model, all of our students will receive a combination of distance learning from home and in-person instruction at school. Approximately 50% of our students will attend school on any given day, while the other 50% (groups designated as blue and green) join for shared experiences in the major subject areas.

The hybrid model at the elementary level considers the unique learning needs of our district’s youngest learners, striking a careful balance of shared instruction (screen time for students at home) and focused, small group instruction for students during live, on-site instruction. On any given day, approximately one half of the class will be present and on site, while the other half is joining and learning from home. The morning portion of the day will provide for shared learning experiences for all students, regardless of an on-site or at home learning day. A portion of the afternoons will be designated for teachers and students together in the classroom to have authentic learning experiences together, including but not limited to: guided reading, writing, and other small group instructional needs. This time of the day will enable our teachers to place their full focus on the students present in the classroom, tailoring the instruction to best meet their skills and needs. Students at home that day will be provided independent practice that directly connects to the skills taught during the shared experience earlier in the day, or a skill taught earlier that week. The next day, the students that were at home will also be provided that same opportunity of a designated time of the day for focused, small group instruction with the teacher.

Q: What will hybrid instruction look like at the secondary level?

Throughout the district, students will be grouped by household into two cohorts - Blue and Green. All household members will be grouped into the same cohort, regardless of the building they attend.

Once logged in to Canvas, students will follow the posted directions from their teacher. In the hybrid model, remote instruction will consist of one of the following:

• Recorded screencast that is aligned to in-person instruction
• Recorded, asynchronous instruction from a prior class or lesson
• Synchronous instruction from the classroom

In a hybrid model, it is unlikely that remote instruction will be a full period in length, as teachers must also focus their attention on the students in class. As described in the “Educational Practices” section, it is also unlikely that a teacher would use direct instruction for a full period while in class. Students at home should expect an instructional component, as described above, and then collaborative or independent student work to demonstrate their understanding.

In addition to the instructional components listed above, teachers will make themselves available at a clearly designated time during the day to address student questions, clarify concepts or provide feedback.

Q: What will full remote instruction look like at the elementary level?

A: Should schools close at any time during the school year, all students will transition to the Distance Learning Model. In this model, all of our students will remain home and receive instruction remotely. The Distance Learning Model directly correlates with the Hybrid Model, with both ELA and Math instruction occurring in the early part of the day.

A daily morning meeting is scheduled each day. This will provide an opportunity for the teacher and students to greet one another remotely each day and for the teacher to set the table for the learning that day.

Q: What is full remote opt-in model for elementary?

A: Students who opt in to our Fully Remote Model for our first trimester will remain home, even when school is open for in-person instruction, and receive their lessons remotely.

As part of this model:

• Students will receive instruction from select classroom teachers, as well as our elementary math and reading specialists.
• Programs for Students with Disabilities, Academic Intervention Services, and ENL supports will be scheduled throughout the day.
• Special area instruction will occur remotely.
• Upon deciding to return to in-person instruction, placement will be determined by class ratios/spaces within the grade level.

Q: What will full remote instruction look like at the secondary level?

A: In the event of a full closure, students will not be permitted into school buildings for any in-person activities. Under those circumstances, all academic activity will take place online.

Core classes would meet four times per week for synchronous instruction, with the option to meet a fifth day for synchronous or asynchronous instruction when deemed necessary for curricular progress. As in a normal school year, students would be expected to complete additional independent work (comparable to homework) outside of class time.

All other courses will meet synchronously 5 days per week, or according to a regular A/B schedule. It is expected that the majority of the required curricular work will be completed within these class periods each day, thereby limiting the amount of additional work and screen time.

Q: What will AP courses be like if we are full remote?

A: Students in AP courses should expect to be engaged in synchronous learning five days per week, at teacher discretion, with additional work commensurate with that of a typical year.

Q: Will the class sizes be smaller?

A: Yes, classes will be scheduled using DOH and CDC guidance on social distancing.

Q: How will the district coordinate with Western Suffolk BOCES pm Career and Technical Education instruction?

A: While planning for CTE instruction, whether in-person, remote or hybrid models, the Half Hollow Hills Central School District has collaborated with Western Suffolk BOCES to ensure high school instructional plans are aligned. Western Suffolk BOCES has developed models that ensure NYS Learning Standards, applicable industry certification requirements, clinical and work-based learning hours have been met. In addition, their plans follow all NYSDOH health and safety guidelines and social distancing.

Q: Will students be able to participate in interscholastic athletics?

A: In conjunction with its Athletic Council, County Athletic Directors, Safety Committee and Suffolk County Executive Board, Section XI has postponed all sports until January 4 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please visit the District's

Athletics page.

Q: Are we going to have middle school athletics?

A: The status of middle school athletics is still undetermined, but will most likely mirror high school guidelines.

Q: Will students be able to participate in extracurricular activities?

A: Based upon the CDC recommendations to limit gatherings, events, and extracurricular activities to those that can maintain social distancing, support proper hand hygiene, and restrict attendance of those from higher transmission areas at the start of the 2020 – 2021 school year, Extracurricular Activities will start as remote opportunities at the beginning of the year. The District will continue to evaluate opportunities to make these activities available in-person based on State guidance.

Q: Will field trips be an option this year?

A: At this point in time, we are not scheduling field trips or assemblies. Remote virtual experiences are encouraged.

Q: Will there be an instrumental program for 4th grade students?

A: Yes. Recruitment will begin in September. Informational packets will go home in the first week of school for children and their parents to select instruments. Teachers will present instruments in person during the students' music class and forms will be collected within a couple of weeks. Instruments will be assigned by the third or 4th week in September and lessons begin in October. Students in the remote school will have an opportunity for remote instruction for their instrument.

Q: Will there be elementary ensembles?

A: Yes - We are working on variations of our traditional large ensembles. There may be several small ensembles or a remote meeting of the ensemble to begin with in October. The goal is to work toward a concert performance whether or not it actually can happen.

Q: What about secondary ensembles?

A: Yes – to the greatest degree possible, all secondary ensembles will be held in school with all safety protocols including social distancing, masks, cleaning/disinfecting of instruments, music stands and supplies, no instrument sharing in school.

Q: Will the Cross-Campus Ensembles be allowed to meet?

A: Yes - to the greatest degree possible, once extra-curricular is allowed to occur, they will meet with all safety protocols as above. To begin the year, there will be online meetings.

Q: What are the safety protocols for art?

A: Students will be required to wash hands and apply hand sanitizer upon entering the room and before exiting. Students will be required to have basic art supplies to keep at home such as sketchbooks and pencils. Sharing of supplies in school will be kept at a minimum with cleaning/disinfecting of supplies throughout each day.

Q: Will students in our special education classes be attending school in-person?

A: Elementary School

• IPC/ Intensive Program for Students (8:1:1) - Students in our ABA program with an 8:1:1 ratio on their IEP will attend school daily for in-person instruction. The small class sizes will permit social distancing compliance
• Life Skills Program (12:1:1) - Students in the Life Skills program with 12:1: 1 ratio on their IEP will attend school daily for in-person instruction. There are approximately eight students in these classes. This small number will ensure social distance compliance.
• Self-Contained (15:1) - Students in a Special Class program with a ratio of 15:1:1 on their IEP will attend school daily for in-person instruction.
• Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) - All ICT classes will follow the same hybrid model as their general education peers. Related services can be delivered in-person and virtual based upon each building's schedule.
• Resource Room - Students who receive resource room services will follow the same hybrid model as their general education peers. The pull-out resource room service will also be a hybrid model as per the building’s schedule.

Middle School/High School

• IPC/ Intensive Program for Students (8:1:1) - Students in our ABA/IPC program with an 8:1:1 ratio on their IEP will attend school daily for in-person instruction. The small class sizes will permit social distancing compliance.
• Life Skills Program (15:1:1) - All students in the Life Skills program in grade 6 -12, will be provided daily in-person instruction. A special class elective will be designed specifically for this group. Related services will have to be coordinated with the building schedule and may require a hybrid approach.
• All other special education programs, ICT, Resource Room and Special Class will follow the same hybrid model as their general education peers. Their related service delivery will be based upon building schedules and follow a hybrid model.

Q: Will English Language Learners continue to receive new language instruction in a hybrid or fully remote instructional model?

A: We will provide professional learning opportunities to our district that supports best practices in all three formats of instruction and cover equitable instruction for our ELLs,

students with disabilities, and general education students who are studying world languages to help address learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 school closures.

Q: Will World Languages be offered in a hybrid or full remote instructional model?

A: In order to assure that students have opportunities to study world languages we are prepared to teach World Languages in the live in-person, hybrid, or remote format upon reopening.

Q: Will teachers and staff be trained on new safety protocols and procedures related to COVID 19?

A: The District will train all personnel on new protocols and frequently communicate safety guidelines. Training on the precautions listed below will be conducted either remotely or in person. Training material is designed to be easy to understand and available in the appropriate language and literacy level for all workers.

Q: How will the district work with staff members who are susceptible and have underlying conditions?

A: Staff members who believe they require accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the office of District-wide Administration to discuss how to submit a request.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Micro-Cluster Strategy

Q: What is the New York State Cluster Action Initiative?
A: Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Department of Health (DOH) instituted a Micro-Cluster Strategy on October 21, 2020, that uses data and factors to identify areas where clusters of COVID-19 may be occurring, assigning them as Red, Orange or Yellow Cluster Zones, and implementing appropriate recommendations and restrictions based on their rating.

Q: Why are we required to test students and staff in order to keep our schools open for in-person learning?
A: The New York State Cluster Action Initiative requires schools to test students and staff in order to remain open for in-person learning.

Q: What are the testing requirements if our school is identified as being part of a yellow cluster zone?
A: If our schools are in a geographical area that is identified as a yellow zone by the DOH, school buildings would remain open and there would be random testing of 20% of the combined in-person staff and student population over the two-week period immediately following the announcement of a yellow zone designation. If the results of the testing reveal that the positivity rate among those tested is lower than the yellow zone’s current 7-day positivity rate, testing at that school will no longer be required to continue.

Q: What are the testing requirements if our school is identified as being part of an orange or red cluster zone?
A: If our schools are in a geographical area that is identified as an orange or red zone by the DOH, school buildings may remain open with monthly testing of 20% (orange) and 30% (red) of their combined in-person students and staff.

Q: How will the sample of in-person students and staff to be tested be selected?
A: The testing sample will be randomly selected electronically.

Q: Will Universal pre-K students be included in the sample of in-person students and staff to be tested?
A: No.

Q: Can a student or staff member be selected twice as part of the sample of in-person students and staff to be tested?
A: Per DOH guidelines, individuals can only be part of a testing sample again after five weeks have passed.

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Testing

Q: How will we be notified if we (staff) or our child have been chosen for random testing?
A: As with all important districtwide notifications, you will be contacted via email if you or your child are selected to be tested. Parents are encouraged to make sure that their contact information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal is up-to-date. Information on how to update your contact information can be found here.

Q: What COVID-19 test will the district be using?
A: BinaxNow Rapid Testing Kits will be utilized to test. This test is a quick, less invasive nasal swab that can be easily administered.

Q: How long does it take to get test results back?
A: These are rapid tests and results are available in 15 minutes.

Q: Who will facilitate the testing?
A: Our partner, House MD, will provide teams of experienced medical assistants, registered nurses and physician assistants to carry out the rapid testing on-site.

Q: Where will testing take place?
A: Testing will take place in our gymnasiums.

Q: Will students and staff be screened prior to testing?
A: Yes, just like on a normal school day, students and staff will be required to fill out the daily screening from prior to entering a district building for their test.

Q: Can parents be there when their child is being tested?
A: Due to the capacity restrictions in our buildings, we cannot permit parents to be present when students are being tested.

Q: Does the district need consent to test a child?
A: Yes. In advance of any need for COVID-19 testing, we will be sending out a form asking for parental consent to have your children participate in this state-required testing. We ask that you please take the time to fill out this form. If you do not consent and your child is selected for the random testing, you will be able to take them on your own to have a COVID-19 test and to submit the test results to the district.

Q: How much will the test cost me as a parent or staff members?
A: All costs to provide the in-district testing will be covered by the state and district. If you choose to get a COVID-19 test on your own through a different medical provider, you would be responsible for the cost.

Q: Will someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past be included in the random selection?
A: Per CDC recommendations, persons who have recovered from COVID-19 in the past 3 months should be excluded from random selection. If you are notified that you were selected to be tested and this applies to you, please let a building administrator know.