Dear Rhinebeck families,
We are now approaching the halfway point of the academic year. I am very proud of our collective efforts to navigate what has been a challenging several weeks for schools as the region faced an elevation in positive cases and quarantines. I again express my appreciation for all families and your diligence in taking measures to ensure that our school buildings can remain open for our students, and remain as safe places to learn and interact.
As we proceed through the next few weeks, we will continue to review our approaches and make adjustments as conditions permit. On a regular basis, I am in consultation with peers across the state, county and region, as well as the department of health. The Rhinebeck Central School District is dedicated to providing a high quality experience that prepares our students for success and will continuously improve to fulfil that mission.
District Town Hall Meeting
A reminder: on Monday, February 1 at 7 PM, I will be hosting a district-level Town Hall meeting for families as a mid-year update regarding the district’s response to the pandemic and our emphasis and priorities looking forward.
Thank you to those who shared questions and input, they will be integrated into the presentation. I appreciate the input and believe it will help to make this session informative. This forum will focus on district level discussions. Building or classroom level matters should be first addressed with your school Principal or classroom teachers as appropriate.
The meeting will proceed regardless of weather conditions (unless a storm system impacts connectivity), and will be hosted via Zoom at this link: RCSD Mid-Year Town Hall The session will be recorded and shared on the Rhinebeck Returns website in the following days.
Vaccination Efforts for Essential Workers
Dutchess County has been working hard, with limited resources and vaccine doses, to provide schools with notifications and access to testing appointments for school employees. Like all school districts, we are doing our best to provide the information and capacity to increase vaccination levels as quickly as possible.
COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
At a recent Board of Education meeting I shared that the district had entered into an agreement with Dutchess County to pursue surveillance testing, with consent of individuals. Currently, testing supplies are limited but the district is committed to developing our plan to conduct such testing to support another mitigation measure and assist with efforts to safely return more students to in-person learning. More information to be shared as plans are refined and test kits made available.
Important Reminder
Communicate with your school building regarding any change from remote to hybrid learning, or hybrid to remote learning. We rely on accurate and up to date information.
The area is experiencing very brisk temperatures out there today and through the weekend. I wish you each a safe, warm, and healthy weekend.
All my best,
Albert
Dear Rhinebeck families,
This week we welcomed students back into our school buildings. We recognize the impact of COVID-19 on our local community and wish health and recovery to those directly impacted. Over the course of the week the district was informed of no COVID positive cases that had contacts or exposure in the school buildings. We commend the families for closely following our strict policies around symptom monitoring and travel or exposure-based quarantines. The communication with our school nurses has been critical to keeping our campuses safe. As guidance from local and state authorities have shifted, our district has flexed and adjusted in order to meet those changing demands.
District Town Hall Meeting
On Monday, February 1 (revised date) at 7 PM, I will be hosting a district-level Town Hall meeting for families as a mid-year update regarding the district’s response to the pandemic and our emphasis and priorities looking forward. The summer Town Halls were productive and positive, and I hope to continue that through this mid-year event. In order to best prepare, please share your ideas for question(s) or topic(s) to address by completing this GoogleForm. This forum will focus on district level discussions, building or classroom level matters should be first addressed with your school Principal.
Climate and Sustainability
Dutchess County BOCES is providing free workshops from the DC BOCES Center for Sustainability and Climate Education. The attached flyer (Sustainability Summit Save the Date) highlights the 5 free events being offered to introduce the types of support that will be coming from the Center for Sustainability and Climate Education for schools in the year ahead. This has been an area of significant priority among our students and community, and these workshops are being provided to all component district teachers, students, and communities. I hope that you and your children will be able to join one or more of these workshops. You may follow this link to register for any of these events.
Notifying Your School of Changes Instructional Models
Please remember to communicate with your school building regarding any change from remote to hybrid learning, or hybrid to remote learning. We rely on accurate information for decision making.
Our school leaders and teachers are dedicated to your child’s success and committed to open dialog with families to understand and know your child well.
I wish you each a safe and healthy weekend.
All my best,
Albert
_____
Estimadas familias de Rhinebeck,
Esta semana les dimos la bienvenida a los estudiantes a nuestros edificios escolares. Reconocemos el impacto de COVID-19 en nuestra comunidad local y deseamos salud y recuperación a las personas directamente afectadas. Durante el transcurso de la semana, el distrito no fue informado de ningún caso positivo de COVID que tuviera contactos o exposición en los edificios escolares. Felicitamos a las familias por seguir de cerca nuestras estrictas políticas sobre el monitoreo de síntomas y las cuarentenas basadas en la exposición. La comunicación con nuestras enfermeras escolares ha sido fundamental para mantener seguros nuestros campus. A medida que la orientación de las autoridades locales y estatales ha cambiado, nuestro distrito se ha adaptado y adaptado para satisfacer esas demandas cambiantes.
Reunión del ayuntamiento del distrito
El lunes 1 de febrero (fecha revisada) a las 7 p.m., seré el anfitrión de una reunión municipal a nivel de distrito para familias como una actualización de mitad de año con respecto a la respuesta del distrito a la pandemia y nuestro énfasis y prioridades de cara al futuro. Los ayuntamientos de verano fueron productivos y positivos, y espero continuar así durante este evento de mitad de año. Para prepararse mejor, comparta sus ideas sobre preguntas o temas para abordar completando este formulario de Google. Este foro se enfocará en discusiones a nivel de distrito, los asuntos de construcción o de salón de clases deben ser tratados primero con el director de su escuela.
Clima y sostenibilidad
BOCES del condado de Dutchess ofrece talleres gratuitos del Centro DC BOCES para la sostenibilidad y la educación climática. El volante adjunto destaca los 5 eventos gratuitos que se ofrecen para presentar los tipos de apoyo que vendrán del Centro para la Sostenibilidad y la Educación Climática para las escuelas en el próximo año. Esta ha sido un área de gran prioridad entre nuestros estudiantes y la comunidad, y estos talleres se están brindando a todos los maestros, estudiantes y comunidades del distrito que lo componen. Espero que usted y sus hijos puedan unirse a uno o más de estos talleres. Puede seguir este enlace para registrarse en cualquiera de estos eventos.
Notificación a su escuela de cambios en los modelos de instrucción
Recuerde comunicarse con el edificio de su escuela con respecto a cualquier cambio de aprendizaje remoto a híbrido o de aprendizaje híbrido a remoto. Confiamos en información precisa para la toma de decisiones.
Nuestros líderes escolares y maestros están dedicados al éxito de su hijo y comprometidos con el diálogo abierto con las familias para comprender y conocer bien a su hijo.
Les deseo a todos un fin de semana seguro y saludable.
Lo mejor de mí,
Albert
Dear Rhinebeck families,
Schools Reopening
The district is following our plan to resume the hybrid model next week, with BMS/RHS cohorts returning on Tuesday and CLS students returning on Wednesday. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, we must always be prepared for anything, and should these plans change you will be contacted via email, text, and phone similar to a snow day notification as soon as possible.
Safe Spaces and Health Screening
Our school leaders and teachers have been remarkable in creating safe spaces for your children to learn in person among peers in a socially-distanced manner. Please be reminded that we strictly enforce face coverings, arranged spaces to create distance, and have sanitizing stations throughout the buildings. Public health experts have noted the risk mitigation of supervised, structured time in schools who have established these measures. The most vital companion to our in-school structures is the diligent support of our families in keeping students out of the building when anyone in the home has been exposed to COVID, or is experiencing symptoms. Please carefully review these flowcharts and screen your child daily before they come to the school building. These measures will help to keep our schools open. No student should come to school if they, or anyone they have had prolonged exposure to, have experienced symptoms in the past 10 days, unless an alternate diagnosis has been provided. In all cases, communicate with your school nurse.
Changing Instructional Model Selection
Families must communicate with their school Principal if a student is changing the previously selected instructional model. While there is an ability to make these changes, they do require notification to the school building. We were aware of families making temporary shifts, please inform your Principal as those changes are made so that we can maintain accurate records. As noted above, we are fully prepared to provide our hybrid students with an in-person learning environment in which they can learn safely. Despite the limitations on physical interactions, your school leaders are here to support you and each student.
COVID-19 Reporting
As always, we prioritize strong communication between the schools and our families. Please continue to contact your school nurse if you are reporting a positive COVID case, as we partner with the DOH as it relates to contact tracing. The NYS COVID Report Card site is updated daily by the district, and is the best source of notification. In any situation where there is exposure to a confirmed positive case, initiating contact tracing, families will receive a phone call home directly from the school building.
I wish each of you the very best this weekend and send you my hope for peace and calm for our community and our nation. We look forward to welcoming back our in-person students safely, next week.
All my best,
Albert
_________
Estimadas familias de Rhinebeck,
Reapertura de escuelas
El distrito está siguiendo nuestro plan para reanudar el modelo híbrido la próxima semana, con las cohortes de BMS / RHS regresando el martes y los estudiantes de CLS regresando el miércoles. Como ha demostrado la pandemia de COVID-19, siempre debemos estar preparados para cualquier cosa y, si el plan cambia, nos comunicaremos con usted por correo electrónico, mensaje de texto y teléfono de manera similar a una notificación de un día de nieve.
Espacios seguros y controles de salud
Nuestros líderes escolares y maestros han sido notables en la creación de espacios seguros para que sus hijos aprendan en persona entre compañeros de una manera socialmente distanciada. Recuerde que aplicamos estrictamente los revestimientos faciales, arreglamos los espacios para crear distancia y tenemos estaciones de desinfección en todos los edificios. Los expertos en salud pública han notado la mitigación de riesgos del tiempo estructurado supervisado en las escuelas que han establecido estas medidas. El compañero más importante de nuestras estructuras en la escuela es el apoyo diligente de nuestras familias para mantener a los estudiantes fuera del edificio cuando alguien en el hogar ha estado expuesto al COVID o está experimentando síntomas. Por favor, revise cuidadosamente estos diagramas de flujo y evalúe a su hijo diariamente antes de que vengan al edificio de la escuela. Estas medidas ayudarán a mantener abiertas nuestras escuelas. Ningún estudiante debe venir a la escuela si él, o cualquier persona a la que haya tenido una exposición prolongada, haya experimentado síntomas en los últimos 10 días, a menos que se haya proporcionado un diagnóstico alternativo. En todos los casos, comuníquese con la enfermera de su escuela.
Cambio de la selección del modelo de instrucción
Las familias deben comunicarse con el director de su escuela si un estudiante está cambiando el modelo de instrucción seleccionado previamente. Si bien existe la posibilidad de realizar estos cambios, requieren notificación al edificio escolar. Estábamos al tanto de familias haciendo turnos temporales, por favor informe a su director cuando se hagan esos cambios para que podamos mantener registros precisos. Como se señaló anteriormente, estamos completamente preparados para brindar a nuestros estudiantes híbridos un entorno de aprendizaje en persona en el que puedan aprender de manera segura.
Informes COVID-19
Como siempre, damos prioridad a una comunicación sólida entre las escuelas y nuestras familias. Continúe comunicándose con la enfermera de su escuela si informa un caso de COVID positivo, ya que nos asociamos con el DOH en lo que se refiere al rastreo de contactos. El sitio del Boletín de Calificaciones de NYS COVID es actualizado diariamente por el distrito y es la mejor fuente de notificación. En cualquier situación en la que haya exposición a un caso positivo confirmado, al iniciar el rastreo de contactos, las familias recibirán una llamada telefónica a casa directamente desde el edificio de la escuela.
Les deseo a cada uno de ustedes lo mejor este fin de semana y les envío mi esperanza de paz y tranquilidad para nuestra comunidad y nuestra nación. Esperamos poder dar la bienvenida de nuevo a nuestros estudiantes en persona de manera segura, la próxima semana.
Lo mejor de mí,
Albert
Dear Rhinebeck students and families,
The Rhinebeck Central School District will be making a temporary shift to remote learning, K-12 beginning on Monday, January 11 through the Martin Luther King holiday and resuming on January 19 or 20 depending on the school building, noted below. This was a difficult decision made as a result of significant staffing issues due to illness, mandated quarantines, and symptom monitoring. Additionally, we have seen significant movement of students to remote learning for short-term periods.
The district will restart the hybrid model and in-person learning as follows:
BMS/RHS: Tuesday, January 19th
CLS: Wednesday January 20th
Families are reminded to notify the school Principal of any change to the model of instruction, remote or in-person hybrid. Self-selecting without notification causing complications with operations, scheduling, and most importantly, effective access to learning.
We remain confident in our stringent health and safety measures, and protocols for staff and families regarding quarantine measures. The District has experienced a significant rise in the number of reported cases involving our employees, students, and families. These cases had no associated contacts within the school buildings, but have resulted in numerous exposure contacts and quarantine. There is a noted elevation in positive cases locally and county-wide.
We will spend next week further developing additional procedures to ensure safety in our buildings, and to continue finalizing our district’s planning for COVID-19 surveillance testing and staff vaccination.
I am confident in our teachers’ dedication to ensuring that this temporary shift will be productive and meaningful for your children. We urge your support in facilitating their engagement with the established schedules and experiences. Your school Principal, or teachers where appropriate, will communicate building-specific information to support this temporary shift in the learning model.
Meals will be provided free of charge to any student between 10:30-12:30 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to be picked up at the BMS/RHS student drop-off area.
Finally, we reiterate the importance of avoiding prolonged exposure within indoor gatherings without proper distancing and face coverings. Please continue to communicate with your school Principal and our nursing staff, we are here to support, consult and collaborate for the benefit of your children.
I appreciate your ongoing support and patience through a challenging time. On Monday, I will share information about an upcoming family Town Hall to be scheduled the following week so that I can provide an update to all. We have been fortunate to have a successful model of operations and are confident to return to that model after this brief pause.
All my best to each of you,
Albert
______
Estimadas familias de Rhinebeck,
El Distrito Escolar Central de Rhinebeck hará un cambio temporal al aprendizaje remoto, desde K-12 desde el lunes 11 de enero hasta el feriado de Martin Luther King. Esta fue una decisión difícil que se tomó como resultado de importantes problemas de personal debido a enfermedades, cuarentenas obligatorias y monitoreo de síntomas. Además, hemos visto un movimiento significativo de estudiantes hacia el aprendizaje a distancia durante períodos cortos.
El distrito reiniciará el modelo híbrido y el aprendizaje en persona de la siguiente manera:
BMS / RHS: martes 19 de enero
CLS: miércoles 20 de enero
Se recuerda a las familias que notifiquen al director de la escuela sobre cualquier cambio en el modelo de instrucción, híbrido remoto o en persona. La autoselección sin notificación causa complicaciones con las operaciones, la programación y, lo que es más importante, el acceso efectivo al aprendizaje.
Seguimos confiando en nuestras estrictas medidas de salud y seguridad, y en los protocolos para el personal y las familias con respecto a las medidas de cuarentena. El Distrito ha experimentado un aumento significativo en la cantidad de casos reportados que involucran a nuestros empleados, estudiantes y familias. Estos casos no tenían contactos asociados dentro de los edificios escolares, pero han dado lugar a numerosos contactos de exposición y cuarentena. Se observa una elevación en los casos positivos a nivel local y en todo el condado.
Pasaremos la próxima semana desarrollando procedimientos adicionales para garantizar la seguridad en nuestros edificios y para continuar finalizando la planificación de nuestro distrito para las pruebas de vigilancia COVID-19 y la vacunación del personal.
Confío en la dedicación de nuestros maestros para garantizar que este cambio temporal sea productivo y significativo para sus hijos. Exhortamos su apoyo para facilitar su compromiso con los horarios y experiencias establecidos. El director de su escuela, o los maestros, cuando corresponda, comunicarán información específica del edificio para respaldar este cambio temporal en el modelo de aprendizaje.
Las comidas se proporcionarán sin cargo a cualquier estudiante entre las 10: 30-12: 30 los lunes, miércoles y viernes para ser recogidas en el área de entrega de estudiantes de BMS / RHS.
Finalmente, reiteramos la importancia de evitar la exposición prolongada dentro de las reuniones interiores sin un adecuado distanciamiento y cubrición facial. Continúe comunicándose con el director de su escuela y nuestro personal de enfermería, estamos aquí para apoyar, consultar y colaborar en beneficio de sus hijos.
Agradezco su continuo apoyo y paciencia durante un tiempo desafiante. El lunes, compartiré información sobre un próximo Ayuntamiento familiar que se programará la semana siguiente para poder proporcionar una actualización a todos. Hemos tenido la suerte de tener un modelo de operaciones exitoso y confiamos en volver a ese modelo después de esta breve pausa.
Todo lo mejor para cada uno de ustedes
Albert
Dear Rhinebeck families,
Today the district was notified of additional COVID positive test results, 1 staff member at CLS, 1 staff member at BMS, and 2 students at RHS tested positive for the virus between yesterday and today. In each of these cases the individuals were not in the school buildings since December 15 or 16 and the individuals followed the established protocols for staying out of school when symptoms and/or testing was taking place.
An important reminder: we expect that students who have COVID-19 symptoms see their healthcare provider (HCP) and follow any recommendation the HCP makes for testing, or receive an alternate diagnosis. If a student is not seen by a HCP, they are expected to remain out of school for 10 days from the onset of symptoms - even if a negative COVID test is received. The complete school attendance and return to school decision flowcharts can be found by clicking this link to NYS DOH Guidance.
As we see increases in the spread of COVID-19, we are asking for full compliance with the measures established by the District, County, and State. We also ask that if your child has had prolonged exposure to groups or gatherings without social distancing or face coverings that you opt for a proactive self-quarantine period and access remote learning.
Any time a student is out due to symptoms, or a family member awaiting test results, or due to quarantine as a result of identification as a contact - remote learning is available. Please continue the open communication with your school Principals.
I wish each of you good health and hopefulness.
All my best,
Albert
____
Estimadas familias de Rhinebeck,
Hoy, se notificó al distrito sobre los resultados positivos adicionales de las pruebas COVID, 1 miembro del personal en CLS, 1 miembro del personal en BMS y 2 estudiantes en RHS. En cada uno de estos casos, las personas no se encontraban en los edificios escolares desde el 15 o 16 de diciembre y las personas siguieron los protocolos establecidos para permanecer fuera de la escuela cuando se estaban realizando los síntomas y / o las pruebas.
Un recordatorio importante: esperamos que los estudiantes que tienen síntomas de COVID-19 vean a su proveedor de atención médica (HCP) y sigan cualquier recomendación que el HCP haga para la prueba o reciban un diagnóstico alternativo. Si un estudiante no es atendido por un HCP, se espera que permanezca fuera de la escuela durante 10 días desde el inicio de los síntomas, incluso si se recibe una prueba COVID negativa.
A medida que vemos aumentos en la propagación de COVID-19, estamos pidiendo el cumplimiento total de las medidas establecidas por el Distrito, Condado y Estado. También le pedimos que si su hijo ha tenido una exposición prolongada a grupos o reuniones sin distanciamiento social o cubrición facial, opte por un período de auto cuarentena proactivo y acceda al aprendizaje remoto.
Cada vez que un estudiante está fuera debido a síntomas, o un miembro de la familia esperando los resultados de la prueba, o debido a la cuarentena como resultado de la identificación como contacto, el aprendizaje remoto está disponible. Continúe la comunicación abierta con los directores de su escuela.
Les deseo a cada uno de ustedes buena salud y esperanza.
Lo mejor de mí,
Albert
Dear Rhinebeck families and students,
Happy New Year! I hope that the time away from school provided some welcome family time and that you are healthy, happy and hopeful for 2021.
The Rhinebeck Central School District will be resuming our in-person and remote hybrid model when schools reopen on Monday, January 4th. With that, we must reset and reaffirm our strict adherence of protocols in order to keep schools open. In particular, please carefully review this document (also found on the district website) that describes when a child can come to school, and when they can return to school if they experienced any symptoms in the past 10 days or have been deemed a close contact of a confirmed COVID positive case, or traveled out of state.
Please remember our mantra as you screen your child each day: when in doubt, keep them out.
If there has been prolonged close exposure to any individuals who traveled from a restricted state, or who have experienced any symptoms, please keep your child at home to be monitored for 10 days from last exposure.
If a student is to remain at home due to precautions or mandatory quarantines, students may access remote learning simply by contacting your building Principal and when applicable, classroom teachers. We strongly prefer that families access remote learning rather than sending children to school after informal gatherings - particularly in this first week back to school after a prolonged break.
For the duration, we must all be prepared for changes to our plans. New information, new conditions and circumstances all have an impact on our operations. If there is a change impacting the district or an individual building, notification of that change will come in the form of an email and text and phone alert from SchoolMessenger - using the same communication protocol used for weather delays.
Important Reminders/Updates
Sending you warm and heartfelt wishes for 2021. I hope that better days are on the horizon and that we can continue to forge our bonds as a community grounded in compassionate and enriching schools!
All my best to each of you,
Albert
Albert L. Cousins
Estimadas familias y estudiantes de Rhinebeck:
¡Feliz año nuevo! Espero que el tiempo fuera de la escuela le haya brindado un tiempo familiar bienvenido y que esté saludable, feliz y esperanzado para el 2021.
El Distrito Escolar Central de Rhinebeck reanudará nuestro modelo híbrido en persona y remota cuando las escuelas vuelvan a abrir el lunes 4 de enero. Con eso, debemos restablecer y reafirmar nuestro estricto cumplimiento de los protocolos para mantener las escuelas abiertas. En particular, revise cuidadosamente este documento (que también se encuentra en el sitio web del distrito) que describe cuándo un niño puede venir a la escuela y cuándo puede regresar a la escuela si experimentó algún síntoma en los últimos 10 días o se consideró un contacto cercano. de un caso positivo de COVID confirmado.
Recuerde nuestro mantra cuando evalúe a su hijo todos los días: en caso de duda, manténgalo alejado.
Si ha habido una exposición cercana prolongada a personas que viajaron desde un estado restringido o que han experimentado algún síntoma, mantenga a su hijo en casa para que lo controlen durante 10 días desde la última exposición.
Si un estudiante debe permanecer en casa debido a precauciones o cuarentenas obligatorias, los estudiantes pueden acceder al aprendizaje remoto simplemente comunicándose con el director de su escuela y, cuando corresponda, con los maestros de la clase. Preferimos encarecidamente que las familias accedan al aprendizaje remoto en lugar de enviar a los niños a la escuela después de reuniones informales, particularmente en esta primera semana de regreso a la escuela después de un descanso prolongado.
Mientras dure, todos debemos estar preparados para cambios en nuestros planes. La nueva información, las nuevas condiciones y circunstancias tienen un impacto en nuestras operaciones. Si hay un cambio que afecte al distrito o un edificio individual, la notificación de ese cambio vendrá en forma de un correo electrónico y un mensaje de texto y una alerta telefónica de SchoolMessenger, utilizando el mismo protocolo de comunicación utilizado para los retrasos climáticos.
Recordatorios / actualizaciones importantes
NUEVO: El Departamento de Salud del Condado de Dutchess ha cambiado sus pautas de cuarentena basándose en una modificación realizada por el NYSDOH. De acuerdo con la guía reciente de los CDC, la cuarentena para las personas expuestas al COVID-19 finaliza después de diez (10) días, sin un requisito de prueba, si no se han informado síntomas durante el período de cuarentena.
- Si alguna persona en un hogar está esperando los resultados de la prueba, el estudiante debe participar en el aprendizaje a distancia.
- Si el DOH ha identificado a una persona en un hogar como un contacto cercano de un caso de COVID positivo confirmado, el estudiante debe participar en el aprendizaje a distancia, a menos que haya garantía de aislamiento de esa persona.
- Si un estudiante o empleado ha experimentado síntomas de COVID en los últimos 10 días, no se le permite regresar al edificio hasta 10 días después del inicio de los síntomas, o una visita a un proveedor de atención médica con un diagnóstico alternativo o prueba de COVID negativa (si se recomienda por el HCP).
- Si informa un caso de COVID *, comuníquese con el director de su escuela. Debemos trabajar juntos para mantener nuestras escuelas lo más seguras posible. * Tenga en cuenta que la información médica privada de una persona, incluidas las pruebas, es información protegida.
Enviando deseos cálidos y sinceros para el 2021. Espero que haya mejores días en el horizonte y que podamos continuar forjando nuestros lazos como una comunidad basada en escuelas compasivas y enriquecedoras.
Todo lo mejor para cada uno de ustedes
Albert
Use these tools designed by the NYS Department of Health to assist in determining if your child can go to school based on the health screening and exposure mitigation protocols.
At a recent meeting with the County Executive and the Dutchess County Behavioral and Community Health Department, Superintendents were provided with further guidance related to testing, contact tracing, and procedures for handling confirmed or suspected cases in our buildings. Please review those associated materials here:
Dutchess County Protocol for Symptomatic or Confirmed Case
Dutchess County Contact Tracing Protocol
Dutchess County Testing Protocol (updated 8/20)
Dutchess County School Closure Guidance (updated 8/20)
The most current testing information will always be available directly at this site: dutchessny.gov/coronavirustesting
The Rhinebeck Central School District is committed to ensuring the well-being and health of all students and staff, while ensuring a rich and complete educational experience regardless of the setting or method of delivery. We understand that plans will evolve and adapt as guidance shifts throughout the year and are dedicated to being responsive and nimble through the process.
The district is committed to doing this work in a way that prioritizes equity and access in learning and in meeting the needs of our unique learners. We recognize and value the school building and classrooms as a place for learning but in accessing those spaces, we will follow the guidance as it relates to social distancing and face coverings. As communication is critical, we will consolidate our communication to this page and its associated links as the primary source for information. This website covers a large amount of information and even more details are available in our full PDF document you can download below.
While no final determinations have been made, our committees are currently working to develop models that prioritize time on campus and in the school building on a regular and daily basis for students in elementary school.
We are also creating approaches that provide for reduced capacity on a consistent, but reduced basis for our secondary students in grades 6-12.
To be best prepared, and in order to comply with mandates regarding social distancing in buildings, the district is prioritizing plans for hybrid and remote models, and for a seamless transition between both should that be necessary.
It is our current plan to use a phase-in approach for our in-person hybrid model, bringing in selected grade levels back into buildings in a gradual process.
In the event Governor Cuomo announces in early August, or later, that schools will reopen for in-person learning, we are prepared to open the buildings in accordance with social distancing, density reduction, and other mandated health and safety requirements. Given the constraints of these mandates, we are unable to support in-person learning for all students in the secondary schools (MS/HS) on a daily basis. Therefore will we operate on a reduced density plan, bringing in approximately one-half of each grade level on four days during the week. In order to support remote learning for students who are not returning to the campus, we have designed into the schedule daily remote interactions for students, including extended time for remote support for all students 6-12 each Wednesday.
We are optimistic that we can support full in-person instruction for our elementary students, as well as developing an approach for remote learning that will ensure meaningful daily contact and learning.
While we are prepared to support remote learning when we are in a hybrid mode, we are confident in our approaches to prioritizing health and safety and encourage our students to return to school when in-person learning is permitted.
In the event that schools are not permitted to open, we are prepared to offer a fully scheduled and consistent remote model that ensures students will have meaningful interaction with their teachers and content, including scheduled time for teachers to provide feedback, conference with students, and host office hours.
While more details about this model will continue to be articulated, we understand the importance of schedules, taking attendance in remote learning, providing assessments and feedback, and consistency in the implementation of a learning management system that is coherent and accessible for students. To the best extent possible, our hybrid model schedules will be designed in such a manner that they are immediately transferable into a remote learning model.
We are hopeful that we will have a period of time at the start of the year with in-person learning so that we can familiarize our students with the online platforms while in classes, discuss best practices for remote learning, and proactively set ourselves up for a seamless transition to remote learning if/when it becomes necessary for individuals, groups, a full school, or district.
We also recognize that engaging parents in the learning about our online platforms is essential and will seek to create opportunities to increase our capacity community-wide to support high-quality remote learning.
The health and safety of our students, our employees and their families is our top priority. We want students and all employees to feel comfortable and safe returning to school campuses. Our health and safety plan incorporates recommendations and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Education Department (NYSED). The following protocols and procedures will be in place in all district buildings for the 2020-21 school year.
To ensure compliance with health and safety communication requirements, Rhinebeck Central School District will:
In an effort to assure high-quality teaching and learning, a continuity of learning plan has been developed for the 2020-21 school year. This plan considers and plans for teaching and learning in-person, remotely, and through hybrid models of instruction. Our plan assures that curriculum is aligned with prioritized New York State Learning Standards and that instruction is framed with equity and quality for all learners.
Instruction in our district will be designed with clear, comprehensive, and accessible learning opportunities for all students whether it is delivered in-person, remotely, or through a hybrid model. Please review the proposed instructional models section for more information.
Our teaching and instructional plan outlines routine, scheduled times for students to interact, engage with new material, and seek feedback and support from their teachers. The plan is centered on Instruction and academic programming that includes regular and substantive interaction with an appropriately certified teacher regardless of the delivery method.
Our teaching and learning plan includes a clear communication plan for how students and their families/caregivers can contact teachers with questions about instruction and/or technology. This information will be accessible to all, available in multiple languages, widely disseminated, and include clear and multiple ways for students and families to contact schools and teachers (e.g., email, online platform, and/or by phone) in an effort to assure learning for each individual.
As we enter the new school year, teachers will prioritize building relationships, supporting students with the transition back to school, and teaching respiratory hygiene and social distancing etiquette at developmentally appropriate levels.
When a remote or hybrid learning model is necessary, certain groups of students will be prioritized for in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. This includes, but is not limited to, special education students, English language learners, students identified for academic support, and students with technology or connectivity needs.
Assessing student learning gaps or areas of need will be critical. Formative assessment before a unit of instruction to assess student understanding of pre-requisite skills will be common practice.
Acknowledging that the typical content in a given grade level or course may need to be adjusted, content will be prioritized to ensure that students receive instruction for the prioritized learning standards, key understandings, and skills necessary for students’ success in future study.
The Rhinebeck Central School District reopening plan provides a framework to ensure that all students with disabilities continue to have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living in the least restrictive environment (LRE). In consideration of the health, safety, and well-being of students, families, and staff, our plan is designed to enable transitioning between in-person, remote, and hybrid learning environments to ensure the provision of FAPE consistent with the changing health and safety conditions that exist.
Special education programs and services of the Rhinebeck Central School District provide equity and access for students with disabilities to be involved in and to participate and progress in the general education curriculum with access to the necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, and technology (including assistive technology) to meet the unique disability related needs of students. While not all formats allow for maximum benefit to students, these programs and services can be provided in all formats (live-person, hybrid, or remote). The Rhinebeck Central School District will document the programs and services offered and provided to students with disabilities as well as to the communications with parents in their preferred language and mode of communication (eg. Related Services Log). The district will ensure access to the necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services, and technology (including assistive technology) to meet the unique disability related needs of students.
The Rhinebeck Central School District is committed to providing meaningful parent engagement in the parent’s preferred language or mode of communication regarding the provision of services to his/her child to meet the requirements of the IDEA. Further, we will maintain regular communication with the parents/guardians and other family members to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education during the reopening process. To that end, The Rhinebeck Central School District will be hosting a Special Education Family Town Hall in August to further outline how services and programs will be maintained during hybrid and remote learning throughout the 2020-21 school year. Additionally, families will receive frequent communication from their child’s primary provider regarding their progress and engagement in the learning process as well as progress toward IEP goals.
The Rhinebeck Central School District will plan and support collaboration between the committees on preschool special education (CPSE) and committees on special education (CSE) and program providers representing the variety of settings where students are served to ensure there is an understanding of the provision of services consistent with the recommendations on individualized education programs (IEPs), plans for monitoring and communicating student progress, and commitment to sharing resources.
The Rhinebeck Central School District will maintain records to document the implementation of each IEP. The documentation will include, but will not be limited to: narrative records of how the student is adjusting to live, hybrid, and remote instruction during 2020-21, a record of what instruction and services were provided, a record of formative, summative, and standardized assessments and their results as well as progress monitoring documentation, a record of school-family collaboration, and the provision of compensatory services records.
Rhinebeck Central School District provides world language instruction in Spanish and French 7-12 and English as a New Language (ENL) instruction for ELLs/MLLs K-12. This be provided in all formats (in-person, hybrid, or remote).
Support of English language learners (ELLs) will be comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally responsive. If we reopen using in-person or hybrid instruction we will complete the ELL identification process within 20 school days of the start of the school year for all students who enrolled during COVID-19 school closures in 2019-20, as well as all students who enroll during summer of 2020 and during the first 20 school days of the 2020-21 school year. After this 20 day flexibility period, identification of ELLs will resume for all students within the required 10 school days of initial enrollment as required by Commissioner’s Regulations Part 154.
Rhinebeck Central School District is committed to comprehensive, high-quality, and culturally responsive instruction for ENL students, we will provide the required instructional Units of Study to all ELLs based on their most recently measured English language proficiency level during in-person or hybrid instruction. Further, we will maintain regular communication with the parents/guardians and other family members of ELLs to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education during the reopening process which includes telephone contact, text messages, social media, emails and regular mail in their preferred language. We will provide all communications for parents/guardians of ELLs in their preferred language and mode of communication. We utilize internal and external resources to assist with translation services. This service can translate live conversations as well as documents.
Rhinebeck Central School District will provide professional learning opportunities for our district that support best practices and equitable instruction for ELLs as well as general education students to help address learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 school closures. The district also has access to the OUBOCES Professional Learning Catalog to support teachers to assure ENL and world language instruction is personalized and research-based.
In order to assure that students have opportunities to study world languages we are prepared to teach Spanish, and French as scheduled in the hybrid, or remote format upon reopening. With the support of OUBOCES, we will provide professional learning opportunities to our district and the region that supports best practices in all three formats of instruction and cover equitable instruction for our ELLs, SWDs, and general education students who are studying world languages such as Spanish, or French to help address learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 school closures.
Through using our district and BOCES resources, we are well prepared to reopen our schools and serve ELLs, MLLs, and students learning world languages as they expand their skills, knowledge, and facilities with languages.
While planning for CTE instruction, whether operating in remote or hybrid models, Rhinebeck Central School District has collaborated with Dutchess BOCES to ensure high school instructional plans are compatible. Dutchess 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 NYS/DOH health and safety guidelines and social distancing. Those plans will be available here: https://www.dcboces.org/
Access to technology and internet connectivity is essential for the successful implementation of both our hybrid and remote learning plans. The Rhinebeck Central School District is committed to implementation of district technologies to ensure equitable access for staff and students. The district recognizes the broad and varied circumstances for student home access to reliable internet and devices.
The district will continue to provide a system for parents/students/teachers to report technical issues that might be experienced during remote learning. The email [email protected] will continue to be the point of communication for remote technical support. The district will continue to communicate protocols to all stakeholders to inform them in advance of how to get assistance and support.
Attendance and Attendance Reporting
All schools in the Rhinebeck Central School District will take daily attendance whether school opens with a hybrid or remote model. Attendance policies and procedures will be communicated with families and students directly from the school buildings prior to the start of the school year with an update if the instructional model changes during the year.
Teachers will record daily attendance in our student management system based on the required daily scheduled student contact. Attendance is expected and will be taken for all students who are engaging in scheduled remote learning periods. This may be achieved through participation in daily tasks or assignments, through submission of work on a scheduled date and time, and other means defined by each building.
Daily reports will be generated to identify students who are absent and/or chronically absent. Contact with the families will be made to determine reasons for absence and needs or barriers the student may have to participate in daily lessons.
Chronic Absenteeism
While there is no one-size-fits all approach to addressing chronic absenteeism, Rhinebeck Central School District is committed to providing interventions to prevent and address chronic absenteeism. We recognize that many factors will influence student attendance, and may be greatly impacted by the instructional models provided.
The Rhinebeck Central School District will address chronic absenteeism in the following ways:
Student Clubs
The Rhinebeck Central School District recognizes the value of student activities and clubs. In order to be best prepared to cooperate with contact tracing, movement reduction and supervision of social distancing there will not be after-school activities until further notice.
This district is committed to finding creative alternatives to offer this vital element of a school experience, using virtual platforms - or when feasible in-person socially distanced activities.
Until further notice, all large assemblies, meetings, and school or grade-level events will be postponed or conducted in a virtual manner.
Interscholastic Athletics
As a result of the COVID19 pandemic, districts have delayed the Fall sports start date until Monday, September 21. With NYS approval for the opening of schools in September and with appropriate social distancing, PPE usage, and cleaning and disinfection of equipment, the following will be implemented:
If the Fall sports season is interrupted or impacted by COVID-19 crisis (i.e. state official guidance, school closings, cancelation of high-risk sports, etc.) then a condensed-seasons plan will be implemented. This plan takes into consideration the competitive and interactive aspects of each sport and would include the following, with the stipulated dates being tentative.
Rhinebeck Central School District will conduct transportation activities that are consistent with state-issued public transit guidance and NYSED School Reopening guidelines. 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 required to wear masks and social distance on the bus to the extent practicable; however, students whose physical or mental health would be impaired are not required to wear a face covering, but must be appropriately socially distanced. Members of the same household may be seated within 6 feet of each other. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to drop off or walk students to school to reduce density on buses.
All buses that are used every day by districts and contract carriers will be cleaned/ disinfected once a day. High contact spots will be wiped down after the morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) run depending upon the disinfection schedule.
School buses shall not be equipped with hand sanitizer due to its combustible composition and potential liability to the carrier or district. School bus drivers, monitors and attendants must not carry personal bottles of hand sanitizer with them on school buses.
Wheelchair school buses will configure wheelchair placement to ensure social distancing of 6 feet.
Whether Rhinebeck Central School District 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 in out-of-district settings and whose schools are meeting for in-person instruction and have already requested transportation previously for the upcoming year and are within the 15-mile limits.
All students are entitled to transportation by the district to the extent required by law. Transportation departments do not have the ability or the right to deny transportation for children who are in foster care, homeless or attend private or charter schools.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
The district will work with the contracted transportation provider to ensure appropriate cleaning and disinfection which will include:
Bus protocols for a reported case of Covid-19 on a school bus
Assistant Superintendent for Support Services or his/her designee will be notified, the district will then notify building administration and a plan will be implemented to contact parents of students on that bus.
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.
Students on Transportation
Training (Office Personnel, Drivers, Mechanics, Aides)
Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Transportation Communication
Density Reduction, Social Distancing, Bus Capacity
Routing
Loading/Unloading & Pickup/Drop-off
Transporting to BOCES
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection in the district, facilities operations will be geared toward meeting social distancing requirements and cleaning frequently touched spaces regularly. In carrying out projects or tasks supporting infection control, requirements will be met for changes associated with building spaces.
Plans for changes or additions to facilities that require review by the Office of Facilities Planning (OFP), will be submitted to comply with the requirements of the 2020 New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (BC) and the State Energy Conservation Code.
The function, position and operation of stairs and corridor doors, which have closers with automatic hold opens (and are automatically released by the fire alarm system), will remain unchanged.
The Rhinebeck Central School District plans to meet the deadline for submission of Building Condition Survey or Visual Inspections on time. In addition, lead in water sampling will be carried out upon the reopening of school under conditions consistent with when the building is “normally occupied.”
Upon reopening, the district plans to increase ventilation, to the greatest extent possible.
The following actions will be taken as needed:
Engineering Controls
Ventilation
Rhinebeck Central School District will ensure sufficient ventilation and fresh air to all spaces of occupancy by means of:
Computer Labs
In our current model planning, computer lab spaces will not be utilized in order to limit shared access to computing devices.
Library Spaces
In our current model planning, library spaces will not be utilized in typical fashion order to limit shared access to materials.
All schools in the Rhinebeck Central School District will follow the School Food Authority (SFA) policies when communicating about school meal services, eligibility, options and changes in operations.
All meals provided during the public health emergency were available at no cost to all children, but this provision has not yet been reauthorized and is subject to change at any time. Information regarding any orders related to child nutrition will be communicated from the district.
Food Service Communication
Rhinebeck Central School District has identified Larry Anthony, as the contact person to receive and respond to communications from families and to school staff. Mr. Anthony may be contacted at [email protected] All communications regarding food services will be provided through a variety of communication methods including website, social media, emails, and regular mail and translated into the languages spoken by families.
Families will be reminded in food service communications during the summer and periodically that they can submit a new application for free and reduced-price meals any time during the school year. Applications are available in each school building, on our website and through email or regular mail as needed. Phone and in-person support to complete the application is available from our Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, Donna Ellis at 845 871-5500 *5523 or [email protected]
School meals will continue to be available to all students, including those attending school in-person and those learning remotely.
For information about how essential district communication, including meal information will be communicated, visit the Communication section of Rhinebeck Returns at https://www.rhinebeckcsd.org/portal/returns/index.php
Food Service Helpers/Kitchen.
Meals Onsite
For students on campus, meals will be provided while maintaining appropriate social distancing between students. Students do not need to wear face coverings when seated and eating so long as they are appropriately socially distanced.
The district will ensure social distancing between individuals while eating at the school. When necessary, meals may be served in alternate areas (e.g., classrooms, outside) or in staggered meal periods to ensure social distancing and proper cleaning and disinfection between students.
The sharing of food and beverages (e.g., buffet style meals, snacks) is prohibited, unless individuals are members of the same household. Adequate space will be reserved for students, faculty, and staff to observe social distancing while eating meals.
BUILDING SPECIFIC PLANS FOR FOOD SERVICE
Chancellor Livingston Elementary School
If we are in an in-person learning model, CLS students who wish to partake in either the breakfast or lunch programs will be led to the cafeteria at the appropriate time by their teacher and/or designee. All students will be brought to the cafeteria, one class at a time. Before going to the cafeteria, elementary teachers will remind students of the hand washing protocols, sharing of food and beverages is not permitted, and to maintain social distancing going to and from the location.
Whether it is for breakfast or lunch, students will have three meal options, but each of these options will be prepackaged in order to move students through the lines with adequate social distance and without slowing the process down by choosing individual items.
After receiving their meal, the student will proceed to the cashier for checkout. At that time, the cashier will review the student’s account for allergies to ensure that none of the items on the tray could cause a known allergic reaction.
After the cashier has processed the student, the student will proceed to the eating area(s). The preferable area will be located outside, under a tent. If the weather becomes too cold or for other weather-related reasons can’t be held outside, then the cafeteria and/or gymnasiums will be used as the eating areas.
A cleaner is assigned to these “eating” areas so that someone will be continually circulating throughout eating areas, ensuring that as students leave the “eating” area, the cleaner will clean and disinfect that “eating” area for use by the next cohort of students.
Bulkeley Middle School/Rhinebeck High School
If we are in an in-person learning model, BMS/RHS students who wish to partake in either the breakfast or lunch programs they will go to the cafeteria social distanced at the appropriate time. All students will have a common lunch time. Before going to the cafeteria, the principal and/or designee will remind students over our public announcement system of the hand washing protocols, sharing of food and beverages is discouraged, and to maintain social distancing going to and from the location.
Whether it is for breakfast or lunch, students will have 3 meal options, but each of these options will be prepackaged in order to move students through the lines social distanced without slowing the process down by choosing individual items.
After receiving their meal, the student will proceed to the cashier for checkout. At that time, the cashier will review the student’s account for allergies to ensure that none of the items on the tray could cause a known allergic reaction.
After the cashier has processed the student, the student will proceed to the eating area(s). The preferable area will be located outside, under a tent. If the weather becomes too cold or for other weather-related reasons can’t be held outside, then the cafeteria and/or gymnasiums will be used as the eating areas.
A cleaner is assigned to these “eating” areas so that someone will be continually circulating throughout eating areas, ensuring that as students leave the “eating” area, the cleaner will clean and disinfect that “eating” area for use by the next cohort of students.
Food Service during Remote Learning
If we are in a remote learning model, or for students who are engaging remotely at any point during the school year, all students who wish to partake in either the breakfast and/or lunch programs will be provided the opportunity to obtain meals.
THIS FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE FOR ANY STUDENT WHO IS ENGAGING IN A REMOTE LEARNING MODEL AT ANY POINT IN THE YEAR.
Breakfast and lunch meals will be provided on Mondays and Thursdays.
Prepackaged meals that meet USDA requirements will be available for pickup. On Mondays, 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches are provided and on Thursdays, 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches are provided. These schedules will be modified as schedule models change and in the event the district, or student, moves from in-person hybrid models to remote,etc.
Exact times and locations will be determined and provided to all families, as other scheduling details are required before making final determination of pick up times.
The district will create a list of volunteers to help deliver meals to those who are unable, for any reason, to come to our campuses to pick up meals.
When picking up meals the name of the student must be provided, so that we can verify the student’s account for allergies and to ensure that none of the items in the packages could cause a known allergic reaction.
To inform our reopening plan, the Rhinebeck Central School District has sought feedback and input from stakeholders. Engagement efforts included online surveys for students, families, and faculty, a virtual Town Hall, virtual building-based and district-based meetings of all staff, and numerous one-on-one conversations. Most importantly is a committee structure that includes representation from across the school community organized in an array of subcommittees. A shared folder of all guidance, minutes and materials from each subcommittee, and recordings from virtual town hall meetings is accessible to all district staff.
The district will communicate all elements of this reopening plan to students, parents and guardians, employees and visitors. The plan is available to all stakeholders via the Rhinebeck Returns webpage, linked from the district website at www.rhinebeckcsd.org/rhinebeckreturns and that site will serve as central communications and will be updated throughout the summer and school year, as necessary. A text-message notification, and social media posts, will direct all stakeholders to that site as major updates occur.
The district will continue to use its existing communication modes – including website updates, SchoolMessenger emails, direct to home mailings, and posted videos to support consistent messaging, but all current communications about school reopening will be included at the Rhinebeck Returns webpage. Signage and training to support new protocols and procedures, expectations, requirements and options related to school operations will be utilized throughout the pandemic response.
Rhinebeck Central School District Communication Goals:
Rhinebeck Central School District communication materials will be centralized on the Rhinebeck Returns website, with additional training, instructions, and building-specific notices dispersed in a variety of platforms that include:
Clear messaging will be prepared and consistently communicated on a regularly-scheduled basis. Minimum weekly or bi-weekly communication will provide information on the following topics:
Rhinebeck Central School District will train all employees on protocols and frequently communicate safety guidelines. Training on the precautions listed below will be conducted either remotely or in person.
Training materials will be designed to be easy to understand and available in the appropriate language and with accessibility for all employees.
Further, Rhinebeck Central School District will ensure all students are taught or trained how to follow new COVID-19 protocols safely and correctly, including but not limited to hand hygiene, proper face covering wearing, social distancing, and respiratory hygiene.
Additional training will be provided in:
The Rhinebeck Central School District will prioritizes the use of CDC produced signs and materials for instruction and training, and supplement that training with age-appropriate and accessible supplementary materials.
Screeners
Rhinebeck Central School District will identify individuals who will proficiently trained regarding CDC, OSHA protocols, and DOH guidelines in each building who will serve in the capacity of trained screeners.
Training topics for all employees
Signs and Messages
Signs will be posted in highly visible locations (e.g., school entrances, restrooms). The Rhinebeck Central School District is adopting the print media materials developed by the CDC as the exclusive visual information communication tools.
A sample of those tools are included here: CDC Signage
In planning for a September reopening, the District has formed task force teams to examine the guidance provided by the Department of Health and NYSED for our re-entry in the Fall. Our work is grounded in our beliefs the most equitable opportunities for educational success relies upon the comprehensive support for students and families provided in our schools with our professionals and the systems of support we have built. These supports include academics as well as the social and emotional well-being of our students. We are committed to prioritizing social emotional well-being - not at the expense of academics, but in order to create the mental, social and emotional space to access rigorous academic content with confidence.
In support of this belief, a Social-Emotional Learning team was created consisting of certified teachers, certified school counselors, licensed mental health professionals, community members and school administrators. This task force team was created to develop a cohesive and strategic plan, regardless of the re-entry phase, to support students and staff upon for the 2020-2021 school year; this includes a means to identify and actively support student and staff well-being and mental health concerns through a range of pre-determined tactics to be employed by those dealing with difficult situations. This plan will focus specifically on how to best support students and staff in a hybrid model scenario, which includes a mix of both in-person and virtual classroom instruction. This plan includes considerations for teams to rapidly transition between face-to-face and continuous remote learning, which may be required based on the pandemic.
Research shows the importance of mental and emotional well-being for students and staff, which has both psychological and ultimately academic outcomes. We know, after this prolonged closure, many of our students and staff will require social-emotional supports to help them re-engage and re-enter work and school. As a District, our commitment is to create emotionally and physically safe, supportive and engaging learning environments promoting all students’ social and emotional well-being and development. The pandemic has elevated the role of leaders in creating conditions helping students practice empathy, create social bonds across distance and adapt to new learning experiences. Counselors, school based health programs, and wrap around supports will play an extremely important role in the adjustment period when buildings reopen and access to school counselors and school-based health programs will be invaluable supports to our students.
Throughout the summer school administrators, teachers and mental health practitioners (school counselors, school psychologists and/or school social workers) are meeting to create an asset map of already existing foundational assets within school districts and community-based organizations, and build upon them. In addition, it will be critical to determine students who might be at risk for needing mental health supports. School counselors and administrators are equipped with tools and information needed to see each child through a social emotional lens. We remain committed to supporting all students and maintain our whole child commitment as well as equipping all staff to connect, heal, and build capacity to support our students. Supports will include resources such as explicit social emotional learning opportunities embedded within the classrooms, access to counselors, as well as opportunities to enhance a sense community that transcends any particular model of instruction all of which are already being implemented in the Rhinebeck Central School District. Additional supports include
Addressing the social and emotional needs of District staff is critical, to that end, the District is building systems for adults to engage communities of support and to opportunities check-ins as well as data collection to enhance and target the support. Additionally, Rhinebeck Central School District employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which offers many free services including face-to-face and virtual counseling. We are committed to developing/making accessible family/caregiver-appropriate social and emotional learning (SEL) content to be used during all phases of our re-entry.
Transitions are important every year, and they will be even more important this fall returning from continuous remote learning to in-person instruction in buildings or a phased in approach to in-person instruction. Districts should support transitions in a culturally responsive manner and engage students, families, and communities in the process of identifying needs and supports. Transitions take many forms and include returning to school in the fall, moving from one grade band to another, or dealing with the varying emotional needs as a result of the health pandemic.
The following considerations are guiding our district and building level planning:
Emotional reactions to coming out of quarantine may include
Addressing Social-Emotional Health
What District Mental Health Professionals do in our schools