Frequently Asked Questions
How are lunch breaks going to be handled for teachers?
Every teacher will have a duty free lunch daily. The exact time and schedule will be set by each school and driven by the master schedule.
Will teachers be offered the opportunity to set up their classrooms? Can we decorate our classrooms?
Yes. We hope to allow teachers to return for a day or two to set up their classroom, and contact parents for the parent-teacher conferences on August 3 and 4th. However, the exact days will be determined by summer construction project completion. There will be limited space in the classroom for decorations; however, teachers are encouraged to make rooms inviting and to utilize the walls as learning spaces. We will have a few model classrooms set up on each campus.
What will the special education classroom day look like?
This will depend on your role within the department as well as with the models selected by families. Teachers will be provided more specific guidance regarding their proposed role as well as the preproposal for how to provide FAPE through the IEP’s prior to August 3rd.
How will remote learning affect paraprofessionals? Will we have a role in remote learning or not?
While On-Line learning is taking place, work for paraprofessionals may be very limited. There are several opportunities for paraprofessionals to engage in prior to August 3, 2020. You may apply for these opportunities by emailing interest to aavalos@uesd.org . We are also encouraging any classified staff who is interested in being a guest teacher, to work with HR on substitute certification. Please contact HR for those details.
If we are delivering On-Line Learning, can teachers teach from their classroom?
Yes. Regardless of model teachers will teach from their classroom to support a better work-life balance, to build a stronger professional learning community, and to ensure we have sufficient technology infrastructure to deliver quality lessons, teachers. If you have the need for special accommodations, please contact HR.
What if a staff member does not feel comfortable with In-Person teaching, what are the options?
We will start the year all on-line, through at least August 17, 2020. Staff members will have the opportunity to apply for the On-Line learning model. Apply Online Here. However, the number of opportunities will be determined by the number of families who choose On-Line as their options. If you have concerns about teaching either model, Human Resources can help address any of those concerns.
Will Union Elementary be offering multiple models of learning for the 2020-2021 school year?
Yes. We will be offering two models: In-Person, and On-Line. Both models will be six-hours per day, five days per week. Parents will choose the model that works for the family and remain in that model for nine-weeks at a time.
Will a hybrid option be offered, or is that off the table?
At the present time the hybrid is not being offered as a model. To start the year we will be offering two models: In-Person, or On-Line, each six-hours per day, five days per week. We have a hybrid as a contingency model, should we need to change; however, at the present time, we only have the two offerings.
The school day is six hours. Will the day be split between time at school and On-Line?
No. Union Elementary School District only has two approved learning models: In-Person for six hours, or On-Line for six hours.
Will students be actively On-Line for the full six hours?
Students will be engaged in On-Line instruction at the same time, six-hours per day. There will be times when they are given an independent task to work on. Additionally, there will be lunch breaks and structured physical activity times. During the breaks for independent work time, the classroom teacher will be operating somewhat like they do in the regular classroom and pulling small groups and checking in with individual students.
Is there a plan for transition from all On-Line to In-Person after August 17th, 2020?
Parents have been asked to select which model they would prefer for their child for the first nine-weeks of school. If it is safe to open on August 17th, 2020, students in the In-Person model will begin classes in person on that day. Families that chose On-Line will continue On-Line until the end of the quarter.If we are not able to return to In-Person on August 17th, 2020, those who selected In-Person will continue On-Line until we are safe to return.
We will monitor this situation as the State works to slow the spread of COVID-19. We know that many of our families work and need a safe place for their child to learn. We are exploring options that we might be able to provide should In-Person learning be delayed further.
Are our models working around Tolleson Union HSD since our parents rely on older children to babysit?
We communicate and collaborate with TUHSD when planning for the upcoming year. Child care was not a major concern from parents in the recent re-opening survey. However, TUHSD is offering similar options and parents will have to choose what works for their circumstances and family.
If specials require equipment/supplies, how will this work? Can students provide their own equipment? If we are In-Person, will specials still happen, or will we be reassigned?
For both models we are planning for the delivery of limited specials. For the In-Person model, specials teachers would push into the classroom, for the On-Line model, specials would be delivered via Teams. We are planning to work with Specials teachers to review what options we have for delivering content while adhering to CDC guidelines. Principals will be arranging for a time to meet and plan.
Will small group instruction On-Line be discouraged?
We are working through best practices for improving student learning via and On-Line lesson. Small groups are one of the ways we accelerate, correct misconceptions, re-teach, and build relationships. We are working to keep cohorts together and pull students strategically throughout the day, in response to learning checks.
Will On-Line students be interacting with In-Person students?
In general, we expect that the On-Line students will only interact with other students in their On-Line class. In-Person will interact only with those in their In-Person class. Teachers might be able to arrange for virtual class interactions, and specials may combine classes On-Line. Virtual awards and assemblies will be planned. However, daily core instruction will be limited to their assigned In-Person or On-Line classroom.
Will On-Line students have different teachers than those who attend in person?
Most likely we will have dedicated On-Line teachers and In-Person teachers, at least for nine-week segments. This will be dependent upon how many families choose each model. Additionally, after each nine-week segment, if a family selects a different learning model, the child’s teacher may change.
Nationally is seems that parents are in favor of having two models (In-Person and On-Line), with 33% favoring On-Line. Is this the case with Union ESD parents?
We will be providing two standard options to parents. Early data shows we were 67/33. However, as the learning choice survey progresses we may see an increase in opting into On-Line. We will provide full data when choices have been made.
Will there be extra supplies for our students if they break or misplace their classroom supplies?
Yes. We have purchased supplies with a 10% overage to start the year. We will need to monitor resources closely and ensure we notify our office manager if supplies are running low.
Will the curriculum remain the same as In-Person schooling, in order to meet a student’s IEP requirements?
We are committed to providing consistency in the use and access to the district approve curriculum regardless of the model used. Both models will be using district adopted curriculum and delivered by Union ESD teachers/staff.
How will special education services (resource and therapies) be provided?
Union Elementary School District will continue to provide students with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in accordance with each Individual Education Plan (IEP) and appropriate CDC guidance. IEP teams will meet to review and discuss any supports and services an individual student may need based upon the preferred learning model selected and/or changes in student’s present levels of performance in any area of development (academic, social, physical, behavioral).
If we are In-Person, how will support services work?
Tier 2 and 3 intervention schedules and location of services have not been finalized; however we will support cohorting of students to the greatest extent feasible.
When will we be able to pick up the books & supplies our students need to effectively work On-Line?
We will be distributing those materials on August 3rd and August 4th, during a scheduled meet the teacher conference. Teachers will be calling to set up your time, where they will review all the plans for helping you support your child.
Would it be possible to have a student desk loaned to families, like we are loaning laptops? Would like to set up a school environment without having to purchase something permanent?
We may have a limited supply of used desks that could be loaned out. Please contact your child’s school principal to determine availability.
Can we establish a protocol for students at home?
Union Elementary School District will provide two learning models to support students. These models are designed to ensure we can transition from either model in a seamless manner, depending on the spread of COVID-19. The school day and curriculum are designed to provide a consistent and predictable routine for students and their families during very uncertain times. For students in the On-Line model, we will create a
day as similar as possible to the In-Person model. We encourage students and families to follow a daily schedule that would include dressing for school, eating breakfast prior to the school day starting, and engaging in learning in an area designated for instruction. Ideally, this space should be free from distractions and equipped with the supplies the child needs for the day. We also encourage parents to set expectations for what activities their children can engage in during classroom breaks and lunch to mirror what students would normally do in a school setting. Talk to your child’s teacher if you need suggestions about how to structure this time.
Are uniforms still required?
Uniforms are required for In-Person instruction and are highly recommended for On-Line instruction. For maintaining a healthy routine, we encourage families to follow as normal of a schedule and expectations for instruction as possible. This will support a healthy daily routine and set them up for a positive return to school.
Do we have enough laptops/computers for students who will be On-Line?
Earlier this year we ordered a computer for every child; however, due to international demand, those computers have not yet arrived. Because all students are starting the year On-Line, at least through August 17, 2020, and at some point every K-8 student may have to spend some time in On-Line learning, every student enrolling in our District will need a computer.
To start the year, we are asking parents to let us know if they do not have a computer each child can use for the six-hour per day model. We will prioritize the computers we have to be checked out to those families in most need. Upon arrival of the remaining computers we will check those out to families as well. Rest assured, we will have a computer for every child. It just will not be on August 3, 2020.
What support will be provided to parents/students that have issues during video conferencing or On-Line learning?
Our IT department will be using an email help desk ticketing system to troubleshoot issues as they arise. Your child’s teacher will share this information with you during the meet the teacher conferences on August 3rd or August 4th.
Will teachers have to stop instruction to properly clean the desks each time it is used?
No. Teachers will not have to stop instruction to clean and disinfect desks. However, routine cleaning and disinfecting is an important part of reducing risk of exposure to COVID-19 and will take place at appropriate times such as before and after use of an item; after eating, etc. All staff will be apart of keeping areas clean.
Will students be rotating between classes/classrooms?
No. We will be implementing CDC guidance to practice grouping students in “cohorts”. Cohorts are groups of students who do not mix or mingle with other groups. For PreK-6 this means that students will remain with the students in their homeroom class throughout the full six-hour day. They will have structured breaks, have meals, and stay in the class with the same individuals throughout the day. Specials will push into their classroom. Students in grades 7 and 8 will remain with their homeroom, and teachers will rotate into their classroom or have all subject streamed into their classroom. Either way, students will remain with their homeroom for the full six-hours per day.
How many students will be in a classroom cohort?
We have set the maximum In-Person class size of 25 students. All classrooms will have desks, be spaced apart, and facing forward. Class cohorts will not exceed 25; however, class size may be smaller depending on how many families choose the On-Line vs. In-Person model.
Twenty Five (25) students in the In-Person classes too high to maintain social distancing guidelines, how is this following CDC Guidelines?
CDC guidelines are designed to be implemented where feasible. The guidelines recommend six-feet apart, where feasible. Where not feasible, they recommend implementing other safety guidelines including: desks spaced as far apart as possible, individual desks, individual supplies/materials, desks facing forward, universal masking, and cohorting of students. We will be implementing all of the other recommendations. Additionally, the cap is for 25 in a classroom. That is not the minimum. Depending upon the number of families opting for On-Line instruction, the class size could be much smaller.
What is the restroom protocol?
Principals will create campus specific protocols prior to their first day of In-Person instruction. Staff will be trained on these protocols. Restroom capacity has been set to the number of stalls for all multi-occupant restrooms. Signage will be installed to reinforce social distancing and handwashing expectations. Floor signage will support social distancing when students are waiting to wash hands. Students will be expected to wash or sanitize hands once they re-enter the classroom to further ensure that handwashing/sanitizing expectations are followed.
Will everyone, including students be required to wear a mask, and can my child bring their own?
Yes, everyone entering campus will be required to wear a mask. We will be providing two washable masks per student and will have disposable masks should the child forget. Students and staff can wear their personal masks; as long as they are school appropriate and adhere to dress code policy.
When will students be required to wear masks?
Per updated guidance from the Maricopa County Public Health Department, students, staff and visitors will be required to wear masks when on school grounds or within school buildings. This will include parking lots and outdoor spaces. Masks will be removed during designated times for eating lunch/breakfast; and as required for drinking.
What if a student forgets their mask?
Students will be provided a disposable mask to wear. Students will not be permitted into their classroom without a proper face covering.
How will you support students having difficulty wearing a face mask?
First, we ask parents to begin preparing each child to wear a face mask. Start in small amounts of time and work your way up. At school students will be provided direct instruction on how to follow the masking expectations. We will be teaching proper mask wearing procedures through PBIS. We are Being Safe, Responsible, and Respectful in helping slow the spread of germs by wearing our masks. We will positively reinforcing students who demonstrate these behaviors. Students needing additional support will be provided a reminder of the expectation, a re-teach of the expectation, and if they are unable to adhere to the expectation after being provided support, they would be referred to the office for further intervention. We will make plans/accommodation to support children in learning this new behavior. However, if together we are unable to successfully teach this skill, the child may have to attend On-Line learning. For any student who needs an accommodation, please contact your school administration.
In case of emergency, how will multiple classes safely and swiftly exit and congregate?
Each campus has an emergency plan that we will continue to use. We will follow guidance from state and local officials. Training for those procedures will take place in smaller groups, and with their cohorts; for example, per July 10, 2020, guidance from Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management:
“To promote social distancing during fire drills, the Arizona State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends that schools be creative in how they perform the drills. For example, classes staggering their evacuation DURING THE DRILL ONLY to minimize the number of students congregating in the hallway and outside assembly areas. Students may also be required to space apart during the fire drill. At the beginning of a drill, an announcement may be made by school administrators to distinguish the drill from an actual fire alarm activation. Other instructions regarding social distancing practices during the drill may be given.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of an unplanned fire alarm, all building occupants must evacuate immediately. Social distancing requirements do not apply to normal fire alarm activations.”
Will teachers and staff be tested regularly?
No. Public Health advises employers NOT to require a COVID-19 test for staff. However, sick staff and students are required to stay home. Additionally, staff and parents are expected to screen daily before heading to school.
Will our insurance cover COVID-19 diagnostic testing if we may have been exposed or is this a cost that will be incurred by staff?
Our insurance, KAIROS covers COVID-19 diagnostic testing and related services including the following:
· No co-pay or cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing
· Required COVID-19 medications if you’ve tested positive
· Hospital-based quarantine services are subject to the usual inpatient coverage terms
· No penalties for out-of-network vs. in-network lab work
· Telemedicine service are available at the normal cost-sharing rates
· Nurse advice and online doctor visits to:
o Nurse On-Call Service: Call 866-422-2729 any time 24/7, 365, to speak to RN.
o BlueCare Anywhere: 24/7 service that connects you with a board-certified doctor by video. Just like a doctor in person, only you don’t have to leave your home or office. You can use your computer, tablet, or mobile device for your video visit. You pay $0 out-of-pocket through June 30, 2021, using coupon code AZFREE
What if a staff member or family member has a medical need during this time?
Staff members should alert their site administrator/supervisor of their specific need and set up an appointment with Human Resources to discuss.
What if a staff member tests positive for the virus and has to be off is there going to be extra days provided within the school year for staff to use?
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires certain employers to provide paid sick leave and expended family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. Where applicable we will use those guidelines.
How will students with no insurance be tested if needed?
There are many free testing sites across the valley, including testing sites operating 24/7. You can find a location closest to you at Arizona Department of Health Services https://www.azdhs.gov.
How will students access water during the school day?
Students and staff are encouraged to bring personal water bottles to school each day. Bottles can be filled in classrooms with sinks. Additionally, we will have water bottle refilling stations at each campus.
Can parents eat lunch with their students on campus?
No. To begin the year, and until further notice, no visitors, including parents will be permitted within the school setting. Meal time is a high risk time; therefore, we are working to limit the socialization during this period of time to ensure students focus on eating. We will afford students other opportunities to socialize; however, we will do this while they are masked.
How does a parent screen their child?
See screening protocol, Appendix A of the Back to School Plan. We will also publish this on our website www.unionesd.org and will update as information changes from public health.
How will children be screened at school?
At designated entry points staff will ask students upon arrival if they are feeling ill and visually scan for signs of illness. Staff will be trained on how to perform a visual screening. Visual screenings will be done at all district access points including the school bus. Staff will be asked to monitor students throughout the day using the information shared in the visual screening training provided. Students will be trained to self-report if they begin feeling ill.
How will we line up in the classroom?
Each school may need to construct a staggered start and end time to support the flow of students arriving and departing campus. School sites will construct specific entry and exit plans to be shared prior to the first day of face-to-face instruction.
How will we line up for arrival and dismissal for In-Person learning?
School sites will design and communicate specific entry and exit plans. These plans will be communicated at your August 3rd or 4th meet the teacher meeting.
Who is eligible for district provided transportation this year?
Any K-8 student who lives more than 1 mile from school and any student who qualifies for specialized transportation will be eligible for district provided transportation.
How would students from the same household ride together if different grades had different start times?
At this time staggered times will be by mode of transportation, not grade level. Example, walkers may be asked to arrive at a different time than buses would drop off.
Would children with special needs who receive specialized transportation be released earlier than the rest of the students?
To reduce the number of students arriving at any one time, we may need to implement staggered start and end times for bus riders. If this becomes necessary, the length of the instructional day would be maintained for all students.
Can parents only drop off students in the car line or can they walk children to the entry gates?
Parents will be asked to drop off in the car line if they drive their child to school. If you walk or bike to school, you will be asked to leave them at the gate. Each site will determine where the drop off location is for the modes of arrival/departure.
What happens if children walk home together?
Each school will have an entry and exit plan specific to their campus. Students will have a designated place to meet before exiting campus. In no case, will students pick up their siblings at the classroom.