This dedicated area provides COVID-19 related communications, including answers to several common questions. Please know that we are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to share information and update content regularly.
- Return to School Basics
- Masks/Social Distancing
- Covid/Health Related
- Transportation
- Cafeteria/Playgrounds
- Online Instruction
- Facilities
- Exceptional Education
- Physical Education
- Technology
- Social Emotional and Mental Health
- General Questions
RETURN TO SCHOOL BASICS
When Will School Start?
We plan to open schools on our regularly scheduled start date of Wednesday, August 19 (for grades 1-12) and August 20 (kindergarten).
If a parent chooses the virtual option, does the student have to be available at certain times? Will they participate during normal school hours?
Students will receive instruction through a combination of live, recorded, and/or posted lessons from P-H-M teachers while students are at home.
For the face to face instruction, are school hours remaining the same?
Yes, the school start and end times remain the same as in previous years.
Will Instruction be in School Buildings or Online?
We will offer face-to-face, in-school instruction every day (Monday-Friday) for students who are able to return to school. There will be an online Virtual option available for those who elect to keep their student at home.
MASKS/SOCIAL DISTANCING
Will Masks be Required?
Per the St. Joseph County Health Department Public Health Order, staff and students are required to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth. Teachers, administrators, and staff will monitor and enforce this requirement. Click here for the Indiana Department of Education Back to School Face Covering Guidance for Families. P-H-M will provide two (2) two-ply cloth face covering/mask for every student and staff member.
St. Joseph County Health Order
CDC specifications on face coverings
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Will students and staff be REQUIRED to wear masks covering the nose and mouth at all times while separation of 6 feet cannot be followed (or for any extended period of time)? For instance, if there is a middle school classroom in which 6 feet of separation cannot be followed, will the students and teacher be required to wear masks for the duration of the class?
Yes. Masks will be required to be worn over the mouth and nose and social distancing will be maintained when possible.
Can students wear a face shield instead of a mask?
Per the CDC guidance, shields will not be allowed in place of a mask. A student may wear a mask and a shield, but not a shield alone.
“It is not known if face shields provide any benefit as a source of control to protect others from the spray of respiratory particles. CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings. Some people may choose to use a face shield when sustained close contact with other people is expected. If face shields are used without a mask, they should wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend to below the chin. Disposable face shields should only be worn for a single use. Reusable face shields should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Plastic face shields for newborns and infants are NOT recommended.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
I don’t want my child wearing a mask.
We know that there are strong opinions about the use of masks. The Indiana State Department of Health cited a 40-60% reduction in COVID-19 transmission when masks are used by all, which is why we are requiring them for certain portions of the day.
This is especially important since some carriers of COVID-19 may not have any symptoms. Children, despite being generally less affected by COVID-19, expose school staff and adults at home who may be more at risk. Students who will not wear a mask during the required times at school will need to utilize online learning at home.
If a student brings a note from a physician stating that he/she cannot wear a mask due to medical reasons, how will this be handled (i.e. to keep other students safe)? Will these exceptions be specifically spelled out?
Social Distancing will be required.
SJCPHO 2-2020 issued on June 29, 2020 states that “Exceptions include but are not limited to any person who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the face covering without assistance. Examples of such exceptions include but are not limited to individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease; severe anxiety; autism; cerebral palsy; 2 years of age or younger.”
What will be the consequences if a student refuses or repeatedly fails to comply with wearing masks during appropriate times? (Will they be sent home or switched to virtual learning for the safety of those around them?)
Insubordination will result in student disciplinary action as defined in the student handbook. This may include being sent home or alternative learning environments.
https://www.phmschools.org/handbooks
In situations in which masks are not possible (band, choir, etc.) will >6 feet of distance be enforced, or will there be additional spacing, especially as these activities have special potential to induce spread of COVID?
Principals, band directors, and choir teachers have been in conversation and are identifying locations where they can maximize space and provide social distancing.
COVID/HEALTH RELATED
Will Students Be Screened for COVID-19 Symptoms?
Parents need to be attentive to the daily health of their children.This includes being fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. School staff will also be receiving professional development on how to recognize potential COVID-19 symptoms. No one should be in our buildings if they are experiencing any symptoms of illness. Click here for the Indiana State Department of Health guide for parents related to student screening and quarantine/isolation guidelines.
What Will Happen if Someone Tests Positive for COVID-19?
If we have a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will follow direction from the St. Joe County Health Department. This may include closing a classroom, school or schools for a period of time and shifting quickly to eLearning at home for students who are impacted. Many of our new procedures are designed to support contact tracing should a confirmed case occur. This will assist the Health Department with quickly identifying and contacting individuals who may have been exposed.
What is the list of symptoms to be included, and how will this be communicated to parents/students?
The school corporation and each school will partner with families to share information and provide guidance from the St. Joseph County and State of Indiana Health Department in regards to self-monitoring prior to leaving their residence. This information will be shared by school messenger, principal newsletters, and the school website. We will ask for the assistance from each PTO and/or Booster organization in communicating these expectations with all stakeholders.
School Screening Decision Tree Link: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/20_School%20Screening%20symptoms%20flyer_7-6-20.pdf
Indiana Health Department Parent FAQ sheet
https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/IN_COVID-19_ParentsFAQ%207.3.20.pdf
How long must students self-quarantine if they have been in close contact with another person (including a household member) with confirmed COVID? In such situations, will e-learning be made available to the student?
The health and safety of the school community is our top priority. All suspected cases of COVID will be handled in coordination with the St. Joseph County Health Department. Anyone with a suspected case of COVID, or living with someone with COVID be held out of school for 14 calendar days. The child’s teacher(s) would provide make-up instruction/assignments as we would normally. The child will remain with their previously assigned teacher(s) as opposed to being moved to a virtual instructor.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html
https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/20_Student%20Guidance%20for%20Return%20to%20School.pdf
If fever in a student was attributed to likely or documented COVID, what is the policy on return to school for this? Will the district require reporting of positive cases, and will it consider hiring staff to help keep track of these cases and help with contact tracing (i.e. which other students have been exposed)? How long must that student remain out of school (72 hours is not enough, per national guidelines- see below)? Which other students will be self-quarantined, and for how long? How/when will other parents be notified if a student in one of their son’s/daughter’s classes tests positive?
Testing and self-quarantining guidelines from the CDC for similar situations:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html
Discontinuation of isolation for people with COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html
P-H-M will be in close contact with the SJCHD if/when there is a positive case and will follow their guidelines and advice.
If local cases spike and a family who has previously chosen in-person school feels that the situation has become unsafe, can students switch to the virtual option? Given that this is a fluid situation, if families commit to one route right now, at what point is it too late to change their minds?
We are requesting a one semester commitment. If the community spike occurs and we close our buildings, all students will receive eLearning similar to last spring.
If vaccination cannot be mandated, will the school district encourage students to receive their flu shots (and other vaccines) or help facilitate this? Vaccination rates have been low and this puts students at risk for vaccine preventable illnesses where herd immunity has been compromised. In addition, influenza is an even bigger concern in the midst of a global pandemic.
We follow state guidelines related to vaccinations and have successful rates compared to many other districts. Allowable exemptions are still an option provided by the state, but a very small percentage of our student population chooses that route. The district will continue to be vigilant about teaching healthy habits and enforcing expectations at school related to handwashing and personal hygiene.
TRANSPORTATION
What Will be Different on School Buses?
We do expect a decrease in ridership as a result of parents deciding to transport their students.
Students are required to wear a mask (face covering) at all times. All busses and transportation vehicles will be disinfected before and after each route/use. Students are expected to sit in assigned seats and will load from back to front to minimize contact with others. Food and drink will not be allowed to be consumed on the bus. Buses will be ventilated to allow for maximum fresh air (whenever possible & weather permitting). Student dismissal by seat from the bus will be staggered to allow for social distancing.
I Drop My Child Off at School. Will Anything Change?
We anticipate an increase in parents dropping students off at school. We may need to allow for more flexibility with drop off times to accommodate this increase. Your school will provide more details.
Regarding bussing: at times, students are seated 3 to a seat. Will this still be the case? Who will monitor whether students are wearing masks on busses?
Based on preliminary responses, we expect a decrease in ridership at the start of the year as a result of parents deciding to transport their students. Decreased ridership, mandatory assigned seating, loading from back to front, mask requirements while riding, and disinfecting buses after each route, will help mitigate risks. Students and staff will wear a face covering/mask. Bus drivers will monitor students as they get on the bus and expect that masks are worn at all times. Insubordination will result in student disciplinary action as defined in the student handbook.
https://www.phmschools.org/handbooks
CAFETERIA/PLAYGROUNDS
What Changes Will Students See in the Cafeteria and at Water Fountains?
Students will be directed to wash/sanitize their hands before lunch. Lunch will be pre-packaged in order to minimize student congregation in serving lines. To maintain safe social distancing, lunch times will be staggered and available open space will be maximized. Lunch areas will be sanitized after each student group.
Water fountains will be used for bottle or cup refills only. The Food Service Department will provide the opportunity for students and employees to purchase water at all meals.
What Changes Will be Implemented on Playgrounds?
To limit exposure, classroom groups will play at recess within playground zones and will rotate through different play zones throughout the week. This will limit students being clustered in one area. Each area will be sanitized between periods. Communal sports equipment will not be available for use.
Will P-H-M consider having school sessions take place in person but outside as much as possible?
We will be utilizing outdoor spaces as much as possible, and weather permitting this fall.
ONLINE INSTRUCTION
How Will the Online Learning Option Work?
Online learning will be available for families who choose this option. To manage staffing and scheduling, we are asking for a one (1) semester commitment to attend either in-person or virtual learning.
Grades K–5
- P-H-M will dedicate a cadre of teachers to take over instructional responsibilities for grades K-5.
- Grade level content will focus on reading, writing, and math.
- Teachers will utilize Google Classroom and will have a combination of live/recorded instruction (via zoom/google hangouts) and student work time.
- Instructional feedback and formative assessments will be provided regularly.
- Grade level standards and curriculum maps will align with in-person instruction.
Grades 6–8
- At the middle school level, students and teachers will utilize Canvas as the learning management tool.
- Students will be assigned to content teachers for language arts, math, social studies, and science.
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Teachers will be in contact with students through various methods including instructional videos. Grade level standards and curriculum maps will align with in-person instruction.
High School
Some electives, Dual Credit and AP courses may not be available virtually.
- Students will be able to select from two (2) different virtual options. High school families will need to complete this survey indicating their choice.
- Virtual options will align with state and national academic standards.
- Students will be assigned to an instructor who will be able to answer their questions and guide them through the coursework.
- Instruction will be delivered to students through a combination of synchronous and/or asynchronous learning based on available courses and staff availability.
Is PHM considering a hybrid model- half virtual, half in person? Will there be consideration of outdoor sessions at least while the weather permits?
It is our intention to provide the option for in-person instruction at our schools each day for all students. This provides the most consistent learning environment for students. Most parents don’t have the ability to support a rotating schedule due to work commitments. We have many teachers who are planning for outdoor sessions while the weather permits.
If parents select the online option, and school ends up not opening anyway due to COVID numbers being too great, or an outbreak, or whatever, will those students have the option of re-registering for their original classes, or will they be stuck with the online options while their peers get to continue with their regular classes via e-learning?
If Penn-Harris-Madison does not open for face-to-face learning as intended due to a county advisory, all students will receive eLearning that coincides with their schedule (similar to last spring when all students were learning from home).
Regarding high ability, honors, and AP placement how will selection of the virtual vs in-school option affect whether a student will be placed in high ability classes at the elementary level and honors classes at the middle school level?
Teachers will differentiate to meet the needs of students. Appropriate content will be delivered and class offerings are being evaluated.
For the virtual option, how will the schools arrange for access to reading materials/texts for those working from home?
Schools will collaborate with families on material distribution.
For the virtual option, would it be possible for the school district to use a secure online meeting platform to allow students to participate in clubs/extracurricular activities (such as NJHS, Spell Bowl, and others)?
Google Meet is compliant with the IETF security standards. There is a unique encryption key for every video meeting. We will continue to investigate how to offer opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities in a virtual environment.
For the virtual option, will the fixed live sessions be with other students at school (like a live stream of the classroom) or will there be a separate teacher for online students?
Some of the sessions will be live, while others will be recorded sessions. In the live sessions, there is a possibility that students will be with students from other schools within our district.
FACILITIES
What Cleaning Enhancements are Being Implemented in Buildings?
P-H-M has initiated updated custodial cleaning protocols and monitoring, in line with CDC guidelines, to provide a safe and healthy school environment. Staff will focus on cleaning high touch surfaces often during school hours. HVAC systems are scheduled to provide maximum fresh air and will run for a minimum 2-hours prior to occupancy. Interior school facility use, by internal and external groups, will be restricted for at least the first 9-weeks of school.
There was mention of multiple entry points as well as students carrying their own backpacks. What will the middle schools and high schools do to ensure safety with regard to risks of gun violence in schools with possible lapses in controlled entry points?
Safety still remains our highest priority. Entry points will be monitored with district personnel and/or video surveillance. Parents are encouraged to always monitor their children and their belongings to ensure weapons are not brought to school. Disciplinary actions in regard to weapons and threats can be found in the student handbook. https://www.phmschools.org/handbooks
“Middle school schedules will be adjusted to a three (3) period block schedule day (including advisory/read time) to minimize hallway transitions.” Can you provide more information regarding what this means? Will this affect honors classes/designation?
For students in face-to-face instruction, courses will still be provided as in the past. We are simply moving to an every other day model in order to minimize the number of times students need to transition between classes to reduce movement and interaction in the hallways. Virtual students will still have the opportunity to participate in honors curriculum.
EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION
“Employees will utilize appropriate PPE when working directly with exceptional education students.” To confirm: does this mean that all staff (EAs as well as faculty) must wear masks that cover the nose and mouth at all times when within 6 feet of any student or for any extended period of time? In other words, which staff/faculty will be wearing masks, and when?
Unless there is social distancing all staff will be wearing masks and/or shields that cover their nose and mouth with the exception of those that meet the exemptions as indicated by the St. Joseph County Health Department. SLPs and SLPAs will be wearing special combination masks/shields that allow for language and speech therapies to continue. http://www.sjcindiana.com/DocumentCenter/View/38506/06-29-20---COVID-19-Case-Update-and-SJC-Public-Health-Order-2--2020-
“All student services, therapies, and evaluations will be delivered to support student development regardless of instructional method chosen.” How specifically will direct services be instituted for students with special needs if the virtual option is selected?
Ex Ed staff (TORs, EAs, OTs, SLPs, PTs) will have prepared virtual lessons and will be available for phone, virtual meetings, or email for assistance at designated times. Evaluations can be done virtually with reliability and validity after purchasing the appropriate assessments to do so.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
What will be the plan for physical education, as it involves potentially higher risk activities due to heavier exhalation?
Physical education involves the development of motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. It also includes health education at all levels. Outdoor activities, where space allows for 6ft of social distancing, will take place to begin the year.
TECHNOLOGY
Will P-H-M provide hotspots for students who do not have internet access?
P-H-M will work to support families who do not have internet access. They should contact their school/building for further information.
Where can I find answers to my technology questions?
Please click here to visit our “A Parents' Guide to P-H-M Technology” page.
Can I Disinfect my School Device? How?
We encourage regular cleaning of your Chromebook. Do not spray or wipe your Chromebook with any windex/household cleaner/water and/or cleaning cloth/wipes. Clean your Chromebook keys and screen with a lightly moistened soft cloth.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
What Social and Emotional Resources Will Be In Place as Students Return?
As Penn-Harris-Madison students and staff prepare to face the new challenges presented as a result of COVID-19, we would like to provide a roadmap plan to assist with the re-entry. We know that as students and staff return to school, there will be a range of experiences and feelings related to the Pandemic as well as social unrest. We acknowledge this range and want to provide supports. Please visit our Social Emotional webpage for additional information.
- Counselors are available for students at the secondary levels to provide crisis intervention and assessment, as well as utilize various counseling techniques and supports.
- Youth Service Bureau Specialists are available at elementary and middle schools to provide crisis risk assessment and Tier 2 & 3 supports.
- P-H-M has a Mental Health Crisis Team
- Restorative Practices training and techniques will be utilized
- Community Circles will be of use for SEL lessons and classroom instruction
- Positive School Wide Behavioral Supports
- P-H-M has MOUs with Reflections Counseling & Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
- P-H-M has had a long-time partnership with FiveStar Life
- Additional community resources are available
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Will Back to School Events Still be Happening?
More than likely, the vast majority of our back to school events will be hosted virtually. More information will be forthcoming based on what recommendations are coming from our County Health Department in August.
