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COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (Updated 2-1-2022)
To submit additional "new" questions, please click here.
The Little Rock School District intends to provide timely responses and information regarding plans for returning to school in the 2021-22 school year. Please note that this document is designed to address the most frequently asked questions. For responses to questions that specifically pertain to your child's school or individual circumstances, please contact your principal. We will update this document regularly.
How does the school plan to implement health and safety guidelines in the school setting?
Sanitation
What are the plans for sanitation in the schools? (classrooms, restrooms, cafeteria, main office, portables, chrome books, computers, playground equipment). Sanitation measures will be put into place to include cleaning of common areas, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer for all students entering and exiting classrooms. Frequent handwashing will also be encouraged among students and staff. Hand sanitizer will be provided by the school.
Will staff and students be trained on safety protocols? Yes.
Masks
Will masks be required? Until further action of the Board of Directors, all students in Pre-k (age 2) through the 12th grade shall be required to wear a mask or face covering (a) while attending school or a school function in any school building, indoor facility or other indoor area of a school campus, and (b) when riding in school provided transportation. Pre-k students will be required to wear a mask. All masks and face coverings must cover the nose and mouth of the student. Students shall wear masks and face coverings at all times while indoors except for the following:
- Students may remove masks and face coverings for eating or drinking;
- Students may be exempted from this mandate by the school principal due to a documented medical condition of the student; and
- Students may be exempted from this policy due to special behavioral or individualized Educational Plan (IEP)needs as determined by the Director of Special Programs.
Social Distancing
What is the plan for social distancing during classroom instruction? Social distancing will be observed to the extent possible, including the spacing of desks and limiting physical contact. LRSD is exploring the potential use of underutilized spaces in the District.
During transition times (arrival and dismissal, recess, lunch times, restroom breaks, class changes) LRSD will work to ensure social distancing to the extent possible and encourage use of face masks. Each school will develop a plan to social distance as much as possible during all transitions.
Will the schools continue to have assemblies? To achieve social distancing, assemblies may be held virtually.
What is the plan for athletic and extracurricular team/group activities? Guidelines have been established by the Arkansas Athletic Association (AAA) and the Arkansas Department of Health. (https://www.aractivities.org/covid19)
How much signage will be provided to promote/encourage proper hygiene and safety habits? The District's administrative team will work with campuses to increase signage at LRSD schools and buildings and will promote the same through the District's various communications platforms: website, lrsdtv.org, and social media. (6-30)
If Your Child Has a Fever
Is anything above 98.6 considered a fever? No. A fever is defined as a temperature of 100.4 degrees or greater. However, LRSD will isolate any student with a temperature of 100 degrees. We will stay abreast of directives from the state and Arkansas Department of Health and will make adjustments according to updated guidelines.
If so, will the child be sent home immediately? The parent/guardian will need to pick up the student as soon as possible-this was changed
What about parents who are unable to pick up students immediately, where will they be housed? Students will be placed in a designated supervised quarantine location on campus. -This was changed
For questions below see attached link
What is the plan for high risk students and employees?
Please refer to guidelines listed in the link below.What is the plan for students and staff that are diagnosed with COVID?
Please refer to the guidelines listed in the link below.
Food Services
How will food preparation be monitored for the safety of students? Safe
handling/preparation procedures will be observed/practiced according to USDA guidelines. Meal supervision is provided certified cafeteria managers. (7.8)Will the workers be required to wear masks and have temperature checks? Yes.
Where will meals be served? Meals will be available at all school sites. (Updated 7.8)
Meal applications are available at www.myschoolapps.com.
Afterschool Care
Will there be after school care for those who choose to do onsite instruction? Care is still in session for the 2021-2022 school year
Learning Platform (Update 6-29)
What is Schoology and how was it selected? Schoology is a Learning Management System (LMS) that enhances classroom instruction. It does NOT replace the teacher. Teachers will still teach their students, Schoology just allows teachers and students to interact in the classroom setting and virtually. It is similar to Google Classroom, but with more features that are designed to support instruction. A variety of stakeholders gave input into the selection of Schoology. Schoology was chosen because it easily integrates with eSchool, provides a central location for communications between teachers and families and allows for integration of resources into one place. You can learn more about Schoology here: Getting Started with Schoology
How much time should be dedicated to virtual learning? Depending on the needs of each child, the time needed to engage in virtual learning will vary. Student attendance will be based on completion of daily assignments as determined by the teacher.
How will virtual students be tested/graded remotely? Our main concern is that students demonstrate their learning and understanding of content. Teachers will monitor student learning and engagement via Schoology as well as hold virtual sessions with students in whole group, small group or one-on-one settings. Teachers will provide daily assignments and assessments via Schoology, just like would be done in a normal classroom. Students will be expected to log in to Schoology daily and attendance will be taken based on student access and completion of daily assignments. Grades will be taken on assignments required by the teacher. Schoology allows for students to submit work in multiple formats and for teachers to provide feedback in the system.
Will students be able to participate in extracurricular activities like sports and band?
Band, cheer, other activities? Yes. All students, virtual and in-person, will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities at the school where they are assigned. LRSD will adhere to guidelines provided by the State and Arkansas Department of Health.
Athletic activities - sports? Yes. All students, virtual and in-person, will be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities at the school where they are assigned based on guidelines provided by the Arkansas Athletic Association (AAA), the State and Arkansas Department of Health.
Will outside recess be allowed? Yes, weather-permitting. (Updated 6-29)
Will students be allowed to exercise in the gym? Yes, PE will still be offered. Social distancing will be practiced to the extent possible. (Updated 6-29)
What will counseling services, emotional support, and mental health look like?
Who will help students with their emotions when coming back to school? Trained LRSD counselors, social workers, Mental Health providers and community agencies will be available to support students.
What about parental support and engagement? Workshops for parents will be provided by LRSD Mental Health providers. The following initiatives will be covered in multiple training sessions. All training will include how to make referrals, PCP referrals and yearly exams and education about Screeners and permission needed.
Will the teachers have support? Workshops for teachers and Para-Professionals will be provided by LRSD Mental Health providers. The following initiatives will be covered in multiple training sessions. All trainings will include how to make referrals, PCP referrals and yearly exams and education about Screeners and permission needed.Emphasis on grief, racial tension, social injustices, new normal, etc.? Support will be provided to address and include implicit bias training, addition of social workers with site-based directors and counselors, implementation of enhanced intervention services, and intensive support for students and staff.
Transportation
How will students get to school?
Will there be school buses? Yes.
Will my student have to wear a mask on the bus? Yes. LRSD is committed to the safety and wellbeing of students and staff. To support this effort, students and staff on buses will be required to wear masks. (6-29)
Will buses be sanitized? Yes. LRSD will follow State and Arkansas Department of Health guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing buses. Parents are encouraged to provide face coverings for students, but hand sanitizer and masks will also be available on buses. (Updated 6-29)
Will social distancing be observed on buses? How will students be separated on the bus? Our decisions will include guidance from the State and Arkansas Department of Health.
Employees
Are principals and teachers involved in planning process? Yes, and they will continue to be throughout the planning and impletmentation. Principals and teachers have participated in focus groups and provided additional input regarding potential concerns and questions from within their peer groups. They will also be supported through ongoing professional development.(6-30)
A separate list of FAQs has been developed for employees. Here is the link to the HR FAQ page. (Updated 7.1)*Please note that this information is fluid and may be updated based on changing health conditions and guidelines. Responses to your submitted FAQs will be posted on this page.
