Commonly asked questions and answers are provided below on reopening schools. The below is a comprehensive list of questions asked this summer, to those recently asked during our Reopening Town Hall event Oct. 14. Information changes rapidly. As our work evolves, we will continue to publish additional questions and answers. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact your child’s school or email communications@puyallup.k12.wa.us for assistance.
• General
• Decision-Making
• Instruction
• Instructional Models
• Special Education
• Technology
• Health and Safety
• Communication
• Transportation
• Sports
Q. What are Washington State’s guidelines for returning to school in the Fall?
A. The state provided guidance to school districts in early June about how to safely reopen schools in the Fall. The guidance is clear that our priority is to get students back in the classroom, but school will look different than it did before. The health and safety of our community comes first, and we are adjusting the way school works so that we can protect the health and safety of teachers, students, and families, while also providing the best possible environment for teaching and learning.
Q. What is Puyallup’s plan for face-to-face instruction in the fall?
A. With the combined efforts of 70+ taskforce members, and feedback submitted from nearly 12,000 parents, the recommendation was provided to the School Board to move forward in focused planning for a Hybrid A/B Schedule Instructional Model. This model would allow for 2 days of in-person instruction, and 3 days of continuous (distance) learning each week.
Our goal for this model is to provide as much face-to-face instruction as possible to as many students as possible. We are evaluating various options for younger learners in grades K-3 to receive in-person instruction that would allow for more than 2 days of instruction.
Q. Am I able to keep my child home in a full continuous (distance) learning model until a vaccine is found?
A. Yes. The District offers a full remote learning option; Continuous (Distance) Learning 2.0. Similar to P4, our homeschool program, children participating in the full continuous (distance) learning model are considered Puyallup School District students.
Q. How has Continuous (Distance) Learning improved from the Spring of 2020?
A. Valuable feedback was received from families. Common concerns were consistency across schools, common expectations and similar experiences across grade levels. Going into 2.0, our goal was to streamline communication and standardize common tools. Parents and students can expect:
- • Clear expectations and instructions
- • Enhanced online materials (with no need to print)
- • More engaging activities
- • Better accountability system for students to get work done
- • Consistent and reliable schedule with all assignments for the week ahead sent on a specific day
- • All classes will use Schoology, our District’s learning management system
- • Schoology will be the access point for all parents/guardians linking them to all instructional materials, assignments, due dates, and communications
- • Social-emotional awareness will be embedded into all in-person and virtual instruction
- • Technology training for families
Q. Why isn't the Puyallup School District just bringing all students back and operating school as normal?
A. Per the Washington State Governor, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, school districts may offer in-person instruction to students if health and safety requirements are met. Complying with distancing requirements for over 23,000 students presents many challenges. The District is looking at the square footage of each instructional space and determining the most reasonable number of students that could attend class and be on campus.
Q. Everything I read and see says teachers and principals cannot WAIT to get back to the classroom and see their students in person! With that said why are teachers and administration not speaking up to get kids back in the class and pushing back with the Heath Department? The Heath Department has given the District guidance only but is not mandatory.
A. We need to follow the guidance of the Health Department. The safety of students and staff, as well as the county residents, is the motivation for their guidance. If the guidance of the Health Department is disregarded, it may be construed as negligent and put the District leaders and Board in a position of liability and potentially loss of insurance coverage.
Q. It feels inconsistent that we keep changing their schedules. As a parent it is also difficult for me to plan as well. What is the problem with just setting the date to sometime in January so that we can focus on a consistent schedule that provides stability for all?
A. We hear you and understand.
Q. The pausing of in-person learning appears to ignore the significant negative impact (increases in abuse, increases in
mental health issues, decreased learning) and the research on the minimal impact of COVID on most kids. So why not pause on the Distance 2.0 learning and keep kids with their original class?
A. In order to be ready for that pivot to onsite learning with short notice, we needed to create
specific, separate Hybrid and CL2.0 classrooms now.
Q. Is the School Board meeting in person yet? If not, then why are you expecting teachers and students to meet in person?
A. School Board meetings are required by RCW to be open to the public. If we held the meetings in person, we would not have a space large enough for all to attend and maintain appropriate social distancing. We have seen a huge increase in community participation since conducting the meetings via Zoom. We now regularly see anywhere from 80 to 300 audience members which is welcomed. When the Governor rescinds the current waiver allowing online meetings we will comply.
Q. How is the Puyallup School District making decisions about reopening?
A. The health, safety and well-being of students, staff and families continues to be our top priority. We are fully committed to providing each student a full year of learning. In accordance with guidance from the Washington State Department of Health, the District is taking a careful, flexible and science-based approach to reopening.
Q. Who is involved in the decision-making process?
A. Our planning is a collaborative effort among our 70+ taskforce members, feedback collected from family surveys, labor partners, District administrators and department leaders.
Q. I am interested in knowing if we can set re-evaluation dates further in the future, such as January, March, etc. to
re-evaluate trying Hybrid, rather than the possibility of continually having plans change or having to bounce back and forth between virtual and Hybrid for more consistency and predictability for families.
A: Link here to see the decision-making timeline.
Q. Given that Sumner has decided not to return until January based on guidance from TPCHD, what is the plan for
Puyallup, and why would it be different than other districts?
A: Link here to see the decision-making timeline.
Q. Since in-person learning was put on hold, are there new projected dates on when in-person learning will happen for high schoolers? Or is it still sometime after Nov 3rd with no actual projection?
A. Link here to see the decision-making timeline.
Q. Long story short the state has given power to the school districts to open up as they want so when is the date we
will be reopening or is that answer to be given after Nov 3rd?
A. Link here to see the decision-making timeline.
Q. When we are cleared to start Hybrid by the Health Department, how long will it take the District to start Hybrid?
A. Once the targeted case rate is met, the TPCHD recommends we wait 2 weeks to ensure the low number of cases
are sustained.
Q. Why were kids not able to keep the same teachers or classes and just use video in class for those who chose to stay
home? I chose to keep my kids at home and their teachers changed. Now if I choose to put my kids back to in-class
learning, let's say in the Spring, my kids’ teachers will change again. There definitely was a gap in learning while
these class changes occurred.
A. We make adjustments every year, based on actual enrollment vs. projected enrollment.
The timing was coincidental for re-rostering and the pause on our K-1 Hybrid return.
Q. Why were the class sizes so uneven when you prematurely tried to go to Hybrid and the Hybrid classes were so
small and the CL 2.0 were huge - especially since you said it was not allowed to move from CL 2.0 to Hybrid, but was
the other direction?
A. Re-rostering classes under "normal" conditions is challenging - in a pandemic proved to be even more
challenging, but not impossible. Administrators in both models are working together along with HR and our Business Office to ensure that rosters are as balanced as possible and honor parent/guardian model preferences.
Q. What role does the teachers union play in your decision-making?
A. All of our unions play a role in the decisions we make. In addition to the DOH guidelines, we also have contracts
we must follow to ensure we honor our commitments to each group represented in the Collective Bargaining
Agreements.
Q. For working parents having more than 2 weeks to plan is a big deal. Why haven't we called it like Sumner to say
January at the earliest.
A. K-6 is unlikely to return before January 7-12 and no sooner than February; Special Education Self-Contained shifting
from Hybrid: Four-Days-A-Week to Hybrid: Two-Days-A-Week no sooner than October 27, 2020 Phase 3.
Instruction:
Q. My child is struggling with homework. Who can I contact?
A. Encourage your child to connect with their teacher during office hours. You can also contact their teacher via Schoology messaging or email.
Q. What are plans for the Arts, such as Band and Choir?
A. The District is currently working on plans to ensure social distancing requirements in all classes, including art programs. Since Band and Choir are considered higher risk for the spread of COVID, greater physical distancing between students in larger spaces is being analyzed.
Q: As a student signed up for the Hybrid model, I am concerned about what would happen if I have to stay home for
2 weeks due to COVID symptoms. How would I be taught as my teacher would not be doing live lessons online?
A: Students having to stay home for days or weeks due to illness, family emergencies, etc. has always been a part of
schooling. Teachers will work with students to ensure they have access to materials and can continue to stay
connected to the learning.
Q. I am wondering how students in the CL model will receive school supplies? Still from their “home” school?
A. Schools will be distributing materials next week. CL2.0 Students will pick up materials from their home school.
Q. I am wondering if elementary students will receive textbooks to have hard copies to read sources from? As
opposed to always reading and referencing online texts.
A. Yes. Schools have plans for distributing materials including textbooks, workbooks, and materials needed for
learning. Please contact your child's teacher and/or school if you have not received information.
Q. My daughter is working harder than ever and up late most nights. A lot of this is caused by having to study
further in order to meet teaching assignments being given with a lack of full understanding of what was discussed
the same day. What is being done to help create a better balance for our kids and rebalance this workload?
A. There is certainly a learning curve to both the teaching and learning aspects of remote learning. Teachers will be
engaging in professional development to help examine scope, sequence, and pace given the structure of remote
learning. Adjustments will be made throughout the year. Student feedback directly to teachers is highly encouraged.
Q. I’m wondering why assessments are still occurring/required, as it doesn't seem like an accurate reflection of
student’s ability. Due to our current situation, assessments should be put on hold.
A. Our District has streamlined the assessments that are benchmark assessments. District benchmark assessments
such as Star Early Literacy, Star Reading, Star Math, and Acadience are still being administered because our State has
not waived the accountability reporting for program effectiveness. In addition to pacifying the reporting
requirements, those assessments are critical to measuring growth or lack of growth in student's learning. These are
also only one snapshot and one data point that will be used by teachers to design their instruction to the whole
class, small groups, and individual students.
Q. My daughter has been told that if she chooses to stay in Distance Learning, she'll be removed from the CTE credit
class that she is currently enrolled in. How is the School District going to accommodate those who only have a year
left to get these required credits completed if you remove them from a class already in progress?
A. While we can't guarantee that students choosing Distance Learning will be able to keep their exact schedules, we
will make the necessary accommodations to ensure that a student’s credits and/or graduation is NOT impacted by
their choice of learning model.
Q. What are you doing to ensure that teachers and substitutes have adequate technology training? Both the substitute and my child's new teacher are struggling.
A. There is no question that there is a learning curve. We are developing and adapting ongoing trainings around technology for both our teachers and substitutes. One thing that is really helpful is when specific user feedback is shared with the teacher.
Q. I am wondering how it is equitable to have 35+ students in K-3 CL classrooms while Hybrid classes have 10-20?
How can teachers support so many students successfully? This doesn't seem right especially since we are really all
still in CL and will be for the foreseeable future.
A. We recently added additional staffing to the CL 2.0 model. Currently, class sizes at K-3 in the CL 2.0 model are
below target levels and more closely resemble class sizes in a typical school year. In addition, we are continually
monitoring class sizes between the two models to achieve greater balance between the two.
Q. Is there a plan for people who are still not able to figure out the technology? Can people drop off pages of
assignments at the school in a drop-off box for teachers to grade at the end of the week?
A. Yes. Dropping of assignments is an option at all of our schools. Please just reach out to the office about the
specific process for your school.
Q. How are you going to assure that students in the PAGE model in junior high who stay on the CL 2.0 receive PAGE
level instruction and all of their current course selections?
A. All students who are identified as highly capable and are either in Young Scholars (K-2), QuEST (3-6), and PAGE
(7-9) will be served in both CL2.0 and Hybrid models.
Q. Will in-person classrooms be in portables while some teachers teach on-line in a building?
A. No. In person instruction will include an in-person teacher.
Q. Why aren't classes being taught on a fulltime basis? The kids are basically getting two days of education a week at best. I don't understand why there cannot be a full 45-minute class period for each class every day. Our children are not getting a full education.
A. We are using the best practices for online teaching, dividing work into two categories, asynchronous and synchronous learning. This allows individual work, coupled with live teaching, to happen. When students are in a brick and mortar setting you will find that portions of their day are spent doing individual learning, collaborative work, and transitions. Secondary classes are 50 minutes, 30 minutes instruction and 20 minutes of work time. Elementary live sessions are 30 minutes and 30 minutes of work time.
Q. Are the LAP classes going to be available for students to get back on track and not fall behind from this Distance Learning?
A. Yes, LAP support is available for both Hybrid and CL 2.0 students.
Q. Why are LAP classes suspended for CL 2.0 students while things are figured out, but not for Hybrid students?
A. LAP classes were suspended for CL 2.0 students to provide time for our CL 2.0 staff to prepare for the new groups. More than 300 students were pulled from our elementary schools and in order to have a smooth transition, we had to find out what curriculum they were using and at what level. The CL 2.0 team also created new Schoology groups, and other necessary behind-the-scenes materials, to be effective in their new CL 2.0 LAP support.
Packets/supplies/textbooks:
Q. A previous question asked if teachers could continue to hand out materials. Does that include paper packets, art supplies, and etc.? Or is this just textbooks? Will teachers continue to hand out packets either weekly or biweekly? I definitely want this option (weekly/bi-weekly) packets to continue.
A. Some schools and teachers will have supplemental materials to be distributed to students. These materials will be district- approved supplemental resources that support and complement the curriculum.
Q. I also feel it's unfair to tell parents to contact the school office regarding material pick up and drop off... that is not the job of the front office staff. How can we get more paras to help manage some of these things?
A. All schools sent the communication through their Friday newsletter about the distribution of the materials. The front office, paraeducators, and school staff help with the distribution.
Q. Can you address the rumor that all paper packets to elementary students will be stopped? These are critical for young learners and is not a high risk concern for COVID transmission (as an infectious disease epidemiologist myself).
A. Schools have been asked to distribute supplemental resources during textbook pick up. Some schools have created a regular schedule for some grade levels. Weekly and bi-weekly packets are discouraged; not all families have the resources to pick up materials from school on a weekly schedule.
Q. Tell me why teachers are no longer allowed to send home packets or folders with work and projects in it. I do not have a printer nor will I buy one. This doesn’t seem like an equitable option for families.... how will my kinder learn with just just textbooks and whiteboards??? Kinders especially need supplemental work with coloring, cutting and hands on work.... not MORE computer time! Why are we suppressing my child’s education? You’re pigeon-holing my daughter. She’s not in 6th grade, she’s in kindergarten. She needs these things to work on. And it sounds like you’re forcing teachers who go above and beyond, to become “sub-par” by not letting them share these resources.
A. Schools have been asked to distribute supplemental resources during textbook pick up. Some schools have created a regular schedule for some grade levels. Weekly and bi-weekly packets are discouraged; not all families have the resources to pick up materials from school on a weekly schedule.
Q. That didn’t answer my question.... I know “textbooks and a couple white boards” are being distributed.... what about crafts? Projects?? Seasonal worksheets, ABC boot camp?
A. Teachers have the option to put supplemental materials together that support the curriculum and the learning of our students. This could include art projects.
Q. Why are students SPECIFICALLY KINDERS, no longer allowed to pick up their work/folders that have everything printed out? Why are you wanting to suppress my child’s education? A textbook? A whiteboard? HOW WILL THAT teach my 5 year old? How will forcing us to be on the computer longer now be a POSITIVE? You are taking away her right to learn through HANDS ON work such as crafting, the worksheets, the ABC boot camp.... your MATERIALS aren’t GOOD ENOUGH.
A. Schools have been asked to distribute supplemental resources during textbook pick up if they choose to. Some schools have created a regular schedule for some grade levels. Weekly and bi-weekly packets are discouraged; not all families have the resources to pick up materials from school on a weekly schedule.
Q. An email went out today specifying that only DISTRICT APPROVED materials are to be sent home. If kindergarten teachers only stuck to district-approved things, students would be bored out of their minds and have no enrichment. District approved curriculum (like Read Well) is from the days where kinders only went to school half day. It is extremely lacking and basic. Also, the math curriculum is an interactive, hands-on program and the “workbook” for Bridges doesn’t even start until Unit 6. So there are very few math worksheets for over the school year and obviously no hands-on interaction learning at home. The workbooks sent home are a joke! It’s unacceptable to expect small children to learn only online. Adding extra materials and projects/crafts is how teachers differentiate instruction and enrich learning. It’s also how teachers make learning fun and interesting which has become even more of a challenge with online learning. Many teachers are doing an outstanding job and if I had a kindergarten age student and my child’s teacher was no longer allowed to enrich the learning with their own creative ideas, crafts, and materials, I would pull my child and homeschool them. It seems the District is doing this because some teachers don’t provide the extras for families and kids and the District does not want to hear about the comparison between the good teachers and the bad. Their solution is just make everyone be sub par.
A. Kindergarten teachers collaboratively created a reading and math supplemental packet to support students through December. Schools have been asked to distribute supplemental resources during textbook pick-up, including crafts and art projects, to support the learning and curriculum taught each year. Some schools have created a regular schedule for some grade levels. Weekly and bi-weekly packets are discouraged; not all families have the resources to pick up materials from school on a weekly schedule.
Q. Regarding the full-stop to packet pick-up for K-1 (actually K-12); you answered that district-approved materials will go home next week and said including "supplemental materials". Are these materials still considered needing 'district approval' or will my kindergartener's teacher still be able to send the materials it takes to supplement my student's development with the curriculum?
A. Kindergarten teachers collaboratively created a reading and math supplemental packet to support students through December. Schools have been asked to distribute supplemental resources during textbook pick-up, including crafts and art projects, to support the learning and curriculum taught each year. Some schools have created a regular schedule for some grade levels. Weekly and bi-weekly packets are discouraged; not all families have the resources to pick up materials from school on a weekly schedule.
Q. Kindergarten kids need things to do and can’t just be online. Taking away their project and workbooks doesn’t work. Creating an online checklist is also not acceptable. Kids are constantly bouncing back and forth and missing assignments.
A. Kindergarten teachers collaboratively created a reading and math supplemental packet to support students through December. Schools have been asked to distribute supplemental resources during textbook pick-up, including crafts and art projects, to support the learning and curriculum taught each year. Some schools have created a regular schedule for some grade levels. Weekly and bi-weekly packets are discouraged; not all families have the resources to pick up materials from school on a weekly schedule.
Instructional Models:
Q. Can I make a change to my child’s learning model selection?
A. Due to space restrictions and social distancing requirements at school, learning model changes may be made at the end of the semester and/or trimester. If a family indicates a preference to return to the Hybrid model at the end of first semester (end of January), we will evaluate those requests by looking at available space at winter break (December).
Q. If my child starts with the Hybrid instructional model initially, can we pull them out mid-semester and switch to full time online learning at any time?
A. Yes, you may request that your child switch to full time online learning at any time.
Q. If numbers go back up after we are in Hybrid, will it switch back to home only on short notice?
A: DOH gives schools a two week notice to prepare for remote and onsite teaching.
Q. Who decides what students will be able to join the A/B model when space runs out?
A: The Principal of each school will work closely with the parents/guardians. School started with siblings assigned to the “A” schedule, and everyone else to “B” schedule. Flexibility is allowed as long as the space in the classroom can accommodate the request.
Q. Why are you not mentioning that your survey stated that students could not move from online to Hybrid once it was selected?
A: Our intent was to maintain steady class rosters in both models, however, in our efforts to also support and accommodate families, the transfers created heavier loads on some rosters.
Q. If we find that the full time online learning model is not working for our child, are we able to switch to the Hybrid instructional model?
A. Due to space restrictions and social distancing requirements at school, students who have chosen to start the Fall in our full time Continuous (Distance) learning model will be required to remain in Distance Learning for at least one semester. If a family indicates a preference to return to the Hybrid model at the end of first semester (end of January), we will evaluate those requests by looking at available space at winter break.
Q. I have more than one child in the District and coordinating schedules is important to me. Will the District work with my preference to coordinate school schedules?
A. The District will take proactive measures to coordinate school schedules for siblings. That said, we understand families have various needs. When selecting the Hybrid A/B Instructional Model in the ‘Choose Your Learning Model Survey’ please indicate your priority for your family in the survey.
Q. Curious what percentage of kids are participating in Distance Learning?
A. About 90% of K-12; the other 10% include those students served in small groups at Preschool through 12th
grade. About 20% of our students at the elementary level have officially registered for Continuous Learning 2.0.
Q. I am concerned about the changes made to the online program our child was in at Dessie Evans. The model was
AWESOME! However, the recent change has resulted in a much less effective program that looks and feels very
disjointed. Are there plans to go back to the online model that was in place prior to the decision to host a Hybrid
model?
A. All teachers are following the Continuous Learning Instructional Model. Families may see changes in the time of
live sessions, but the Instructional Model remains the same. Thirty minutes for Morning Meeting, 30 minutes of live
reading, 30 minutes of math, 30 minutes of small group learning, and 30 minutes of social studies or science. In
addition to this, students will also continue to see their specialists.
Q. With the growing number of students moving to CL2.0, how do you plan to accommodate those class sizes going
forward?
A. We are monitoring requests for both CL 2.0 and Hybrid instructional models weekly. Currently there is balance
between both programs with some capacity for movement between the two models. Where necessary, we will
provide additional supports.
Q. How many new teachers are you adding to CL 2.0? And when will we know if our kids will be shuffled to a
different class, yet again?
A. We were able to add seven additional teachers to the CL2.0 model without impacting the Hybrid model or
requiring additional hiring funds. Families whose students will be moved to the new rosters will be contacted by the
administrative team from the CL2.0 model by the end of this week.
Q. When we start the Hybrid model, could students attend 2 consecutive days versus going every other day?
A. The Task Force considered this option this summer as we were preparing for our CL2.0 and Hybrid models. It was
decided that it would be better for students to see their teacher every other day, rather than after five days.
Q. How will the Hybrid schedule work with families with siblings in different schools? Will that be taken into
consideration when schedules are being built for the students?
A. Yes, families with siblings will be considered when building Hybrid A/B schedules.
Q. If they are on the waitlist and there is room, why are we waiting until December to let kids swap from packed
CL20 classes to Hybrid?
A. We are monitoring the numbers right now to create greater balance between the models. If possible to move
students between models right now, we are doing so. However, once the numbers have stabilized, we will need to
wait until December to gauge further movement and disruption.
Q. For the parents like us who chose the online model, will we be forced at a point to have to send our daughter back to onsite class? Our choice would be to keep her safe out of school until the winter is over.
A: If you selected CL2.0, you can remain in CL2.0 for the full year.
Q. Is there any way to move K to stage 3, these are 5 year-olds that have a very small attention span.
A: The Taskforce is reconvening to discuss how to best support students through both models.
Q. Did you say the waitlist to go Hybrid is paused, or will kids be able to go back to their teacher if they have room?
A: Building Principals will review rosters and consider best placement for each student assigned to any model.
Q. If we get to the stage where it’s okay for students to return to school, will we still be given an option to keep our students online or will our only option be to send our students back?
A: It depends on which learning model your child is assigned to. Students enrolled in CL will remain in remote learning, even when students in the Hybrid model return to the school sites.
Q. Should we be in a phase for a set amount of time before deciding to have children and teachers return to the classroom? If so, how long? If not, what is the reason for not waiting?
A: We will follow the guidance of the TPCHD as noted at our website – see this link: PSD Announces Reopening Phases
Q. Phase 4. Would K/1 return before the rest of elementary?
A: Yes, see this link: PSD Announces Reopening Phases
Q. How will the Hybrid schedule work with families with siblings in different schools? Will that be going into consideration when schedules are being built for the students?
A: Siblings should be all placed in “A” schedule or “B” schedule. The starting place for all sites was to assign siblings to “A” model.
Q. How long do the numbers have to remain under 75 for K-2 to be allowed to attend?
A: DOH allows for a two week transition timeframe.
Q. If they are on the waitlist and there is room, why are we waiting until December to let kids swap from packed CL20 classes to Hybrid?
A: We have been working with the administrators in both models to balance class rosters. Many requests to move models have been honored based on parent/guardian requests through Oct 30.
Q. Are current Hybrid classes set at the appropriate numbers or will they need to switch teachers again? My kindergartener has a class of 15 students now, what is the limit of students for in person when they go back to in person?
A: The limit depends on the actual square footage each classroom will allow. The average classroom can safely allow for 15 students.
Q. First, this is understandably difficult on everyone. Thank you for your efforts. I am curious, if we elected Hybrid - and we move to phase 5 or 6, and we do not feel comfortable at that time (for any reason) will we be given an opportunity to elect to stay in distance learning? Thanks again.
A: Yes, and we will need to consider where there is space in the CL model.
Q. As stated return to in-person / Hybrid will not happen until January. Why are we not allowed to switch back to Hybrid from CL 2.0?
A: We have been working with the administrators in both models to balance class rosters. Many requests to move models have been honored based on parent/guardian requests through Oct 30.
Q. Will in-person Hybrid learning be considered prior to Jan 4th? If not, why? If we are under the guidelines for 2 weeks, will the considerations be made at all?
A: We are monitoring the DOH Decision Tree, and following the guidance of the Office of Public Instruction. Please see our website for more information at this link: PSD Announces Reopening Phases.
Q. Shouldn't the curve have been flat for longer? Wouldn't have been wiser to not communicate the night before classes online classes has started?
A: It was not our intent to wait until the last minute to remain in remote learning. At the time, believing that we would eventually be bringing students to the school sites, the decision was made to continue with our typical staffing reductions and classroom collapses and move students to CL2.0 and Hybrid rosters. We are monitoring the DOH Decision Tree and following the guidance of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Please see our website for more information at this link: PSD Announces Reopening Phases.
Q. So why not pause on the Distance 2.0 learning and keep kids with their original class? The metrics were going up before the pause as I had stated in an email to the superintendent and was told that they were not, and they were moving forward with Hybrid learning.
A. In order to be ready for that pivot to onsite learning with short notice at any time this fall, we needed to create specific, separate Hybrid and CL2.0 classrooms now.
Q: I’m wanting to switch from Online to Hybrid to get my teacher back and I want to know why they’re making me wait.
A: We are working closely with the administrators of CL and Hybrid to adjust class rosters as space in both models allow.
Q. If we want to switch from online learning to Hybrid who do we contact?
A. Please share this information with your current classroom teacher and they will follow-up.
Q. When will parents have the opportunity to switch their learning model preference from distance to Hybrid?
A. At the end of the trimester for elementary students and at the end of the semester for secondary students.
Q. Do you still have to wait until after the first trimester to switch to Hybrid?
A. Families may contact their home schools and be added to a waitlist.
Q. Why are you not prioritizing and making plans to ensure that the youngest and most at need students have in person instruction made available to them? For instance, K-2, where instruction is not practically feasible via distance learning.
A. We have plans for bringing our youngest students back. We are fully prepared to welcome students when we can. Link to our Reopening Plans.
Q. When we return to Hybrid, when will we be given our schedule? We were given a date for reopening (before pause) but never supplied with an A or B schedule. This makes planning childcare difficult.
A. Individual schools have those rosters prepared. They were ready before we paused bringing students back.
Special Education:
Q. What preparations are being made for students who receive Special Education service?
A. We are prioritizing options for face-to-face instruction for students receiving Special Education services. Face-to-face instruction could be more than two days a week depending on students' individual programming needs.
Q. Why are Special Education classrooms switching to Hybrid A/B schedule? My child’s class has less than 8 students. How is this
going to help?
A. The District is following the recommendations and guidance from the Department of Health during the high risk
matrix which defines small groups.
Q. Why is second grade is not a part of the 4 days a week Hybrid model and grouped with 2-6 grade
for only 2 days a week? I feel that the kids in 2nd grade are too young to navigate the site on their own and need lots of help with reading and navigating the online learning.
A. We agree with you! In fact, we want all students to be in session as much as possible. Most of our constraints in
the Hybrid model have to do with how many students we can safely bring in to learning spaces and honor the 6ft
requirement.
Q. Will Special Education students go back to 4 days in person learning once the COVID numbers go down?
A. Possibly, up to a two-week notice will be given to families if a change is made.
Q. I don't understand why Special Education student classrooms aren't considered on a class by class basis. My son is in a class of 6, but there are 2 "quiet rooms" where they break into smaller socially distant groups. Clearly that is less than the recommended 5. He has been thriving since returning to in-person teaching - academically, socially & behaviorally. Do you realize the impact this has on our special-needs children, the disruption, chaos & confusion it creates for them? I've repeatedly heard that PSD wants to return to in-person instruction as soon as it is safe to do so, so why not keep the classrooms that ARE doing it safely in full time instruction rather than making these broad sweeping changes?
A. We are following the Department of Health guidelines regarding small groups of learners due to the high transmission rates in Pierce County (Phase 3). We consider student/staff ratios, classroom growth potential, supervision, and ability to social distance in these decisions.
Q. Why would you allow high school and junior high Special Education students be admitted to school, but not allow the other students until semester?
A. The District has identified students in high school and junior high furthest from educational justice to receive some in-person services at this time. We hope to bring all students back in the when we are in phases 5 or 6.
Q (a). Is Devlopmental Preschool switching to a Hybrid model? My child's Developmental Preschool class has 6 kids, will they switch to an A/B model?
Q (b). Why disrupt Special Education classrooms by going back to Hybrid at the end of the month?
Q (c). If Special Education students have been in-person up until now and there have been no problems, why switch to the A/B Model?
Q (d). Why are Special Education classrooms switching to Hybrid A/B schedule? My child’s class has less than 8 students. How is this going to help?
A. For questions (a), (b), (c) and (d): Special Education self-contained programs are shifting from a 4-day a week in-person Hybrid to a 2-day a week A/B schedule per the guidance from Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) due to the rising trend in Pierce County COVID-19 cases. We are now in the “high” risk phase of over 75 cases per 100K people for 14 days. We continue to watch the recommendations from the TPCHD to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff. As of October 27, the Pierce County COVID-19 infection rates average 111.8 per 100K people over 14 days with the six-day lag. We appreciate families and all the support they provide each and every day for their children during this time. Please contact the Special Education office at (253) 841-8700 if you have questions.
Q. My daughter has Autism and was recommended for General Education during her IEP meeting last March. Online learning is not working well for her. Can I enroll her in self-contained?
A. If you have concerns about your student's progress or questions about placement, please reach out to their case manager to schedule an IEP team meeting to problem-solve. Placement decisions are determined by the IEP team and supported by evaluation results.
Q (a). Is there a plan to prioritize the return to in-person teaching for elementary age students with IEPs?
Q (b). When can we expect to return to school in-person?
Q (c). Will Special Education students go back to 4 days in-person learning once the COVID numbers go down?
A. For questions (a), (b), and (c): Based on county transmission rates and other metrics,
• Kindergarten and first grade, not likely before January (Phase 4)
• 2nd through 6th also is unlikely before January (Phase 5)
• Secondary (7th-12th) and Edgemont 6th grade, no sooner than February or the beginning of second semester (Phase 6)
• Self-contained Special Education started on September 29. This group will be shifting to small groups of
learners beginning October 27 due to the high transmission rates in Pierce County. (Phase 3)
• Special Education Resource students are the same as their grade level peers as noted in Phases 5 and 6
Q. When Special Education classes go to Hybrid at the end of the month, how will they receive adequate academic learning and therapies?
A. Implementation of a child’s IEP during remote learning will provide both direct instruction (synchronous) and indirect (asynchronous) learning/minutes. Specially designed instruction and related services will be provided along with proper instructional design, supervision, and progress monitoring. Moving to the Hybrid model is based on the guidance from Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) due to the rising trend in Pierce County COVID-19 cases. These smaller class sizes will also provide more concentrated instruction.
Q. My child is an IEP preschooler. She is currently, along with others, going to in-person classes. We were just informed that the IEP is now going Hybrid. Is this true? If so, how can the school/teachers be accurate on the IEP?
A. We are following the Department of Health guidelines regarding small groups of learners due to the high transmission rates in Pierce County (Phase 3). We consider student/staff ratios, classroom growth potential, supervision, and ability to social distance in these decisions. Implementation of a child’s IEP during remote learning will provide both direct instruction (synchronous) and indirect (asynchronous) learning/minutes. Specially designed instruction and related services will be provided along with proper instructional design, supervision, and progress monitoring. Moving to the Hybrid model is based on the guidance from Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) due to the rising trend in Pierce County COVID-19 cases. These smaller class sizes will also provide more concentrated instruction.
Technology:
Q. Will computers be provided to all elementary students?
A. Yes. Empowering Puyallup is a District initiative that provides equity and access for all students. In the Fall, computers were distributed to all students in grades K-12.
Q. My student is having trouble with their laptop. What do I do?
A. Call EdTec at 253-841-8600, choose option 5.
Q. My student can’t open a program (Schoology, Flipgrid, etc.). What do I do?
A. Call EdTec at 253-841-8600, choose option 4, or Use Family University on the District Website.
Health and Safety:
Q. Will my child be required to wear a face covering all day when they return to school?
A. Yes, children who otherwise do not have an underlying health condition and/or known disability will be required per the Washington State Governor, Tacoma Pierce County Health Department, and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to wear a mask while attending in-person instruction at school. If you’d like tips on how to help your child become comfortable wearing a face covering, read information from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Q. What happens if my child does not have an underlying health condition and/or known disability and refuses to wear a mask while attending in-person instruction at school?
A. Schools will be taking steps to educate students on safety compliance, implement positive behavior interventions, recommend alternative face coverings when appropriate. Only as a last resort would a student be excluded for refusing to wear a face covering. Students who are unable to consistently wear a face covering due to identified sensory, behavioral, or other disabilities will not be disciplined or denied access to educational services as a result.
Q. What are the enhanced cleaning protocols in the schools?
A. There will be an increase in the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting at all schools that will focus on high-touch areas in classrooms and restrooms, including common surface areas like door handles, counters, desks, and light switches.
Q. Do all students and staff need to be screened for illness each day?
A. Yes. Both the state Department of Health (DOH) and Labor & Industries (L&I) require students and staff to receive a health screening before entering a school. DOH and L&I follow guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which allows for health screening (temperature checks, to be performed at home before school and on-site.
Q. How will the District keep students safe during lunch?
A. We are reviewing lunch plans that would limit gatherings and potential mixing of classes or groups in cafeterias and communal spaces. We are considering having students take their meals outside or in the classroom. We are also reviewing how to manage the flow of students to reduce crowding at handwashing sinks, food vending areas, etc.
Q. My student is struggling emotionally. We need help!
A. Please contact your student's school counselor, or contact the Pierce County Crisis Line at 1-800-576-7764.
For more resources, check http://kidsmentalhealthpiercecounty.org/youth-mental-health-resources/
Q. I read there has been NO instance of a student passing COVID-19 on to a teacher or staff member. So if this is the case, why not go back to in person schooling?
A. Our decision to return to in-person schooling is based on case counts and our local Health Department guidelines.
Q. If the numbers drop below 75 and students go back to in-person learning, will they need to revert back to Distance Learning when the numbers go above 75 again? If this is the case why wouldn't we wait and not try to pivot as soon as the numbers drop below 75? I would much rather avoid multiple transitions.
A. Our decision to return to in-person schooling is based on case counts and our local Health Department guidelines. The District realizes that in-person learning is the best option for our students and families. We want to bring our students back as soon as it is safe to do so.
Q. Why can't parents/staff sign a waiver to allow in-person schooling? How about creating a liability waiver that parents can sign for in-person learning? Many of us want and need our children to attend school.
A. This was not an option provided to school districts from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction or Department of Health.
Q. Would a student, teacher, or parent dying from COVID (as a result of contact at school) pause the Hybrid model?
A. In the event of such a tragedy, the District would consider the unique circumstances and proceed accordingly.
Q. Are there guidelines on mask wearing, elementary school students social distancing, and ensuring they are washing hand as needed? I have children in elementary school as well as high school and I feel that elementary school students may not be as aware of COVID-19 issues as high school students are. How are the staff going to make sure these little ones are safe in school?
A. The District delivered training to all staff. Additionally, teachers were provided training materials to deliver COVID-19 information to students.
Q. Is there a plan in place in case of an emergency closure of the school after re-opening?
A. The District has an emergency operations team that would convene to discuss appropriate action.
Q. We are seeing other states (NY) being in school since August and having success despite the continual cases of COVID, can you explain your reasoning to that?
A. Different states have different guidelines. We are following the guidelines established by the Governor’s Office and Washington State Department of Health.
Q. Why are we going on an honor system for allowing our kids to go back to school versus using tools like thermal scanners like other districts in the country?
A. At-home screening is an approved method according to the Washington State Department of Health. The District has explored a variety of screening options, to include walk-through thermal scanners. We continue to explore options available.
Q. Science does not support the argument that children are at high risk, so why does the District keep referring to their safety as a reason for Distance Learning? The District paused in-person return immediately after staff had complained about PPE.
A. Our decision to return to in-person schooling is based on case counts and our local Health Department guidelines.
Q. Why are some private schools in full attendance and Puyallup can't do this?
A. Private schools are not subject to the same requirements as public schools.
Q. Childcare facilities have continued to stay open during the pandemic; staying open for essential workers such as myself, many of these children have parents in the medical field. Have we looked at how well they have managed to be open without outbreaks? Can we learn from them and try to facilitate this for schools to reopen without delay? This also goes for private schools that have been open since September without outbreaks.
A. Daycares and private schools are not subject to the same requirements as public schools.
Q. So, you won't be reopening schools until COVID-19 is completely non-existent?
A. Our decision to return to in-person schooling is based on case counts and our local Health Department guidelines. The District is eager to bring students back to in-person learning as soon as it is deemed safe to do so by local health authorities.
Q. Is there enough physical space for students to safely return to Hybrid for secondary schools during phases 5-6?
A. Our District Health and Safety Task Force followed the guidelines established by the Department of Health and OSPI. We are able to accommodate the appropriate number of students per classroom based on physical distancing requirements in the Hybrid model.
Q. What will happen if we go to phase 4 and the cases go up and we have to go back to phase 3?
A. Link to the “Reopening School” tab in the upper right-hand corner of the Puyallup School District website home page to learn about the phases and guiding decisions metrics.
Q. What was the basis of the policy to have parents examine their children's health daily and trust their statements that there are no health concerns, when there are historical trends and data to show that some parents drop their children off sick as a norm? In other environments people have non-contact temperature checks before entering population-dense environments.
A. The at-home screening option with attestation is one of several approved methods by the Washington State Department of Health. The District has explored a variety of screening options, to include walk-through thermal scanners. We continue to explore options available.
Q. Will you be sharing how many cases of COVID there have been with students and teachers since reopening?
A. Yes. We will soon be posting information showing the number of new cases and the number quarantined each week. You will be able to find this COVID-19 Data under the “Reopening School” tab in the upper right-hand corner of the Puyallup School District website home page.
Q. How are you going to reinforce mask-wearing when kids and teachers come back to Hybrid (secondary level), when we hear daily 'I’m not going wear a mask' or you 'can’t make me'. Are you monitoring once back in buildings?
A. We have established protocols for students and staff seeking an exception to the mask wearing requirements. Everyone must follow the requirements to wear a mask or approved face covering.
Q. When will ERHS receive mental health support?!?
A. The District has several community mental health partnerships that will take referrals from school staff for students in need of services. Additionally, ERHS is expected to have a provider dedicated and on site as soon as January 2021.
Q. Is it possible to have an optional weekly meetings for parents where mental health professionals are available to help give practical solutions?
A. The District continues to explore options to connect students and families with resources and supports. Ideas such as this are exactly what we welcome in our efforts to improve our supports in this area.
Q. Are flu shots required to return to in school instruction?
A. No.
Q. Please stop doing things to endanger the lives of our students, staff, and their families.
A. The District understands this is a very difficult time. The health and safety of our staff and students is of the utmost importance.
Q. If we go back, or for the schools that have classes right now, what is the protocol/steps for staff/students/families having COVID? If multiple cases of COVID are revealed at a school at different times (throughout a week), how will the families/staff be told?
A. We have a strict protocol set by the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department in place for notifying staff, students/families of both exposure and non-exposure. The District adheres to these guidelines when making all notifications.
Q. Your staff is excellent. I believe that the Puyallup school District has some of the brightest and most caring teachers in this country. My question to you as a School Board that you could ask the Pierce County Health Department is: "What are we risking by allowing kids to come back to school part time? Are we risking an explosion of COVID cases that has been clinically proven, scientifically proven, not to affect younger people? Is it worth affecting the next generation just because of the chance that they may get sick?"
A. District officials maintain regular communication with the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department and will continue to monitor and follow the most current guidance.
Q. It has been said multiple times in Board Meetings that your classrooms can have 15 students in them, so Hybrid classes should be able to hold 30 students. Why were the class sizes for Hybrid kept MUCH less than that while CL 2.0 classes were made huge?
A. Please keep in mind that we have to look at the physical capacity of our classrooms. If a Hybrid class has 12-15 students assigned to it, that means 12-15 students on the attendance days. The actual class size is double that number, 24-30.
Q. When we are cleared to start Hybrid by the Health Department, how long will it take the District to start Hybrid?
A. Once the targeted case rate is met, the TPCHD recommends we wait 2 weeks to ensure the low number of cases are sustained.
Q. My question is why second grade is not a part of the 4 days a week Hybrid model and is grouped with 2-6 grade for only 2 days a week. I feel that the kids in 2nd grade are too young to navigate the site on their own and need lots of help with reading and navigating the online learning.
A. We agree with you! In fact, we want all students to be in session as much as possible. Most of our constraints in the Hybrid model have to do with how many students we can safely bring in to learning spaces and honor the 6ft requirement.
Communication:
Q. What can I expect from my student’s teachers?
A. Teachers will update Schoology for the following week by Fridays. This allows families to plan/work ahead for the following week.
Q. What can I expect from my student’s school?
A. Principals will send out a newsletter every Friday using a common template.
Transportation:
Q. Will students be able to take the bus?
A. The District will provide transportation. Students will be required to wear face coverings on the bus. To increase ventilation, windows may be lowered. We will clean buses between runs and do our best to provide space among students.
Sports:
Q. What are the plans for Sports?
A. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has opened a period this fall for student-athletes to train with their high school teams. Several PSD teams began virtual meetings and training on September 28, then moved to in-person conditioning in pods of six. The WIAA Return-to-Play-Guidelines allow in-person training with strict health and safety requirements based on county COVID case data. The governor’s updated guidelines on November 16, 2020 have paused indoor activities with the exception of pools. Outdoor sports training continues with the use of masks at all times for all participants.
Link to the PSD Athletics Newsroom for more information.
Schoology Gradebook:
Q. What does “incomplete” mean?
A. Your student did not finish or turn in that assignment. It doesn’t raise or lower the overall grade.
Q. What does “missing” mean?
A. Your student did not turn in that assignment. Missing is the same as receiving a zero in the gradebook.
Comments:
C. Thank you!! Hang in there - we'll get to the other side one way or another :) (Thanks for all your work making the best of this situation! My high school student is doing OK with the class sessions/online assignments but really misses the personal engagement. I understand it's difficult for the teachers, too! Especially when students don't turn on their camera! Sometimes class instruction time is cut really short though and the students are told to just do an assignment for the rest of the hour. We feel strongly that the class time should be used for teaching, sharing and presenting information. Please let teachers know we miss them; students miss seeing them in person so please don't cut the session so early.)
A. Thank you for the encouragement. We appreciate our community!
C. I'd love to add a highlight - Mrs. Huff at Firgrove Elementary is so patient. She is so kind and truly cares about her students despite technical issues. I am so appreciative of her help and continuous communication when I send her emails with questions. As a working, single parent I appreciate her help SO much.
A. Thank you for sharing your positive experience. We will make sure to pass this on to Mrs. Huff.
C. I also appreciate the hard work of teachers and administrators. We are all facing so much uncertainty, it is hard to plan anything, which makes reopening decisions and teaching very difficult!
A. Thank you for the positive feedback. We appreciate our families and community as we navigate these difficult times.
C. January is very wise! Realistically you are looking at Spring break. A change in national leadership plus a 6-week shutdown after January 20th, is HIGHLY likely...
A. We will remain optimistic and cautious.
C. I just want kids back in school... :(
A. We understand! We do too...
C: My son is doing well with online learning. The teachers he has are phenomenal.
A. Thank you so much for sharing. Glad he is doing well.
C. I have appreciated the thorough level of communication Puyallup has provided since summer showing thoughtful consideration of all models. Thank you!
A. Thank you!
We know there are many questions about how schools will reopen. While we may not have all of the answers right away, frequently asked questions recently published by OSPI may help.
We will continue to publish additional questions and answers as our work evolves.