Nasha Shkola Education Plan

The first day of school for Nasha Shkola 1-8 students will be September 1, 2020. Kindergarten students will start school on September 8, 2020.

When the school starts, our in-person students will start the year in a less restrictive Hybrid Model. We hope to move them to 100% in-person when levels of COVID-19 in our community decrease, but we might to move to full distance learning if level increase.

Nasha Shkola Learning Options

In-Person & Distance Learning. Students that choose not to return to NS in person will use our Distance Learning Option.

Nasha Shkola (NSCS)is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all our staff, students, families, and guests and visitors. To ensure we have a safe and healthy workplace, NSHS has developed the following COVID-19 Health Protocol based upon Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines for COVID-19, Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA) statutes, rules and standards, and Minnesota’s relevant and current executive orders.

*Please note these guidelines will continue to be updated as we learn more from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Guidelines will be based on the recommendations of MDH, which can and do change. We will adjust accordingly.

Monitoring and Excluding for Illness

Students and staff must stay home if sick.  Parents will pre-screen their children at home to ensure absence of symptoms and fill out daily screening form.

Symptoms include:

• Fever greater than 100 F/chills
• Cough/shortness of breath/difficulty breathing (wheezing, shortness of breath breaths, chest tightness)
• Other new onset of symptoms including chills, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, headache, runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell or gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting or nausea.

Temperatures will be checked upon arrival at school and anyone with a fever of 100ºF will be isolated and sent home.

Handling confirmed positive cases of COVID-19

If you are notified of a lab confirmed positive COVID case, the following process should occur:

• Notify school office administrator (Inna Bly or Yelena Hardcopf) at 763-496-5550
• Yelena Hardcopf will follow up with MDH to confirm the case and determine the next steps.
• COVID-19: Staff and students stay home when they are sick, when household members are sick, or then required by a health care provider to isolate or quarantine themselves or a member of their household.
• If symptoms are consistent with COVID-19 or they receive a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, the individual may return to school 10 days after symptoms first appeared, AND the individual goes 3 days with no fever AND improvement of respiratory symptoms. For additional guidance, follow the MHD guidance to determine who must stay home and when staff or students may return: Decision Tree for People with COVID-19 Symptoms
• Parents and staff should notify the school office of the exposure. Anyone who has had interaction with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 should stay home and contact their health care provider

Social Distancing & Minimizing Exposure

• Teachers will arrange classroom seating so that students are separated from one another by 6 feet when feasible. If it is not possible to arrange seating 6 feet apart, all desks will be turned to face in the same direction (rather than facing each other)
• To the extent possible, staff will encourage a safe social distancing between children in the room.
• Students and staff will work in small cohort groups that stay together as much as possible throughout the day and from day to day. Nasha Shkola proposed 3 cohorts are determined by school floor plan and hallways.
• Mixing between cohort groups will be limited as much as possible (during lunch in the cafeteria, bathroom breaks, arrival and dismissal, recess)
• Elementary bathroom breaks will be staggered to reduce crowding in the restrooms.
• Activities that bring together large groups of people or activities that do not allow for social distancing, including assemblies, in-person field trips, large group use of playground equipment simultaneously, etc. will be discontinued until further notice.
• Nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups or organizations will be restricted.

Arrival and Dismissal

• Arrival and dismissal times will be staggered to minimize crowding.
• Student pick-up and drop-off will occur outside.
• Parents will not be allowed to congregate in school lobby during the pick-up.
• Staff will monitor arrival and dismissal to curtail congregating and ensure students go straight from vehicle to their classroom, and vice versa.
• Temperatures will be checked upon arrival at school and anyone with a fever of 100ºF will be isolated and sent home.
• STUDENTS THAT ARRIVE BY BUS:  Screening will be done at the bus as students disembark
• STUDENTS THAT ARRIVE BY PRIVATE CAR:  Students dropped off by car will be checked before they get out of the car; screening will be done through an open car window.  Any student with a fever of 100ºF or higher will not be allowed to exit the car and the parent/guardian will be instructed to take them home
• If a student arrives late, the parent needs to drop off the student at the entrance for temperature screening.

If a student needs to leave early, the parent will need to inform the school office ahead of time to arrange early pick up.  Students will be held in the office area until the parent calls to notify the office that they are out front to pick up the child.  The student will then be sent out/brought out to the waiting vehicle.

Hygiene Practice

Staff and students will be instructed to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water frequently throughout the day, but especially

• Upon arrival to school
• Before and after eating (for staff, before and after serving the food)
• After using the toilet
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing nose
• After playing outside
• After touching objects with bare hands that have been handled by other people
• Whenever hands look, feel or smell unclean.
• Before going home.

Hand-sanitizer dispensers (that use sanitizers of greater than 60% alcohol) will be at entrances, classrooms, and other locations in the school building so they can be used for hand hygiene in place of soap and water, as long as hands are not visibly soiled. Staff will supervise the use of hand sanitizer by students.

Respiratory etiquette

• Staff, students and visitors will be instructed to cover their mouth and nose with their sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and to avoid touching their face, particularly their mouth, nose and eyes, with their hands.
• Staff, students and visitors will be expected to dispose of tissues in provided trash receptacles and wash or sanitize their hands immediately afterward.
• Respiratory etiquette will be demonstrated on posters and supported by making tissues and trash receptacles available to all Staff, students and visitors entering the school.

Staff and students with severe cough (not COVID-19 related) will be encouraged to stay at home.

Face Coverings

All students, staff, and other people present in school building or riding on school transportation vehicles are required to wear a face covering.

Face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer does not know they are infected.

Types of allowable face coverings include:

• Paper or disposable mask
• Cloth face mask
• Scarf
• Bandanna

The covering should cover the nose and mouth completely, should not be overly tight or restrictive, and should feel comfortable to wear. A face covering is not meant to substitute for social distancing, but is especially important in situations when maintaining a 6-foot distance is not possible.

Face Shield

• A face shield (a clear plastic barrier that covers the face) allows visibility of facial expressions and lip movements for speech perception and may be used as an alternative to a face covering in the following situations:
• Among students in Kindergarten through grade 8, when wearing a face covering is problematic.
• By teachers (all grades), when wearing a face covering may impede the educational process.
• For staff, students, or visitors who cannot tolerate a face covering due to a developmental, medical, or behavioral health condition.
• For staff providing direct support student services, when a face covering impedes the service being provided.
  For optimal protection, the face shield should extend below the chin anteriorly, to the ears laterally, and there should be no exposed gap between the forehead and the shield’s headpiece.
• Staff, students, and other people present in the school building or in district offices may temporarily remove their face covering or face shield in the following situations:
• Face coverings may be temporarily removed when engaging in indoor physical activity (e.g., during recess, after school sports, or when exercising in a gym) where the level of exertion makes wearing a face covering difficult, and during classes or activities held outdoors. People participating in these activities should maintain 6 feet of distance while doing so to the extent feasible.
• Face coverings may be temporarily removed to eat or drink, but care should be taken to maintain as much space as possible between people, recognizing it is not always feasible to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
• During indoor practices or performances involving singing, acting, public speaking, or playing musical instruments where a face covering cannot be used while playing the instrument. Performers should maintain 6 feet or greater of physical distance from others while participating in the activity to the extent possible, and should replace their face covering as soon as the activity is completed.
• People who are entering the school building during the day may be required by school staff to briefly remove their face covering for the purposes of checking identification.
• Staff working alone in their offices, classrooms, vehicles, or other job locations who do not have any person-to-person interaction.
• Staff working in communal spaces (e.g., at desks or in cubicles) that have barriers such as plexiglass
• When communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing or has a disability, medical condition, or mental health condition that makes communication with a face covering difficult, provided that social distancing is maintained to the extent possible.

MDH Guidance:

• When and how to wear a mask
  What everyone should know about wearing masks in public
• How to Safely Wear and Take Off a Cloth Face Covering
• Best Practices for Masks: Considerations for People with Disabilities and Special Health Needs (PDF)
• Masking Recommendations for Child Care and Schools
  Recommendations for those caring for children of essential workers (child care providers, family child care providers, and school-age care) and for Institutes of Higher Education (IHE)

CDC Guidance:

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Food and Nutrition Services

School meals, whether eaten at school or home (i.e. lunches picked up during distance learning), will not be free for all students. Students will pay for meals if they do not qualify for free meals. Please fill out application.

• Students will be encouraged to bring their own meals as feasible
• Breakfast will be individually packaged.
• Lunch: will be served directly to students. In September, the school will serve bag lunches.
• NS will accommodate the needs of students with specific allergies
• Students will eat in the cafeteria in two shifts to ensure social distancing. Increase social distancing between seats where possible.
• Students will wait in line in a socially distancing manner one class at the time. Each class will eat in a designated area daily.
• Students will be seated in small groups so they cannot sit opposite of each other and must sit in a zig-zag pattern leaving space between seats. Tables are labeled to identify seating by class.
• If social distancing is not possible in the cafeteria, some grades (6-8) might bring food from the cafeteria back to their classrooms to eat. OR Students in grades 6-8 that bring food from home might eat in the classroom. Students can also eat their lunch outside as weather permits.
• During cafeteria orientation, administrators will explain to students that they are not to pass or share any items, including food, with other students.
• Students will be educated on proper entering, exit and disposal of trash procedures. Staff and custodian will clean tables between the shifts.
• Administrators will establish one-way traffic flow for a designated eating area.

Disclaimer: Menus, procedures, and protocol may change on any given day if needed to follow guidance from the MN Department of Health and the MN Department of Education. 

Transportation

Nasha Shkola contracts with NorthStar Bus Line LLC to provide student transportation during the school year.

NorthStar Bus Line will:

• Clean and disinfect transportation vehicles regularly
• Systematically review and evaluate school transportation capacity with the goal of creating as much space between riders as possible
• Enforce social distancing: Systematically review and evaluate school transportation capacity with the goal of creating as much space between riders as possible, recognizing that it is not always feasible to have 6 feet of social distancing. Consider reducing capacity or adding routes to allow for more physical space between riders.
• Follow the symptom screening protocol outlined in the Monitoring and Excluding for Illness section, above, for any person entering a school transportation vehicle
• Require that individuals who become ill during the day not use group transportation to return home
• Consider keeping windows open if appropriate and safe while the vehicle is in motion to help increase air circulation.
• During Hybrid rotation: Identify the maximum number of students who ride the bus. Ensure sufficient social distancing with at least 6 feet between people at all times. Group siblings together. If distancing cannot be achieved in a space or on a transportation vehicle, the number of occupants must be reduced (i.e. during more restrictive Hybrid Model).

Nasha Shkola will:

• Work closely with parents to identify students in need of transportation
• In conjunction with the driver, establish seating charts with social distancing in mind.
• Provide Northstar Company with students’ lists with the purpose of assigning bus stops and creating bus routes
• Encourage NS families to drive students to or from school to minimize exposure and shorten transportation time.
• Establish early release time 3:30 PM for all students that will be picked up by the parents.
• NS transportation reimbursement policy for families that drive their children to school: The reimbursement will be at 15 cents per mile. Reimbursement will not be paid for more than 250 miles per week.  As per federal law DSSR 277.1f, reimbursement may only be made for one round trip per day between school and home.
• During Hybrid rotation: adjust the number of students/group students by family to ensure sufficient social distancing with at least 6 feet between people at all times. If distancing cannot be achieved in a space or on a transportation vehicle, the number of occupants must be reduced.

School-age Childcare for Working Families

NSCS is committed to provide equitable and affordable school-age child care programs to support working families and provide enrichment and care for students.

Executive Order 20-82 indicates that a school district or charter school that operates a hybrid or distance learning model “must provide school-aged care for Eligible Children at no cost during the time those children are not receiving instruction in the school building during regular school hours.”

This school-age care will be provided for Nasha Shkola enrolled school-age children age 12 and under who are children of critical workers in Tier I of the state critical worker list. Children of Tier I workers only will be cared for at no cost during the typical school hours: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. The Tier I list of eligible children is below.

Tier I 

• Healthcare and public health
• Law enforcement, public safety and first responders
• Food and agriculture
• Judicial Branch (essential services)
• National Guard (activated under a Governor Executive Order)
• Educators and school staff providing in-person instruction or caring for children of critical workers
• Child care and school-age care providers

In addition, during a hybrid or distance learning model when students are not receiving in-person instruction, Nasha Shkola will carefully consider our school community needs related to care for children of critical workers beyond Tier I areas. Based on community workforce needs, staffing and space considerations, NS may provide care for children of other critical workers and if capacity is limited prioritize enrollment for these families in such programs.  

NS will charge fees for care for children beyond Tier I workers or for any care provided beyond the typical school hours:

• $15 per student/half day
• $30 per student/full day
• For families with multiple children:
• $20 per 2 students/half day
• $40 per 2 students/full day
• $25 per 3 students/half day
• $50 per 3 students/full day

School Cleaning and Maintenance 

• Custodian will apply the full standard cleaning of all areas to be ready for the next day.
• Weekly deep cleaning on the days when students are not in school.
• Increased cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and items will be implemented mid-day, after school, or as needed by custodian and staff.
• Staff will ensure that students avoid sharing electronic devices, books, toys, and other games or learning aids when possible, and ensure cleaning between uses.
• Students will keep personal items in individually labeled cubbies, containers, desks, or lockers. Students are not allowed to share personal items.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be set at each classroom, school office, entrance and common areas.
• Sanitation wipes and sanitation liquid will be provided in every classroom with processes to wipe down desks surfaces throughout the school day as needed.
• NLCC & NSCS ensures that appropriate and effective cleaning and disinfecting supplies have been purchased and are available for use in accordance with product labels, safety data sheets and manufacture specifications, and are being used with required personal protective equipment for the product.

Distance Learning Defined

Students engaging in distance learning have access to appropriate educational materials and receive daily interaction with their licensed teacher(s). It is important to note that distance learning does not always mean e-learning or online learning.

Purpose

Ensure every student in Nasha Shkola Charter School receives a high quality education, which provides equitable access to learning and instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Дистанционное обучение

учащиеся, участвующие в дистанционном обучении, имеют доступ к соответствующим учебным материалам и ежедневно общаются со своими лицензированными учителями. Важно отметить, что дистанционное обучение не всегда означает электронное обучение или онлайн-обучение.

Цель Плана Дистанционного Обучения

обеспечить, чтобы каждый ученик чартерной школы Nasha Shkola получил высококачественное образование, которое обеспечивает равный доступ к обучению во время пандемии COVID-19.

Distance Learning Plan (PDF) – English

Distance Learning Plan (PDF) – Russian

Distance Learning will take place of regular schooling and therefore, attendance is important.   All students should follow NS policies and guidelines for excused absences. Students whose family chooses to not participate in the day are reported as absent. It is up to the school whether to consider this an excused absence, according to Minnesota Statutes, section 120A.22, subdivision 12. (Minnesota Department of Education memo, March 2018).

In the situation when a student has not participated in distance learning for over 48 hours, the teacher/school administration will reach out to the parents through text messages, emails, phone calls, or other communication tools. NS will monitor and report student daily attendance to the State of MN.

Daily attendance will be taken in the following manner:

• • • 1. 1. 1. NS will send Attendance Form (generated through Google Forms) to parents’ email at 7:00 am daily.  Parents should reply before 3:00 pm confirming that their child is ready to participate in distance learning on that day.
            2. In addition, attendance will be verified through Google Classroom in the form of a daily check-in/discussion post, and communication with teachers and completed assignments submitted throughout the day.

If a student is marked absent, but completed assignments, attendance will be corrected at a later time.

Teachers and administration will exercise caution and sensitivity regarding attendance concerns on case by case basis.

Посещаемость

Дистанционное Обучение заменяет очное обучение и будет проходить в регулярном режиме, поэтому посещаемость важна. Все студенты должны следовать правилам NS о посещаемости и принципам для оправданных пропусков. Учащиеся, чья семья решит не участвовать в определенном учебном дне, считаются отсутствующими. В соответствии с Миннесотским Уставом, раздел 120A.22, подраздел 12 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/120a.22)

школа должна решать, считать ли это оправданным отсутствием. В ситуации, когда учащийся не участвует в дистанционном обучении более 48 часов, учитель / администрация школы свяжется с родителями с помощью текстовых сообщений, электронных писем, телефонных звонков или других средств связи.  NS будет контролировать посещаемость и нести отчетность перед штатом Миннесота.

Ежедневная посещаемость будет осуществляться следующим образом:

• • • 1. 1. 1. NS будет отпоавлять форму посещаемости (созданную с помощью Google Form) на электронную почту родителей ежедневно в 7:00 утра. Родители должны ответить до 10:00 утра, подтверждая, что их ребенок готов участвовать в дистанционном обучении в этот день.
            2. В дополнение посещаемость будет подтверждена через Google Classroom в форме ежедневного post о регистрации / обсуждении, а также общения с учителями и выполнеия заданий в течение дня.

Если ученик помечен как отсутствующий, но при этом выполняет задание, посещаемость будет исправлена ​​позже.

Учителя и администрация будут проявлять осторожность и деликатность в отношении проблем посещаемости в каждом конкретном случае.

Learning Experience

• • • 1. 1. • The DL plan in K-4 grade will include home learning engagements and/or activities that parents can assist their child in completing.
            • Teachers will engage with students on a daily basis through Google Classroom, Google Meets, Google Tools, email, and/or by phone to check in and support student learning.
            • Teachers will post videos, links and PDF files, and they will be able to distribute and collect digital assignments.
            • Students and families will have access to their teacher online and/or by phone during the teachers designated office hours for any needed support. Each teacher will communicate their office hours to students and families.
            • Students will participate in reading, writing, math and other activities like Russian, Art, Music, and PE. Direct instructions will be achieved through video teaching/presentations and interactive conferencing (Google Meet).
            • Students will use online programs such as:
            • • Core Knowledge
              • SIngapore Math
              • iXL
              • Khan Academy
              • Learning A-Z (Reading A-Z, Science A-Z, RAZ Kids)
              • Readworks
              • BrainPop
              • online eBooks for reading and listening (Storyline Online, Epic!, Audible)
              • Discovery Education
              • National Science Teachers Association
            • Students will also complete assignments that are not technology based

Learning Timeframe

Teachers will create and post daily assignments by 9:00 am for each subject to be completed by Grades K-3 students at home during the day.

• • • 1. 1. • Kindergarten will include 30-45 minutes of instructional learning per day, followed by daily recommended schedules for continued learning.
            • 1st and 2nd grade will include 1-2 hours of instructional learning per day, followed by daily recommended schedules for continued learning.
            • 3rd grade will include 1.5-3 hours of instructional learning per day, followed by daily recommended schedules for continued learning.
            • 4th grade will include 2-3 hours of instructional learning per day, followed by daily recommended schedules for continued learning.
            • For students in grades K-2, it is important for parents to observe the child as he/she engages in the activity and support him as needed.
            • For students in grades 3-4, students will be engaged with varying levels of independence. The more challenging the task, the more support might be required.  Encourage your child to seek support while allowing him/her to accept responsibility and take on challenges with increasing independence.
            • Continued learning activities (extra reading, Art, Music, PE):
              • K-2 grades: looking at books, reading aloud to your child, playing games that require math/strategy/critical thinking , independent reading, drawing, etc.
              • 3-4 grades: independent reading, listening to audiobooks, playing games that require math/strategy/critical thinking, art related activities, etc.

Learning Experience

• • • 1. 1. • The DL plan in 5-8 grade will include meaningful learning experiences in different subject areas.
            • Teachers will engage with students on a daily basis through Google Classroom, Google Meets, Google Tools, email, and/or by phone to check in and support student learning.
              • Individual: Students request help by making appointments with their teachers on an agreed time
              • Scheduled Office Hours: Students can join office hours to ask questions or discuss learning with their teachers and classmates during specific times established by teachers
              • Direct Instruction: Students may participate in real time mini-lessons on specific topics during specific times established by teachers
            • Teachers will post videos, links and PDF files, and they will be able to distribute and collect digital assignments.
            • Students will participate in ELA, Math, Social Studies, Studies, Russian, and other activities like Music, and PE. Direct instructions will be achieved through video teaching/presentations and interactive conferencing (Google Meet).
            • Students will use online programs such as:
              • Core Knowledge
              • SIngapore Math
              • iXL
              • Khan Academy
              • Newsela
              • Readworks
              • online eBooks for reading and listening
              • Discovery Education
              • National Science Teachers Association

Students will also complete assignments that are not technology based

Learning Timeframe

Teachers will create and post daily assignments by 9:00 am for each subject to be completed by Grades 5-8 students at home during the day.

• • • 1. 1. • 4-8th grade will include 3-4 hours of instructional learning per day (up to 30 minutes per subject depending on the learning targets and related activities as well as the age of the student)
            • Google Classrooms will be updated daily. The update will ensure:
            • Students will have daily Learning Target(s) in each subject area.
              • Students will have daily Learning Target(s) in each subject area.
              • Students know what learning they need to accomplish for that day.
              • Continuity of learning that is clearly connected to their learning in the prior class and will connect to their learning in the upcoming class

Google Classroom will have a written explanation and/or video lesson to introduce, explain tasks, or provide instruction.  In addition, it will have digital/scanned resources, quizzes, etc.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Activities will be graded and will contribute to the student’s overall grade.

Non-graded formative assessment:

• • • 1. 1. • Students will provide evidence of learning for each subject and lesson as a check of understanding.
            • Teachers will provide students with ongoing and regular feedback on their evidence of learning.
            • Students will have the opportunity to provide feedback to each other.

Graded summative assessment:

• • • 1. 1. • Students will participate in graded summative tasks at the end of a learning sequence.
            • Graded summative tasks that are performance based will include a rubric/checklist shared with students as part of the task overview

Teachers will provide feedback to students at regular checkpoints on tasks that extend over multiple lessons

Nasha Shkola is committed to continue to provide the best possible service to our students with IEP and 504 plans. All IEP and 504 plans will continue to be implemented.

Students with IEP

The special education teacher will provide activities through Google Apps and other formats that are designed to meet the goals and objectives on each student’s IEP. Sped Teacher will contact families on a weekly basis or as needed through email with updates. She will contact the students on a DAILY basis via Google Meets to deliver direct instruction to meet IEP service minutes. Special Education Teachers will have daily office hours at which time families will be able to contact her in order to receive additional support. Teleconference/direct instruction/office hours schedule will be delivered to families via email.

Speech Language Pathologist will be delivering distance learning services for each student on his caseload using the Google Meets s to meet their individual IEP goals and objectives.

Students Receiving 504 Services

NS teachers will continue to implement accommodations outlined in 504 plans and ensure in-person, real-time teaching wherever applicable. We will continue to support your family’s 504 plans to the best extent possible.

The District will work with you and monitor the impact on the delivery of Section 504 program changes throughout this school closure period. In addition, the 504 coordinator will continue to work with all general education teachers that support your child’s learning.

The Special Education and Student Support Services Leadership Team

• • • 1. 1. • Nikki Wahl | Special Education Teacher
            • Ashley Evans | Special Education Director
            • Marilyn Sandell | Special Education Coordinator
            • Tom Dunn | Speech Language Pathologist
            • Yelena Hardcopf | School Support Services & 504 Plan Coordinator

The following Online Platforms support Distance Learning staff/student/family collaboration and communication to ensure a quality student learning experience when planning and delivering remotely:

• • • 1. 1. 1. NS email and website https://nashashkolamn.org/
            2. Social Media: School Facebook Charter School of Russian Language and Culture “Nasha Shkola”
            3. Automated Text notifications
            4. Phone communication and instruction
            5. Online Learning Platforms: Google Drive, Google Classroom, Google Meet, and other Google Apps
            6. Print Resources and textbooks

The use of technology is an important part of distance learning education. Nasha Shkola has several policies that guide the use of technology by students.

Students must agree to the following stipulations in regards to responsible use of technology:

• • • 1. 1. 1. Students shall use the Internet and all forms of school technology responsibly.
            2. Students shall respect the rights of copyright owners by limiting copying to essential materials and providing attribution (citations) for images and text. Students shall avoid plagiarism by ensuring that their papers and projects reflect their thoughts and ideas as well as cited paraphrases, summaries and quotations. Students will ask teachers for assistance if they have questions regarding these terms.
            3. Students shall understand that they may use a personal device on the school network, that all school policies apply to them whether they are using their own device or school technologies, and that this privilege may be limited or revoked.
            4. Students shall understand the network is a valuable resource for teaching, learning and many other forms of productivity for students, staff and parents.
            5. Students shall understand that their participation in school interactive web resources—using a personal device or not—must represent what is expected from a student in the Nasha Shkola Charter School. Therefore, anything that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is also inappropriate in all uses of email, posts, messaging/chat sites, or other digital communication tools. This includes, but is not limited to disrespectful, profane, racist, sexist or other discriminatory remarks. Additionally, students shall promptly inform a teacher or administrator if any messages received or material reviewed is inappropriate.
            6. Students shall understand that the Nasha Shkola CYBER-BULLYING/PROHIBITED USE OF TECHNOLOGY Policy applies to online behaviors and they shall comply with all provisions of that policy.
            7. Students shall understand that school provided access to the Internet has to be filtered. If they need access to a blocked site, they shall work with their teachers to explore options available. Students shall not attempt to bypass any blocked sites or circumvent the filter in any manner.
            8. Students shall not impersonate nor attempt to impersonate another nor use or attempt to use somebody else’s accounts on any device. Students shall not delete or tamper with anyone else’s files, folders, or work. Students shall not let another student use their accounts on any device.
            9. Students shall understand that files, services, and devices provided by and/or managed by the school are not private. There is no expectation of privacy when students use the school district’s network, devices, and services and anything they do can be viewed by administration at any time.
            10. Students and their families shall understand that they will be liable for full repair and replacement costs for damage to school property, whether intentional or through negligence, including electronic devices.
            11. Students shall understand that attempts to override, disable, alter, or circumvent security restrictions, management systems, or device firmware will be considered intentional damage.
            12. Students shall understand that should they be found in violation of this policy, the consequences could include, but are not limited to; restricting access to the device, disabling device features or applications, the revocation of all network access, suspension or exclusion from school, or legal action by the authorities. Students or parents should contact school administration if they have any questions about this agreement or its implementation.

NS Computer Use and Internet Safety Agreement

Nasha Shkola Policy 5.8.1: Cyber-Bullying/Prohibited Use of Technology

Nasha Shkola Policy 5.8.2: Internet and Educational Network Safety and Acceptable Use

Reading/English

• • • 1. 1. • Storyline Online
            • Epic! Childrens’ Books Online
            • Commonlit
            • Merriam-Webster’s Word Central
            • Merriam-Webster’s Visual Dictionary Online
            • International Children’s Digital Library
            • Hennepin County Library
            • Word Clouds
            • Rhyming Dictionary
            • Electronic Library for MN
            • BibMe
            • Ted Talks
            • EBooks Minnesota
            • Audible
            • DOG ON A LOG Books
            • Making English Fun
            • ParagraphPunch
            • Spelling City
            • Sentense Grammar: Sentence Structure
            • Starfall

Math

• • • 1. 1. • Happy Numbers
            • Singapore Math
            • Khan Academy
            • XtraMath
            • Math Game Time
            • 12-Story Library
            • ASSISTments
            • Bedtime Math
            • Cool Math
            • ReadWorks

Science/STEM

• • • 1. 1. • StarNet: STEM Activity Resources
            • A-Z Animals
            • Smithsonian National Zoo
            • Web Weather for Kids
            • National Wildlife Federation
            • Minnesota Animals
            • Science Buddies
            • National Geographic Kids
            • NASA Kids Club
            • ChessKid
            • iCompute
            • Museum of Science Boston
            • TypingClub

Social Studies & History

• • • 1. 1. • US Presidents
            • 50 States
            • Minnesota Historic Sites
            • Native Americans Facts for Kids
            • ABC Database
            • Big History Project
            • National Constitution Center – Interactive Constitution
            • New American History

Art, Music & Movement

• • • 1. 1. • The Artists
            • Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
            • Finish This Comic
            • Scratch
            • Active Kids Do Better
            • Chrome Music Lab
            • Diamond Piano
            • Doodles Academy
            • Go Noodle
            • iColor Club
            • The Metropolitan Opera Live Streaming

Multi-Subject

• • • 1. 1. • Learning without Tears
            • Kiddle
            • Ask MN – Ask a Librarian
            • PBS Kids
            • The Library of Congress for Teachers
            • Scholastic Magazines
            • Scholastic Learn at Home
            • 123Homeschool4Me
            • All Kids Network
            • Bamboo Learning
            • Be a Dinosaur
            • C-SPAN Classroom
            • Crayola
            • Discovery K12
            • Easy Peasy Homeschool
            • The New York Times Learning Network
            • Quizlet
            • Virtual Tours of 12 Famous Museums

Will our reopening plan change again? How long will we be in the Hybrid option?

Currently, our in-person students are beginning the school year in less restrictive Hybrid mode. We hope to move them to 100% in-person when the levels of COVID-19 in our community decrease, but we might need to move to full distance learning if levels increase. If we change our in-person learning mode, we will give families as much notice as possible. Everything about our plan is subject to change based on new recommendations from public health officials.

What criteria are we using to determine what mode of in-person learning we are in?

NSCS in consultation with local public health officials, MDH, and MDE, will consider the following critical factors when making decision to select or transition to another learning model based on the impact of COVID-19 in our community.  NSCS will:

• Consult the MDH learning model selection parameters as indicated by county-level data to determine the base learning model (the bi-weekly case rate (over 14 days) by county of residence).

NSCS students reside in 5 different counties with 50% of students coming from Hennepin County.  NSCH will use data from Hennepin County to inform the recommended learning model.

• Consult with health officials as needed to examine the local epidemiology behind county-level data to assess whether increases or higher numbers of cases are likely the result of isolated outbreaks or whether they may be indicative of more widespread community transmission.
• Evaluate the ability to implement required and recommended health best practices to inform decision making at the school level. It is recommended that in case a school determines they are not able to successfully implement the required health practices for in-person or hybrid learning, they should implement distance learning for all students.
• Monitor the community and school-level impact of COVID-19 on a regular basis in consultation with public health to determine if adjustments are needed.

What are the criteria for the In-School Model?

Minimal to moderate community spread is occurring, but the impact on the school community in terms of confirmed cases among students and staff is relatively small. Sporadic cases may be occurring, but in general each confirmed case can be traced to a likely source of exposure and where all or most close contacts can be identified and excluded in the school setting. Staffing is assumed to be sufficient to continue in-person instruction. This planning scenario also assumes that contact tracing can be completed quickly and that all or most close contacts can be notified and excluded within 24 hours of being notified of the confirmed case. Most extracurricular activities may be held, provided they follow current public health guidance.

What are criteria for the Hybrid Model?

Moderate to substantial community spread is occurring, and there may be a higher degree of impact on the school community with multiple confirmed cases among students and staff. There may be higher numbers of confirmed cases over shorter periods of time, and/or clusters of cases identified within classrooms or the school community generally, however all or most close contacts can still be identified and excluded in the school setting. Staffing is assumed to be sufficient to continue in-person instruction, but measures including overall capacity limits are needed to allow for strict social distancing that further mitigates the risk of transmission. Testing capacity is generally assumed to be high enough that symptomatic individuals can access testing as needed from local clinics and asymptomatic school staff and educators who are close contacts are prioritized in state testing guidance.

Additional considerations:

• The number of students and school staff who are absent or who are sent home with influenza or COVID-19-like illness reaches approximately 5% of the total number of students and staff in a school within a single week.
• A significant community outbreak is occurring or has recently occurred that has the potential to impact staff, students, and families served by the school community but has not yet resulted in increased cases within the school setting.

Other:

A school may consider using a hybrid learning model after a distance learning period was required due to high levels of viral transmission in the school or local geographic community. The hybrid model could be used as a bridge to safely move back toward the model of in-person learning for all students. For example, a school could operate using a hybrid learning model for 2 incubation periods (28 days) and carefully monitor for any additional clusters of confirmed cases of COVID-19 before transitioning back to a full in-person learning model.

 What are the criteria for the Distance Learning Model for all students?

Substantial, uncontrolled community spread is occurring and/or there is a significant degree of impact on the school community with multiple confirmed cases or large scale outbreaks occurring among students and staff. This planning scenario also accounts for situations where staffing may be impacted to the degree that a school is not able to offer in-person instruction. In general, implementation of a distance learning model should occur for a minimum of one incubation period (two weeks) when there is evidence of substantial, uncontrolled community transmission or significant levels of illness in the school setting.

Additional considerations:

• A distance learning only model could be considered for short periods of time if confirmed cases are identified but contact tracing and notification of close contacts in the school setting cannot be completed within 24 to 36 hours. This short-term use of distance learning may allow schools to coordinate with local and state health officials to complete contact tracing and develop a clearer picture of the COVID-19 situation impacting the school while supporting continuity in learning.
• Multiple cases are identified within a short time period (e.g., several cases in one week or within a 14-day time period) that occur across multiple classrooms or activities and a clear connection between cases or to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 cannot be easily identified.
• A significant community outbreak is occurring or has recently occurred (e.g., large event or large local employer) and is impacting multiple staff, students, and families served by the school community.
• Substantial, uncontrolled community transmission is occurring at the county-, regional-, or state level, and there are multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students and/or staff.

Do in-person families need to prepare in case we move to distance learning?

Just as we do for snow days, each family of an in-person student needs to have backup plans for childcare, supervision and helping students with distance learning. This will help you and your child transition more easily if the need arises. NS will provide school age childcare to

How will we handle Back-to-School Night?

Instead of a regular Back-to-School Night event, NS will hold a drop off day on Tuesday, August 25 for school supplies and paperwork from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Will NS Online Students have a different school supplies list?

Both our in-person and Online students will need the same lists of school supplies. The online learners will still need items to complete their work at home. Please find the 20-21 School Supplies List here

Will students have technology devices?

NS will survey data from families to determine if students have a device and internet access at home for distance learning purposes.  NS will provide school-issued devices to families in need before the school starts.

 My child is signed up for Online Learning in NS. When can we expect more details about it?

NS will provide more details the week of August 24, 2020. This will include:

• Guidance on expectations and daily schedules
• Details about our online learning platforms and instructions on how to use them
• Week of August 24, online students will be invited for Benchmarking and fall NWEA assessment.
• Families can hold in-person (by appointment) or virtual orientation with the teacher(s).

Will NS Online/Distance Learning look like distance learning did in the spring?

In the spring, NS delivered an emergency plan. During summer, NS team has put a lot of effort in professional development and planning into making NS Online more in-depth based on the feedback we received from teachers and families.

Teachers will partner with parents to guide students along as they work through their learning. There will be some teacher facilitation and some independent student work, with a combination of virtual one-on-one meetings, virtual group meetings, live class sessions and pre-recorded videos.

Can NS livestream the learning in the in-person classrooms for the students at home?

• Online and in-person learning are fundamentally different methods of instruction.
• A teacher would not be able to effectively meet the needs of the students watching at home in this format, who would just be passive observers.
• The most proven, effective methods for online instruction allow the teacher to provide dedicated time and feedback to the online students to make sure they are engaged with their learning.
• Livestreaming in person classes creates legal, ethical and privacy issues.

How much time and work will NS Online require from students and their parents?

All students will need to complete daily assignments. Students might need help from a family member to complete/oversee their work. Each student will need a different amount of time to do their daily coursework.

Will student in NS Online still take tests?

Yes, in addition to NS regular assessments (NWEA & Benchmarking 3 times/year), these students will also take state tests (ACCESS for ELLs, MCA). Online students will be invited to the school (by appointment) to take the tests.

Will attendance be monitored on Distance Learning/Online days?

Yes, teachers will take attendance to ensure each student is present. Please review the Attendance part of the Distance Learning Plan.

What do I do if my child is sick and can’t attend in-person/online classes?

If you select Online Option for your child, this will not count as an absence as long as the assignments are completed. Please arrange for additional time if needed.  If you select the in-person option but then your child is ill or must quarantine for 14 days, these will be excused absences. As for other types of absences, families should follow the regular guidelines NS and call/email the school to report the absence so it can be marked as excused. (Nasha Shkola Attendance Policy)

How can families get food for their children in Online Option?

NS will have bagged meals available for pick-up.  To arrange for meal pick up, families have to fill out request through the school office.  School meals, whether eaten at school or home (i.e. lunches picked up during distance learning), will not be free for all students. Students will pay for meals if they do not qualify for free meals

Will parents need to help students who attend NS Online?

Yes, this option will require the student’s parent to help facilitate their child’s learning. This will be a partnership with the teacher, who will provide guidance and instruction.

May we switch from in-person to NS Online or from NS Online to in-person partway through the quarter?

We must ask everyone to commit to their choice for the entire quarter, so we can be sure we have enough teaching staff for both the in-person and online programs.

How will school be grading my child in Online program?

Just as with in-person, NS teachers will assess students working online. All students will receive quarterly grades per school grading policy. Teachers will record grades in JMC. All students will receive report card on the quarterly basis.

How will I know how my child is doing in their online schoolwork?

Parents will receive weekly progress reports from teachers via email, and parents may schedule verbal communication and meetings with teachers as needed. Parents of the middle school students can view their grades on the JMC Parent Portal. We will have virtual parent-teacher conferences in the fall and in the spring.