Yale Public School District

COVID-19 Preparedness and

Response Plan
(Executive Order 2020-142 District Preparedness Plan Template)

07/10/20

Name of District: Yale Public School District

Address of District:​ 198 School Drive

District Code Number: 74130

Web Address of the District: www.ypsd.us

Name of Intermediate School District: St. Clair County RESA

Name of Authorizing Body (if applicable):

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Preparedness Plan Introduction
Governor Whitmer’s​ ​Executive Order 2020-142​ “provides a structure to support all
schools in Michigan as they plan for a return of pre-K-12 education in the fall. Under the
order, school districts must adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan laying
out how they will cope with the disease across the various phases of the ​Michigan Safe
Start Plan​. In turn, the accompanying Michigan Return to School Roadmap offers a
guide to the types of safety protocols appropriate during each phase. There’s no
one-size-fits-all solution: What works in Lansing may not work in Sault Sainte Marie.
Districts will retain the flexibility to tailor their instruction to their particular needs and to
the disease conditions present in their regions.” (EO-2020-142)

Each district (public, public school academy (PSA), nonpublic, and intermediate school
district (ISD) that educates pre-K-12 students) shall submit a single completed
Assurance Document and Preparedness Plan to its Board in time for approval by
August 15 or seven days before the first day of school, whichever comes first. This
template, when completed, serves as a single Assurance Document and Preparedness
Plan​.

The Preparedness Plan will be collected by the Intermediate School District for public
school districts, the authorizing body for public school academies, or the
chief/designated school administrator for nonpublic schools for transmission to the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Treasurer by August 17, 2020.
Additionally, this Preparedness Plan must be posted on the district’s/PSA’s, or
nonpublic school’s public website home page no later than August 17, 2020. A single
application should be filed by the district rather than multiple applications for individual
schools within a district.

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Preparedness Plan Assurances
The District agrees to meet all of the following requirements of Executive Order 2020-142
✓ The District assures that when it provides in-person instruction to its students without
disabilities, the district must also provide in-person instruction to its students with
disabilities, consistent with their individualized education programs (IEPs).
✓ The District assures that when schools are closed to in-person instruction, districts must
strive in good faith and to the extent practicable, based upon available resources,
technology, training, and curriculum, as well as the circumstances presented by
COVID-19, to provide equal access to any alternative modes of instruction to students
with disabilities from birth through age 26. This assurance includes the provision of
auxiliary services under section 1296 of the Revised School Code, MCL 380.1296.
✓ The District assures that while any state of emergency or disaster related to the
COVID-19 pandemic continues, it shall comply with guidance from the United States
Department of Education, including its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Special
Education and Rehabilitative Services, and the Michigan Department of Education
concerning the delivery of alternative modes of instruction to students with disabilities in
light of the impact of COVID-19.
✓ The District assures that it shall, to the extent practicable and necessary, make
individualized determinations whether and to what extent compensatory services may be
needed for students with disabilities in light of the school closures during the 2019–2020
school year.
✓ The District assures that during ​Phase 1, 2, or 3 o​ f the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan​ it will
close its buildings to anyone except: (a) District employees or contractors necessary to
conduct minimum basic school operations consistent with a Preparedness Plan,
including those employers or contractors necessary to facilitate alternative modes of
instruction, such as distributing materials and equipment or performing other necessary
in-person functions. (b) Food-service workers preparing food for distribution to students
or their families. (c) Licensed child-care providers and the families that they serve, if
providers follow all emergency protocols identified by the state.
✓ The District assures that during ​Phase 1, 2, or 3 o​ f the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan​ it will
suspend athletics, after-school activities, inter-school activities, and busing.
​ f the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan​ it will
✓ The District assures that during ​Phase 1, 2, or 3 o
provide for the continued pay of school employees while redeploying staff to provide
meaningful work in the context of the Preparedness Plan, subject to any applicable
requirements of a collective bargaining agreement.
✓ The District assures that in ​Phases 1, 2, or 3 ​of the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan​ it will
provide for the continuation of food distribution to eligible students.
​ f the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan​ it will prohibit
✓ The District assures that during ​Phase 4 o
indoor assemblies that bring together students from more than one classroom.
✓ The District assures cooperation with the local public health department if a confirmed
case of COVID-19 is identified, and agrees to collect the contact information for any
close contacts of the affected individual from two days before he or she showed
symptoms to the time when he or she was last present in school.

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Preparedness Plan
Every district must develop and adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan (“Preparedness
Plan”) that is informed by ​Michigan’s 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap​ (“Return to School Roadmap”)
from the COVID-19 Task Force on Education and Return to School Advisory Council.

In accordance with Executive Order 2020-142 a plan must include all the following parts:

A. The policies and procedures that the District will follow when the region in which the district is
located is in ​Phase 1, 2, or 3​ of the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan.
1. Describe how the district will offer alternative modes of instruction other than in-person
instruction and a summary of materials each student and the student’s parents or
guardians will need to meaningfully access the alternative modes of instruction included
in the Preparedness Plan. If the Preparedness Plan relies on electronic instruction, the
Preparedness Plan must consider how the district will aid students who lack access to
computers or to the internet. This is also in the Continuity of Learning and COVID-19
Response Plan submitted in April. You may want to update and link to this plan in your
response below.

The primary mode of instruction for K-12 students will be virtual if buildings are closed due to
being in Phases 1, 2 or 3. All students will have issued logins for the learning management
system, Buzz (K-8) and Brightspace ((-12). The learning management system will allow staff
and students to work both on and off line either on their personal or district provided device
remotely while school buildings are closed. The Yale Public School District has partnered
with Michigan Virtual University (9-12) and Accelerated Education (k-8) to offer an online
curriculum that matches the state of Michigan’s curriculum requirements and the Board
approved Yale Public School District curriculum. Staff who have poor or no internet access at
their homes, will be allowed to work on a rotating basis in the school building provided the
closure order allows for essential workers to continue to access school buildings. Students
who need internet access for submitting assignments or connecting with school personnel for
support will have access to “wifi hotspots” located around YPSD school buildings. In addition,
YPSD will provide a list of local wifi locations.

A blend of the district curricular resources and online curriculum will be utilized by staff and
students in the event of the closure via the learning management system and online
curriculum. Teachers will be able to assess students and assign differentiated materials for
students from the district approved resources via the LMS.

Parents will also have access to the learning management system and Skyward Family
Access to use for monitoring their students academic progress. Parents will be able to
access Buzz, Brightspace, and Skyward Family Access using their personal device including
cell phones.

B. The policies and procedures that the District will follow when the region in which the District is
located is in ​Phase 4​ of the Michigan Safe Start Plan. Those policies and procedures must, at a
minimum, include:
1. Face coverings​ (​Return to School Roadmap ​p. 22)
a. Please describe how the district will implement ​requirements​ for facial coverings that
at a minimum require the wearing of face coverings, except during meals and unless
face coverings cannot be medically tolerated, for:
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 i) All staff and all students in grades pre K-12 when on a school bus.
ii) All staff and all students in grades pre K-12 when in indoor hallways and
common areas.
iii) All staff when in classrooms.
iv) All students in grades 6 and up when in classrooms.
v) All students in grades kindergarten through grade 5 unless students remain
with their classes throughout the school day and do not come into close
contact with students in another class.

Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for
Personal Protective Equipment.

District and Building Implementation Plan:

● The expectations for the wearing of face coverings and how to obtain clean face
coverings will be included in district to parent communications, student orientations,
and all staff orientations.
● Students and parents will be able to to view a safety video on the wearing and
expectations for face coverings. Students and parents will sign-off on their awareness
of these policies before the students are permitted to enter the classroom on the first
day of school.
● Building, grounds, and transportation signage will be prominent throughout all school
facilities and clearly identify who is required to wear face covering in each designated
area of the building, grounds, or bus.
● Fabric face coverings and shields will be ordered and provided to all staff members.
Clear face coverings will be provided to pre K - 2nd grade teachers as well as special
education teachers and staff.
● Disposable face coverings will be available for students who forget them or need a
new one due to issues during the day. (Daily beginning on the 1st day of school)
● Individuals (staff or students) who claim medical exemption will need to meet with the
district Health Safety Team/Principal/School Nurse to provide rationale and
documentation. (Begins Aug. 15 and continues throughout the school year)
● Exempted individuals will be recorded on a building master list that will be shared with
staff.
● PreK-5 students will not be required to wear a face covering once they are situated in
the classroom unless the classroom activity places them in close proximity to other
students.
● Students who are capable of wearing a face covering and refuse to do so in an area
where a face covering is required will be asked to put the face covering on by a school
official (teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, school safety staff, playground aid,
etc.). The instance will be documented and if necessary, follow through with a parent
contact.
● Students showing patterns of non-compliance will be removed from the school building
and placed into remote instruction until the student agrees to comply with this safety
protocol. Parents will be notified of each instance of non-compliance by the
administration. Continue removals from the school building will result in permanent
placement into remote instruction with the student being banned from coming to the
school site.
● Staff who are capable of wearing a face covering and refuse to do so will be
addressed by the school administrator and could face progressive disciplinary
measures up to and including termination.

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 ● Guests to the school building (substitute teachers, etc) will be issued a disposable
face covering upon signing in at the main office or will be allowed to wear their own
approved personal face mask and will be instructed to wear the face covering at all
times. Instances of non-compliance will result in the guest being escorted from the
building by the building administrator.
● In instances of uncertainty about individuals not wearing face coverings, these matters
will be relayed to the building administration for review and decisive action.

2. Hygiene
Please describe how you will implement the ​requirements​ for hygiene protocols
from the ​Return to School Roadmap ​(p. 22-23​).

Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for
Hygiene.

District and Building Implementation Plan:

● Every classroom will be supplied with the appropriate hand soap (if a sink is located in
the classroom) and all classrooms will have hand sanitizer for student and staff use.
● Supplies (paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, tissues, trash receptacles) will be
checked daily and restocked in the classroom.
● Teachers will contact the office immediately if supplies run out during the school day.
● Each classroom will have a hygiene protocol with timelines that are posted and
communicated via newsletters, web pages, bulletin boards, and the like.
● Teachers will instruct students on the following:
○ proper hand washing on the first day of school and reinforce weekly or more
often if needed
○ how to cough and sneeze into their elbows, or to cover with a tissue and
dispose of it in the trash
● Proper mitigation strategies including hand washing and sneezing will be
communicated to families via newsletters, web pages, bulletin boards, and the like.
Parents and caregivers will be asked to review and reinforce with their students.
● Teachers will schedule time throughout the day to have students wash their hands.
This will occur minimally at 2-3 hour intervals.
● Custodial and maintenance staff will
○ Procure adequate soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues
○ Post signage related to cleaning and hygiene strategies in each room,
restroom, throughout the hallways
○ Monitor hygiene supplies and refill as needed (monitor daily)
○ Procure hand sanitizing stations as deemed necessary during walk-through
with building leader
● Sharing school supplies will be limited, and each student will have their own supply
box for materials (a list of these supplies will be generated as appropriate for each
grade level and or specific middle school or high school course)
● Personal belongings will be kept in personal lockers, cubbies, or containers.

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Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for
Spacing, Movement, and Access.

District And Building Implementation Plan:

● Building/facility leaders and custodial staff will walk through each building to assess
number of desks, tables, capacity to physical distance with existing student enrollment
and furniture
● Building/facility leaders will determine what furniture or supplies can be removed from
the building or what alternate furniture can be used to create greater physical distance.
When large tables are used in classrooms, clear partitions will be utilized between
students. In classrooms with desks, desks will be arranged facing forward with maxim
social distancing allowed by the size of the room.
● Hallways, cafeteria, entry, and sidewalks will be marked in 6-foot increments.
● Signage will be posted throughout the building and on restroom doors reminding
students, staff, and guests of the physical distance requirement.
● All permitted guests will comply with the screening protocol noted below:
○ Screening questions will be asked
○ Date and time of visit will be recorded
○ Movement within the building will be limited to the main office area (with social
distancing enforced
○ Limited numbers of individuals will be allowed in the main office or hallway.
○ One entrance will be used by the public to enter or exit the building.

3. Cleaning
Please describe how you will implement the cleaning ​requirements​ for cleaning
protocols from the ​Return to School Roadmap ​(p. 27)​.

Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for
Cleaning.

District and Building Implementation Plan:

● District Level Administrators and Building Operations will meet to review all guidance
related to cleaning and disinfecting of buildings and to review the Building Operations
the MI Safe Schools: Michigan's 2020-21 Return to School Roadmap.
● An inventory related to all cleaning supplies that are in compliance with the
EPA-approved related to COVID will be taken and orders will be made to address
increased cleaning protocols.
● Cleaning supply areas will be identified around the building that hold materials for
usage and easily accessible for staff.
● All classrooms will be provided spray bottles with EPA-approved disinfectant or diluted
bleach solution, paper towels, face shield and gloves in order to address new cleaning
protocols. Staff must wear gloves, a mask and face shield when cleaning.
● Each building custodial team and administrator will tour their building and identify
areas of frequent usage throughout the building. A map will be created and kept
secure in the head custodian room and office to ensure compliance when custodial
substitutes are in the building.

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 ● Custodial staff will walk the building wiping all high frequency usage areas at multiple
times throughout the school and following any evening activities in the building.
Custodians will document the time and date and initials on a chart that is kept daily.
● All special classrooms i.e. gym, computer labs and media centers will have
EPA-approved cleaning supplies stored in the classroom away from students. The
teacher of record for the area will wipe down all frequently used materials after each
class has exited with EPA-approved disinfectant or diluted bleach solution. This will
occur prior to the entrance of the next class.
● Classroom desks will be cleaned and disinfected each day at the elementary level
cohort classrooms and after every period at the secondary level with EPA-approved
disinfectant or diluted bleach solution. Locked storage units with ventilation for
cleaning materials will be available for all staff as needed. All classrooms will have the
appropriate EPA-approved disinfectant or diluted bleach solution in their rooms.
● Playground structures must continue to undergo normal routine cleaning
● A training on cleaning materials and protocols will be provided to the staff through a
virtual meeting the first week of school. This training will show the use of PPE when
cleaning, protocols for the classroom and storage of cleaning materials.

Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for ​Food
Service, Gathering, and Extracurricular Activities.

District and Building Implementation Plan:

● At this time no indoor assemblies will be held at the elementary and secondary
buildings. All presentations that are needed will be done by remote monitors in the
classrooms or by staff entering the room to share the needed information.
● At the elementary buildings a schedule will be put together that limits the number of
classrooms on a playground for recess at a time. Face masks will be worn at all times
on the playground unless the individual is medically unable. Students will use hand
sanitizer before entering the building.
● All elementary students will eat lunch in the cafeteria with their classroom cohort in an
individually identified area.
● Elementary -Due to social distancing on the playground a rotating lunch recess
schedule will occur for the week.
● At the secondary level, the cafeteria will undergo reorganization to remove
unnecessary items to allow for expansion. Students will be assigned seating in an
attempt to maximize social distancing, the number of students at a table will be limited.
A third lunch period will be added to the high school.
● All students will wear masks into the cafe and can remove them when eating. They
will put them back on when eating is completed.
● Secondary students will enter the lunch service line at a staggered schedule. We will
have an A, B, and C lunch schedule. Students will be separated by that determination
and will also be released from class in a staggered fashion to avoid long lines.
● Markings will be put on the floor to designate a six foot apart distancing as students
wait in line in the cafe and at the office and counselor office.
● All cafeteria workers will be required to wear masks and gloves when dealing with food
items. They will all be required to wash their hands before and after all food service
according to CDC guidance. Visual guidance will be in the kitchen and by every sink
to encourage the correct procedure for hand washing.
● All field trips are suspended, this will be reviewed as we move to a level 5.

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 ● All extracurricular activities will require face masking. All events over 50 students will
be temporarily discontinued and will be evaluated as we move to another level.
All social distancing requirements will be in place so events will be outside or in large
ventilated areas.

4. Athletics
Please describe how you will implement the ​requirements​ for athletics protocols from
the ​Return to School Roadmap (​ p. 27).

We will follow all ​guidance published by Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)
and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

5. Screening
Please describe how you will implement the ​requirements​ for screening protocols from
the ​Return to School Roadmap (​ p. 24).

Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for ​Screening
Students and Staff.

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District and Building Implementation Plan:

● A copy of our screening and exposure plan will be submitted to the County Health
Department. This plan will be reviewed regularly with the YPSD Return to School Committee
and the Health Department along with any referrals from the prior month.
● Staff and students will be asked to follow the YPSD Covid Self Health Screening and
Assurance protocol. Students, families, and staff will be educated on the protocol as well as
the symptoms related to Covid-19. Students and staff will be asked to self assess each
morning prior to the start of the school day. If a student or staff member has any symptoms
related to Covid, they will be directed to stay home, contact the office and work with the
school district on following the response guidelines established by the St. Clair County Health
Department.
● Each building will have multiple thermometers to assist with measuring student and staff
temperatures.
● Each school building will identify a remote and secluded room to serve as an isolation area.
This room will be outfitted with appropriate PPE including gowns, face shields, N95 Masks,
gloves, sanitizing wipes, portable two-way radios, an internet connected computer, and log
sheets.
● Each building will have an identified and trained staff person to serve as the quarantine
officer. These duties will take precedence over any other responsibilities.
● From the time of identification of potential infection, the student will not be left unattended by
the quarantine officer/team and a log sheet of activity will be maintained until the student or
staff member is safely removed from the building.
● Parent communication will be made immediately with clear and concise directions on where to
report for testing if they choose to test.
● A designated person (office staff) will contact the student/family after removal until test results
are provided and verified before the student can return to school.
● During the time of quarantine, the student will be asked to self identify the location and
individuals they came into contact with for the past 48 hours to the best of their recollection.
Priority will be placed on those individuals that they were in contact with for a sustained 15
minutes of more.
● The health department will be contacted after parents have been contacted to assist in
contact tracing and notification of vulnerable individuals.
● All school staff will be required to conduct a health safety self assessment at home prior to
returning to work and documented.
● Staff who are unable to work due to displaying COVID-19 systems will be required to report
this to their direct supervisor. The building administrator will inform the Assist Superintendent
who will follow up with any symptomatic person to direct where, when, and how to get tested
and report those results back to the school as soon as available.
● Positive tests for staff members will result in a minimum of ten days out from school.

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 6. Testing
Please describe how you will implement the ​requirements​ for testing protocols from the
Return to School Roadmap (​ p. 25).

Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for
Testing Protocols for Students and Staff, and Responding to Positive Cases.

District and Building Implementation Plan:

● Schools will communicate and cooperate with the local health department officials
regarding all procedures including reporting and appropriate family notifications.
● When parents are contacted to pick up students with symptoms they will be informed
where they can access testing.
● Symptomatic staff will be expected to be tested and will be provided with information
on where they can access testing if needed. They will be required to follow human
resources protocols regarding when they are able to return to work.
● Parents will be provided information encouraging them to check students for
symptoms, including taking their temperature, daily before sending them to school.

7. Busing and Student Transportation

Please describe how you will implement the ​requirements​ for busing and student
transportation protocols from the ​Return to School Roadmap ​(p. 28).

Please describe how you would implement the requirements and recommendations for
Busing and Student Transportation.

District and Building Implementation Plan:

● Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed on all busses and it is required for
students to use them prior to being seated.
● All staff (including drivers) and students are required to wear facial coverings (if
medically feasible) when on the bus. Single use masks will be distributed by drivers if
a student arrives at the bus without a mask.
● Students who present with symptoms at school or refuse to wear a mask will not be
permitted to board a bus and staff will ensure they are picked up safely.
● All high touch areas of the bus will be disinfected after every route by the driver (no
students may be present at that time). Buses will be cleaned each night.
● Professional development will occur with all bus drivers related to the changes
including the appropriate usage of face masks and policies regarding the requirement
of their usage on the bus, hand sanitizing, and cleaning protocols to address the
cleaning and disinfecting of the bus before and after every route. A check sheet with
time and date of each cleaning will be provided to staff to complete each time the bus
is cleaned.
● Bus drivers, weather permitting, shall keep windows open on the bus both in route and
when stopped.
● On those buses with specialized transportation and equipment needs, bus aides or
drivers will disinfect the equipment upon entrance to the bus.

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 Please describe how you would implement the recommendations for ​Mental &
Social-Emotional Health.

District and Building Implementation Plan:

● We will utilize our Crisis Response Team, including certified school social workers,
counselors, behavior interventionist/coaches, and administrators to ensure
comprehensive crisis plans are aligned to student and staff needs related to the
pandemic.
● We will utilize the district MTSS process for students who exhibit acting out or
withdrawn behaviors for supports across the tiers.
● District Administration will coordinate with local support agencies and partnership
counseling agencies to support students and families. The identified administrator and
social worker will act as the point person to centralize mental health referrals.
● Personal mental health services offered through the human resources department in
Yale Public Schools will be available for any staff needing assistance.
● Staff professional development will include the following
○ Trauma informed practices with a connection to school wide PBIS and
social-emotional learning
○ Self-care
○ Identification and rapid referral process for at risk students
○ Revised PBIS expectations and lessons to be taught related to mitigation
procedures (hand washing, social distancing, face coverings, etc)
● MDE resources for social emotional learning and trauma will be provided to all staff
● Building principals will provide parents information through newsletters, social media
and other communications regarding general best practices for childhood
social-emotional well being.

Instruction

Please describe how you would implement the recommendations for ​Governance.

Our district’s Return to School Committee and Instruction Subcommittee is led by the District’s
Assistant Superintendent. The Return to School Committee includes:
● Superintendent
● Assistant Superintendent
● Six district level directors (Building and Grounds, Technology, Special Education,
Transportation, Athletics, and Food Service)
● Two building principals (elementary and secondary)
● A counselor/ social worker
● A building secretary
● Three teacher representatives from our different buildings and grade levels
● A support staff representatives (food service, transportation, administrative assistants,
teaching assistants)
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 ● YEA, YSA, and YSSA union representative

The Return to School Committee of the Whole will meet every week via Zoom.
Subcommittees will meet approximately every other week via Zoom or in person utilizing
social distancing protocols. Current subcommittees include: Instruction, Operations,
Transportation, Health and Wellbeing, Technology, Athletics, Special Education, Early
Childhood, and Food Service.

Our district will ask stakeholders to provide feedback regarding their interest in online learning
through an online survey. The survey will be open for a two week period.

After the results from the survey are available, our Return to School Committee will analyze
these results to help inform the development of the plan, paying special attention to equity
and access.

Yale Public School will be offering face-to-face instruction as well as an online option for all
students.

The final Preparedness Plan will be posted on the district’s website. In the Welcome Back
Meeting for staff in August, our district administration will cover the supplemental information
in detail and answer questions related to the plan to ensure clarity of expectations and
execution. Building administration and teachers will engage students in a full review of the
supplemental information related to the Preparedness Plan to ensure students are well versed
in the event we return to remote in any form or fashion.

Please describe how you would implement the recommendations for ​Instruction.

Instruction - Before School Starts

Vision:

Our commitment to ALL students remains clear. For the 2020-21 school year:
● Every student will start the year with access to grade-level instruction and high quality,
standards-aligned instructional materials in every subject.
● Every student will be assessed on their understanding of prerequisite skills and
grade-level proficiencies using formative assessments, screeners, or diagnostics.
● Every students’ academic and social emotional needs will be addressed with the
integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and strengthening connections
with students.

Clear expectations have been set around high quality remote and face-to-face instruction that
include:
● Best practices for learning
● Grade-level proficiencies
● Modes of student assessment and feedback
● Differentiated support for students
● The inclusion of social-emotional learning
● Guidance around daily instructional time and workload per different grade bands to
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 ensure consistency for students.
These expectations will be supported by a robust professional learning plan (described later in
this document).

During Phase 4, all K-12 students will attend school every day for face-to-face instruction or
participate in a virtual classroom.

Standards-Aligned Curriculum and High Quality Instructional

Materials​:
Our current curricular resources will be supplemented with an online curriculum through
Accelerated Education and Michigan Virtual University that ensures accessible to digitally
instructional materials. Additional digital resources are being utilized to enhance student
engagement and the formative assessment process. Our teachers have a strong command of
curricular resources and have received professional development on the district-adopted
curriculum as part of the normal process of doing business. Focus and professional learning
will shift to understanding and implementing more best practices with a focus on virtual
learning. As a district, the adopted Learning Management System (LMS) platforms are Buzz
(K-8) and Brightspace (9-12).

High Quality Instructional Methods and Intervention Programs:

Our instructional tiered delivery system begins with high quality curricular resources and
instructional strategy practices at all tiers of instruction. Tier 1 instruction and classroom
intervention is available to all learners and is designed to effectively meet the needs of most
students. From there, Tier 2 and 3 supports are layered on to target specific support to small
groups and individual students.

In each of our school buildings’ staff meetings are held twice monthly. Here staff meet to:
● Discuss and integrate school and district level initiatives and systems
● Data dialogue, problem solve, and action plan around whole child data consisting of
whole school, grade level, small group, and individual student data points
● Participate in tailored, building and district, embedded professional learning.

For targeted interventions and supports we will continue to use the Tier 2 and 3 intervention
programs we have in place for literacy and math in grades K-12. Elementary schools will
continue to utilize paraprofessional supports as well as nationally recognized tier 2 and 3
programs to help students who are performing below grade level expectations.

We recognize that additional supports may be necessary for students as we determine their
needs in the first weeks of school. Our Student Needs Assistance Committee (SNAC) will
keep a close eye on student needs and communicate needed intervention supports to their
building principals.

Providing whole group, small group, and targeted instructional supports based on informed
data are top priorities for our instructional vision as we safely reopen our schools. This vision
applies whether our learning environment is face-to-face or virtual.

Meaningful Assessment Methods:

Our district assessment plan consists of initial screening measures, diagnostic assessments,
on-going classroom formative assessment, and interim and summative assessments. These

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assessments were selected for their validity and reliability for their intended purpose and
student population. This assessment system provides educators in our system the whole
child data needed to make informed instructional decisions in schools, classrooms, grade
levels, small groups of students, and personalized learning.

Our district assessment plan provides teachers and students the ability to identify gaps in
student learning and target individual student needs on an ongoing basis. Our use of initial,
digging deeper assessments provides our Student Support Teams with many opportunities
to examine student data and develop individualized support plans.

Integration of Social-Emotional Learning:

Yale Public Schools will continue to address the various social and emotional needs of our
students through the guidance of our Social Workers and Counselors. Our counselors and
social workers will continue to deliver support to students and families in a variety of methods
and group sizes including individual, small group, and whole class as needed.

Special Education:
Before school starts, the school districts will begin reviewing students’ IEPs, IFSPs, and 504
plans in coordination with general and special education teachers. If necessary, any revision
will address any accommodations and/or services that are needed due to changes in the
student as well as be based on assessment data and parent feedback.

In addition, the Yale Public School District will:

● Commence intervention and support services. Plans will include all programs and
learning environments, especially special education, birth to five services, and CTE.
● Establish structures for general and special education teachers to collaborate on
delivery methods for assessments and instruction as outlined in IEPs. Consider
students’ needs around accessibility and provide assistive technologies, where
possible.
● Develop a continuation of services plan for students needing either occupational,
physical, and/or speech and language therapy, including evaluations by school
psychologists and social workers.

Postsecondary Transitions:
In close collaboration with our high school principals, counselors, college advisors and local
college access network members, we will be working diligently to secure supports for students
who are transitioning to postsecondary. These supports will encompass:
● Determining what resources should be shared with Class of ‘21 and Class of ‘22
students and families.
● Planning for fall administration of SAT and ensuring that high school staff are
communicating regularly with seniors.
● Providing resources, information, and training to parents and students. This will
include a wide continuum of topics such as FAFSA completion, college application
preparation, stackable certifications, etc.
● Utilizing counselors and/or college advisors to provide continued support to Tuition
Incentive Program (TIP) eligible students. Monitor the number of TIP eligible students
who are enrolling in college.

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 ● Coordinating efforts with our local college access network, counselors, and college
advisors.
● Monitoring the impact and perhaps unintended consequences created by moving to
Credit/No Credit for spring 2020. We will ensure all transcripts note the COVID19
closure and any resulting changes in grading.
● Creating measures/processes to identify students who may need additional support.

Resources that support postsecondary transitions:

● College and Career Readiness COVID-19 ISD College Access Network

Schedules and Routines:

A cohorting model will be used for our elementary schools. Students in grades K-5 will be in
school every day for 7 hours. Our junior high and high school schedule has been adjusted to
minimize mingling between students while allowing for choice in course options.

Elementary School Schedule and Considerations:

● Face-to-face class with teacher - every day (8:35 - 3:45)
● Students stay together as a class and do not mingle with other classes
○ Tier 1 Instruction in core content provided by classroom teachers
○ Tier 2 support provided by classroom teachers happens here
○ Tier 3 support pushes into the classroom
● Specials: ​Specials schedule: Music and Art specials teachers travel to classroom -
students remain in place. Technology will continue to be held in computer labs with
computers being cleaned after every use. PE instruction will happen outside weather
permitting.
● Lunch: ​Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria in a designated location with only their
cohorts (class) in assigned seats
● Recess: ​Organize recess schedule to minimize student interaction. Students will
wear masks for the entire recess period.

Junior High and HighSchool Considerations:

● Face to face class with teachers every day with assigned seating
● Electives: ​ Electives are taught as they normally are with additional safety measures
being taken.
● Lunch:​ Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria or other designated areas in the
buildings in assigned seats
● Locker Usage: ​Students will be encouraged not to use their lockers and to carry their
items throughout the day
● Passing Time: ​Hallway traffic will be one directional to minimize students
congregating in the halls
● Tier 3 ​interventions occur as part of the students daily schedule

Virtual Students:
● Those students participating in virtual education will not have the same identified
schedules and routines as those students choosing face-to-face instruction.

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Instruction - After School Starts
Ensuring Learning:
For students needing additional support, teachers will communicate progress and targeted
plans to families (in home language) at progress report intervals.

Shifting to a Remote Learning Environment:

To remain prepared for needed shifts to an all-district remote learning context, we have:
● Secured a learning management system to allow staff, students and parents access to
online tools/curriculum and materials that will provide standards-aligned learning that
is customizable.
● Purchased an online curriculum to allow teachers to enhance students’ educational
experience.
● Integrate remote learning tools into team meetings and in-school instruction so that
teachers, students and parents remain ready for a possible transition to a remote
context.
● Prepare communication assets for key audiences (students, teachers, parents) that
clarify protocols and resources for virtual instruction.

When in remote learning modes we will:

● Confirm that all students will have access to devices and supply those to individuals
who need them.
● Activate our connectivity plan to ensure that all students and families have access to
high speed internet at identified “hotspot” locations throughout the district.
● Monitor online attendance through the LMS tools.

Please describe how you would implement the recommendations for ​Communications and
Family Supports.

Communication and Family Partnerships:

We truly value our students, staff, parents and our community as essential partners in the
educational process. Our families and staff have experienced many unforeseen challenges
and new experiences during the past few months. We expect that we will all continue to face
new experiences in the fall and are committed to supporting our students and families. We
plan to provide:
● Continue to utilize our Communication Plan (website, social media, Edulink, Remind,
Skyward Messenger calls/emails and newsletters)
● Parent education sessions on the best way to access and use our digital resources
● Supports and resources for our families to use at home including specific strategies for
supporting their childs’ learning at home

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 ● Ensure all communications are in both English and the home language of our
students.
● Ensure our teachers know and understand the school communication plan and
expectations
● Ensure our teachers use the district’s learning management system effectively
● Ensure parents are able to access the learning management system and student
learning expectations

Please describe how you would implement the recommendations for ​Professional Learning.

Teachers were surveyed during the 2019 school year regarding professional development
needs. A professional development needs survey is usually administered each year,
however, the covid pandemic did not allow for the survey in the 2020 school year. The results
of the 2019 survey were used to update the short term and long term professional
development plan. Some of the professional development that came out of the 2019 survey
include: science instruction, student engagement, social emotional learning and trauma
informed practices, ELA best practices based on a workshop model.

Professional development will occur during the twice a month PD times established for all
teachers as well as the professional development days built into the yearly calendar. Many
of the topics described above will continue for the 2020-2021 school year.

C. Describe the policies and procedures that the district will follow when the region in which
the district is located is in Phase 5 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan.

The Phase 5 “Strongly Recommended” and “Recommended” items will be implemented in the
same manner as they were in Phase 4 with the following exceptions:
● Facial covering requirements for staff and students in school buildings will be reviewed
based on guidance at the time we move to Phase 5.
● Facial coverings will be recommended for students during transportation
● Family members and guests will be allowed limited access to the buildings. Screening
and recording procedures will remain.
● Indoor assemblies with more than one class will be allowed. Indoor and outdoor
gatherings will comply with current caps on attendance.
● Off-site field trips requiring bus transportation will be allowed on a limited basis; field
trips will comply with current guidelines, including face coverings.
● Recess cohorting will not be required.
● Allow indoor weight rooms and physical conditioning with 6 foot distancing with
sanitizing shared items between use.
● Buses will be cleaned and disinfected regularly
● Face shields, masks and gloves will be available and may be used during, but not
required in all circumstances.
● We will follow local health department expectations for cafeteria capacity and seating.

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 1.​ Indicate which highly recommended protocols from the ​Return to School Roadmap​ the district
will include in its Preparedness Plan when the region in which the district is located is in ​Phase 5
of the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan.

All strongly recommended protocols in Phase 5 will be implemented as part of the

Preparedness Plan.

2.​ ​Indicate which highly recommended protocols from the ​Return to School Roadmap​ the district
will not include in its Preparedness Plan when the region in which the district is located is in
Phase 5​ of the ​Michigan Safe Start Plan.

There are no strongly recommended protocols that the district will not include in our Phase 5
Preparedness Plan.

D. After considering all the protocols that are highly recommended in the ​Return to School
Roadmap,​ please indicate if a school plans to exclude protocols that are highly recommended for
any of the categories above in ​Phase 4.

Desks in all classrooms will be spaced apart as much as possible to accommodate the
number of students in the class, however, we will not be able to guarantee six feet between all
desks in all classrooms. We are not implementing a hybrid model in order to reduce class
sizes significantly enough to accommodate this spacing. The decision to implement a
traditional schedule was supported by the feedback we received from our stakeholders and
the Board of Education.

While most of our classrooms are equipped with individual student desks, some classrooms
have tables. Individual plexiglass dividers have been purchased to be used when students are
seated at these tables. We may not be able to have all students facing the front at all times.
We will do our best to meet this recommendation wherever possible.

We will utilize our current MTSS process and PBIS tiers of support to identify students that
may need additional mental health or social-emotional supports in place of a mental health
screening for all students.

We will encourage rather than require K-5 students to wear facial coverings in the classroom,
because elementary students will be cohorted throughout the day.

Elementary students and teachers will be allowed to substitute hand sanitizer for hand
washing at one or more of the scheduled hand washings every 2-3 hours.

Technology - we will establish a system to communicate the necessity of students obtaining

technologies necessary for remote learning. Devices will be available for families who are in
need of a personal device. Our learning management system allows students to access the
content and assignments on and off line. We will work with families who still need support on
a case by case basis.

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Final Steps for Submission
Each district shall submit a single completed Assurance Document and Preparedness
Plan to its Board of Education (in the case of a PSA, the Academy Board of Directors; in
the case of a nonpublic school, the chief or designated school administrator ) in time for
approval by August 15 or seven days before the first day of school, whichever comes
first​.

Date of Approval by the District Board of Education, PSA Board of Directors, or

nonpublic school chief/designated school administrator: August 13, 2020

Link to the Board Meeting Minutes or Signature of Board President, or signature

of nonpublic school chief/designated school administrator:
http://www.ypsd.us/index.php/district/mainmenu-district-board/mainmenu-district
-board-minutes

Link to the approved Plan posted on the District/PSA/nonpublic school website:

http://www.ypsd.us/

The Preparedness Plan will be collected by the Intermediate School District for public
school districts, the authorizing body for public school academies, or the
chief/designated school administrator for nonpublic schools for transmission to the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Treasurer by August 17, 2020.
Additionally, this Preparedness Plan must be posted on the district’s/PSA’s, or
nonpublic school’s public website home page no later than August 17, 2020.

Name of District/PSA/Nonpublic Leader Submitting Plan: ​Kenneth Nicholl,

Superintendent of Schools

Date Received by the ISD/Authorizing Body/Chief or designated School

Administrator:

Date Submitted to State Superintendent and State Treasurer:

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