Committee gets final update before start of 2020-21 term in East Providence
Health and safety procedures for in-person learning, transportation are put in place
EAST PROVIDENCE — As the countdown to the beginning of the 2020-21 term accelerated with the district readying to conduct both in-person and distance learning classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the School Committee held another meeting on Thursday night, Sept. 10, to receive the latest information prior to the September 14 start date.
DOH inspections
Superintendent Kathryn Crowley told the committee upon the completion of building inspections by the Rhode Island Department of Health, the district met nearly all of the new coronavirus safety protocols and procedures set by the state with a few caveats.
State inspectors did express some concerns, which the district received in letter form, though she noted the administration had either already met or was in the process of attempting to adhere to those expectations.
The superintendent said all building do have attestation forms, or notices of compliance, policy and procedures, posted at spots in each school as required.
The DOH had questions, as well, about the circulation of air in buildings, especially in the coming months. Superintendent Crowley said at the moment district schools can achieve required flow by opening doors and windows through the fall. Once winter comes, though, the plan is to use new or existing fans and/or better HVAC filters to achieve the standard.
Also, the superintendent said all buildings do have a quarantine room set up to separate any student or staff member who may show coronavirus-like symptoms once the school day begins.
“We’re trying very hard to make it as safe a place as we possibly can to let the students come in,” Superintendent Crowley.
Re-entry update
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand, the district’s re-entry task force chair, gave a brief recap on the status of the start of classes.
She said as of late last week the total number of students who will be distance learning has grown slightly to 2,250.
For in-person attendance, every building has been set up for social distancing requirements with signage and the necessary health and safety products in place.
Also, teachers were in schools as of beginning of last week preparing their classrooms and making themselves familiar with new pandemic protocols.
Transportation
District Director of Operations Diana Clarkin told the committee approximately 1,500 students will be using bussing to attend classes in-person.
With so many choosing to learn virtually, thus aiding the district’s effort to meet the new capacity restrictions, she said there was no need to alter the distances required to qualify for transportation, which are over one mile for elementary school, over 1.5 for middle school and over two for the high school.
The Operations division prepared a video showing how students will enter and be situated on buses, using a staggered, zig zag pattern with one pupil in each seat. Students will also be given hand sanitizer upon entering and exiting the vehicle.
The video can be viewed here…
Considering the new COVID-19 transportation policies, the director asked parents and students to adhere to the guidelines, be mindful of others and to be patient with the process.
Free food program
Finance Department Director Craig Enos alerted the committee and the public the U.S. Department of Agriculture had last week temporarily opened the federal free breakfast and lunch program to all students during the pandemic.
The USDA will continue to authorize the program “under the summer food rules” through at least December 31, 2020 or until funding for the program runs out.
Mr. Enos said East Providence had been approved by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to participate.
He did encourage parents that it was “still very important to fill out that application online,” because the parameters of qualifications for the program could change at any time prior to the end of the calendar year.
Also, Superintendent Crowley said distance learning students are eligible as well for the increased program. The district is working with its food provider, Chartwells, to set up a schedule for those families to pick up meals at their respective assigned schools.
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