ALLEGRO SCHOOL current plan for 2020-2021 effective Sept. 2020
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ALLEGRO SCHOOL current plan for 2020-2021 effective
Sept. 2020
The NJDOE guidance document indicates that the provisions of Chapter 27 (P.L.2020, C.
27) allowing flexibility in meeting the requirement to provide instruction and related services to
students with disabilities will continue. So in the words of the NJDOE “hours of instructional
time will not be defined as a student’s time spent in front of a teacher or in front of a screen, but
time engaged in standards-based learning under the guidance and direction of a teacher.”
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Allegro School has laid out the following plan to be in
effect as long as necessary. This plan was based on the NJDOE The Road Back. And will be
updated when times change.
Allegro School serves students with ASD, on the autism spectrum. Our students
generally require extra support from their families for virtual training to be effective. The plan
for September and the rest of the school year, if needed, is a hybrid model. The school will be
open for students, distance learning will also be available, and there is a possibility of in-home
instruction for an individual student.
The following are major components:
Sanitizing Stations
Frequent handwashing
Social Distancing
Face Coverings
Enhanced Cleaning & Sanitization
Floor Markers
Safety Partitions
Protective Equipment
Staying Home When Sick
How to provide the maximum (quality and quantity) IEP services as safely as possible”-
much of the State guidance has included terminology taken from the federal guidance on
the IDEA implementation – districts and schools should strive to provide special
education and related services to the greatest extent possible and as the NJ legislation
provides, “to the greatest extent practicable”.
Parent input- via Google or Zoom meetings; with technical support for
families/caregivers as well as staff members, respectful of privacy needs and HIPPA.Health and Safety is our First Priority
The following health and safety protocols are in place prior to opening.
1. On-going training for staff and students.
2. Staying home when ill.
3. Pre-screening prior to entering the building
4. Reporting illnesses and symptoms to the school nurse immediately.
5. Proper hand hygiene, proper mask wearing, and respiratory etiquette, use of hand
sanitizers are instructed throughout the day with written and picture reminders
6. Cleaning and disinfecting procedures following CDC Guidelines. This includes
continual cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects and sanitizing and
disinfecting bathrooms after use.
7. Students bring their own lunch and snacks.
8. Each classroom will have an assigned outdoor area with markers for social distancing
where practical. Playground equipment will be disinfected between uses. Allegro School
students wear comfortable clothing and do not change their clothes for physical
education.
9. A variety of protective equipment are available for staff. Extra masks are available for
students. Full PPE is available throughout the building for emergency situations.
10. Signs and messages regarding health and safety are posted throughout the school.
11. Masks are worn at ALL times by staff members, even when social distancing is possible.
Students are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings and are required to do so when
social distancing cannot be maintained, unless doing so would inhibit the student’s
health. It is also necessary to acknowledge that enforcing their use of face coverings may
be impractical for some of our students due to health or behavioral concerns.
12. The use of shared objects is minimized. Students have their own utensils for writing and
drawing and their own IPAD and/or Chromebook. Students have their own desk and
chair that is not shared. If gym or OT equipment is shared it is disinfected between
students.
13. The school is air-conditioned, filters are clean, windows are operable so they can be
opened at any time. Weather permitting and in consideration of individuals with
allergies, windows will be opened to allow for greater air circulation.
14. Communication with parents, guardians and school districts is ongoing.
15. Allegro School will have a supervised isolation area for any student who shows
symptoms of illness or a fever over 100.4.(or the latest CDC Guidelines). A staff member
who becomes ill will leave the building.
16. Field trips and community-based instruction will not be part of the curriculum upon
opening. Safety concerns will dictate when field trips and community- based instruction
can resume.
217. It is not expected that the school building will be used outside of School Hours. Any
additional use will require disinfection.
18. Allegro School will follow CDC’s Guidance for Schools and Childcare Programs
19. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals that the
Centers for Disease Control identifies as having a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-
19
This includes adults aged 65 and older and individual with disabilities or serious underlying
medical conditions including:
Chronic lung disease or asthma (moderate to severe)
Serious heart conditions
Immunocompromised
Severe obesity (body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or higher)
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
Liver disease
Medically fragile students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Students with complex disabilities with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Students who require accommodations under a Plan in accordance with the Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504 Plan).
Allegro School has 15 large classroom that can easily accommodate 3-4 students with a teacher
and teaching assistants, therapist and 1-1 aides, to allow for social distancing of 6-feet. The gym
and conference room can also be used. With our existing space can include extra staff if needed
for behavior support.
If needed, we can accommodate all students without having to resort to alternate days or
schedules.
Each classroom will be a cohort or group. Caseloads of therapists may change to minimize
number of classrooms they serve.
All windows open to provide adequate ventilation. The A/C units are maintained, and filters
changed as recommended by the manufacturers. A/C units can provide fresh air.
Hand sanitizing stations with alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) are in every
class for staff and older child who can safely use it, at entrances and exits of the school, and near
lunchrooms and toilets. Younger students will be instructed to use it safely.
Students are instructed and supervised in washing hands for at least 20 seconds at regular
intervals, before eating lunch or snacks, after using the bathroom, and after blowing their
nose/coughing/sneezing, coming in from outdoor play. Handwashing is frequent every day.
3Supplies including electronic devises, books, games, and learning aides are not shared. If
anything is shared it is immediately disinfected.
Air circulation will emphasize outdoor air as much as possible, mindful of health and safety first.
Desks are well spaced apart from each other with markers in classrooms to indicate distance.
Student Flow entry, Exit, Common Area
Signs and guilds will help to ensure social distancing. There are up and down staircases.
Plexiglass will be used to provide additional safety.
Health Screening Policy and form is attachment A.
PPE and Social Distancing
The NJDOE indicates that “Face coverings for all visitors and staff are required.
Opening September 3rd and until COVID-19 safety standards can be lifted there will be no
visitors in the building other than emergency personnel. IEP’s, IDT’s, and staff meetings
will be virtual.
In the following guidelines DSP’s are everyone in direct contact, less than 6 feet
social distancing, with the students.
Support for the CDC’s recommendation that guidance for healthcare providers be
followed for direct service providers. Direct service providers include personal care
attendants, direct support professionals, paraprofessionals, therapists, related services
personnel, assistants, school nurses, health office staff, and any other staff who must
come into close contact (6 feet or closer) with students with disabilities; (AU)
Procedures for entry into and exit from the school by staff, students and necessary
visitors must be established; (HE)
To protect themselves, staff who care for students requiring hands-on assistance such as
feeding, washing, dressing, physical prompting, helping students sit at a desk,
manipulating academic materials, and prompting students to use a communication device,
etc., should wear appropriate protective equipment based on the activity and risk level
and wear long hair up or tied back during all activities requiring direct contact with a
child. (AU)
4ALLEGRO SCHOOL WILL FOLLOW RECOMMENDATION DEVELOPED FOR PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT FOR DIRECT SERVICE PROVIDERS (DSPS)
Classification of Individual N95 or Face Disposable Disposable Gowns/ Cloth Disposable
Wearing protective equipment KN95 Shield Gowns Gloves Coveralls/ Face mask
Respirator Other Covering
Body
Covering
DSPs in care areas of students with X (with face
suspected COVID-19 shield if
X X X X X N95/KN95 not
available)
DSPs in the same facility but not
in the care areas for students with
suspected COVID-19 X X
(optional)
DSPs providing personal care
to students without suspected
COVID-19 but who may X
potentially be exposed to
bodily fluids (including speech (prefe X X X
and language services, ADL’s, rred)
etc.) (if (preferred)
disposabl
e mask is
not used)
DSP’s needing to implement
physical intervention or
physical restraint to students X X- either X X- either X X
without suspected COVID-19 can be can be
worn worn (if (preferred)
dependent dependent disposabl
on need on need e mask is
not used)
DSPs performing or present
during aerosol generating
procedures such as nebulizer
treatments, chest PT, suctioning,
trach care X X X X
Transportation personnel/monitors
who must come in direct physical
contact with passengers (e.g.
buckling/unbuckling, performing
wheelchair safety services)
X X
5Toileting Protocols:
Staff must change students’ clothing and their own clothing when soiled
with secretions or body fluids. Students’ soiled clothing must be bagged
and sent home sealed in a plastic container or bag;
Staff should be wearing gloves and face coverings for any
toileting/showering procedures;
Toileting/ diapering and shower areas (including tables, pails, countertops,
toileting chairs, sinks/faucets, toilets, floors, etc.) must be cleaned and
disinfected after each use;
Note: cleaning and disinfecting are two separate tasks.
o Clean: to physically remove dirt, debris, and sticky film by washing, wiping, and
rinsing.
o Disinfect: to kill nearly all of the germs on a hard, non-porous surface
with a recommended chemical to remove bacteria.
Disinfect when students are not in the area. Surfaces should be dry by the
time students use the area;
Toileting/diaper/ showering procedures (including extra COVID-19 steps)
must be posted in the bathroom changing area; At this time, the shower is
not being used.
Signage is simple.
A multistep procedure for direct service providers is posted to maintain the
routine, which is designed to reduce contamination of surfaces;
To ensure the student’s safety, make the change more efficient, and reduce
opportunities for contamination, assemble all necessary supplies before
bringing the student to the changing/shower area; and
To reduce contamination, wash the student’s hands after the toileting/diaper change.
Staff should also wash their hands, remove and dispose of any soiled PPE, and put on
new PPE if necessary. (AU)
Physical Intervention and Restraint Protocols:
The suggestions outlined below are to be used in conjunction with New Jersey regulations
outlined in P.L. 2017, Chapter 291 and N.J.S.A. 18A:46-13.4 through 13.7, which govern
the use of seclusion and restraint in New Jersey schools. Further staff should follow the
policies, practices and procedures which they are trained on, at least annually, at their
organization.
Staff should continue to utilize evidence-based practices for positive behavior supports,
de-escalation, and crisis management as established by the crisis and safety management
model their organization utilizes. As always, physical intervention will be an absolute last
resort in situations where there is imminent danger of serious physical harm.
6There is on-going training in Safety Care, a crisis management system based on ABA and
positive programming.
The specific recommendations of the Autism working group are as follows:
1. Limiting Risk of Infection Prior To A Physical Restraint
Whenever possible, staff should put on PPE prior to a physical restraint.
Disposable paper gowns, scrubs, disposable jumpsuits, disposable gloves,
disposable masks, face shields, and long sleeves should be used as
appropriate to reduce direct contact.
Only staff required for safely restraining a student should be involved; one
additional staff member should monitor and address protective equipment
needs for those staff who are involved in the restraint in the event that
protective equipment needs to be altered or adjusted.
2. Limiting Risk of Infection During A Physical Restraint
Keep hands clear of eyes, mouth, and nose of self and others.
Initial staff members involved should be relieved as soon as possible if not
wearing appropriate protective equipment.
Staff should implement established protocols for relieving colleagues
involved in restraints.
3. Limiting Risk of Infection After A Physical Restraint
Remove and dispose of and/or clean protective equipment immediately
in the manner that you were trained.
Avoid touching your face and limit contact with hard surfaces before
immediately washing hands.
To minimize exposure, it is recommended that staff have a change
of clothes available in cases where their clothes become
contaminated.
Once all health and safety issues have been addressed, follow debriefing and
reporting procedures for the restraint. (AU)
. Protective equipment, isolating the student from other students and sanitation of the area are
necessary. Direct providers should be aware of and trained on how COVID-19 spreads, risk
factors, and prevention actions. CDC precautions such as face covering, wearing gloves, washing
hands frequently, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. All behavioral staff should have
additional PPE available and change PPE after each behavioral incident.
Transportation
The NJDOE reopening document provided general guidance regarding transportation
which included utilizing social distancing as much as possible and requiring face covering when
feasible. If a student is unable to wear a mask and the bus cannot meet 6-foot spacing
requirements, other transportation must be arranged to ensure proper social distancing.
7Allegro School is encouraging parents/caregivers to drive.
Prescreening {see attachment A) will be done prior to transportation with temperatures
taken again upon arrival to school. When parents drive if a student has a temperature over 100.4
the parent will be required to take the student home. When transportation is provided by the
sending district. Allegro School will have to hold a sick child until the parent/caregiver arrives
to take the child home. After that anyone who was in contact with the student without full PPE
will have to self-quarantine as per policy (see attachment B).
Academic, Social and Behavioral Supports
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is critical in re-engaging students,
rebuilding relationships and creating a foundation for academic learning. Staff members
and students have been affected by crisis. The impact of social isolation on both
educators and students requires a focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and a Multi-
Tiered Systems of Supports. The return to a predictable schedule will be helpful.
In order to further this goal, training should be provided regarding how to use principles
of applied behavior analysis to support virtual or in-home instruction (for programs that provide
these services).
Scheduling
Allegro School students require greater creativity, continuity and structure than other
students. Social distancing measures will be much more difficult to implement, and many parents
have expressed reluctance to return their children to building-based instruction. Simply put, there
is no one-size-fits-all solution to educating these students during a pandemic. ALLEGRO
believes that a flexible and individualized hybrid approach - one that combines both
remote/virtual and onsite learning, is the safest and most responsive option. A hybrid model
should offer:
a choice of either distance learning or onsite instruction, or a combination of both
distance learning and onsite instruction, including an abbreviated school day to limit
exposure opportunities, and,
in some cases, possibly the option of home-based learning with a teacher or therapist in
the home, or remotely with the home assistance of a paraprofessional.
Remote/virtual education may only be provided at guardian request or may be necessary
due to a change in conditions in a classroom, building or community.
8In-Person Programming
Goal:
Ensure that all of our students are on track academically and functionally towards fulfilling
their current IEPs’ goals and objectives. Please note that given the nature and the severity of
our students’ behavioral deficits, staff to student ratio will require 1:1 as our students engage
often times severe maladaptive behaviors (e.g. PICA, elopement and aggression, requiring
physical intervention/management, etc.). Safety is of paramount importance. Prior to return
to the school building, our students and their families will begin practicing and engaging
wearing face masks/protective shields, having temperatures taken, social distancing, frequent
hand washing, appropriate use of hand sanitizer, appropriate coughing/sneezing behavior and
appropriate disposal of use products using Social Stories, individualized instructional
programs including desensitization procedures, furnished by Allegro School.
Please note that given Social Distancing, staff to student ratio will require 1:1 as our students
engage often times in severe maladaptive behaviors (e.g. PICA, elopement and aggression,
requiring physical intervention/management, etc.). Safety is of paramount importance.
Assessment: (establish current level of academic and functional performance)
Upon returning to the physical school building, instruction and assessment of all
individualized education programs will resume. The teaching process will include an
assessment of current performance with current instructional programs for each student
supplemented with Pairing with reinforcement to establish any regressions or learning
gaps. The classroom teachers along with the designated BCBA will lead these assessments.
Related services and Enrichment Instructional Activities will be observed during scheduled
times to obtain data for students’ performances. Thereafter, programmatic recommendations,
based on collaboration among Program Coordinator, Teacher and BCBA, will ensue to all
instructional staff and enrichment facilitators to address remediation.
Additionally, returned permanent products (student work samples completed during Allegro
School’s Remote Learning) will be scored to determine current educational needs and
accommodations. All students’ in-home instruction IEP assignments will be scored as
complete vs incomplete as originally presented to accommodate our students’ families' need
for flexibility in Remote Learning.
Teachers will continue to record data and document all In-Home Communication
correspondence with parents/guardians/caregivers using Allegro School forms in an effort to
meet the individual, instructional needs of our students. This facilitates planning ahead in the
event of the need to engage Remote Learning once again.
Related services will return to school, with tele practice session for students who remain at home.
Prevocational instruction will resume keeping classroom cohorts in mind.
Music will consist of classroom cohort or one-one instruction with disinfection between students.
9On-line Curriculum
For those parents and students who feel that there are too many concerns with opening the
schools there will be an option for an On-line curriculum. The curriculum will build on the
successes that teachers have had with certain programs and will look to improve the issues that
we have had not only with the learning platforms but with the content of those lessons.
Remote Learning Plan Narrative
Under the direction of the NJDOE, the Allegro School teachers are creating a comprehensive
Distance Learning component of lesson plans and activities focused on Language Arts, Social
Studies, Mathematics, and Science based on individual student IEPs to ensure that they continue
with academic achievement and functional performance. Additionally, Occupational and Speech
Therapist will provide resources for home instruction as well. Furthermore, because the
Allegro School utilizes DLM testing for its students, those individuals will also be provided
testing practice opportunities through links and related websites to assist in the learning
process. The Allegro School Home Instruction plan incorporates the following:
Technology Coordination
Individual Classroom Instruction Assignments
DLM Assessment Practice
Occupational Therapy Strategies
Speech Therapy Approaches
o Technology Coordination
In order to provide a collective and devoted space for the coordination of student home
instruction assignments, Allegro School will work in conjunction with its Technology
department to collect any documentation and information pertinent to assignments for
students. The school website https://www.allegroschool.org/ will be utilized with a devoted link
and/or page for related information. In order to effectively provide instruction, we have taken
a student by student technology-at-home inventory to ensure the proper deliverance of
assignments. For students without electronic means at home, the Allegro School will provide
10school-issued Chromebook devices to support those student families in need. In conjunction
with this, we will incorporate Google Classroom. Student families will also be provided specific
email addresses and usernames with password to protect content. With these components in
place, the sharing and completion of assignments will be made easier for both the instructor
and student, alike.
o Individual Classroom Instruction
For classroom teachers, the Allegro School will utilize the IXL website (https://www.ixl.com/)
to assist in the lesson plan development process based on their individual students IEPs.
Teachers will create various opportunities for students to complete assignments in Grade level
appropriate Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. Each family previously has
been given access to the IXL platform with individual student usernames and passwords. This
information is held in reserve by the students’ primary teacher who can assist in the log-on
process. This platform charts student progress and furnishes instructional recommendations.
Additionally, we have launched Google classrooms. Lesson plans based on students’ IEP and
program materials including assessments (quizzes, worksheets, etc.) are provided weekly
addressing our students’ individual educational needs. To further reinforce online materials,
students are also provided traditional har copy learning documents.
o DLM Assessment Past Practice will apply if required
Instructions follow:
During the 2019 - 2020 school year your child is provided academic instruction in English
language arts, mathematics, and science, using the NJSLS and the DLM EEs. Beginning April 1st,
2020 is NJ state’s assessment window, your child is scheduled to take testlets based on the
NJSLS, in English language arts, Mathematics, and Science. Each testlet includes questions from
one or more of the standards that your child’s teacher used for instruction during the school
year. In further preparing your child for this year’s assessment and in light of the impending
state of emergency, we are providing instructional activities and practice activities that can be
and should be conducted at home as these skills are directly related to your child’s IEP for the
school year. The following links are intended to assist in finding the resources to do so.
Student Portal is the interface used by students for taking tests and practicing in preparation for
the YE assessment.
To install Student Portal, please follow the instructions for your computer's operating system
at https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/requirements
11Below are links to the sample released and practice testlets for ELA, Math and Sci. Tabs under
each include additional resources utilized for instruction:
https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/erp_ye
https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/erp_ye/math
https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/sci_resources
Additionally, DEMO STUDENT ACCOUNTS FOR PRACTICE ACTIVITIES AND RELEASED
TESTLETS are practice activities and released testlets available through demo student accounts.
The demo student accounts listed below are enrolled in all available practice activities and
released testlets accessible at:
https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/sites/default/files/documents/Manuals_Blueprints/Guide_to_Pra
ctice_Activities_and_Released_Testlets_YE.pdf
Professional Development and Training
Allegro School staff members have chosen to work with students on the autism spectrum
and understand the role they play in support for student learning. To do their job
administration will provide support beyond training, to consider their social and
emotional health, childcare concerns, and technology concerns.
The NJDOE reopening document requires professional development and staff training in
many areas. Staff training is critical for the success of reopening. Allegro School is using the
GCN training for COVID-19 and other areas. In addition, the Allegro training team will provide
trainings more specific to the population we serve, curriculum, technology, ABA, and crisis
intervention. The school nurse will be available for additional health and safety related trainings.
and that, whenever possible, planning and delivery of training should involve a collaborative,
interdisciplinary team. Safe and effective use of protective equipment (putting on and taking off
protective equipment and disposing and/or washing protective equipment);
General information related to COVID-19 from the CDC;
How COVID-19 is spread;
How to prevent the spread of COVID-19;
Symptoms of COVID-19;
When to seek medical assistance for students or staff who exhibit symptoms or
become sick;
Supporting student PPE use;
12 Supporting students on social distancing procedures;
How to interpret visual safety cues associated with COVID-19 (e.g. distancing,
hygiene practices);
Ways to identify anxiety/other mental health challenges and strategies to provide
support;
Effective ways to assist students and staff with safely transitioning back into
community settings; and
On-going training in applied behavior analysis is provided by BCBA’s at Allegro School.
We incorporate ABA training for families as needed and will continue to do that
remotely.
Training for Students
The Road Back created by the State of New Jersey for school re-entry states “ensuring
continuity of learning is critically important during this time of great stress for families,
educations and students” Allegro School will continue to follow the student’s IEP to the best
of our ability whether instruction is virtual or in-person. When there are technology and
connectivity concerns for students and staff they will be remedied in a timely manner.
Assessment to determine loss of skills is primary. Whether remote or in-person lost skills
must be recouped so students can move forward. It will take a collaborative effort to
accomplish this.
The learning environment at school will not be the same as before due to social distancing.
Students will be assisted in adjusting to the changes.
Students should be provided with training through direct instruction and/or embedded
content in lessons and activities, as developmentally appropriate. As appropriate, training
information should also be provided to caregivers so they can practice and reinforce the
same routines, procedures, and schedules at home;
Training content should include general information related to COVID-19 from
the CDC as well as content to ensure students are familiar with changes to their
regular school practices, such as routines for entering and exiting the school,
snacks/meals, assembling, passing in hallways, being transported via bus or
van, and accessing the bathroom;
Students and caregivers must be explicitly trained on how to promote the
use/tolerance of personal protective equipment, as appropriate. Training should
include how to put it on, take it off, dispose of it, and where it should be placed
in instances where it needs to be cleaned by staff;
Explicit training on other safety measures including hygiene practices such as
hand washing, hygiene schedules, and cleaning/disinfecting (as appropriate)
should be provided to students and caregivers;
13 Social stories, visual cues, and other appropriate developmental strategies
should be used to reinforce these new concepts and protocols. Some resources
are below:
o Resources from Rutgers the Boggs Center on Developmental
Disabilities:
Social Story on Wearing a Mask
Supporting the Use of a Mask
o Other Resources:
Coronavirus Overview Social Story
WHO Resources on How to Wear a Mask
CDC Handwashing Guide
Social Story on Social Distancing
Special Populations
Allegro students are considered high priority largely due to communication and behavioral
concerns.
We will follow the NJDOE Road Back suggestions that apply to our students.
The NJDOE reopening document requires that IEP teams review student progress to
determine whether critical skills were lost during the spring when instruction and related services
were being delivered remotely in order to “determine the need for additional services to address
learning loss.”
The document also urges districts to, “work closely with their stakeholders to ensure
decisions are made collaboratively and transparently and prioritize safely returning students who
are better suited to in-person instruction.”
Facilities Cleaning Practices
Allegro School will continue to adhere to existing required facilities cleaning practices and
procedures, and any new specific requirements of the local health department as they arise. Allegro
School has a procedure manual to establish cleaning/disinfecting schedules, targeted areas to be
cleaned, and methods and materials to be used. The schedule includes increased routine cleaning and
disinfection.
Particular attention is paid to routinely clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently
touched. This may include cleaning objects/surfaces not ordinarily cleaned daily (e.g., doorknobs,
light switches, classroom sink handles, countertops). Use all cleaning products according to the
directions on the label. For disinfection most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should
be effective. A list of products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-
1419 is available on the EPA’s website. Allegro School will follow the manufacturer’s instructions for
all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.)
Examples of frequently touched areas in schools:
Classroom desks and chairs
Lunchroom tables and chairs
Door handles and push plates
Handrails
Kitchens and bathrooms
Light switches
Handles on equipment (e.g. athletic equipment)
Buttons on vending machines and elevators
Shared telephones
Shared desktops
Shared computer keyboards and mice
Drinking fountains
School bus seats and windows
Sanitize bathrooms daily, or between use as much as possible, using protocols outlined by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Staff accompany students to the bathroom and limit it to one student at a time.
Staff and students are encouraged to bring their own water. Water fountains and trash cans are
hands free.
Furniture is wood or plastic. There is a process for the routine cleaning and disinfecting of furniture.
Allegro School will:
Provide EPA-registered disposable wipes to teachers and staff so that commonly used surfaces (e.g.,
keyboards, desks, remote controls) can be wiped down before use.
Ensure adequate supplies to support cleaning and disinfection practices.
Ensure safe and correct use and storage of cleaning and disinfection supplies, including storing
products securely away from children, and ensuring appropriate ventilation so students and staff are
not exposed to toxins or fumes.
Cleaning and disinfecting a school building after a person has been identified as COVID-19 positive:
Schools might need to implement short-term closure procedures regardless of community spread if
an infected person has been in a school building. If this happens, CDC recommends the following
procedures: Close off areas used by a sick person and do not use before cleaning and disinfection.
Wait 24 hours before you clean and disinfect. If it is not possible to wait 24 hours, wait as long as
possible.
Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
Cleaning staff should clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used
by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
15Meals
are not provided at Allegro School. Students bring their only lunch and will sit at least 6 feet
apart. No food is shared. Tables are cleaned and sanitized before and after meals. Students wash
their hands for at least 20 seconds before and after eating.
Recess/Physical Education
Each class has a specific designated area outside, with rotating schedules for the playground. Each
class remains a cohort and do not intermingle.
If two or more groups are participating in recess at the same time, they should have at least 6 feet of
open space between them.
Details:
Use cones, flags, tape, or other signs to create boundaries between groups.
Always wash hands immediately after outdoor playtime.
Stagger the use of playground equipment and establish frequent disinfecting protocols.
Complete an inventory of outdoor spaces (athletic fields, track, green spaces, open space, and local
parks) and designate zones, use stations, mark off areas, floor markers, floor tape, poly spots, etc., to
ensure separation among students (six feet for social distancing).
Mitigate risk, limit and/or eliminate direct contact with equipment (lessons with no equipment) and
do not allow sharing of equipment. If equipment must be shared, clean and disinfect between each
use.
Designate specific areas for each class during recess to avoid cohort mixing.
Field Trips and Community based instruction
At this time trips and CBI are cancelled. There are no after school activities.
Contact Tracing
Allegro School staff have been trained on the importance of contact tracing. They will
collaborate with the local health department as needed. The school nurse will provide education
for families regarding contact tracing and its importance.
16Conclusion
The Allegro School program will be hybrid for as long as necessary due to the COVID-
19 pandemic. This program will include on-site, on-site and remote, fully remote, and possibly
in-home programming for the 2020-2021 school year, or until we can return to a fully on-site
program. The remote schedule is a 5.5 hour day and the on-site schedule is currently 4 hours.
Each student has unique educational and therapeutic needs and this array of options will be
available within our resources. Students with complex disabilities are more vulnerable than the
general education population and Allegro School will consider the unique needs of our students
and families in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources:
a. American Academy of Pediatrics 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage regarding how to
prevent transmission, how to care for infected individuals, activities when school and day care are
closed, how to speak to kids about the virus.
b. CDC Algorithm and Flowchart for School Closure Considerations:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/considerations-for-school-closure.pdf
c. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2020). Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-
12 Schools and Childcare Programs. Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19), https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schoolschildcare/guidance-
for-schools.html Handwashing and Hand Sanitizer Use at Home, at Play, and Out and About,
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/pdf/hand-sanitizer-factsheet.pdf
d. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.
e. Mayo Clinic Guidance on non-COVID19 Fevers: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
f. NASN Care of Ill Students/Staff in School Setting in Response to COVID-19:
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/3870c72d-fff9-4ed7-833f-
215de278d256/UploadedImages/PDFs/03182020_NASN_Considerations_for_School_Nurses_Regar
ding_Care_of_Students_and_Staff_that_Become_Ill_at_School_or_Arrive_Sick.pdf
g. NASN letter to school principals and superintendents:
https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NASN/3870c72d-fff9-4ed7-833f-
215de278d256/UploadedImages/PDFs/02282020_NASN_Coronavirus_19_Guidance_for_School_Pr
incipals_and_Superintendents.pdf
17h. New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub (2020). Self-symptoms checker. Retrieved from
https://self.covid19.nj.gov/
i. New Jersey Department of Education (June, 2020). The Road Back: Restart and Recovery Plan for
Education. Retrieved from https://www.nj.gov/education/reopening/NJDOETheRoadBack.pdf
j. New Jersey Department of Health (June 16, 2020). COVID-19 Guidance for Reopening Childcare.
https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/COVID
_guidance_reopening_childcare.pdf
k. New Jersey Department of Health (June 19, 2020). COVID-19 Guidance for Camps.
https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/COVID_Reopening_Camps.pdf
l. New Jersey Department of Health. School Health
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/schoolhealth.shtml
m. NJ Department of Health (2020). Quick Reference: Discontinuation of Transmission-Based
Precautions and Home Isolation for Persons Diagnosed with COVID-19.
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/COVID-
QuickRef_Discont_Isolation_and_TBP.pdf
n. NJ Department of Health (June, 2020). Youth Camps. https://www.nj.gov/health/ceohs/sanitation-
safety/youthcamps.shtml
o. NJ Department of Health (June, 2020). New Jersey COVID-19 Youth Summer Camp Standards.
https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/documents/topics/NCOV/COVID_Youth_Day_Camps_Standards.p
df
p. Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools
https://rems.ed.gov/Resources_Hazards_Threats_Biological_Hazards.aspx
q. Return to Work/School after COVID19 diagnosis with/without test and/or symptoms:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/disposition-in-home-patients.html
r. Social Distancing: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/coronasimulator
s. World Health Organization rolling updates on COVID-19
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/
Appendix A:
Policy for Screening Student and Employees upon arrive for
symptoms and history of exposure
18Until further notice there will be no visitors in the school building (including families and caregivers),
other than emergency personnel. All IEP’s and group meetings will continue to be virtual:
Students and Employee are screened prior to entering the Allegro School building.
Employee screening contains a checklist of symptoms, see below, and attestation that they have not
been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 within the past 2 weeks and have not returned from travel to a
state or country that is currently on CDC Quarantine list during the past 2 weeks. Staff take their own
temperature and attest that is below 100.4.
Families/caregivers follow the same directions as the employee screening, prior to placing the student
on transportation. The family form is on-line in a secure web box to be opened by authorized personnel,
or it can be given to the driver to present to the school upon arrival.
Upon arrival, a staff member will take the student’s temperature again using a thermal thermometer
with the window down in the vehicle. When parents/caregivers drive the student will remain in the
vehicle until cleared. If not cleared the student will remain home. With other transportation the student
will be isolated until cleared. If not cleared the family will be called to pick up the student.
Any student with a thermal temperature of 99.6 will require a re-take with an ear or oral thermometer.
When this is necessary, the school nurse will don appropriate PPE and take the student’s temperature.
The CDC oral thermometer or equivalent with an ear thermometer will be a temperature below 100.4.
When a student requires quarantine, either upon arrival or if a student becomes ill during the day, they
student will be taken to a designated quarantine area and remain with one or two staff in appropriate
PPE until their family/caregiver arrives. In an extreme case where a family/caregiver is not available for
pick-up, or is unusually delayed, the student may be taken to the emergency room.
A staff member who becomes ill during the school day will leave the building.
Whenever there is a possible exposure everyone in contact with the individual will self-quarantine until
cleared. Allegro School will follow the CDC guidance and consultation with the Hanover Township Board
of Health.
When an individual has a confirmed case of COVID-19, contact tracing will begin. Allegro
School will immediately notify local health officials, staff, and families of a confirmed case
while maintaining confidentiality.
Current list from the CDC of symptoms:
A fever of 100.4° F or greater
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
19Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Fatigue
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea
Vomiting (unidentified cause, unrelated to anxiety or eating)
Diarrhea
CDC guidance for Childcare is referenced in this section regarding screening of students upon arrival.
The guidance states: Persons who have a fever of 100.40 (38.00 C) or higher, or other signs of illness,
should not be admitted to the facility. Encourage parents to be on the alert for signs of illness in their
children and to keep them home when they are sick. Screen children upon arrival, if possible. This list
does not include all possible symptoms of COVID-19.
Return to work will follow the current CDC guidelines and, as needed, consultation with our local health
department. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/return-to-work.html#confirmed-
suspected
20ALLEGRO School COVID-19 screening form
(Sized down to fit)
See next page
21Name Date Tim Have Actual Have you Have you Have you Within If I pass Signat
of e you had temp. at had a had 2 or or the past this ure
stude an oral time of cough, more of someone 14 days, screening,
nt or temp. screening shortnes the you live have then by
staff over s of following with you placing a
99.9 breath, or symptom come into traveled checkmark
within difficulty s: chills, close to an or X in this
Mark O
the past breathing repeated contact area box I am
for oral
24 ? shaking with subject acknowled
hours? Mark E with someone to a ging that
Unexplai chills, who has Level 3 upon
for ear
Ear ned muscle tested CDC entering
Temp Mark A pain, positive Travel the school I
100.4 for under Nausea
headache for Health will
arm Vomiting , sore COVID- Notice? immediatel
Armpit
throat, 19? y wash my
temp Mark T Diarrhea? new loss hands with
for
98.3 of sense soap and
thermal
of taste water for at
or smell? least 20
seconds.
This is
Temperat Or use a
caution ure 100.4 sanitizing
ary only or over station
you
cannot
enter the
building
Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes
No No
Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes
No No
Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes
No No
Yes Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes
No No
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