Atlanta SMART Academy

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COVID Communication                                             Updated 5-23-2020

Atlanta SMART Academy is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all students and staff. We are preparing to make adjustments to the 2020-21 school year based on the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control, Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Department of Public Health. Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate this situation together. Below are a few of the scenarios we are considering to ensure a successful and safe 2020-21 school year.

A. In the event of all businesses/organizations returning to normal operations, all students and staff will report in person with modified social distancing and cleaning practices in place.

B.  In the event of a recurrence of COVID-19 cases, the school will open with remote learning and a remote work environment until clearance is given by public health officials.

C. We will adopt a new model for ongoing instruction that includes a blend of remote and in-person instruction. The plan will include steps and processes for social distancing, extensive cleaning/disinfecting, as well as short-term, remote instruction models.

Details for all plans will be provided at the June 21, 2020 scheduled Board Meeting.

The parameters for opening in scenario A are listed below:

Safety and Sanitization

A. Additional cleaning/disinfecting guidelines will be implemented in the school building to align to CDC recommendations and approved chemical standards.

B. Guidance will be implemented to support personal hygiene

C. Employees will wear face coverings as prescribed by the CDC. If face coverings are not required, they will be permitted based on individual employee, student, and community member preference.

D. The school will limit student interactions in large groups by eating in classrooms and staggering recess and hallway transitions.

Instruction

A. Teachers will regularly assign digital work to increase student proficiency in using technology.

B. The school will develop prerecorded lessons.

C. The school will support the social and emotional (SEL) needs of students by implementing weekly SEL lessons. For example, a video on managing stress or an activity to improve physical fitness.

D. The school will create an instructional model that includes diagnosis, analysis, and planning to address the student learning recovery due to COVID-19 closure.

Technology

A. Students will be permitted to carry home their school issued devices.

B. The school will seek alternative funding sources through grants and provider programs to assist families without internet access.

Staff Training

A. The school will use existing public health standards and develop mandatory training on the symptoms of COVID-19 and emphasize the “no report when sick” expectation.

B. The school will provide standards that align with the social distancing guidelines in place as of August 2020 to include signage and mandatory employee training. This includes employing limits to various large gatherings, meetings, and visitor access when deemed necessary.

We recommend parents and families follow the guidelines provided by the CDC to avoid exposure to the virus.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html