• Return to School FAQs

     

    RETURN TO SCHOOL PLAN 

    • Is North Allegheny planning to return to school for the 2020-2021 school year? 
      • We are prepared to welcome students back on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. 

    • When is the first day of school? 
      • Tuesday, September 8, 2020. 
      • This is for both In-Person and NA Cyber Academy instruction. 

    • Who is on the Return to School committee? 
      • This committee is comprised of 90+ members from the following District groups: Central Office Administrators, School Board Members, Principals, Assistant Principals, North Allegheny Federation of Teachers Executive Leadership, teacher representatives from each school, counselors, Student Assistance Program, health services, public relations and communications, facilities, transportation, food service, and finance.

    • Where can I find a copy of North Allegheny’s Return to School plan? 
      • Visit our website at www.northallegheny.org/ReturnToSchool to find our plans, upcoming events, FAQs, and more. We will regularly update these pages as our plans and details continue to evolve as we approach the first day of school. 

    • Is this the final plan? Has it been approved by the NA School Board of Directors? 
      • The North Allegheny School District Board of Directors will be asked to approve the plans on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. 
      • Our plans for the 2020-2021 school year are subject to change and will be continually evaluated and updated based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Allegheny County Health Department. 


    HEALTH & SAFETY 

    • What measures are being put in place to protect student and staff health and safety? 
      • The North Allegheny School District is looking forward to safely welcoming students back to school. We know that the school year will look different and we are implementing health and safety measures to protect our students, staff, and families. 
      • Our Health & Safety plan outlines how the District will monitor and report the virus, guidelines for hygiene practices, cleaning procedures, physical distancing, and additional protocols for transportation, visitors to school buildings, athletic activities, and proper training for faculty and staff. The Health & Safety plan can be found here: https://www.northallegheny.org/HealthAndSafetyPlan.
      • Our Return to School plans were created with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Allegheny County Health Department, District Physician, District Health Services, and the North Allegheny Board of School Directors. 
      • Each school within the District will create a comprehensive plan for how they will implement the District Health & Safety Plan specific to the individual building. These plans will be reviewed and approved by the Pandemic Crisis Response Team to ensure proper implementation. These plans will be communicated to families in each building’s Back to School Newsletter.

     

    RETURNING TO SCHOOL


    General Health & Safety

    • Will students and staff need to wear face coverings?
      • Students and staff will be required to wear masks/face coverings at all times, including on the school bus.
      • In the event a face covering needs to be replaced at school, each school has face masks available to ensure compliance with this requirement.
      • Masks, shields or other protective devices will be worn by all students and staff members and volunteers at all times. If a student or staff member has a documented medical condition, mental health condition, or disability in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or IDEA that precludes them from using a face covering, exceptions will be made. 
      • Staff members who have concerns with the face coverings requirement should contact the Human Resources Department to discuss potential alternatives and resources which may be available to them.
      • Documentation of such conditions from families and staff will be requested.

    • Will students or staff be screened for COVID-19 symptoms?
      • The District is asking for parents/guardians to perform a symptom screen on their children prior to putting them on a bus or bringing them to school.  District staff should perform the same symptom screen before coming to work each day. During the screening, individuals should look for the following symptoms: a fever greater than 100 degrees, cough, shortness of breath, headaches, body aches, fatigue, loss/altered sense of taste or smell, diarrhea, and runny nose/congestion.

    • Will students and staff have their temperatures taken before they enter District buildings?
      • At this time, students and staff are requested to complete a daily screening for COVID-19 symptoms, including fevers, prior to arriving at school.

    • In the event COVID-19 cases continue to rise, is there a plan in place?
      • Students may have to move from in-person instruction to hybrid or fully remote instruction at some point in the year if health data from Allegheny County Health Department or Pennsylvania Health Department warrant closing a school or multiple schools. North Allegheny School District will work with authorities regarding cases that might require a change in school operating status. 

    • Does the District have assurances that if the county meets criteria, the official color status would be moved back to yellow or red despite a likely public outcry?
      • Based on requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), the North Allegheny School District submitted a Health & Safety Plan that outlines guidelines for the reopening of our schools. The chart that was contained in the Education Plan is an overview that shows how the District will make decisions regarding instructional delivery options based on additional guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, North Allegheny Health Services Department, North Allegheny School Physician, Allegheny County Department of Health, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It’s important to note that the North Allegheny School District Superintendent will have the authority to change in-person instruction based on the health and wellness of the students and staff in each building.

    • How will NA address the COVID stigma when students test positive or are asked to quarantine?
      • The District is currently reviewing all School Board policies related to the harassment of students. Any mistreatment of students will be handled by school administration in accordance with the NA Code of Conduct. Further, each building will have a social/emotional wellness committee that will work to educate and inform students and staff about the illness while also addressing the school’s climate and culture. 

    • With nearly 10,000 children does the District consult with an epidemiologist?
      • The District has consulted with the District physician, the Allegheny County Health Department, the District Solicitor, and its Health Services staff in creating our Health and Safety and Educational Plans. Further, the District has utilized guidance documents from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Allegheny County Health Department, and the PA Department of Education to inform its decision making.

    • If a student or staff member has a cough or is sneezing, will it be assumed they have COVID-19?
      • The District does not have the ability to diagnose an individual with COVID-19. If a student or staff member is displaying symptoms related to COVID-19, they will be directed to consult their health care provider.

    • Will students and staff members with fevers or other COVID-19 symptoms be required to be tested before returning to school?
      • If a student or staff member is displaying symptoms related to COVID-19, they will be directed to consult their health care provider.

    • How will the school know of positive COVID-19 cases? How will they be able to ensure students aren't coming to school sick and spreading it? Will anyone with symptoms have to stay out of school for a determined time?
      • When known symptoms are brought to our attention, school nurses will work with students and families to track the status of their symptoms and doctor recommendations. If your student has been identified as being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, they are to stay home unless seeking medical care. They will be required to quarantine for 14 days from the date of contact. Close contact means being within six feet of an individual for at least 15 minutes, with or without a mask. Upon being notified of your exposure by the District, it will be further suggested that you consult with your healthcare provider.

    • What is the requirement for students/staff after getting a COVID-19 test?
      • Students/staff should remain at home while awaiting test results. If a student/staff member tests positive, they should remain home for 14 days. They may return 24 hours since the last episode of active vomiting or diarrhea, 24 hours fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medication, 24 hours on antibiotics for a variety of bacterial causes, or a doctor’s note of clearance for various medical conditions.

    • How will attendance requirements work? If a student is out for 14 days after a positive test result or even an exposure, will they be penalized the same way as a normal school year?
      • When a student is out for 14 days quarantining after a positive test result or exposure, the District will excuse these absences by considering them as days missed for medical reasons. Students will have access to virtual instruction from their classroom teachers and will utilize Blackboard to review the daily agenda and assignments.

    • If students have seasonal/environmental allergies, would it be helpful to send a letter documenting this condition to the school nurse?
      • A letter from your doctor to the school nurse stating symptoms would be helpful in this situation. You are encouraged to reach out to your students’ school nurse to discuss their allergy symptoms and how best to manage them during this time.

    • During in-person instruction, what happens when students get a cold?
      • Students/staff members who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are required to stay home from school. Students/staff members can return when they are symptom free for 24 hours. The District will excuse these absences by considering them as days missed for medical reasons.

    • If a student is sent home with a fever (or other symptom), other than waiting the prerequisite 24 hours from the last “fever”, what other safety measures can be put in place?
      • Additional precautions would be to practice CDC, PADOH, and ACHD guidelines related to social distancing, face coverings, hygiene, and symptoms screening.

    • How will the District know if a student or staff member is not COVID-19 positive if a test is not required or administered?
      • Anyone with symptoms will need to contact their health care provider to discuss potential exposure and appropriate next steps including testing and self-quarantine.


    Positive COVID-19 Test

    • What will happen if someone tests positive for COVID-19?
      • Once a positive test is determined, the District will contact the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), which will complete a contact investigation of individuals with confirmed cases. 
      • With guidance from the ACHD, students and staff considered close contacts to the case (if any) will be notified of their exposure, using as little identifying information about the case as possible. 
      • NASD will act in accordance to the findings of the ACHD investigations as it relates to mitigation steps (i.e. isolate individuals, shift a particular class or a school to full remote learning, etc). 

    • Will I be notified if my child has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
      • To provide full transparency to our community, the District will update the COVID-19 page on the North Allegheny School District website daily with new confirmed cases. The cases will be listed by building in a table format.The District will notify parents/guardians via email when their child has been in a classroom, bus, sports team, or activity with a student or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19 or attends a school in which someone has tested positive for COVID-19. There are two types of communication that will occur:
        • When a student or staff member is present in a classroom, bus, sports team or activity where an individual tests positive for COVID-19:
          • Staff and parents/guardians will receive written communication via email sharing that the student or staff member may have been in direct contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
          • The letter will contain action steps to be taken and any recommendations provided by the Allegheny County Health Department.
          • If there are multiple cases in one day, the District will send one email per day to staff, parents/guardians, etc. with cases grouped together.
        • When a student or staff member in a District’s school tests positive for COVID-19:
          • Staff and parents/guardians will receive written communication via email notifying them that a person in the school has tested positive for COVID-19.
          • The letter will contain necessary action steps to be taken and any recommendations provided by the Allegheny County Health Department.
          • If there are multiple cases in one day, the District will send one email per day to staff, parents/guardians, etc. with cases grouped together.

    • If there is a confirmed positive case in a student or staff member, will North Allegheny have to shut down the classroom and/or the school?
      • North Allegheny School District will follow the guidelines and directives set out by the Allegheny County Health Department and Pennsylvania Department of Education on whether to transition to remote learning. We do not intend to transition to fully remote learning for a class or school building due to one positive case, unless directed to do so by ACHD.

    • If there is a positive case of COVID-19 in the classroom/school bus, will the other students in that classroom/bus be tested? Or required to quarantine for 14 days? If not, how will you stop the spread of the virus?
      • If your student has been identified as being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, they are to stay home unless seeking medical care. They will be required to quarantine for 14 days from the date of contact. Close contact means being within six feet of an individual for at least 15 minutes, with or without a mask. Upon being notified of your exposure by the District, it will be further suggested that you consult with your healthcare provider.

    • What are the procedures for when an individual is in close contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19?
      • If identified as being in close contact with someone who is diagnosed with COVID-19, stay home unless you are going to see a medical professional. Individuals will be required to quarantine for 14 days since the date of contact. Close contact means being within six feet of an individual for at least 15 minutes, with or without a mask. Once notified by the district of exposure, the individual will be required to consult with their health care provider and inform the school nurse.

    • What is the continuity of education plan if a student has to miss multiple days of class?
      • Students will have access to virtual instruction from their classroom teachers and will utilize Blackboard to review the daily agenda and assignments.

    • If a student or staff member is exposed to COVID-19 and awaiting testing, what precautions should be used while awaiting test results?
      • Additional precautions would be to practice CDC, PADOH, and ACHD guidelines related to social distancing, face coverings, hygiene, and symptoms screening. When a student is out for a number of days awaiting test results after a possible test result or exposure, the District will excuse these absences by considering them as days missed for medical reasons.

    • If students are exposed to COVID-19 in a classroom, would they be eligible to move to NA Cyber Academy immediately rather than having to wait until a new semester?
      • Students/families have the ability to move into the NA Cyber Academy at the beginning of each quarter.

    • How soon after a positive case of COVID-19 is confirmed in a school will parents/guardians be notified?
      • Parents/guardians of students who have potentially been exposed to COVID-19 will be notified on the day the District is made aware of the positive case.

    • What is the protocol for a student or staff member to return to school after testing positive for COVID-19? 
      • The individual needs to provide written clearance from their healthcare provider and be symptom free for 24 hours and allow ten days to pass from the initial symptoms or positive testing.

    • What if a parent/guardian tests positive and the children test negative? Do the children quarantine along with the parents?
      • If a household member of a student or staff member tests positive, parents/guardians or the staff member should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if any additional members of the household should also quarantine. Currently, the guidance of our District physician, as well as the ACHD, is to monitor symptoms.

    • The FAQs say that after a positive case, the health department will do a contact investigation. How quickly will the contact tracing be completed?
      • The District will notify the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) immediately when we are notified of a positive case. The turnaround time for contact tracing will depend on the amount of cases and available staff at the ACHD. Presently, the District is experiencing a 24-32 hour turnaround time.

    • How will contact tracing results be used?
      • Results of contact tracing will not be used by the District. If a student has been identified as a direct contact with a positive case, a representative of the Health Department will contact you to discuss your exposure.

    • If a student tests positive for COVID-19 and has to miss a few weeks of school, what happens? Do they just miss a few weeks or can they switch to Cyber so they don't get behind?
      • Students will have access to virtual instruction from their classroom teachers and will utilize Blackboard to review the daily agenda and assignments.

    • Will parents/guardians be notified if there is a presumptive positive diagnosis?
      • The communication protocol includes presumptive positive cases.


    COVID-19 Symptoms

    • What will happen if a student or staff member presents COVID-19 symptoms?
      • If a student or staff member presents any of the described symptoms of COVID-19 to the Health Office, they will be isolated in an identified area located in the Health Office to be evaluated. The School Nurse will apply required PPE and ensure a face mask is applied/available to an individual with respiratory symptoms and a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit if it can be tolerated and developmentally appropriate.  
      • If the Health Office is unavailable, the student or staff member should be directed home, as appropriate, and instructed to contact their personal physician.

    • Will teachers have the ‘authority’ to ask a student to go to the nurse, and potentially go home, if they appear to be sick in a classroom? Examples include a child who looks sick, is coughing, or is showing other symptoms.
      • All students and staff members who present symptoms related to COVID-19 during the school day will be asked to report to the school’s health office and will be isolated.  


    General

    • Has the School Board changed the school calendar in any way for the 2020-2021 school year?
      • While the approved 2020-2021 calendar has not changed, updates may be made pending local, state, and national guidelines related to COVID-19. Any updates will be communicated with District staff and families via email and posted on the District's website. 

    • When do I need to select an instruction option for my student? 
      • Parents/guardians will select an option for their child(ren) between July 30 and August 5, 2020, and if an option is not selected, the child(ren) will be automatically signed up for In-Person Instruction. 

    • What are the options for parents if they do not want their child to return to a building this fall?
      • Parents/guardians have the option of enrolling their student in the NA Cyber Academy for the 2020-2021 school year. Enrolling in NA Cyber Academy allows students to receive access to NA organizations, clubs, athletics, and student services, and be taught by NA teachers. 

    • Will families have the option of changing their child’s placement from In-Person Instruction to NA Cyber Academy or vice versa at any point during the year?
      • At the end of each quarter:
      • Students who are enrolled in NA Cyber Academy will have the option to enroll in In-Person Instruction. 
      • Students who are enrolled in In-Person Instruction will have the option to enroll in the NA Cyber Academy.

    • What happens if all students start in fully remote instruction?
      • In the In-Person Instruction option, there are three separate scenarios for instructional delivery based on District, local, or Commonwealth guidelines: 
        • full-time in-person instruction
        • hybrid (in-person and remote instruction)
        • fully remote instruction
      • In fully remote instruction, students will receive remote instruction five days a week. Classes will be taught by assigned classroom teachers.
      • Further explanation can be found in the Return to School Education plan.

    • Will students be allowed to carry their backpacks to classes?
      • Yes, students will be able to carry their backpacks to class.

    • Will there be orientation for students starting at new schools? Will it be in person or virtual?
      • Individual schools will communicate plans for orientation. The District is also creating an orientation training on Blackboard for all parents/guardians and students.


    Face Coverings     

    • Will face coverings be required?
      • Students and staff will be required to wear masks/face coverings at all times, including on the school bus. In the event a face covering needs to be replaced at school, each school has face masks available to ensure compliance with this requirement.
      • If a student or staff member has a documented medical condition, mental health condition, or disability in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or IDEA that precludes them from using a face covering, exceptions will be made. 
      • Staff members who have concerns with the face coverings requirement should contact the Human Resources Department to discuss potential alternatives and resources which may be available to them.
      • Documentation of such conditions from families and staff will be requested.

    • Do students have to wear a face covering in the cafeteria?
      • Students will need to wear a mask in the cafeteria, but can remove their mask to eat or drink.

    • Have you considered adjusting the preset room temperatures or air circulation because teachers and students are required to wear masks?
      • Where feasible and safe, classroom and office windows will be opened in to increase outside air supply into the buildings. Building HVAC systems will be adjusted to operate with increased outside air circulation.

    • Will my child have to wear his or her face covering all day?
      • Yes. Masks, shields or other protective devices will be worn by all students and staff members and volunteers at all times, except when they are eating or drinking.

    • For younger children who have a harder time accepting and understanding this "mask issue", will there be disciplinary action?
      • The District will work with students/families on ways to redirect students when the face covering becomes an issue. Redirection may include providing a preferred task. These procedures will include discussions with families focused on restorative practices. Staff will be working at the beginning of the year to explain the need for masks and social distancing to children. These practices will become new routines within the classroom. Lessons and activities will take place to assist students in understanding the concept of six feet of distance and the need for wearing a face covering. Adults will monitor students and assist with prompts if they need reminders.
    • Will students be made to wear masks in high school PE classes? For example, while being required to run.
      • The Secretary's Order requires individuals to wear a face covering, in both indoor public places and in the outdoors when they are not able to consistently maintain social distance from individuals who are not members of their household. If doing a solitary activity outside that is not likely to result in being within six feet of another person, you are not required to wear a face covering. Individuals should consider carrying a face covering in case they unexpectedly come in close contact with others.

    • How strictly is the face covering requirement going to be enforced? 
      • The face covering requirement will be enforced in accordance with the guidelines of the departments of health and education, as well as the District's code of conduct. Individuals with questions about appropriate face coverings should contact HR or Student Services. If a student isn’t following the face covering requirement, staff will respond using progressive discipline techniques to work toward gaining compliance with commonwealth/local mask orders.
         

    • How does NA plan to enforce the rule that everyone must wear a face covering during in-person classes? What if someone refuses to wear a face covering?

      • Staff members must wear an appropriate face covering. Staff members with restrictions or concerns about face coverings should speak to HR about possible accommodations.

        If students or their families assert children cannot wear face coverings in schools for medical reasons, Section 504 and IDEA both require participation in a team meeting to decide whether an accommodation should be provided. Therefore, the District may require parents/guardians to provide pertinent medical information in order to decide whether a 504 plan should be developed or modified for a child (or an existing IEP modified) to address whether a child should be excused from wearing a face covering in school. If a student does not have a valid medical excuse to not wear a face covering, and demonstrates continued noncompliance with this requirement, the District would apply the Code of Conduct and any necessary disciplinary procedures.

    • How will staff know if a student is permitted not to wear a face covering?
      • Staff with a need to know basis will be informed of student accommodations.

    • Why is a face shield considered an acceptable face covering?
      • Based on the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health’s updated Order Requiring Universal Face Coverings, a plastic shield that covers the nose and mouth is considered a compliant face covering, so the District would be limited in the ability to require anyone wearing a compliant face covering to change to a specific style of mask or other covering. Here is the language provided specifically from the PA Department of Education on how the face covering order impacts schools:

    What type of mask complies with this Order?

    “A "face covering" can be made of a variety of synthetic or natural fabrics, including cotton, silk, or linen, and, for the purposes of the order, can include a plastic face shield that covers the nose and mouth.”

    • How does NA plan to separate students and/or staff without face coverings from students and staff with face coverings? How will staff know which students have proper documentation to not wear a face covering?
      • Staff members must wear an appropriate face covering. Staff members with restrictions or concerns about face coverings should speak to HR about possible accommodations.

        If students or their families assert children cannot wear face coverings in schools for medical reasons, Section 504 and IDEA both require participation in a team meeting to decide whether an accommodation should be provided. Therefore, the District may require parents/guardians to provide pertinent medical information in order to decide whether a 504 plan should be developed or modified for a child (or an existing IEP modified) to address whether a child should be excused from wearing a face covering in school. If a student does not have a valid medical excuse to not wear a face covering, and demonstrates continued noncompliance with this requirement, the District would apply the Code of Conduct and any necessary disciplinary procedures.

        Staff with a need to know basis will be informed of student accommodations.
          
    • How will teachers be aided in projecting lessons while wearing a face covering?
      • The District has purchased voice projection devices to aid in projecting teacher voices while wearing a face covering.

    • In the hybrid phase, will students be expected to wear masks or face shields throughout the day or will the expectation be that their desks will be spaced six feet apart and they can maintain that distance throughout the day?
      • Even under the hybrid model, many classrooms and other areas will not allow all students to be six feet apart and face coverings are required when they are not at least six feet apart. 


    Student Services
     

    • If a parent/guardian needs to meet with a counselor to ask questions or plan courses, how will that happen?
      • If you select NA Cyber Academy, a school counselor will reach out to your family to discuss scheduling. For those who select In-Person Instruction, families should reach out to the School Counselor via email to schedule an appointment. Contact information for School Counselors can be found on our website.

    • If we choose in-person learning but are in a stage where we are learning remotely, how can a student work with a school counselor on the college application process?
      • School Counselors will be available to meet with students via Microsoft TEAMS and conference call lines to help work with students on the college application process.

    • How will my child’s IEP and/or 504 services and accommodations be met?
      • IEP - During in-person instruction, service providers will follow the District’s health and safety protocols in the Special Education environment while implementing each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Upon returning to school, case managers will address student-specific needs arising from the transition back into school buildings while considering whether or not a student has experienced a regression of skills and/or lack of progress. If regression and/or a lack of progress is present, the IEP team will identify opportunities for recovery, including additional, new, or different services and accommodations. If the District is required to transition to hybrid or full remote learning, case managers will schedule a parent/teacher conference to discuss the contents of the IEP and create this individualized continuity of learning plan for students in a hybrid/remote environment.
      • 504 Plans - The NA School Counseling Department will ensure student support through Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 while students are receiving in-person instruction. If the District transitions to hybrid or remote learning, the School Counseling Department will reach out to families to address individual student needs based on the changes to the instructional delivery.
         
    • If a student has an IEP for gifted learning, how will their needs be met through digital learning? 
      • GIEP - If the District is required to transition to hybrid or full remote learning, case managers will schedule a parent/teacher conference to discuss the contents of the GIEP and create this individualized continuity of learning plan for students in a hybrid/remote environment. 
      • Gifted Programming - Online and project-based enrichment and educational opportunities will be made available to students through the GOAL program during all phases of In-Person Instruction, including hybrid, and full remote learning.

    • Will students with IEPs be able to keep the same case workers when moving from NA Cyber Academy to In-Person Instruction and vice versa?
      • Case managers in the NA Cyber Academy and the in-person instructional option will be different. If a student/family chooses to transition between NA Cyber Academy and in-person instruction during the school year, NA Cyber School staff will work closely with staff from your home school to plan for a smooth transition based on your child’s individual needs.

    • Will the IEP need to be re-written each time that they move from one scenario to another?
      • IEP teams will need to consider FAPE in each instructional delivery model. In most cases, this will be done through the IEP amendment process between the child’s family and case manager. 

    • How will IEPs be implemented? Will FAPE be honored?
      • FAPE must be honored in each scenario presented in the Health & Safety and Education Plans. Case managers will work with families to determine how best to deliver FAPE in every model of instructional delivery throughout the year.
         
    • Will agreed upon goals, SDIs, and related services (currently, in our case, speech, music therapy, PT, OT) be honored in a virtual setting?
      • FAPE must be honored in each scenario presented in the Health & Safety and Education Plans. Case managers will work with families to determine how best to deliver FAPE in every model of instructional delivery throughout the year. 

    • Will placement be honored? Will students be placed with a special educator as defined in IEP (eg. life skills) or will they be placed in a general ed virtual classroom? If in a general ed classroom, what supports and services will be available?
      • Special Education Services will be provided in accordance with each student’s IEP. They will be assigned a PA Certified Special Educator to implement the IEP in order to allow for access to the general education curriculum.

    • When a family determines that return to in-person instruction is safe and appropriate, how will that transition be handled? Will IEP and placement continue to be honored?
      • Case managers in the NA Cyber Academy and the in-person instructional option will be different. If a student/ family chooses to transition between NA Cyber Academy and in-person instruction during the school year, NA Cyber Academy staff will work closely with staff from your home school to plan for a smooth transition based on your child’s individual needs.

    • Will the synchronous/asynchronous requirements be the same for students with IEPs vs those without? Will children that require frequent breaks, redirection, and moving quickly from one topic through the next to stay on task be supported in the cyber environment?
      • FAPE must be honored in each scenario presented in the Health & Safety and Education Plans. Case managers will work with families to determine how best to deliver FAPE in every model of instructional delivery throughout the year.

    • What social opportunities will be available for students with IEPs? Will synchronous classes allow for peer interaction and cooperation? Will virtual speech groups be available?
      • Students with IEPs may have opportunities to interact with peers in synchronous classes. Additionally, virtual group sessions are available. Case managers will work with families to determine how best to deliver FAPE in every model of instructional delivery throughout the year.

    • Will there be opportunities for students to interact with peers, teachers, and supports in their in-person life skills classroom?
      • FAPE must be honored in each scenario presented in the Health & Safety and Education Plans. Case managers will work with families to determine how best to deliver FAPE in every model of instructional delivery throughout the year.

    • If choosing the NA Cyber Academy option, would a student who receives speech and/or OT still receive those services? Who would deliver those services - the school-based speech therapist or OT? Will there be continuity if the child switches to in-person instruction?
      • FAPE must be honored in each scenario presented in the Health & Safety and Education Plans. Case managers will work with families to determine how best to deliver FAPE in every model of instructional delivery throughout the year. The case manager for related services cannot be determined until we are able to see how many students receiving these services select the cyber option. It may be the same therapist that is assigned to the home school, or it may be an employee who is assigned to the NA Cyber Academy full time.

    • How will speech sessions be conducted?
      • Speech/Language Therapy will be made available to students in both the in-person instruction and NA Cyber Academy options. The IEP team will need to determine how best to deliver that service based on each individual learner’s needs. 

    • What social and emotional resources will be in place as students and staff return? What mental health resources are you offering for students and staff who are in need of support during this pandemic?
      • North Allegheny is committed to the social and emotional wellness of our students and staff. Below are ways in which we will be addressing these needs this school year:
        • Trauma-Informed Care - During the fall of 2020, all staff members will begin training in Trauma Informed-Care. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is an approach in the human service field that assumes that an individual is more likely than not to have a history of trauma. Trauma-Informed Care recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual’s life, including service staff.
        • Student Assistance Program - The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues that pose a barrier to a student's success.
        • School-Based Mental Health - Through a partnership with Glade Run, students in grades 9-12 can be provided with outpatient mental health services both in the school setting and through teletherapy. This partnership will work to effectively diminish barriers that historically have prohibited some families from accessing supportive mental health services.
        • School-Based Social and Emotional Wellness Committees - Led by a School Counselor and supported by the District’s Positive Behavior Support Specialists, each building will have a multidisciplinary committee that will work on addressing student and staff social and emotional wellness as we work to reopen and renew our school community.
        • Individual Student Supports - Students at all levels may be afforded opportunities to address specific social and emotional concerns through individual school counseling sessions.
        • Consultative Support for School Staff - Classroom teachers will have access to consultative support from Social Workers and Positive Behavior Support Specialists’ to handle student concerns.
        • Employee Assistance Program - An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. Information on EAP is available from Human Resources.

    • Will GOAL have opportunities for enrichment in both In-Person Instruction and NA Cyber Academy?
      • Yes, opportunities for project-based enrichment and educational opportunities will be made available to students in the in-person and NA Cyber Academy environments.

    • When will GOAL evaluations be completed this school year?
      • Initial Evaluations for GOAL will begin the week of July 27. We will conduct these evaluations in the order that they were received.

    • Can GOAL students who choose to enroll in NA Cyber Academy travel for events?
      • There will be no field trips in the first semester. This will be reassessed for the second semester.


    Social / Physical Distancing

    • Will social distancing be required? How will social distancing during passing periods be handled?
      • Students and staff will be encouraged to distance as much as possible in classrooms, hallways, and stairways. At the elementary level, students will remain in homeroom cohorts for instruction with minimal movement to assist in the delivery of special services classes such as interventions, ESL and special education.
      • At the middle schools, classes will be switched by teams, which will limit the number of students changing classrooms at any specific time.
      • At the high schools, students will be encouraged to social distance while in hallways. Individual locker use will be eliminated at the middle and high school levels, further reducing the distance and time that students will be in hallways.
      • Staff will be encouraged to avoid communal spaces such as copy rooms and teachers lounges during break time.
         
    • Is there a plan at the high school level for social distancing in the hallways?
      • Students will be encouraged to remain as far apart as practicable, and in particular advised to not congregate in groups or otherwise linger in hallways, stairwells, and other areas. At NAI and NASH, students will follow a staggered classroom dismissal process, where students with the farthest to travel are dismissed first, followed by the remaining students, to attempt to stagger the flow of students throughout the hallway. The expectations will be taught to students at the beginning of the year and staff will help to reinforce this process throughout the school year.

    • How are students going to socially distance in classrooms and cafeteria?
      • Classrooms will be set up to achieve required student occupancy, desks will be arranged to all face the same direction where possible, and flexible seating, tables, etc. will be removed where feasible. Desks will be spread out to maximize the distance between students.
      • Cafeterias will be utilized for food service and consumption. Additional spaces such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms and possibly classrooms will be utilized where feasible to reduce student density during lunch periods. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands before and after lunch periods and to wear masks/face coverings when not eating or drinking.

    • Will students be required to put masks on for recess, as they will have a difficult time maintaining social distancing?
      • Weather permitting, outdoor recess will be held. Students will not have access to shared equipment, such as sports balls. Students will have access to permanent playsets if on campus. Contactless activities will be encouraged. Masks will not be required outdoors if students are engaged in any activity at least 6 feet apart. On days when indoor recess is necessary, students will stay in their homeroom to engage in activities that are contactless. Masks will be required for indoor recess. Students will follow hygiene protocols following recess.

    • What will you do in classrooms or areas (such as cafeterias) where you're not physically able to space students 4-6 feet apart?
      • Classrooms will be set up to achieve normal student capacity, however desks will be arranged to maximize the distance between students, though in many cases distance may not be 6'. Flexible seating arrangements such as tables, desk clusters or pods will be eliminated where possible and classrooms will be set up in a theater format with all desks facing the same way. If a hybrid in-person model is implemented, classrooms will be set up to achieve the required adjusted capacity with desks spaced as far apart as feasible.
      • Current Commonwealth guidelines require 6 feet of distancing while eating.

    • What hallway social distancing will be used at the elementary, middle school, and high school level?
      • At the elementary level, students will remain in homeroom cohorts for instruction with minimal movement to assist in the delivery of special services classes such as interventions, ESL, and special education.

        At the middle schools, classes will be switched by teams, which will limit the number of students changing classrooms at any specific time.

        At the high schools, as students transition from one class to the next, teachers will taper their dismissal from their classroom incrementally (example, 5-10 students who have to travel the farthest first, 5-10 students next, etc.). When students arrive at their destination, they will wait outside the classroom, socially distanced as directed by signage, until the classroom is safely emptied allowing for new students to arrive.

    • Why have one way hallways/stairwells not been included in the plan to discourage face to face interactions?
      • One way hallways have been considered, but most buildings have dead-end hallways where one way travel is not practical. Implementing one way hallways would significantly increase the amount of time required for students to change classes, impacting instruction time and prolonging the periods when they are in open areas with more students.

    • Will social distancing be adhered to?
      • North Allegheny is working to adhere to all applicable guidelines. As it relates to social distancing in classrooms, the PA Department of Education specifically states:

        “All schools should have protocols for distancing student desks/seating and other social distancing practices that allows at least 6 feet of separation among students and staff throughout the day to the maximum extent feasible.”

        The guidelines further state: 

        “When multiple students are in one enclosed space, such as a classroom, seat students at least 6 feet apart and facing the same direction, to the maximum extent feasible.”

        The District is assessing each classroom and learning space within our buildings and where feasible is spacing students six feet apart, and where six feet is not feasible, separating students as much as possible.

        The specific distance between students will differ based on each classroom’s size and the number of students. In a full return to in-person instruction, most students will not be six feet apart in classrooms. In the hybrid return to school model, because of reduced classroom capacity, students will be six feet apart in some classrooms, however, there will be many areas where students are not six feet apart based on the size of the classroom or other space being occupied by students and staff. 

    • Will students be asked to wash or use hand sanitizer before and after the use of shared materials?
      • Yes, students will be asked to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before and after the use of shared materials. Equipment will also be cleaned after use.

    • How will high school labs be handled since students usually work with a partner?
      • Specific lab and classroom solutions are still being addressed and will be based on the number of students in each class section. These plans will be released in Back to School newsletters. 

    • How will capacity in restrooms be monitored or controlled?
      • Restroom usage should occur during class, not during exchanges, to ensure proper social distancing. School staff will monitor access to restrooms throughout the day and stagger use during the class period.


    Technology
     

    • Will students have the opportunity to upgrade their technology (iPads and laptops)?
      • Students in Kindergarten, Grades 1, 5, and 9, and all new students will be issued new devices at or before the start of the school year. All other students will continue to use their previously assigned devices.

    • Have technical issues families may have experienced in the spring been resolved for the 2020-2021 school year?
      • NA has streamlined the platforms that are available for students to turn in work and has engaged all teachers in additional professional development on the Blackboard platform. Teachers and support staff have access to audit logs and are able to teachinally support the teaching staff if there are issues within Blackboard.

    • Is North Allegheny aware of the problems that Blackboard has interfacing with Apple’s iOS, given that all students up to grade 8 have iPads as their access point to online learning? What is being put in place to resolve these issues?
      • We have made changes to the Blackboard layout to improve compatibility with iPads. The known issues with layout problems applied to older model iPads. Technology Services is testing with different models of iPads to validate these changes.

    • Will teachers continue to take part in Blackboard training?
      • All teachers participated in several days of Blackboard training in June. Teachers have had the opportunity to participate in additional training over the summer and training will be required for all teachers prior to the start of school. 

    • Will parents/guardians and students be taught how to use Blackboard?
      • Yes. Orientation materials will be made available to parents/guardians and students at the start of the school year. 

    • Will any technology be provided to students enrolled in NA Cyber Academy?
      • Technology will be provided for NA Cyber Academy. K-8 students will utilize iPads and 9-12 will utilize laptops.

     

    Transportation/Buses

    • What will be different on school buses?
      • Transportation routes will be adjusted to consolidate bus stops and reduce overall ride time for students where possible. Students will be required to wear face masks/face coverings while on the bus at all times. Buses will be loaded from the rear to the front, to minimize students passing in the aisles.

    • If my child starts the school year with NA Cyber Academy then transitions to in-person instruction during the school year, can they receive transportation if they are eligible for a school bus?
      • Yes, they will be eligible for a school bus if they transfer to in-person instruction.
      • At the end of each quarter, parents/guardians can choose to enroll in In-Person Instruction. Additionally, those students receiving In-Person Instruction can enroll in NA Cyber Academy at the end of each quarter. If a student chooses to remain in NA Cyber Academy, no action is required by the family.

    • How many seats on the bus behind any unmasked children are being left open for distancing and protecting other children?
      • Right now the front seat is planned to be reserved for students not wearing masks, however it is likely that all other seats will be occupied.

    • Will students share seats on the bus? If so, how many students per seat?
      • It is very challenging to adjust seating on school buses since the number of seats and their positions are fixed. Typically, buses are planned to hold two students per seat in middle and high school and two to three students per seat in elementary schools. Based on the family feedback survey, we expect a higher than normal number of students to be driven to and from school. We also expect that some students will choose NA Cyber Academy instruction in the fall. With both of these factors, we expect actual bus ridership to be less than in previous years, however, there may still be instances where multiple students are required to share a seat.

    • Can we opt to drive our kids to school and from school instead of using the school transportation?
      • Yes, you have the option to transport your students to and from school. Individual school plans for drop off and pick up will be shared in Back to School building newsletters.


    Drop Off/Pick Up

    • I drop my child off at school. Will anything change?
      • More than one entrance and exit from the schools will be utilized to decrease large groups of students entering/exiting the school building. More detailed information will be communicated in the building’s Back to School Newsletter.


    Cafeteria

    • What changes will students see in the cafeteria?
      • Cafeterias will be utilized for food service and consumption. Additional spaces such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms and possibly classrooms will be utilized where feasible to reduce student density during lunch periods. Grab and go lunches will be provided. Students will be encouraged to wash their hands before and after lunch periods and to wear masks/face coverings when not eating or drinking.

    • What changes will students see at water fountains?
      • Most traditional water fountains are being replaced by touchless bottle filling stations across all buildings. Where traditional water fountains remain, they will either be disabled. Staff and students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to school to refill at the stations.  


    Cleaning

    • What cleaning enhancements are being implemented in buildings?
      • All buildings have been subjected to extensive summer cleaning. 
      • Kindergarten classrooms will be disinfected after each session.
      • Equipment is being purchased to support the cleaning and disinfecting of each building every night utilizing electrostatic sprayers and appropriate disinfecting solutions. Custodial staff will conduct frequent cleaning of high traffic areas throughout the school day.
      • HVAC systems will remain in “occupied” status 24/7 to support increased air circulation and filtration. Enhanced air filters (MERV-13) are being installed in air handlers for the start of school to further improve indoor air quality.
      • Portable HEPA air filtration units are being purchased to use in areas such as nurse’s offices that may have limited outside air circulation. Units may also be used in large group spaces, such as cafeterias.
      • Where feasible and safe, classroom and office windows will be opened to increase outside air supply into the buildings. Building HVAC systems will be adjusted to operate with increased outside air circulation.
      • Additional disinfecting wipes and cleansers will be available for staff to wipe down classroom surfaces or supplies.
      • Additional custodial staff will be available during the school day to support additional cleaning.
      • School buses will be cleaned regularly and disinfected after the morning and afternoon runs. When feasible, windows will be open to increase air circulation.

    • Will teachers be required to clean between classes? Can they make students do it?
      • Teachers will not be required to clean in between classes; however, they may choose to do so on their own. They will be supplied with cleaning products by the district.  The Kindergarten room will be cleaned before the PM session begins.

    • Why aren’t teachers required to clean between classes?
      • Individual classrooms will not receive any additional or special cleaning between classes. Some cleaning wipes will be available if individual teachers want to wipe down some surfaces with their classrooms and additional custodian support will be available to address specific issues if needed.

    • Are you still maintaining that no person 18 years and younger will be permitted to touch disinfectant wipes?
      • Disinfectant wipes or other disinfectant materials will be available to teachers to utilize in the classroom. Most disinfectant wipes warn against children under the age of 18 from using these products.

    • Will children be required to use school provided hand sanitizer or can the kids bring their own?
      • Students may bring their own hand sanitizer.

    • Why can’t cleaning be done on weekends and in the evenings so that the students do not lose an entire day (i.e. Wednesdays) of in-person instruction?
      • Buildings will be cleaned every night. The hybrid model that would have all students learn remotely on Wednesday is driven by a desire to reduce the number of students in the buildings at one time, not necessarily just to provide an additional day for cleaning.

    • How have the buildings and classrooms been cleaned for the start of school?
      • All buildings have been subjected to extensive summer cleaning. Equipment is being purchased to support cleaning and disinfecting of each building every night utilizing electrostatic sprayers and appropriate disinfecting solutions. Multiple suppliers have been engaged to explore options and procure needed supplies in time for the start of school. Additional custodial staff are being recruited and shift schedules adjusted to support more frequent cleaning of high traffic areas throughout the school day. HVAC systems will remain in “occupied” status 24/7 to support increased air circulation and filtration. Enhanced air filters (MERV-13) are being installed in air handlers for the start of school to further improve indoor air quality. Staff are being trained on the use of new equipment and supplies, by either vendors or North Allegheny staff.

    • What are the plans to ensure bathrooms are cleaned throughout the day?
      • Restrooms and drinking fountains will be monitored and cleaned more regularly throughout the day.


    Recess     

    • Will students receive recess?
      • Weather permitting, outdoor recess will be held. Students will not have access to shared equipment, such as sports balls. Students will have access to permanent playsets if on campus. Contactless activities will be encouraged. Masks will not be required outdoors if students are engaged in activities at least 6 feet apart. On days when indoor recess is necessary, students will stay in their homeroom to engage in activities that are contactless. Masks will be required for indoor recess. Students will follow hygiene protocols following recess.
         
    • What are some examples of contactless activities during outdoor recess?
      • Principals are currently working with Health and Physical Education staff to create a menu of suggestions for students to participate in during recess which would be contactless activities.

    • Will there be additional staff monitoring outdoor recess to ensure kids are staying six feet apart without their masks on? 
      • Building administrators are currently reviewing the staffing models for supervision for recess. Final decisions will be made once the District determines the number of students selecting to enroll in in-person instruction and NA Cyber Academy.
         
    • Will there be physical education or recess?
      • Currently, the in-person model will include outdoor recess, weather permitting, and is also planning for Physical Education classes, also held outside weather permitting.


    Sports and Activities

    • What is the plan for fall sports? 
      • North Allegheny School District will follow guidance created by the PIAA and WPIAL. For more information on our Return to Athletics plan, visit the NA Athletics website.

    • If there are no field trips, will there still be away sports games/matches?
      • Athletic competition is regulated by the health department, WPIAL, and PIAA to ensure consistent health and safety standards across schools and competition locations. At this time, many of our typical field trip locations are enforcing capacity restrictions and can not guarantee the same health and safety guidelines as sport facilities. Field trip restrictions will be reviewed at the end of the first semester and will be based on current commonwealth/local regulations.

    • How would a student attend a sports practice/game or activity if attending classes via the NA Cyber Academy or a hybrid instruction day at home?
      • Families would have to transport students to participate in these sports practices/games or activities. Students would then be transported from the school to the away event using the guidelines for face coverings and safety measures on a school bus.

    • What are the criteria for having sports, and who makes the decision?
      • At this time, the District will rely on the guidance of the PIAA and WPIAL to guide our participation in sports for both students and spectators. NA has the right to impose additional restrictions for the safety of all those involved.


    Lunch     

    • Where will students be eating lunch? 
      • Meals will be served in cafeterias, with additional shielding provided around food service areas and cash registers. Students will be encouraged and provided the opportunity to wash their hands before proceeding to the cafeteria. Tables and high touch surfaces will be cleaned between lunch periods. Alternate spaces such as auditoriums, multi-purpose rooms and classrooms will be utilized where possible to divide lunch periods into smaller groups.

    • Will the students be allowed to bring their lunch from home?
      • Students will be permitted to bring their lunch from home.

    • If lunch is an issue, why not drop physical education class from the curriculum and utilize the gym as additional cafeteria space?
      • We are assessing every available space within each building to support our lunch program, including gymnasiums, auditoriums, classrooms, etc. Providing physical education is still a requirement at some grade levels, and we are working to find alternative options for these classes if the gyms must be utilized for food service.

    • How many students will be eating lunch at one time? Will additional space be needed/utilized?
      • We are assessing every available space within each building to support our lunch program, including gymnasiums, auditoriums, classrooms, etc. Exact student counts for each lunch period are still being determined and will be impacted by whether the District is in a full capacity or hybrid model.

    • Do both elementary and high school students have options to eat their lunch at their desk instead of going to the cafeteria?
      • We are assessing every available space within each building to support our lunch program, including gymnasiums, auditoriums, classrooms, etc. Some students may be required to eat lunch in their classrooms, however, many classrooms will still not provide a full six feet of distance between each student and will not be able to support every student eating at their desks.


    Construction

    • Will the construction at Franklin Elementary School be complete by the first day of school (September 8)?
      • As of now the construction at Franklin Elementary is not expected to impact the start of school. There will continue to be some construction occurring after the start of school, however, we are taking steps to minimize the impact to students.  

    Volunteers

    • What about programs like TAG where parents/guardians volunteer and get involved. Can these be held virtually? 
      • Since parent/guardian volunteers will be limited for the start of the 2020-2021 school year, decisions about programs like TAG will be evaluated


    INSTRUCTION 

    Learning Options

    • Can I select more than one learning option for multiple children? 
      • Yes. Parents/guardians can select either In-Person Instruction or NA Cyber Academy for their student. Siblings are not required to receive the same form of instruction. 

    • Why is there not a hybrid option available?
      • While parents/guardians cannot select a hybrid learning option, the District may move into a hybrid option. At times we may need to decrease capacity in our schools, and the decision to move to hybrid instruction will be based on health and safety requirements set by District, local, or Commonwealth officials. When this occurs, instruction will be provided to students both in-person and remotely during the week. When it becomes necessary to shift from in-person to hybrid instruction, the District will utilize SchoolMessenger to notify staff, students, and families of this change.

    • Will fully remote instruction look different than what was offered in the spring of 2020?
      • Full remote instruction will look significantly different than last spring. Utilizing feedback from the parent/guardian survey, families will notice a robust plan for full remote instruction if needed this school year.

    • Will the entire District follow the same in-person/hybrid/remote format or will it vary by school and/or classroom?
      • At this time, the entire school District will follow the same phase whether it is full in-person/hybrid/full remote.

    • If we choose the in-person instruction option, how much notice will we receive if we have to switch to hybrid or remote learning?
      • The District will try to give parents/guardians as much notice as possible. That said, the decision may not be up to the North Allegheny School District. In the case that the commonwealth or county would make a decision to close schools, the amount of notice would be dependent on the amount of notice given by the entity making the decision.

    • Assuming every student selected the in-person option, would classes be split so that on a given day for the hybrid model there would be approximately half of the students in the classroom?
      • The District is evaluating these plans for preparing for the Hybrid model. The District will assign students to classes based on the number of students remaining in the in-person option. The ultimate goal for the District is always to try to maintain as much equity when assigning students to classes.

    • Will the District commit to a delivery method for an entire quarter or could the method truly fluctuate from five day, to hybrid, to virtual?
      • The determination of the model for in-person instruction as explained in the Education Plan may be decided by commonwealth or county decisions, and therefore may not be the final decision of the District. Due to this, the District may not be able to commit to one specific delivery method for a full quarter.

    • If the in-person or hybrid format is utilized, will the school day follow the normal operating hours?
      • Yes, at this time the District will use the normal operating hours for school for the In-Person Instruction option.


    Hybrid Learning
     

    • In Hybrid Instruction, will my children attend school on the same days? 
      • Students assigned to “Cohort 1” will attend Monday and Tuesday of each week
      • During the hybrid schedule Wednesdays will now include synchronous (live) instruction.
      • Students assigned to “Cohort 2” will attend Thursday and Friday of each week. 
      • Cohorts 1 and 2 will be designated by the alphabet (A-L for Cohort 1 and M-Z for Cohort 2) so families with children in multiple schools are in school on the same days. 
      • All staff report to school to facilitate learning for assigned student groups.
      • All staff and students follow enhanced hygiene protocols. 
      • When Hybrid Instruction occurs, instruction will be provided to students both in-person and remotely during the week.
      • Students will be grouped into cohorts and assigned to report to school on designated days:
        • Families with multiple last names will default to the oldest student in the household’s last name. 
        • Adjustments to student assigned groups may be made as necessary for classroom size, bus capacity, or other reasons to achieve the desired goal of fewer students in school buildings.

    • In Hybrid Instruction, will students have lab classes on the days they physically attend school?
      • The hybrid schedule will be enforced for all students, depending on the guidance provided by the commonwealth, county, and District. For students who have lab periods, the teachers will create labs that can be completed during live and asynchronous periods.

    • How do you envision the curriculum keeping pace?
      • Teachers will work from the curriculum maps that have been written for their courses. They will be expected to teach to the state standards throughout the year, regardless of the mode we are in. While instruction will look different, they are well trained professionals who will be expected to teach the same content the best they can given the circumstances.

    • What are the instructional delivery timetables for the hybrid model?
      • Teachers will be expected to provide the same amount of instruction and assignments that they do in a regular school year. Delivery will look different, but the instructional minutes will still be required and met by each teacher.

    • My children both participate in Tier 3 support during WIN time. What type of assistance will be given to us families who need extra intervention/support?
      • Students who qualify for intervention will receive 3-4 support sessions per week, which may include synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction.

    • In the hybrid model, how do students ask questions when they are “at home”?
      • In the hybrid model, teachers will not be able to answer questions during much of the school day so students and families should email any questions to their teacher and that teacher will respond as soon as possible.

    • Why are students getting 30 minutes per day office hours/check-in time for math and ELA, but only 30 minutes per week for science and social studies combined?
      • Teachers can use office hours flexibly to answer any student or family questions regardless of subject.

    • How are the "office hours/individual check-in or instructional meeting one time per week" defined?
      • Teachers will be asked to contact their students regularly. Attendance is not mandatory for office hours unless the teacher has set up a specific meeting with a student/family to attend.

    • What happens on Wednesdays? Do the teachers teach (via Blackboard or whatever mode is chosen) or is it independent learning for all students?
      • During the hybrid schedule Wednesdays will now include synchronous (live) instruction.

    • For elementary students, will the hybrid schedule be the entire day (9:00 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.)?
      • During hybrid and full remote schedules, students will have a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction throughout the day. Breaks for lunch, physical activity, and work time will also be built into the schedules. The schedule for the day will be similar to that of a typical school day.

    • Can you provide additional support to help students stay more organized while working remotely?
      • Teachers and counselors will have office hours where this type of support can be provided.


    Specials Classes
     

    • How will students participate in classes such as Physical Education, Music, and Art?
      • Plans for these areas are not final at this time. The District is currently working with the department chairs on outlining courses that follow the Health & Safety Plan guidance for each grade level as it relates to these content areas. Plans for each department will be shared in each school building’s Back to School Newsletter.

    • Will students be expected to change clothing for Physical Education class?
      • Students will not be expected to change clothing for Physical Education.

    • During Hybrid instruction, if a student is feeling under the weather on an assigned in-person instruction day, can they attend the remote lesson instead?
      • Yes, students can participate in virtual instruction on those days. Students should submit an absence note upon returning to school. Students who are absent for 10 consecutive days will then have 14 days to make up any missed work that they were not able to complete by accessing lessons on Blackboard.


    Full Remote Learning
     

    • Is there live instruction that students need to attend that mirror the school day in full remote instruction?
      • Students are expected to attend during live/synchronous lessons. If students cannot attend live lessons, arrangements should be made with the teacher.

    • Why is lunch not scheduled for middle school students in the full remote learning schedule?
      • Lunch periods have been added to the middle school schedules.

    • If the school year has to start in a fully remote learning environment, how will the remote learning be different from last year since the teachers will only have a few in-service days to prepare?
      • The District has changed the expectation for remote instruction. Synchronous instruction will be required, as will additional office hours and one on one meetings with students. Additionally, teachers will be assigning grades so attendance and engagement during synchronous and asynchronous learning will be more robust than what students received in the spring.

    • How will remote learning be monitored by the administration to make sure it is more rigorous and consistent than last year?
      • Administration will closely monitor the teachers’ Blackboard pages and instruction through the District’s supervision model. Regular meetings will be held by the principals and teachers to ensure appropriate instruction is being delivered and classroom observations will be routinely held.

    • Why is in-person remote learning not a separate option for parents/guardians to choose?
      • The District will move to a full remote schedule based on guidance from the local, county, and commonwealth agencies. If families are interested in a full remote experience, they should consider the NA Cyber Academy option.

    • On days where the in-person instruction students are in the full remote phase, will teachers be available throughout the school day for questions or just during set hours?
      • Teachers will have office hours scheduled throughout the week and will be responding to emails as usual. This typically happens throughout the day and after instructional hours have ended for the day. If there are specific questions that need to be answered and/or if there are concerns related to student learning, it is recommended that students and families schedule time to meet with the teacher virtually.

    • Why can’t the remote instruction on “at home” days consist of synchronous learning (online or distance education that happens in real time, possibly a live stream of the in-person class instruction) as opposed to asynchronous learning?
      • The District will be purchasing equipment that will allow for live streaming instruction. Remote instruction will continue to be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction with opportunities for one on one and small group meetings as well.

    • For in-person remote learning, why is a teacher only required to teach two live classes a week?
      • For full remote and hybrid schedules, teachers will be teaching three synchronous days a week with additional opportunity for one on one and small group meetings during office hours.

    • Can you provide additional support to help students stay more organized while working remotely?
      • Teachers and counselors will have office hours where this type of support can be provided.


    Teachers

    • What is the District doing to hire substitute teachers this school year?
      • Filling our substitute openings continues to be a priority for our District. For the start of this school year, we have an individual dedicated to coordinating substitute services for our District.

    • How will we utilize all staff if full remote learning becomes the norm?
      • Staffing our District remains a priority and one which is reviewed daily.  We will utilize the staff to the best extent possible to meet the needs of our students and District.   


    NA Cyber Academy

    • How will the NA Cyber Academy work?
      • The NA Cyber Academy offers families the option of full-time online instruction from NA teachers as a replacement for returning to a physical school building. The NA Cyber Academy will be the thirteenth school in the North Allegheny School District. NA teachers will provide online instruction leveraging curriculum from Edgenuity - a leading provider of K–12 online curriculum, as well as NA curriculum resources to create a blended learning solution. Instruction will include both synchronous and asynchronous learning. More details can be found at www.northallegheny.org/NACyberAcademy.

    • What platform will NA Cyber Academy utilize? 
      • NA teachers will provide online instruction leveraging curriculum from Edgenuity,  a leading provider of K–12 online curriculum, as well as NA curriculum resources to create a blended learning solution. With courses available for core curriculum and solutions for intervention, test readiness, and summer school, Edgenuity will help us support our students no matter what needs they have. Instruction will include both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Families who select this option will have the ability to return to a physical school building at the end of each quarter. Families who do not select this option at the start of school, can select this option at the end of each quarter. Blackboard will be used as the learning management system.  

    • Will students selecting to enroll in NA Cyber Academy be able to participate in athletics and other activities? 
      • NA Cyber Academy students will remain enrolled in the District and have access to District athletics, extra-curricular activities, and after-school functions that are available throughout the school year following the guidance of District, local, and Commonwealth officials.

    • In NA Cyber Academy, will students be kept with kids from the same school or mixed in with the whole District?
      • Students will learn with grade-level peers across the District.
         
    • What is the max class size in elementary schools?
      • Class size policy is the same for all elementary schools. The decision for class size is made 30 days prior to the first day of school and uses a maximum number of 24 for grades K-2, 27 for Grade 3, and 29 for Grades 4-5.
         
    • Does the District intend on offering the NA Cyber Academy after the 2020-2021 school year?
      • Yes, the district plans to offer NA Cyber after this school year.

    • Is state testing still required for NA Cyber Academy students?
      • Yes, state testing is required for NA Cyber Academy students. The process for this will be communicated to families once enrolled.

    • Is there a fee to enroll with NA Cyber Academy? 
      • There is no fee to enroll in the NA Cyber Academy.

    • Who are the teachers for NA Cyber Academy?
      • NA Cyber Academy teachers will be North Allegheny School District teachers. The District is in the process of advertising for interested North Allegheny School District teachers and will implement an interview/selection process to determine the teachers for the NA Cyber Academy once the District knows which students are selecting the cyber option.

    • What schools are losing teachers?
      • The application and selection of NA Cyber Academy teachers is in progress. We won’t know which schools may have teachers who are selected for the NA Cyber Academy until the hiring process is finalized.

    • Does NA Cyber Academy have a principal?
      • The NA Cyber Academy will have a principal. The selection process has not yet concluded. Once approved by the Board, the Cyber Principal will act similarly to a building principal and be available to respond to parent/guardian concerns.

    • At the end of each quarter, students can disengage from NA Cyber Academy and enroll in in-person instruction (and vice versa). What is the plan to staff teachers with the potential quarterly ebb and flow?
      • At the end of each quarter, NA Cyber Academy enrollment will be assessed and teacher assignments will be adjusted if necessary. However, case-by-case situations will be addressed to ensure consistency of educational continuity.

    • Will Cyber teachers be paired up with In-Person teachers to create continuity for kids that shift between options?
      • Students will have the ability to move between in person and cyber instruction at the end of each quarter. Staff will work to assist with a smooth transition between the two programs.

    • Will my student still have the ability to receive services from the Reading Specialist in NA Cyber Academy?
      • Yes, special support for students will be provided to students as needed. Staffing assignments related to Reading Specialists or other interventions will be determined once NA Cyber Academy enrollment data is verified.

    • Will Kindergarten through NA Cyber Academy be full time?
      • Kindergarten through NA Cyber Academy will be half day.

    • Is Edgenuity common core aligned?
      • The online curriculum is aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards.

    • Is it up to each individual teacher to decide whether to rely on using Edgenuity’s videos for asynchronous lessons or to create their own videos?
      • NA Cyber Academy will use a blended approach by using the Edgenuity platform and the North Allegheny curriculum. Teachers may edit/replace/add videos and live instruction as needed.

    • Will elementary students have one teacher?
      • Some elementary buildings are departmentalized in grades 3-5 where students will have a team of teachers. Other buildings and grades have self-contained classes. Most of the elementary teachers in the NA Cyber Academy will only be assigned to teach in that school, not fluctuating between schools.

    • How will present levels be assessed in NA Cyber Academy? Will differentiation be provided? Will a student be permitted to self-pace in order to work at their level?
      • Teachers will assess student needs at the start of each nine weeks of enrollment as they would in an in-person learning environment. Best practices for teaching will be upheld by NA Cyber teachers to meet the needs of students.

    • For middle school, would a student have different teachers for each subject area at NA Cyber? If so, would the teachers be grouped into teams as they are in a physical building?
      • Students will have a certified teacher in each subject area. We are exploring the feasibility of a teaming model for NA Cyber to be based upon enrollment.

    • How many students are in an NA Cyber classroom?
      • The same class size guidance that is used for in-person instruction will be used for the NA Cyber Academy.

    • What do NA Cyber Academy students get as far as materials?
      • NA Cyber students will use the device provided by the North Allegheny School District: iPads for K-8, laptops for 9-12. Additional resources will be provided depending on the requirements of the course.

    • Why can’t students go from NA Cyber Academy to In-Person Instruction when they feel comfortable doing so?
      • NA Cyber Academy and In-Person Instruction are two different options. In order to plan for the school year accordingly, students must pick one or the other for at least a one quarter.

    • Can NA consider conducting all courses online and meeting in-person for must-needed classes?
      • We are currently offering the in-person option and the NA Cyber Academy option. Equipment is being purchased that will allow teachers to provide more real time instruction in both options.

    • Who are the teachers for NA Cyber?
      • NA Cyber teachers will be North Allegheny School District teachers. The District has posted internally for interested North Allegheny School District teachers and will implement an interview/selection process to determine the teachers for the NA Cyber Academy once the District knows which students are selecting the cyber option.

    • What are the hours for the synchronous classes? Does it follow the current building hours for the equivalent level school?
      • The schedule will be posted on the North Allegheny School District website. Hours of instruction will be similar to the regular school schedules.

    • Will the student schedule for synchronous classes be the same week to week or will it change?
      • Students will follow the same synchronous schedule each week. Teachers may occasionally adjust the instructional plan, but will communicate any changes to the student and family.

    • When will the student schedule be released?
      • The schedules will be posted on the North Allegheny School District website. Sample schedules will be shared at the NA Cyber Academy information session being held on Thursday, July 30 at 7:00 p.m.

    • How large are the classes or groups?
      • The same class size guidance that is used for in-person instruction will be used for the NA Cyber Academy.

    • How will the students be grouped?
      • Students will be grouped by grade level and course selection based upon enrollment numbers. The NA Cyber Academy will be considered one of the NASD schools.

    • I have twins that will be in first grade. Can I request that they are in the same group so that we only have to manage one set of meetings as a family?
      • Individual requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

    • If we would choose to start in-person and then change to NA Cyber Academyafter the first or second 9-weeks, what would NA do about classes that are not available on the Cyber platform?
      • Students will be enrolled into classes most closely aligned with the in-person schedule. All NA Cyber Academy courses will be available in the course list and routinely evaluated.

    • If students switch between in-person instruction and NA Cyber Academy, which school gets listed on the transcript?
      • The school in which a student attended for each nine weeks will be listed on the transcript. (Example: 1st 9 weeks-NA Cyber, 2nd 9 weeks-North Allegheny Intermediate High School, 3rd 9 weeks-North Allegheny Intermediate High School, 4th 9 weeks-NA Cyber)

    • Is the expectation for NA Cyber Academy that each child will have 4-5 live instructional periods per day, or per week?
      • The expectation is for NA Cyber students to have 4-5 synchronous instructional sessions per day, and these sessions will be a combination of different teaching and learning methods including some real time instruction, independent practice, discussions, etc.

    • If students start with in-person instruction and change to NA Cyber Academy, would the material line-up? Will the classes be taught at the same pace?
      • The NA Cyber Academy classes will be aligned to the Pennsylvania Core standards. Content and skills will be aligned while texts, assignments, and resources may differ. The pace of the courses will be similar to NA curriculum with an understanding that some may differ slightly depending on content, teacher, and course.

    • For those enrolled in NA Cyber Academy, how often would community activities be?
      • There will be regular community time as well as additional activities throughout the quarter for students to connect as a NA Cyber community.

    • If a family selects the cyber option, will NA provide devices and other software and HMH materials?
      • NA Cyber students will use the device provided by the North Allegheny School District: iPads for K-8, laptops for 9-12. NA Cyber teachers will have access to their current technology and resources.

    • If families select the NA Cyber Academy option, will the same grade level textbooks be provided to students for math, ELA, science and social studies that are being used for in-person instruction?
      • NA Cyber Academy will use a blended approach by using the Edgenuity platform and the North Allegheny curriculum. Some texts may be the same while others may differ.

    • Given the uncertainty between the phases and issues with transition, will the students that choose in-person instruction fall behind those that choose NA Cyber Academy?
      • In-person instruction and NA Cyber Academy are two different options. For both options, the curriculum will be standards aligned and teachers will use best practices for teaching and learning. The pacing of all courses will be similar.

    • What is the difference between remote learning and the NA Cyber Academy options pertaining to education and teacher input?
      • When a student is signed up for in-person instruction, there is a possibility that remote learning will need to occur based upon guidance from the commonwealth, county or District. Students enrolled in NA Cyber Academy will have a consistent schedule, not impacted by shifts between in-person, hybrid, or remote learning. NA Cyber Academy will use a blended approach by using the Edgenuity platform and the North Allegheny curriculum.

    • In in-person instruction, is the full remote scenario composed of synchronous learning? Is it similar to a regular school day only remote?
      • The in-person instruction full remote schedule will be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students will have some real-time learning experiences daily as well as time to work independently or with a parent/guardian. Pre-recorded videos will also be shared by teachers throughout the week.

    • Does a student have to be online continuously to take class in real time? Will students interact with one another?
      • The NA Cyber Academy will utilize both synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Students will be asked to collaborate with other students during class time as well as during community time.

    • If a student is enrolled in NA Cyber Academy and moves to in-person instruction during the school year, will they enroll in the same level of math and social studies, etc.?
      • It is the intent that students in the NA Cyber Academy will remain at the same level for all subjects provided they complete the necessary coursework requirements in the NA Cyber Academy.

    • Can you clarify the live instruction requirements for NA Cyber Academy?
      • We have made some changes to the schedules so they now include live instruction three times a week. For secondary students, they would have approximately half their day with synchronous instruction and half their day with asynchronous instruction. This would be organized by period and then would flip the following day. For more information, please see the schedules posted on the NA website.

    • Will Elementary specials like Orchestra be offered?
      • Special area classes like art, music, PE, and library will be offered at the elementary level and will follow the guidelines in the Educational Plan. Decisions about orchestra and band are currently being finalized.

    • How will a sense of community be created at NA Cyber Academy?
      • Students who select the NA Cyber Academy will be members of that school and plans for events and activities for the NA Cyber Academy will be coordinated by the NA Cyber Acadeny principal and teachers.

    • What is the breakdown of online work vs paper and pencil work for NA Cyber Academy?
      • There will be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. The schedule can be found on the North Allegheny website.

    • Are the synchronous times assigned or will students select the time to watch?
      • Synchronous times will be assigned according to student schedules.

    • What is the parent/guardian time and resource commitment for NA Cyber?
      • Parents/guardians may assist students when appropriate. A schedule for synchronous and asynchronous instruction is posted on the NA website.

    • Is there a parent/guardian portal for NA Cyber Academy?
      • Yes, the NA Cyber will use Tyler, the same portal as in-person instruction.

    • Will students have real instruction and support?
      • There will be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. The schedule can be found on the North Allegheny website.

    • Will NA Cyber Academy be similar to remote learning in spring 2020?
      • There will be a blend of synchronous and asynchronous instruction. The schedule can be found on the North Allegheny website.

    • Will music and art courses be available in NA Cyber Academy?
      • Music and art courses will be available for the NA Cyber Academy.

    • Can NA Cyber students attend an in-person class for chorus, orchestra, or band if they provide their own transportation?
      • Students who select NA Cyber cannot attend in-person instruction during the school day.

    • Will JROTC be offered?
      • Yes.

    • Will all classes be offered, including AP classes?
      • AP courses will be offered.

    • What will class size look like in NA Cyber Academy? What is the teacher/student ratio?
      • Class size guidelines and caseload numbers will follow the same procedures used for in-person instruction.

    • Will the NA Cyber and In-Person curriculum align so students are consistently receiving similar content?
      • Yes. NA Cyber Academy will use a blended approach by using the Edgenuity platform and the North Allegheny curriculum.

    • Will NA Cyber Academy elementary instruction times be from 9:00 a.m.-3:20 p.m. or will it be work at your own pace without a specific start and stop time?
      • The NA Cyber Academy schedules can be accessed on the NA website.

    • Are the NA teachers that teach the NA Cyber Academy a part of the child's assigned school?
      • NA Cyber Academy teachers will be NA teachers from around the District. There is no guarantee that the teachers will teach at your child’s school.

    • If there are enough students enrolled in NA Cyber Academy, will NA try to group kids from the same elementary school together to facilitate integration back to a live classroom?
      • Students assignment to classrooms is based on enrollment. There is no guarantee that students will be instructed with peers from the same school.

    • Will all of the online content be compatible with District-issued ipads?
      • Yes, the online content is compatible with District-issued iPad.

    • For students switching from in-person instruction to NA Cyber Academy, how will classes that are not offered online be changed? For example, there is no 8th grade chorus listed, would students automatically be scheduled for 8th grade general music?
      • Students will be enrolled into classes most closely aligned with the in-person schedule. All NA Cyber Academy courses will be available in the course list and routinely evaluated.

    • What are the hours of NA Cyber Academy?
      • NA Cyber Academy schedules are posted on the North Allegheny website.

    • Are there major differences between Edgenuity and Blackboard?
      • NA Cyber teachers will use a blended approach by using the Edgenuity platform and their course information on Blackboard as much as possible.

    • How much training will be required for NA Cyber Academy teachers?
      • Professional Development will be provided to teachers selected to teach in the NA Cyber Academy.

    • Will NA Cyber teachers be from the same grade level or subject as they teach in a typical school setting?
      • Staffing decisions will be made based on teacher certification.

    • If a high school student starts as a NA Cyber Academy student then changes to in-person instruction at the end of the first semester, how will their electives be scheduled
      • Student schedules will be determined by their selections made in the spring of 2020.

    • What will be done to ensure that students in the NA Cyber Academy get to interact with each other? For example, during synchronous instruction, will students be able to see and speak to each other?
      • There will be regular community time as well as additional activities throughout the quarter for students to connect as a NA Cyber community.

    • Will there be “homeroom” teachers for the students in the cyber academy?
      • There will be regular community time as well as additional activities throughout the quarter for students to connect as a NA Cyber community.

    • What effort is going to be made to keep cyber academy students connected so that they still feel like they’re part of the NA community?
      • There will be regular community time as well as additional activities throughout the quarter for students to connect as a NA Cyber community.

    • Are there homeroom/subject teachers and counselors assigned to cyber students?
      • The NA Cyber Academy will be staffed with North Allegheny teachers and counselors.


    Curriculum/Grading

    • Will there be changes to grading?
      • Grading will be set up on a quarterly basis in our Student Information System (Tyler SIS Student 360) as follows:
        • Elementary:
          • Formative assignments are used to guide instruction and determine if students are understanding concepts taught. Teachers can use the formative assignments and assessments to determine if concepts need to be retaught or if students already know the material. Formative assignments can be redone to increase learning opportunities.
            • Classwork, Homework, Exit Tickets, Student Engagement, etc. 
            • Will account for 40% of the grade and may include: 
          • Summative assessments are used to determine mastery of learning at the end of a unit, quarter, or semester.
            • Writing Assignments, Projects, Assessments, Quizzes, etc.
            • Will account for 60% of the grade and may include:
          • *Extra credit will be limited across every grade level.
        • Secondary:
          • Formative assignments/assessments are used to guide instruction and determine if students are understanding concepts taught. Teachers can use the formative assignments and assessments to determine if concepts need to be retaught or if students already know the material. Formative assignments can be redone to increase learning opportunities.
            • Classwork, Homework, Exit Tickets, Student Engagement
            • Will account for 30% of the grade and may include:
          • Summative assessments are used to determine mastery of learning at the end of a unit, quarter, or semester.
            • Writing Assignments, Projects, Assessments, Quizzes
            • Will account for 70% of the grade and may include: 
          • *Extra credit will be limited across every grade level.