As we start the month of March, it is important that we resist the urge to ease up on the safety precautions that successfully got us to this point. Staying home when sick, distancing when possible and masking have gotten us this far and they will be key to getting us to the end of the school year.  

With the guidance and recommendation from the Hamilton County Health Department, all WWS schools will continue under their current learning models with the option for 100% virtual learning at this time. To understand more about what goes into this decision, listen to the latest episode of Inside the Rock where I speak with Jim Ginder, Health Education Specialist of the Hamilton County Health Department and WWS Nurse Coordinator Teresa Layton to get their perspective on the plan (click here to listen).

In the conversation, both stated that our hybrid model is a huge reason why we’ve been able to keep our numbers low while conducting school on a consistent and regular basis without interruptions since the beginning of the school year. They also stressed the importance of finishing this school year strong and not getting complacent in our hygiene and safety protocols.

We are constantly evaluating the latest guidance, district case numbers and a large list of factors to make this decision. These factors are discussed, reviewed, and analyzed on a regular basis in collaboration with local health officials.

Those factors include:

• Indiana Department of Health and Hamilton County Health Department guidance
• Community spread
• Current and historical district COVID positive case and quarantine data
• Contact tracing capabilities
• Overall building populations and class sizes
• The ability to facilitate social distancing requirements and cohort/pod groups at full student capacity and attendance
• Transportation needs
• Staffing needs
• Operational needs

As the situation evolves, you can be sure that we will update you as soon as possible if there are any changes or updates to our current plans. As we all know, COVID is an ever-changing situation and we must have the ability to pivot when necessary.

Several people have reached out with questions regarding what the 2021-22 school year might look like. Please know that it is our number one goal to be able to safely bring back our staff and students full time, 5 days a week, for next school year. Our ability to successfully return to school rests solely on the COVID situation over the summer and leading up to the start of school and just as now, relying on the recommendations of local and state health officials.

Health and safety of students and staff remains top-of-mind for us and we thank you for taking it just as seriously. We appreciate and acknowledge that parents, guardians and students have made sacrifices this school year in the best interest of safety for all. Thank you for your support of our teachers, bus drivers, support staff and building administrators. Please make it a point in the next few weeks to reach out and thank a WWS staff member for the amazing work they are doing this school year. It is because of their hard work and sacrifice that we have been able to provide in-person instruction since the beginning of the school year and will continue to do so as long as our situation allows.

Stay safe,
Chris Baldwin
Interim Superintendent

Daily Schedule Days/Times

School Calendar - The regular school calendar for the 2020-21 school year has been adjusted to be in compliance with 180 days of instruction onsite, virtual, or hybrid.  We must continue to be as flexible as possible as we know how quickly circumstances can change.  Click here to view the WWS 2020-2021 school calendar 

School	School Start Times
Elementary School	7:50-2:30
Intermediate School	8:45-3:35
Middle School	8:45-3:35
High School	8:35-3:39

What are my learning options for the 2020-2021 school year? 

Westfield Washington School is excited to meet our students’ needs in a safe manner through the hybrid model or 100% virtual option for learning.   

The WHY for a Hybrid Model? 

Rationale: The hybrid model reduces the total number of students in schools, hallways, buses, classes, cafeterias, and during drop off and pick up.  This model also helps to maximize face to face instruction for as long as possible.  This plan takes into account the health and safety of the students and staff and allows us to practice social distancing.

GOLD Schedule
If your child's last name begins with letters A - K, they will follow the GOLD schedule.

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
At School - in person instruction	VIRTUAL LEARNING Day at home	At School - in person instruction	VIRTUAL LEARNING Day at home	ALL Students are VIRTUAL LEARNING

GREEN Schedule
If your child’s last name begins with letters L - Z, they will follow the GREEN schedule

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
VIRTUAL LEARNING Day at home	At School - in person instruction	VIRTUAL LEARNING Day at home	At School - in person instruction	ALL Students are VIRTUAL LEARNING

*The week of Labor Day our Gold/Green schedule is modified.  See calendar.

Synchronous/Asynchronous Learning

Through virtual learning, all students will be involved in both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Please see the definitions below.

Synchronous learning occurs live and in real time supported by video conferencing (such as Zoom or Google Meet). During synchronous learning, teachers deliver live instruction, students participate in real-time lessons, discussions, and activities, and teachers and students are able to interact and have real time engagement. Synchronous lessons may be recorded so students can access on their own if they are not available during synchronous time.

Asynchronous learning uses many of the same technologies, but the learning is self-paced and not tied to a specific schedule. Students may access recordings of live lessons (from synchronous learning sessions), work on assignments, engage in discussion boards, and engage with other students and/or the teacher through emails, discussions and collaborative documents. Asynchronous learning may also include offline activities and learning experiences.

Learning Options-Elementary (K-4)

Updated Hybrid

The students who choose the updated hybrid model will attend school in-person four days a week and will have virtual learning every Friday.  There will be no delayed start Wednesday.  Students will be expected to follow safety recommendations explained within the WWS plan. Google Classroom will be the learning management system for all students on the hybrid option.
 

100% Virtual

A 100% virtual learning option will be available for students who may be medically vulnerable or live with someone who is medically vulnerable or for families who may be uncomfortable sending children back to school. Virtual learning in grades K-4 will be a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous learning. For synchronous learning, students and the teacher will be involved in lessons, small groups, etc. in real-time. For example, a virtual class of students will be asked to log in to a virtual conferencing platform, such as Zoom, at 8:30 a.m. to participate and engage in a reading lesson with other students facilitated by their teacher. Students who are not available during these scheduled times will be able to access the recordings at a time that is more convenient for them. Synchronous learning will occur within a window during normal school hours. For asynchronous learning, students are able to choose when they will access the content. This content might be a mixture of tech-enhanced activities or non-tech based activities. For example, a student watches a recorded lesson and then completes an assignment at a time the student chooses by the set due date.  

Once a schedule is established by the teacher, reading, writing, and math lessons will be at consistent, scheduled times throughout the week. In addition to the whole group lessons, students will also work with their teacher in synchronous small group lessons and there will be some synchronous opportunities for a student to check in 1-1 with their teacher. 

K-4 students who choose the 100%  virtual learning option will be placed in a virtual class with a teacher from their elementary school. The virtual teachers will plan with other grade-level teachers from that building to provide consistent instruction. The virtual content will be based on the state standards which is similar to the content for in-person learning. Virtual learning lessons and activities will focus on essential standards in reading, writing, and math. WWS will follow state requirements for what constitutes a school day. Students must commit to virtual learning for the entire trimester grading period. (through Nov 12th) K-6 Virtual Learning Parent Information

Learning Options-Intermediate School (5-6)

Hybrid

The students who choose the hybrid model will attend school in-person two days a week and virtual learning three days a week. Students with last names beginning with the letters A through K will be on the Gold Team.  Students with last names beginning with letters L through Z will be on the Green Team.  The Gold Team will attend in-person on Monday and Wednesday, and the  Green Team will attend in-person on Tuesday and Thursday. Fridays will be virtual learning for all students.  At home days (not in-person) will be virtual learning for students.  There will be no delayed start Wednesday. Students will be expected to follow safety recommendations explained within the WWS plan. Canvas will be a learning management system for all students on the hybrid option. Should WWS close schools due to a COVID-19 outbreak and go all virtual, students will continue with their assigned triad.  

100% Virtual

A 100% virtual learning option will be available for students who may be medically vulnerable or live with someone who is medically vulnerable or for families who may be uncomfortable sending children back to school. Virtual learning in grades 5-6 will be a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous learning. For synchronous learning, students and the teacher will be involved in lessons, small groups, etc. in real-time. For example, a virtual class of students will be asked to log in to a virtual conferencing platform, such as Zoom, at 8:30 a.m. to participate and engage in a reading lesson with other students facilitated by their teacher. Students who are not available during these scheduled times will be able to access the recordings at a time that is more convenient for them. Synchronous learning will occur within a window during normal school hours. For asynchronous learning, students are able to choose when they will access the content. This content might be a mixture of tech-enhanced activities or non-tech based activities. For example, a student watches a recorded lesson and then completes an assignment at a time the student chooses by the set due date.  

Once a schedule is established by the teacher, literacy, math and science/social studies lessons will be at consistent, scheduled times throughout the week. In addition to the whole group lessons, students will also work with their teacher in synchronous small group lessons and there will be some synchronous opportunities for a student to check in 1-1 with their teacher. 

Students in grades 5-6 students who choose the 100% virtual learning option will be placed in a virtual triad with teachers from WIS. The virtual teachers will plan with other grade-level teachers from WIS to provide consistent instruction. The virtual content will be based on the state standards which is similar to the content for in-person learning. Virtual learning lessons and activities will focus on essential standards in reading, writing, math, science and social studies. WWS will follow state requirements for what constitutes a school day. Students must commit to virtual learning for the entire 9-week grading period. (through Oct 15th)  K-6 Virtual Learning Parent Information

Learning Options-Middle School (7-8)

Hybrid

Middle school students who choose the hybrid option will attend school in-person two days a week and engage in virtual learning three days a week. Students with last names beginning with the letters A through K will be on the Gold Team.  Students with last names beginning with letters L through Z will be on the Green Team.  The Gold Team will attend in-person on Monday and Wednesday, and the Green Team will attend in-person on Tuesday and Thursday. Fridays will be virtual learning for all students.  At home days (not in-person) will be virtual learning for students.  There will be no delayed start Wednesday.  Students will be expected to follow safety recommendations explained within the WWS plan. Canvas will be a learning management system for all middle school students on the hybrid option. Should WWS close schools due to a COVID-19 outbreak and go all virtual, students will continue with their assigned teachers.  Hybrid Schedule Virtual Learning Parent Information

100% Virtual

A 100% virtual learning option will be available for students who may be medically vulnerable or live with someone who is medically vulnerable or for families who may be uncomfortable sending children back to school. The 100% virtual learning option will occur through the third party platform, Edmentum, and work will be asynchronous and self-paced. Courses are aligned to Indiana academic standards and will also be aligned with WMS curriculum. Learning activities and experiences will include video lessons, interactive activities, and skills mastery practice. The lessons, activities, and assessments are all delivered through the virtual learning platform and students can pace their learning based on their own schedules and mastery of each lesson. WWS teachers will be assigned to support students through their learning by answering questions, helping students monitor their progress, and providing extension activities as needed but will not actually be designing or delivering the lessons. 

WMS students who elect for the all virtual option will take four core classes; math, science, language arts, and social studies. Students will also have an option to take electives, but they will be limited and based on what is available through the platform. WWS will follow state requirements for what constitutes a school day. Students must commit to virtual learning for the entire 9-week grading period, and should contact their counselors if they have specific questions about their schedule and/or course selections. Should WWS close schools due to a COVID-19 outbreak and go all virtual, students will continue the grading period (through Oct 15th) in the Edmentum platform. All Virtual Learning Parent Information

Learning Options-High School (9-12)

Hybrid

High school students who choose the hybrid option will attend school in-person two days a week and engage in virtual learning three days a week. Students with last names beginning with the letters A through K will be on the Gold Team.  Students with last names beginning with letters L through Z will be on the Green Team.  The Gold Team will attend in-person on Monday and Wednesday, and the Green Team will attend in-person on Tuesday and Thursday. Fridays will be virtual learning for all students.  At home days (not in-person) will be virtual learning for students.  There will be no delayed start Wednesday.  Students will be expected to follow safety recommendations explained within the WWS plan. Canvas will be a learning management system for all high school students on the hybrid option. Should WWS close schools due to a COVID-19 outbreak and go all virtual, students will continue with their assigned teachers.  Hybrid Schedule Virtual Learning Parent Information

100% Virtual

A 100% virtual learning option will be available for students who may be medically vulnerable or live with someone who is medically vulnerable or for families who may be uncomfortable sending children back to school. The all virtual learning option will occur through the third party platform, Edmentum, and work will be asynchronous and self-paced. Courses are aligned to Indiana academic standards and will also be aligned with WHS curriculum. Learning activities and experiences will include video lessons, interactive activities, and skills mastery practice. The lessons, activities, and assessments are all delivered through the virtual learning platform and students can pace their learning based on their own schedules and mastery of each lesson. WWS teachers will be assigned to support students through their learning by answering questions, helping students monitor their progress, and providing extension activities as needed but will not actually be designing or delivering the lessons. 

WHS students who elect for the all virtual option will work with their school counselor to select from the Edmentum WHS course catalog. WWS will follow state requirements for what constitutes a school day. Students must commit to virtual learning for the entire trimester and should contact their counselors if they have specific questions about their schedule and/or course selections. Should WWS close schools due to a COVID-19 outbreak and go all virtual, students will continue the grading period (through Nov 12th) in the Edmentum platform.  All Virtual Learning Parent Information

Chromebooks 

Chromebooks will be issued for students in grades 4-9 as part of our 1:1 program. These will be distributed in homerooms on the first in-person day of school. We have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program in grades 10-12 where students are allowed to bring a device from home. If your child is in grades 10-12 and is in need of a device, there is the option to rent a device from the school at a cost of $67.76 for the entire year. Please fill out the following form to do so. WHS Rental Form

There is also a Protection Plan that is an optional payment in your TBR fees in the amount of $25. The Protection Plan significantly reduces the cost of repair should damage happen to your district-supplied Chromebook. Simply pay that fee and you are enrolled in the plan. Please take a moment to review this brief document that contains details on the Protection Plan.

If your child is in grades K - 3 and in need of a device to complete eLearning on virtual days, please fill out the form for your school to request a device. Link to school forms

You can also review our Chromebook Guidelines and the 1:1 FAQ.

Internet Access

If you do not have broadband Internet service in your home, please contact your child’s school and they will assist you. 

If you received a wifi hotspot from the district for eLearning in the Spring, please keep the wifi hotspot and continue to use it for virtual learning this school year.

Additional Internet Access Options

Many internet providers are offering free/reduced services for families that do not have access to the internet for virtual learning. Please click this link for details. 

Tech Helpline

If you are having technology issues when learning from home, please call 317.867.8087 and leave a message, someone will get back to you during the following hours. Monday through Thursday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm and Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Screening

Parents should screen students each morning before leaving for school for the following:

• COVID-19 related symptoms
• A fever (100.4 F or higher)
• In the past 2 weeks been in close contact (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) with a person known to have COVID
• If a person in your household is waiting for test results

If the answer is YES to any of the above, the child should not attend school.  

• Contact your local healthcare provider and testing is recommended for students with a fever or symptoms.  See attached information on when to return to school.

COVID-19 Screening for Parents/When a Student Can Return to School

Indicadores del COVID-19 para los padres  

Back to School Health Recommendations

Students/parents should report an exposure or positive case to their attendance line (during the school day), or should use the WWS COVID phone line after hours: 317-867-8056. This phone line will send an automated notification to the Director of Human Resources and Safety and to the District Nurse.

 COVID-19 School Attendance Quick Reference Guide 

Social Distancing

Social distancing will be used to the greatest degree possible and areas in our buildings will be maximized for spacing, but it will be difficult to meet the recommended 6 feet of social distancing in all learning spaces. This makes the wearing of face coverings essential to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.   

Facemasks

Wearing a mask is important for our school health this year.  WWS has requested that you provide at least 2 masks for your child as part of the back to school supplies.  Please provide 1 of the masks in your student’s backpack for school in the event the mask breaks, gets dirty, or lost.  If a back-up mask is needed, we will have a few disposable masks available to use that day.  Please note the supply of disposable masks is limited to purchase, so we are relying on families to provide for your child when possible. All K-8 students will be supplied with a lanyard to help them keep track of their mask when they are not wearing it in certain situations.

In all WWS classrooms, students will be required to wear facemasks.  We know that it will be difficult to socially distance within our classrooms, so students will be wearing masks the majority of the time. 

The only times students will be allowed to remove their facemasks is if the teacher gives the students the approval to remove them based on the following situations (all situations listed below are recommended by the Indiana State Department of Health and Governor Holcomb’s Executive Mask Order 20-39) :

• The teacher is able to find ways for students to socially distance in a classroom (6 feet away from anyone else)
• The teacher is able to utilize another space in the building (large area) or go outside for instruction where students could spread out and socially distance.
• Brief 5 minute “mask breaks” will also be permissible if the students are at least three feet apart and facing the same direction engaged in reading, individual assignments, or receiving instruction 

*In all situations listed above, the teacher, if they want, could give the students the option to remove their masks.  That is the discretion that the teacher has in terms of their students wearing masks - only in the above situations and the teacher gives the approval.

Teachers will be required to wear masks in the classroom.  If a teacher is able to be socially distanced from the students (6 feet) then the teacher can remove his/her mask for instruction, communication, etc.  The teacher would wear a mask when moving around the classroom within 6 feet of the students.

*It is not known if face shields provide any benefit as a source of control to protect others from the spray of respiratory particles. CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for masks.

Consequences of not adhering to these guidelines will be determined by each building, and may vary by grade level. 

CDC Face Covering Guidance

Facility Cleaning/Cleaning Supplies

• All classrooms will be disinfected every evening either by electrostatic sprayers, backpack sprayers, and/or handheld disinfecting devices.  During each school day, custodians will be spot disinfecting high touch point areas. Each building will have specific cleaning needs and we will work with SSC, the district’s cleaning provider, to make sure their needs are met.
• Prior to the return of students to the classrooms, we will ensure that each classroom contains the following:
• 10 oz bottle of hand sanitizer that will be refilled nightly
• bottle of spray disinfectant to be used on student desks, tabletops, countertops, and any non-electric, high-touch surface which will be refilled nightly.
• container of disinfecting wipes to be used on electronic high-touch areas (light switches, computer keyboards, telephones, etc.

Guidelines for COVID

According to the ISDH guidance, students with symptoms of COVID-19 will be suspected to have COVID-19 until they are cleared by their healthcare provider or if a healthcare provider is not contacted, they will be suspected positive until the end of isolation period currently 10 days AND 24 hours fever free without use of medication AND symptoms resolving.

It's very important to keep children who have symptoms of COVID-19 or are being tested for COVID-19 at home.  Contact the school and report the absence and the reason for the absence. 

Positive COVID-19

Students/parents should report a positive case to their school (during the school day), or should use the WWS COVID phone line after hours: 317-867-8056. This phone line will send an automated notification to the Director of Human Resources and Safety and to the District Nurse.

It will be important for parents to communicate with school immediately if their child tests positive for COVID-19 even if they are not showing symptoms.  They will need to remain home according to the Indiana Department of Health for 10 days AND fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication AND symptoms improving or 10 days if not showing symptoms. 

The health department will provide the school with steps to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting the building. This may include closing a classroom, school or schools for a period of time and shifting quickly to eLearning at home for students who are impacted. Many of our new procedures are designed to support contact tracing should a confirmed case occur. This will assist the health department with quickly identifying and contacting individuals who may have been exposed. 

**For a positive test or case in the school, WWS will work with the local health department to identify all students and staff who are considered a close contact.  A close contact is a person who has been within 6 feet of the individual for 15 minutes or more.  If a student is considered a close contact, families will be notified as soon as possible by the State Health Department COVID-19 close contact tracers. No identifying student- or staff-specific information will be shared.  Only those who are considered at potential risk as a close contact will be notified and given advice as to whether they need to quarantine or monitor for symptoms. 

The health department will also help WWS take steps to reduce any additional risk for exposure including determining what areas will require cleaning/disinfecting in the building at that time.  

Self-Quarantine Students/Families

We will need parents to contact the school to let us know if their student has been asked to self-quarantine.  This will allow us to follow potential cases as well as provide educational opportunities while your student is quarantined at home.  Sibling and household members of students who are home due to COVID-19 symptoms or a COVID positive test, will be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days as well.   

Communicating Cases

If we have a confirmed case of COVID-19, we will follow direction from the Hamilton County Health Department. This may include closing a classroom, school or schools for a period of time and shifting to online instruction at home for students who are impacted.  

You can expect that if a confirmed case of COVID-19 occurs in your school we will notify ALL parents and staff in the building, including contacting anyone who may have been directly exposed. Please do not rely on social media rumors as an accurate source of school information.

A confirmed case does not necessarily mean a whole class or school will be impacted, as many of our new procedures (social distancing, assigned seating, cohort groups) are designed to support contact tracing and containment should a confirmed case of COVID occur. 

Westfield Middle School 

WMS Athletics 

• Information regarding all WMS Athletics
• WMS Athletics Return to School Slide Show

WMS Clubs

At this time we are pausing clubs due to the inability to have access to all kids on all days.  We will periodically review this decision and are open to further discussion.    

Westfield High School 

WHS Athletics 

• Information regarding all WHS Athletics
• WHS Athletics Return to School Slide Show

WHS Clubs 

We are working to come up with ways for students to resume extracurricular activities and be involved with clubs during this time, just as we are continuing participation in sports.  Look for more details to come regarding these opportunities.

• For information regarding all WHS Clubs. 

Special Services: Students with IEPs/504 Plans 

Services will be offered within one of the following learning platforms.

1. Hybrid Learning Platform
2. Virtual Learning Platform
3. Homebound-Medical Platform

A case conference reconvene shall be conducted to begin the new school year for students learning 100% virtually and for homebound medical services.  If a parent/guardian has questions regarding services within learning plans they should contact their resource teacher/building administrator. 

WWS will continue to collaborate, share information, and review plans with local health officials to help protect the whole school community, including those with special health needs. PPE requirements could potentially be modified based on health factors for students with IEPs/504 plans.

WWS teachers/staff will continue to develop a strong communication plan with families to discuss the delivery method of instruction for students with disabilities. An appropriate platform for delivery of special education-related services must be identified. Schools staff/CCC’s must ensure that adequate staffing/services are made available to meet the needs of all students with IEPs within the district.

Case Conferences (Conferences will only be conducted virtually)

Annual Case Conferences

At this time, there has been no waiver of the requirement to convene the case conference committee (CCC) annually to conduct the annual case review (ACR) consistent with the requirements of 511 IAC 7-42-5(a)(2). WWS staff must conduct the ACR within the one year timeline, regardless of school closure status.

Case Conference Committee Meetings to Review and Revise the IEP

WWS plans to reopen buildings to provide in-person/virtual instruction. CCC meetings with parents should be scheduled as needed to review the provision of services and the educational progress of each student. Discussions should determine whether or not there is a need to adjust student goals and/or frequency/duration of services.

Special Education Parent/Guardian Resources

• IN-SOURCE Special Education Parent Support

• Notice of Procedural Safeguards

• Navigating the Course

• Indiana Department of Education - Office of Special Education

Face masks will be required for everyone who enters the health clinic.

School nurses will do their best to separate sick and healthy students while in the clinic. Students will be evaluated for symptoms of illness.  If a fever or symptoms related to COVID-19 are present, the student will be removed to a predetermined isolation area until picked up from school. Students will need to identify someone to have as a backup for picking students up from school in case the primary guardians are not available.

Asthma nebulizer treatments are considered high risk procedures by the CDC and will not be administered at school until further notice.  Students and families will need to contact their physician to make alternative plans for treating asthma symptoms this year, such as an inhaler and spacer. The school nurses can assist if needed.

Daily medication or treatment that can be given outside of school hours, such as morning medications, will need to be given at home to avoid unnecessary exposure to sick students. 

Building access is limited so drop off and pick up medication procedures will change and this will be communicated prior to the start of school by the individual building.

If the child has a medical condition that puts him/her at high risk for severe illness related to COVID-19, it is important to consult the student’s physician for recommendations for school and then share the plan and recommendations with our school nurse.

Lunch Accounts

You can add money to your student’s lunch account using the School Payment Portal, LunchTime.  You will also be able to see what your student has purchased each day for lunch and/or breakfast.  On this site, you can choose to limit your student’s purchasing options.  For example, if you see that your student is buying multiple cookies every day, you can restrict that.  Directions are on the website:  https://www.schoolpaymentportal.com/Default.aspx

Free and Reduced

2020-21 applications are now open for Westfield Washington Schools' Meal Value Plan (MVP), which will help your child/children receive nutritious school meals for free or- at a reduced price, click here.  A new application must be completed each school year.  You can also come to the Administration Building (1143 E 181st St, Westfield, IN 46074) between the hours of 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM to complete an application on-line.  Please feel free to contact Cindy Nicole, Accounts Receivable/Purchase Coordinator (317) 867-8019, or via email at [email protected]    Families will be notified by mail once their application is processed. 

At Westfield Washington Schools, we do everything possible to ensure that our MVP participants feel no social stigma for applying to the program. Participants and their parents can be confident that all information is kept completely confidential. Countless studies show that children who eat a nutritious breakfast and lunch perform better in the classroom, are tardy/absent less often, and are more attentive throughout the day.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the WWS Food Service office at 317-867-8062.  We look forward to serving you during the school year.

Handwashing 

During the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, keeping hands clean is especially important to help prevent the virus from spreading.

Seating

Elementary Lunch Seating

Elementary school students will have assigned seats at each table aligned with their classroom cohort. Students will be required to wear masks until seated.  Breakfast will still be available. 

WIS Lunch Seating

Lunch will go on as normal with assigned seats by the homeroom teacher. Students will be with their homeroom. Lunch seating assignments will be adjusted at the end of the quarter. Students will stay seated and wear masks when they are not eating.  Breakfast will still be available in a variety of locations.  Students will eat in their assigned seats in their homerooms.  

WMS Lunch Seating

Students will have assigned seats in the cafeteria and will be spaced as far apart as possible. Masks will be required while picking up food in the cafeteria line. Breakfast will still be available.

WHS Lunch Seating

Students will select their seats in the first couple days of school and will use a QR code on their table to register their seats.  Masks will be required while picking up food in the cafeteria line.   We will use all of our lunch spaces this year so that students can spread out and socially distance.   We will block out certain areas so that students are not too close together.  We will have visual markers to show where students are to sit.  Breakfast will still be available

Water Fountains 

All water fountains will be turned off and we will be using water bottle filling stations to provide students with access to water. All students will be allowed to bring their own water bottles to school each day.  

Meals for Hybrid and Virtual Learners

 

Bus Transportation

Bus Transportation will be provided, with precautions.  Masks will be required by students.  In addition to wearing masks, bus drivers will be assigning seats for every student on every school bus.  All siblings and household members will be required to sit together.  Students will be prohibited from riding a friend’s bus home and may only ride their assigned bus. Buses will be cleaned and disinfected after AM and PM routes. As always, bus routes will be set and released a few days before the start of school.  

Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Drop off and pick up locations may look different at each individual building; we will work with building level leaders to ensure a safe environment. See your student’s individual building plan.

WWS is restricting all school visitors to our buildings to promote health and safety. We will be scheduling virtual meetings for all necessary meetings with staff and teachers. 

As Governor Holcomb has communicated, schools will still take attendance and be responsible for 180 days of instruction, regardless of whether the child is in the hybrid model or virtual learning model.   Attendance will be taken daily. 

Parent Social and Emotional Support 

Top Ten Tips For Managing School Re-entry

• Sleep: Start now! Work to move your child’s bedtime closer to a school conducive time.
• Academics: Identify a strength and a challenge together with your child. Recognize that all students are feeling a little unsure as we start back together.
• Social: Be patient with the adjustment and check in with your child about how peer interactions are going at school. Reach out to your child’s school counselors for resources and support.
• Masks: Practice wearing a mask at home so kids are not experiencing it at school for the first time. You can say things like, ‘Wearing a mask helps keep us safe and keep others around us safe,’ or ‘Wearing a mask can help protect us and others from germs!”
• Missing Friends: Listen and validate your child’s feelings. For example “I hear you and I’m sorry. I know this is tough. We’ll get through it together. Let me know how I can help you.”
• Separation Anxiety: Positively talk with your child about the upcoming changes and review what the days will look like with your child. Assure your child about safety at school and while away from you.
• Parent Worries: Practice self-care and know that you are doing the best you can in difficult circumstances. Please reach out to your school for assistance if needed. We’re here to help. One of the best ways to take care of your child and address their concerns is by making it a priority to take care of yourself, too.
• Child Worries: Mindfulness practice can help with anxiety in children and adults of all ages. Studies have shown improvement in attention and behavior, anxiety and depression, physical benefits, and with sleep patterns. There are many books about mindfulness available as well as apps. Even just the simple act of taking three deep breaths can help your mind and body calm down and reset.
• Routine: Make a family routine chart together. Discuss what new routines will look like and check in with your children about questions or concerns they have with the new routine. Recognize there may be some initial negative behavior as children readjust to school expectations and the academic day.
• Questions and information about COVID: Answer questions about the pandemic simply & honestly. Even if you aren’t sure how to answer their questions, you can reassure them by saying things like, ‘As we find out more information, we’ll let you know’ or ‘If you hear something about this, please ask us.’

Social & Emotional Learning

As excitement and anticipation build as we near the start of the school year, we realize how important social and emotional learning will be to build relationships and maintain social connection. We realize students and families will be returning with a need to connect with those around them! In order to intentionally facilitate SEL we plan to:

• Utilize a variety of SEL explicit practices to build community and create a culture of resiliency and connection.
• School counselors will be available to meet with individual or small groups of students. Click HERE for a list of all district counselors.
• Licensed Mental Health Counselors will be available through our established partnership with St. Vincent and Aspire.
• How To Talk To Your Child About COVID-19 - A Resource For Parents
• Talking With Children Tips For Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers During Infection Disease Outbreaks
• Be Well Indiana
• Wellbeing Coalition Westfield

TOTS

The TOTS program opened on August 12th and will be open normal times except on Friday when closing will be at 5:00. Infants through two year old classrooms will not be required to wear masks but social distancing will be encouraged as much as possible with these ages. Children in this age range will have all meals and snacks within the classroom. Cribs and cots will be placed so that faces are a minimum of six feet apart. These groups will rarely leave their classrooms when elementary aged students are in the building.

COVID Guidance for Infants through twos: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zpCNIr1egcPfKWcdNbG6lJmrWeJfa3hUbbeBfGIJ51Y/

Should a school be shut down due to COVID-19, the program would follow the guidance of the health department to determine if the child care would also shut down. Every effort will be made to remain open if possible.

TOTS Preschool and All Aboard: TOTS preschool and All Aboard opened on August 12th and will be open normal times. The three and four year old classrooms will be required to wear masks when social distancing is not possible and when inside the school. All meals and snacks will be served in the classroom. Cots will be arranged at rest time to allow for at least six feet between students’ faces and masks will not be worn during rest time. These groups will rarely leave their classrooms when elementary aged students are in the building.

COVID Guidance for TOTS preschool and All Aboard:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mdkqHvt1inI6r_l1_DDurs6zP_x5UbH9mgRDuu4T3v0/

Should a school be shut down due to COVID-19, the program would follow the guidance of the health department to determine if the child care would also shut down. Every effort will be made to remain open if possible.

BAC/Zone 58

BAC services will change with the Updated Hybrid Plan effective September 28, 2020. Zone 58 will not change from the current plan. To help families with child care on Fridays, BAC/Zone 58 is offering all day care. Enrollment is limited.

To register, families need to go to www.wws.k12.in.us>departments>student support programs to register through EZChildtrack. At BAC(elementary schools), families have these options for enrollment:

• AM only for Monday-Thursday
• PM only for Monday-Thursday 
• AM/PM care for Monday-Thursday
• Friday All Day Care

Due to limited staffing and room availability to allow for social distancing, numbers for these programs may be capped.

Additional Guidance for Hybrid BAC/Zone 58 Child Care:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k7sTdJQgI7wd_EvzVzAgy8UxifJCjKOTc-5c2Cn6Vxc/

Should a school be shut down due to COVID-19, the program would follow the guidance of the health department to determine if the child care would also shut down. Every effort will be made to remain open if possible. If a school shuts down but BAC remains open, full day BAC/Zone 58 costs will go into effect.

Informational Videos for Elementary Children Regarding COVID-19

• Coronavirus Explained
• Why People Wear Masks
• How to Stop the Spread of Germs
• Social Distancing for Upper Elementary
• Social Distancing for Upper Elementary
• Sesame Street Virtual/Social Distancing for Young Children:
• Cute Story about Covid-19 for Young Children
• Free Book Download Explaining Covid-19
• Oak Trace Nurse Amber Wilson explains how to use hand sanitizer properly

Return of the Rocks FAQ

Additional Frequently Asked Questions are posted here, in our Return of the Rocks FAQ. 

Carey Ridge Elementary School (CRES)

• CRES Doc

Maple Glen Elementary School (MGES)

• MGES Updated Hybrid Model Details

Monon Trail Elementary School (MTES)

Oak Trace Elementary School (OTES)

• OTES Doc

Shamrock Spring Elementary School (SSES)

• SSES Updated Hybrid Model Details

Washington Woods Elementary School (WWES)\

• WWES Family Update - September 7, 2020
• WWES Updated Hybrid - Family Q&A

Westfield Intermediate School (WIS)

• WIS Reopening Document
• Welcome to Westfield Intermediate School Video

Westfield Middle School (WMS)

• WMS Welcome Letter
• Welcome to Westfield Middle School Video
• WMS Athletics Return to School SlideShow

Westfield High School (WHS)

• WHS Reopening Procedures Guidebook in English  
• WHS Reopening Procedures Guidebook in Spanish
  
• WHS Virtual Back to School Night video
• WHS Student Orientation presentation

Welcome to WWS Parent University!

Parent University is a link between home and school, aiming to engage, educate, and equip families with the necessary tools to successfully navigate the WWS educational experience.

To assist our families, we have created a detailed WWS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan and a WWS Parent University Virtual Experience.

WWS Parent University Back to School Virtual Experience

WWS Parent University Back to School Virtual Experience is located on the Parent University website here.  You won't want to miss these informative videos featuring a welcome back message from WWS leaders, supportive tips and ideas from our WWS counseling team, ways to connect to WWS resources, engagement opportunities, community resources and much more!  Be sure to check it out!  It’s live now!