The district has started to compile some frequently asked questions regarding the district's education plan for the 2020-2021 school year. As additional details are finalized, this page will be updated up to the start of school. Additional questions may be directed to the superintendent or your building principal. These answers are subject to change.
Why isn’t there a “live-stream” option for remote learning?
The district has not ruled out a live-stream component for remote learning under the hybrid model. In fact, the Board of Directors voted to review a possible district live-streaming policy at its meeting on July 28, 2020. The district continues to evaluate the technical and infrastructure needs, as well as the contractual obligations, required to make this a reality.
Why isn’t there a 4-5 day option for in-person learning when 82% of families said they would send their kid to school?
The survey was shared with South Park families in early July. In mid-July after the survey closed, the South Park School District received additional guidance from the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Health which reinforced the need to enact protocols to ensure student seating and social distancing practices maximize the physical separation to the greatest extent possible. Reopening the school district with all students back in classrooms would prohibit the district from increasing physical distancing. By reducing the student population in our buildings by 50%, student desks can be spaced much farther apart. Additionally, the district can only adhere to the Pennsylvania Department of Health's mask order that requires students to sit six feet apart when eating in order to remove their masks when we operate under a hybrid model. Further guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received on July 24, 2020 also emphasized the need to maximize physical distancing in schools.
Since we are in the green phase, why are we not able to be face-to-face five days per week?
As
outlined in the district’s Forward Framework, the current reopening
phase (red, yellow, or green) is not the only determinant for how the
district reopens. State leaders have expressed a reluctance to rolling
back a county to a different phase. Instead they have taken targeted
mitigation efforts, similar to those in the yellow phase, while the
county remains in the green phase. The decision to reopen under a hybrid
model is to maximize physical distancing in our buildings by reducing
capacity, as outlined in guidance from county, state and federal health
agencies.
If the students are required to wear masks, what’s the point of having them attend school only twice a week?
Guidance from the Allegheny County Health Department, Pennsylvania
Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
emphasize the need for physical distancing in school buildings. The
hybrid model of reopening allows the district to more closely adhere to
this guidance by reducing the capacity in our buildings.
Can I request a different hybrid schedule for my child?
Only parents/guardians with siblings who may be assigned to different hybrid groups based on different last names can request that their children be assigned to the same hybrid group as the oldest sibling by Thursday, August 6.
My
children will be attending Hybrid Group A. During the school year, the
students are often off on Mondays, will the hybrid schedule change on those weeks?
Hybrid week schedules will be adjusted for weeks with scheduled
holidays, staff professional development days, in-service/clerical days
and Act 80 days. This is outlined on page 9 of the Forward framework. The calendar for the first grading period is on page 11 of the Forward framework.
Why wouldn’t we have a cleaning day on Wednesday and make Hybrid
Group A attend on Mondays and Tuesdays and Hybrid Group B attend on
Thursdays and Fridays?
As outlined in the district’s Health and Safety Plan, there will be an
emphasis on thorough cleaning every night, just not on one day a week.
Based on advice from the Allegheny County Health Department, the
district can expect a lag (of a few days or even a week or more) before a
positive test is confirmed. Therefore, school buildings must be
thoroughly cleaned each day with an emphasis on deep cleaning each
evening and overnight by our facilities staff.
Will orientations take place in August?
Administrators are working on orientation plans (both in-person and virtually) and will share those details with families soon.
Will supply lists be sent home?
General supply lists from SPEC and SPMS will be shared with families
soon.
Will face covering usage be enforced? Can students remove their face coverings in areas when separated by six feet or more?
As outlined in the district’s Forward framework, the district
will adhere to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s face covering
order. Students may remove face coverings only when those students are
eating or drinking when spaced at least six feet apart, seated at desks
or assigned workspaces at least six feet apart, engaged in any activity
at least six feet apart or when wearing a face covering creates an
unsafe condition in which to operate equipment or execute a task. South
Park School District students and staff will be required to wear face
coverings when those conditions are not met, including on school buses.
Mask breaks will be scheduled for our younger students. We encourage
families to begin extending face covering usage time now for our youngest learners.
Children two years and older are required to wear a face covering
unless they have a medical or mental health condition or disability,
documented in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or
IDEA, that precludes the wearing of a face covering in school.
Accommodations for such students should be made in partnership with the
student’s health care provider, school nurse and IEP/504 team. The
district will ask these families for medical documentation.
If a student is working at a workspace, and those workspaces are able to
be separated by six feet or more, students are not required to wear a mask
as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
When would the district move to a different educational delivery of the Flex Learning Track?
The district reserves the right to pivot to any educational delivery of the
flex learning track at any point. However, a transition to a more
restrictive phase (i.e., remote learning) would take place much quicker
without as much notice than a transition to a less restrictive phase
(i.e., total reopen) would.
Will Chromebooks be provided to all students since most of the learning will be online?
As outlined in the Forward framework, all district students in K-12 will receive Chromebooks this year.
When/how will students receive their devices?
Students will receive devices on the first day of instruction from their
homeroom teacher. Students enrolled in the South Park Cyber Academy will
receive devices during a scheduled time prior to the first day of
school. Students enrolled in outside charter/cyber programs will not
receive school-issued devices.
What will be done for special education students during the at-home days to fulfill IEP requirements?
Teachers and/or paraprofessionals will provide instruction or support via Canvas, Zoom, etc. during at-home days.
When/how will band and chorus take place?
MS - Band and chorus are virtual and will be facilitated synchronously during students’ at-home instruction days.
HS - Chorus class will take place in the auditorium. Band classes will take place with students physically distanced in the band room or auditorium.
What if someone in the building or class tests positive for COVID-19? Who has to quarantine? Also, what are the guidelines for any out of state trips that may need to happen during the school year. Will they be approved?
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the district will work with the Allegheny County Health Department, the family and/or the staff member to conduct contact tracing to determine which close contacts would need to quarantine for a period of 14 days. The Allegheny County Health Department reminded districts on July 30, 2020 that individuals in quarantine cannot test out of quarantine. Meaning, a negative test during a mandatory quarantine does not end the quarantine prior to the end of the 14-day period. The district’s nurses will work closely with the Allegheny County Health Department before issuing any quarantine notices. Quarantine notices will be shared with families as soon as possible.
Until further notice, the district will not be approving any educational trips.
When can I switch my children from the South Park Cyber Academy to the Flex Learning Track?
Students enrolled in the South Park Cyber Academy may switch to the Flex Learning Track (either a total reopen, hybrid model, or remote learning) at the start of the second semester (January 2021). The second semester begins with the start of the third grading period.
Are seniors enrolled in the South Park Cyber Academy for the
whole year still able to get their pictures in the yearbook, buy a
yearbook, attend prom and walk at the graduation ceremony?
Students in the South Park Cyber Academy are still South Park School
District students. Therefore, Cyber Academy students are eligible for
extra-curricular activities, including sports, can be included in the
school yearbook, will receive a South Park diploma, and can walk at
graduation. The district will work to ensure South Park Cyber Academy families receive the same notifications as families with students in school regarding extracurricular activities, etc.
Will there be physical education classes under a hybrid model? What about other specials classes?
Physical education classes will be conducted outdoors when and where possible to maximize physical distancing. Equipment, when utilized, will not be shared by students in the same class and will be thoroughly disinfected between classes. At the elementary center, the physical education teacher will rotate to classrooms with modified lessons and activities and an increased focus on mindfulness. Throughout the district, physical education opportunities must be modified to ensure adequate physical distancing between students and should not require vigorous physical activity when possible.
Locker rooms and the weight room at the middle school will be closed for physical education classes until further notice. The high school locker rooms and weight room will be closed for physical education classes until further notice. Students enrolled in the high school swimming class will use locker rooms, adhere to physical distancing requirements at all times in locker rooms, and wear face coverings at all times in locker rooms.
Specials classes at the elementary center will be held in the students’ homerooms whenever possible.
Students in MS will rotate through specials classes as they have in the past. There will be temporary modifications made to Phys Ed at the MS level by including a “personal fitness” rotation at all grade levels in the hybrid model.
How would IEPs be served in the cyber education track?
IEPs would be provided to Waterfront Learning, and accommodations would be adhered to by South Park teachers and/or contracted instructors.
What about GIEPs in the Flex Learning and Cyber Education tracks?
GIEPs will continue to be addressed by South Park gifted teachers.
Will EDS still be available at South Park Elementary Center?
EDS will operate at South Park Elementary Center and will adhere to the district's health and safety protocols. Questions about EDS can be directed to (412) 221-1980.
When will we know if our child(ren) will be put in a group other than the expected group based on last name?
If a student is being moved to a hybrid group other than the one assigned by the last name breakdown, the district intends to notifies those families by August 14.
Can a student in the South Park Cyber Academy use his/her own device instead of a Chromebook?
Yes.
Will we be able to contact teachers for the South Park Cyber Academy?
All Cyber Academy courses are administered by a South Park teacher or contracted instructor. Contact information for the teacher/instructor will be shared at the beginning of the year.
If schools are forced to close again, will the students enrolled in the South Park Cyber Academy go into remote learning?
As outlined in the district’s Forward framework, the South Park Cyber Academy is not the same as Remote Learning 2.0 as outlined in the Flex Learning Track section. While Remote Learning 2.0 is an extension of traditional classroom instruction in an online setting using the Canvas platform, the South Park Cyber Academy maintains its personalized approach for each student with a focus on flexibility. Remote Learning 2.0 will have an emphasis on a normal school-day schedule; whereas, the South Park Cyber Academy provides students the opportunity to work where and when they choose under the direction of a South Park or contracted instructor. If the district delivers instruction via Remote Learning 2.0 for students enrolled in the Flex Learning Track, those students enrolled in the South Park Cyber Academy maintain their enrollment in the cyber courses. Remote Learning 2.0 and the South Park Cyber Academy may at times during the 2020-2021 school operate simultaneously.
If a family selects the cyber education track, does a parent need to monitor a student's progress during the day?
South Park Cyber Academy students complete schoolwork where and when they choose while being accountable for their work and progress as they move towards mastery in each content area. It provides flexibility to families for whom a normal school-day schedule may not be convenient. A vast majority of Cyber Academy instruction will be asynchronous.
Are
students who switch to the Flex Learning Track at the start of the
second semester (January 2021) eligible for transportation?
Yes. Students enrolling in the Flex Learning Track in January 2021 are eligible to ride a bus to/from school.
Will the students in the Flex Learning Track be learning the same content as the Cyber Education Track?
The
cyber courses will be selected based on their alignment with South Park
curriculum to ensure a smooth transition back to the classroom if the
family chooses to do so at the start of the second semester.
Will there be a standard platform for assignments and information for K-12 courses in the Flex Learning Track?
All K-12 teachers will use the Canvas learning management platform for the 2020-2021 school year for the Flex Learning Track. Canvas is an easy-to-use, cloud-based platform that allows for all of the resources and tools our teachers use to be in one place. Its integration with the district’s new student information system, PowerSchool, automatically enrolls students in courses. There’s no need for registration codes like other learning management systems. After logging in, students will see summaries of their assignments, announcements and other important information right on their Canvas dashboard. Customized notifications alert students to announcements they need to know. Canvas also supports real-time instruction through Zoom and other video conference programs if the district needs to transition to Remote Learning 2.0.
Students will be introduced to Canvas at the beginning of the school year and learn how their teachers will use this tool to support learning in all instructional delivery scenarios.
Another key benefit to Canvas is the availability of a parent app on iOS or Android devices, where parents/ guardians can see their children’s courses, basic assignment details and due dates to help support their children’s learning. Parents can also receive alerts for course announcements and reminders for specific assignments. Assignment grades would be available in the parent app. Final grades will be reported in the new PowerSchool parent portal. A Canvas parent account does not allow parents/guardians to submit assignments, participate in the course or take assessments on their child’s behalf. Instructions on how to access and set up the Canvas parent app will be shared with families as we get closer to the school year. The district will also roll out additional details about the Canvas platform ahead of the first day of school.
Canvas replaces Google Classroom.
Does the hybrid model meet the state requirements for days and hours?
The hybrid model which combines in-person and at-home learning complies with the instructional days/hours requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Education as outlined in a memo from the Pennsylvania Department of Education from July 6, 2020.
What will be covered during at-school days? What will be covered during at-home days?
In an effort to maximize instructional time when students are physically in the classroom, teachers will prioritize content and instruction most suitable for an in-person learning environment. During at-school days, students will be led by teachers in new learning experiences and instruction and prepared for meaningful, independent learning assignments and activities which will take place during students’ scheduled at-home days.
On scheduled at-home days, students will complete independent learning assignments and activities which build upon and advance instruction received during at-school days. The district does not expect teachers to regularly connect with students during at-home days because teachers will need to focus on maximizing instructional time with the group of students who are physically at school at that time. Students and families may contact classroom teachers as outlined by the teacher at the start of the academic year.
In the Hybrid model, at the MS level, Band, Chorus and Gifted will be offered synchronously during at home learning days. Students will have “specials” classes in a rotation throughout the year, similar to what they experienced prior to COVID-19.
What is the plan for students who attend Steel Center under the options given for the 2020/21 school year?
Steel Center for Career and Technical Education has not yet formally announced its reopening plan. Eligible high school students, whether they be in the Flex Learning Track or the Cyber Academy, may attend Steel Center.
When will information about high school parking be released?
South Park High School has converted the parking pass application and payment process to be completely online
this year. The parking pass rates have been reduced. Information will be released the week of August 3.
What will seating on buses look like under a hybrid model?
The district is working to reduce capacity on school buses by 50-60% under a hybrid model. Siblings will be
seated together. Other students may share a seat with another student on a bus.
What is the lunch availability for Cyber-option kids compared to when the Flex Track kids are at home for
remote learning? Is it the same? Are all lunches free like they were in the Spring?
The Food Services Department will make meals available to South Park School District and South Park Cyber
Academy students who are not physically present in school. These meals will be available for students who
qualify for free and reduced-priced meals, as the waiver the district received to distribute meals to all students
expired at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Additional details will be shared soon.
What lunch choices are there?
Choices will be limited as needed, especially at the start of the school year as our Food Services Department
determines the most efficient procedures to comply with the district’s Health and Safety Plan. Lunch menus
will be created and shared before the start of school.
How does a hybrid model affect student-athletes for after-school practices and games?
If a practice or extracurricular activity occurs on a student’s at-home day, transportation to the district facility
or field will not be provided by the district. Transportation from the district facility to the game would
be provided as usual.