- Ready. Set. RESTART!
- Teacher Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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If that teacher has 5 classes a day with 30 students each, do all 150 of those students need to then stay home and quarantine for 14 days? Do all 150 of those students now have to get tested? Who pays for those tests?
We will handle each case independently of any other and work with the Osceola County Health Department to determine contact tracing. It will depend on the type of contact that was made (direct or indirect) to determine exactly who would be notified for necessary notification, testing, and/or quarantining. COVID-19 testing is a free test, with no out of pocket expense required for testing.
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If a teacher tests positive for COVID-19 are they required to quarantine for 2-3 weeks? Will a teacher need to use sick leave if they test positive for COVID-19 and have to quarantine? What happens if we run out of sick leave and have to quarantine multiple times due to others we come in direct contact with who test positive?
Yes, if a teacher tests positive, they will need to quarantine and provide a negative test to return to work. Sick leave will need to be used. If a teacher is under quarantine because of direct contact with someone who tests positive, but provides a negative test, he/she can move to digital teaching during the quarantine and still work.
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What is going to be protocol if a substitute isn’t secured for a class?
Each school will have a committee that will monitor and determine coverage needed in situations that will require a substitute. Schools will not be utilizing the auto-split system this school year, instead instructional coaches or other staff may used in last-minute coverage situations.
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Substitutes teach in multiple schools. What if they are diagnosed with COVID-19? Do all the kids in each school now have to quarantine and get tested? Who is going to pay for that?
We do recognize that in the past substitutes have visited many schools across our district. This year, we are asking that substitutes identify one to two priority schools in order to decrease exposure and make contact tracing easier.
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What is this stress going to do to our teachers? How does it affect their health and well-being? How does it affect their ability to teach?
We understand that this is a very stressful time for everyone. We have social workers, counselors, and mental health providers available for students and staff. Staff can also utilize the confidential services provided by EAP. In an event, that warrants it, we would also enact our trained crisis team to step in and provide support at a school or department. Managing stress during this time is important and we are here to help do so.
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What cleaning supplies will be provided for teachers and will we be required to purchase our own supplies once that supply has been exhausted?
Teachers do not need to purchase any extra cleaning supplies for their classrooms. Hand sanitizer and other supplies will be readily available at all locations, as well as paper towel stations. We have also purchased a new product that has been found to be very effective against the virus, while also being safe to use, called HDX peroxide. This will be available for safe wipe down of surfaces.
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Why is sanitizing desks not considered a priority? We were told we only needed to sanitize laptops, but as a middle school teacher, there will be multiple students sitting at one desk throughout each day.
The cleaning protocols we have put in place follow guidelines from the CDC and local and state officials, but if a person would like to wipe down more often than is outlined in our guide, they are free to do so.
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What are the guidelines for classes with 25 or more students for social distancing?
Students will need to wear their face coverings.
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Can I teach only Digital Learning classes as an option?
43 percent of those parents who made their choice before the July 15 deadline, chose digital learning. This means there should be opportunity for any teacher who wishes to teach digitally to do so. You will need to reach out to your administrator and let them know this is something you are interested in.
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What options do we have if we have underlining conditions and should not be exposed but we don't have enough students sign up for the online option?
We will work with individuals who have health conditions that need consideration. You will be able to work with your administrator to ensure you have a dedicated and isolated space to work in on campus, but can discuss the FEA leave option with our Risk and Benefits Department if needed.
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Can I buy a thermometer and check the temperature every student who comes into my room, and, if a student does have a fever, send them directly to the nurse?
Teachers do not need to spend their own money on purchasing thermometers. There will be five thermometers on each campus. If a student is exhibiting symptoms or looks flushed, call the office and send the student to the nurse for assessment.
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How will mask enforcement work? Will teachers be provided extra masks if students forget/lose their mask?
Part of the discussions teachers and administrators will need to have with students during the first days of school will be the importance of wearing masks. There will be extra masks available for students who forget or lose their masks and progressive discipline measures will be taken if the lack of wearing a mask becomes a regular occurrence with a student. Moving a student to digital learning will be an option as well if necessary.
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Do the school provided masks include a pocket for filter insertion for those of us who feel more comfortable with the extra layer?
No, the masks we will be providing do not have a filter pocket. If you feel more comfortable wearing a filter, you can provide your own. You do not have to wear the masks we provide, you can wear any face covering you prefer as long as it does not have any inappropriate design on it.
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Are teachers going to be required/even have access to have frequent testing? If not, why not?
The district is currently working on a solution for free rapid testing for employees, and maybe even students. Stay tuned for more information on this.
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How will consistency with learning/pacing be monitored if students have to move from face to face instruction to digital learning and back due to quarantine?
This is a great question. By choosing option 2, digital learning, we are ensuring students will receive the same level of rigor because the same curriculum plans will be followed whether a student is in class or at home. Our instructional continuity plan will ensure our curriculum is aligned and our in-person teachers and digital learning teachers will work together and collaborate through ePLCs.
