We Return to Learn FAQ

Have the teachers had professional development related to the hybrid and all-remote learning models?

Coordinated through the Curriculum and Instruction Office and the Technology Department, more than 50 professional development sessions geared towards technology and remote learning were offered to teachers starting in July. The response was overwhelmingly positive and teachers are working diligently to prepare and familiarize themselves with the varying technology platforms to support a robust remote learning experience. Additionally, the Virtual Learning Platform was developed to support teacher professional development and has a variety of resources for staff. This can be accessed by all teachers through www.chclc.org
What is this "cohort assignment" I received an email about? I don't get it.

The term "cohort" refers to the grouping of our students into 2 smaller groups, called Cohort A and Cohort B. These cohorts allow for social distancing among those who have chosen the hybrid learning model and to facilitate synchronous (live) and asynchronous (not live) in an organized fashion.

All students – those who have chosen the hybrid and those who have chosen all remote – have been assigned a cohort.

If a student has chosen hybrid learning, the student's cohort determines when he/she reports to school in person and when he/she logs on for remote learning. If a student has chosen all-remote learning, his/her cohort assignment determines when he signs on for live learning and when he participates in independent learning.

Charts explaining what a week looks like for each cohort are available on the WE Return to Learn homepage.
I signed my child up for all-remote learning. Why was he assigned a cohort?

All students – those who have chosen the hybrid and those who have chosen all remote – have been assigned a cohort (either A or B) to facilitate synchronous (live) online learning and asynchronous (not live) online learning in an organized fashion. Your son’s cohort assignment determines when he signs on for live learning and when he participates in independent learning. When hybrid students are in school in person, the all-remote students in their cohort will log on for live learning. You may find more information about the cohort system, including a graphic with an explanation of what a week looks like on the hybrid schedule, on the WE Return to Learn page of the district website.

Specific questions regarding your child should be directed to his principal.
Please explain what is meant by "synchronous" and "asynchronous" learning.

Synchronous instruction refers to instruction delivered online in which the teacher is teaching live and interacting with the students who are attending the class remotely. Asynchronous instruction refers to instruction delivered online in which the teacher is not teaching live – the teacher could be on recorded video, could have posted assignments online, could have assigned work via Google Classroom or other platforms, etc.
Will there be any changes to the 2020-2021 school calendar?
Will the new school year begin by focusing on review and 'catch up' of material from the previous grade, which may not have been fully taught (or digested by students) due to the disruptions in spring 2020?
When and how will Chromebooks be distributed to students who need one?
What science, or data points are you using to guide you while deciding the protocols for the next school year?

The District is following the guidelines and protocols that have been developed and communicated by the New Jersey Department of Education, the Camden County Department of Health, the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The combination of the requirements and guidelines have provided a structure for the development of the WE Return to Learn Plan. The District must be in compliance with the guidelines established by the State of New Jersey.
Please explain in detail the cleaning protocols and products used.

The District has a comprehensive cleaning program schedule for every custodial position in the District - both day and night positions. The current cleaning program schedules for day custodians have been revised and enhanced to allow for additional cleaning and disinfecting in high touch areas such as main offices and lobbies and in student bathrooms, both at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. In addition, cafeteria tables and serving lines will be sanitized in between each lunch period. The nurses’ offices will continue to be cleaned and disinfected as often as necessary, based upon usage. Physical education class equipment needed for multiple classes will be disinfected in between classes and disinfected in the evening by the night custodial staff. Elementary school all-purpose rooms will be disinfected at the conclusion of the School Age Child Care (SACC) program in the morning and before it begins in the afternoon.

The schedule for night custodians will be modified so that all building cleaning is completed by 9:00 p.m. each evening. This will allow time for the use of electrostatic sprayers throughout the entire building to disinfect and sanitize all spaces, furniture, equipment, toys and high touch areas. Our custodians received hands-on training on August 17, 2020 to learn to use the electrostatic sprayers. Each custodian will have an electostatic sprayer of his/her own.

Cleaning will be monitored by three night custodial supervisors who will inspect schools each evening. Inspection sheets will be completed nightly and forwarded to the Custodial Manager for daily review and any concerns will be addressed. In addition, the Head Custodian of each building will inspect all parts of the school building prior to the start of the school day.

The primary disinfectant product that will be used is Alpha HD by Diversey. The second disinfectant product that will be used is Shockwave by Fiberlock. The primary sanitizer product that will be used around food service areas and on cafeteria tables/seats is J-512 by Diversey.
Can you have Wednesday as the day for all online so cleaning can be mid-week?
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is being provided to teachers and to each classroom?

A fabric mask is being provided to each employee. Hand sanitizer and disposable wipes are being provided for each classroom. For special education teachers: face shields in addition to the masks, gowns and shoe covers for those who must be one-on-one or change diapers/assist children in the restroom. Sneeze guards will be provided for one-to-one interaction with students (counselors, child study team members, etc).
Will there be a supply of disposable masks available at each school for students who may accidentally show up to the school without a mask, or in case a student's or teacher's mask becomes soiled and is unhygienic?
Will there be enough hand sanitizer?
Will there be enough disinfecting material to wipe down surfaces throughout the school day?
Will there be an opportunity for students to receive a loaner Chromebook if we previously declined a loaner but our need has changed?
Is this hybrid learning plan for the entire school year, or just the first half of the year?

The hybrid model is planned from September 8, 2020- January 29, 2021. As we receive additional guidance from the Governor and the Department of Education we will be prepared to pivot and adjust our teaching to support the needs of students and families. There will be a discussion about the second half of the year that begins in December 2020 and will culminate in January 2021.
How do we submit the request for our child to learn at home?
If parents select the hybrid schedule, can they at a later point switch to 100% remote learning or vice versa?
Are you considering how much time these kids will be spending in front of a computer screen?
Is there a plan for elementary school kids to eat a snack while in school?
If 50% of the students in the district select full time remote learning is there a possibility for the other 50% to attend school all 5 days or 4 days?
Has a staggered approach been discussed? For example, elementary kids and younger begin the school year with high school streaming classes? Teachers could be in the school streaming to high schoolers at home? Phase them in after 2 months or so.
With the A/B schedule have you considered doing an AA day/ BB day? This could provide two consecutive days in the building and deep cleaning on Wednesday.

We did consider an AA/BB scheduled, but the A/B model is more conducive to the district overall. We are not using Wednesday as a "deep cleaning" day. Rather, we are committed to disinfecting our buildings daily. Our cooperative learning day each Monday is designed to increase collegiality among the classes, ground the students for the week's work and for the teachers to provide clarification to the entire class. It allows everyone to start the week in the same place.
Have we considered an all virtual model for September?
Will there be a fully virtual learning option for special ed students?
For younger students Prek-5 who struggled with virtual learning, what are the options if they chose to be fully remote?
A notation in the Return to Learn Plan states that children need to complete work on their own. How is this feasible for young learners and special needs children?

The statement regarding students completing work independently does not pertain to parents or caregivers who provide support; it is for parents and caregivers who complete the work and submit it for students. We had numerous examples during the spring where the work submitted was not reflective of the students' ability, even if in a remote setting. The work was clearly completed by someone else. Our teachers monitor and know the baselines for their students' work. We also use a platform called Turn It In to monitor for plagiarism.
Is there an issue of privacy when the district broadcasts in-class work to those who will be attending school virtually?
Is the district considering having siblings in the same cohort?
Will the remote learning option be available for the full school year? The individual I am hiring to help is looking for commitment for the full school year rather than until January.
If the fully remote option is selected, will the live stream of class instruction be available for viewing later? After the March shutdown began, internet service became spotty and storms knocked out power and internet service. Some students may miss some live streams.

At this time, a decision or directive has not been given to teachers that they must record all sessions. This will be at the discretion of the teachers, as many will want to post to Google classroom to support student engagement. There were instances in the Spring when service was out. Principals and teachers worked to support students, submission of assignments, and resources to complete assignments.
As middle and high school students change classes and share desks, and the desks can't always be cleaned between classes, is it possible for students not to move between classrooms?
For children doing virtual learning full time, how will they interact with their class?

Children who choose full time virtual learning will be live streamed into the classroom. There is a note in the Return to Learn Plan explaining that the teacher will work collaboratively with the family to determine when the child should be logged on to the class to get the most interaction with peers. There will be direct, synchronous instruction at the elementary school level. Instruction at the middle and high school levels will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous. Teachers will place students into virtual groups. We have designed the plan to maximize the remote learning experience for students.
When will we know our child’s schedule?
How will students get materials beyond technology if we are remote from the first day of school?

As of today the Governor has not given an option for full remote learning for all students. If that does come to fruition, we will have packers prepared for students - which will include required texts, literature, etc. We have already started the conversation to pursue an online platform to provide students with digital books that students would be able to read for courses.
For the high schools, is there going to be added time in the passing schedule for teachers to clean the desks-extremely high touch surfaces -- between classes?
In the classroom setting, will there be some sort of physical barrier between students, ie plexiglass?
What will school hours be?

School hours will continue to be:

High School - 7:30 am - 2:30 pm

Middle School – 8 am – 3 pm

Elementary School – 9 am – 3:30 pm

These hours will be adjusted for the Collaborative Learning Day and when all students are assigned to remote learning. Students participating in the hybrid learning model will be in the school buildings on an early dismissal schedule and will eat lunch at home. The school day will then continue remotely into the afternoon for all students. Early dismissal times from our buildings are as follows:

Elementary School: 1 pm

Middle School: 12:15 pm

High School: 11:45 am
Will students be permitted to have water bottles with them on desks/on floor next to them as they were 3/13 and earlier? If yes, what is the protocol?
What will bathroom use procedures look like at the elementary level? Do individual classrooms have their own bathroom? How will shared bathrooms be handled procedurally?
How will Music Instruction, Band, Jazz Band and such work?
What are the plans for extracurricular activities to ensure interaction with peers?
Will students on full remote instruction have sports practice?
Will lockers rooms be closed?
Will extra-curricular music groups still be allowed to rehearse?
Please provide guidance on whether Fall and Winter scholastic sports will resume so families can make decisions on enrolling in other sport programs.
Can parents opt out of courtesy busing for the year (which is a recommendation per NJDOE’s The Road Back) to free up both time for cleaning between routes and to free up some money to put toward other expenses as a result of the new protocols put in place?
If we need to self quarantine our family due to potential exposure to Covid-19, will our children have the option to live stream the classes that are being taught in-person, or will be expected to home school for the 2 week period?

Students will all be assigned to an A/B Cohort for the hybrid instructional model. When students are out of school for quarantine, or any other type of illness, they will be able to live stream their classes for the “in school” day with their cohort and they will engage in remote learning opportunities on the days that their cohort is on remote instruction.
Will School Aged Child Care (SACC) still be running this school year?
Will the all purpose room be sanitized every morning BEFORE AM SACC begins?
I understand that teachers are not babysitters. However how are parents who both work outside the home expected to do this? What can be done in the community to help parents who both work outside the home when remote learning takes place? Can SACC be offered during those days?
If a teacher needs to self quarantine due to potential exposure to Covid-19, will all students in that class also need to self quarantine? How will they receive instruction during periods of quarantine?
Any action to protect teachers, staff and their families? How about the liability? Will you consider voluntary furlough program for teachers and staff if they or their family members are vulnerable to COVID?
Will teachers receive additional technology training and will any new distance learning and web collaboration tools be used in either the Hybrid or All Remote learning scenarios?
Will middle and high schools be able to participate in sports and after school clubs? If so, will clubs be virtual or can there be an in person option for the days students are in school?
Will Mt Misery happen in the spring for 6th grade?
Will anything be done to improve the circulation of fresh air or to sterilize (e.g., with UV filters) the air in the school building?
Will there be any modifications made to the CHPS HVAC systems to help mitigate transmission of COVID-19?
Will specifications for masks be communicated to parents and staff – e.g., will only true masks that either loop around ears or tie behind the head be acceptable? Will bandanas, scarves, towels, neck “gaters” and balaclavas not be considered acceptable?

Specifications for masks/face coverings will be provided to families. The mask/face covering must fit securely on the face, covering the nose and mouth. Any images/language on masks/face coverings must be school appropriate, in accordance with District Policy 5511 - Dress and Grooming. Clear face shields may be worn over top of a mask/face covering.
Will Barclay Early Childhood Center students be required to wear masks?
Will special ed students be required to wear masks?
Can clear face shields be used instead of masks, especially with the younger and special ed populations? They are sometimes better tolerated, and allow the teacher to see facial expressions.
Will the district commit to not using the school district's police officers to enforce the mask rules?
The district's police officers are additional people who can bring Coronavirus into the schools. Will the district consider keeping them out of the schools unless there is an emergency?

We Return to Learn FAQ

Have the teachers had professional development related to the hybrid and all-remote learning models?

What is this "cohort assignment" I received an email about? I don't get it.

I signed my child up for all-remote learning. Why was he assigned a cohort?

Please explain what is meant by "synchronous" and "asynchronous" learning.

Will there be any changes to the 2020-2021 school calendar?

Will the new school year begin by focusing on review and 'catch up' of material from the previous grade, which may not have been fully taught (or digested by students) due to the disruptions in spring 2020?

When and how will Chromebooks be distributed to students who need one?

What science, or data points are you using to guide you while deciding the protocols for the next school year?

Please explain in detail the cleaning protocols and products used.

Can you have Wednesday as the day for all online so cleaning can be mid-week?

What personal protective equipment (PPE) is being provided to teachers and to each classroom?

Will there be a supply of disposable masks available at each school for students who may accidentally show up to the school without a mask, or in case a student's or teacher's mask becomes soiled and is unhygienic?

Will there be enough hand sanitizer?

Will there be enough disinfecting material to wipe down surfaces throughout the school day?

Will there be an opportunity for students to receive a loaner Chromebook if we previously declined a loaner but our need has changed?

Is this hybrid learning plan for the entire school year, or just the first half of the year?

How do we submit the request for our child to learn at home?

If parents select the hybrid schedule, can they at a later point switch to 100% remote learning or vice versa?

Are you considering how much time these kids will be spending in front of a computer screen?

Is there a plan for elementary school kids to eat a snack while in school?

If 50% of the students in the district select full time remote learning is there a possibility for the other 50% to attend school all 5 days or 4 days?

Has a staggered approach been discussed? For example, elementary kids and younger begin the school year with high school streaming classes? Teachers could be in the school streaming to high schoolers at home? Phase them in after 2 months or so.

With the A/B schedule have you considered doing an AA day/ BB day? This could provide two consecutive days in the building and deep cleaning on Wednesday.

Have we considered an all virtual model for September?

Will there be a fully virtual learning option for special ed students?

For younger students Prek-5 who struggled with virtual learning, what are the options if they chose to be fully remote?

A notation in the Return to Learn Plan states that children need to complete work on their own. How is this feasible for young learners and special needs children?

Is there an issue of privacy when the district broadcasts in-class work to those who will be attending school virtually?

Is the district considering having siblings in the same cohort?

Will the remote learning option be available for the full school year? The individual I am hiring to help is looking for commitment for the full school year rather than until January.

If the fully remote option is selected, will the live stream of class instruction be available for viewing later? After the March shutdown began, internet service became spotty and storms knocked out power and internet service. Some students may miss some live streams.

As middle and high school students change classes and share desks, and the desks can't always be cleaned between classes, is it possible for students not to move between classrooms?

For children doing virtual learning full time, how will they interact with their class?

When will we know our child’s schedule?

How will students get materials beyond technology if we are remote from the first day of school?

For the high schools, is there going to be added time in the passing schedule for teachers to clean the desks-extremely high touch surfaces -- between classes?

In the classroom setting, will there be some sort of physical barrier between students, ie plexiglass?

What will school hours be?

Will students be permitted to have water bottles with them on desks/on floor next to them as they were 3/13 and earlier? If yes, what is the protocol?

What will bathroom use procedures look like at the elementary level? Do individual classrooms have their own bathroom? How will shared bathrooms be handled procedurally?

How will Music Instruction, Band, Jazz Band and such work?

What are the plans for extracurricular activities to ensure interaction with peers?

Will students on full remote instruction have sports practice?

Will lockers rooms be closed?

Will extra-curricular music groups still be allowed to rehearse?

Please provide guidance on whether Fall and Winter scholastic sports will resume so families can make decisions on enrolling in other sport programs.

Can parents opt out of courtesy busing for the year (which is a recommendation per NJDOE’s The Road Back) to free up both time for cleaning between routes and to free up some money to put toward other expenses as a result of the new protocols put in place?

If we need to self quarantine our family due to potential exposure to Covid-19, will our children have the option to live stream the classes that are being taught in-person, or will be expected to home school for the 2 week period?

Will School Aged Child Care (SACC) still be running this school year?

Will the all purpose room be sanitized every morning BEFORE AM SACC begins?

I understand that teachers are not babysitters. However how are parents who both work outside the home expected to do this? What can be done in the community to help parents who both work outside the home when remote learning takes place? Can SACC be offered during those days?

If a teacher needs to self quarantine due to potential exposure to Covid-19, will all students in that class also need to self quarantine? How will they receive instruction during periods of quarantine?

Any action to protect teachers, staff and their families? How about the liability? Will you consider voluntary furlough program for teachers and staff if they or their family members are vulnerable to COVID?

Will teachers receive additional technology training and will any new distance learning and web collaboration tools be used in either the Hybrid or All Remote learning scenarios?

Will middle and high schools be able to participate in sports and after school clubs? If so, will clubs be virtual or can there be an in person option for the days students are in school?

Will Mt Misery happen in the spring for 6th grade?

Will anything be done to improve the circulation of fresh air or to sterilize (e.g., with UV filters) the air in the school building?

Will there be any modifications made to the CHPS HVAC systems to help mitigate transmission of COVID-19?

Will specifications for masks be communicated to parents and staff – e.g., will only true masks that either loop around ears or tie behind the head be acceptable? Will bandanas, scarves, towels, neck “gaters” and balaclavas not be considered acceptable?

Will Barclay Early Childhood Center students be required to wear masks?

Will special ed students be required to wear masks?

Can clear face shields be used instead of masks, especially with the younger and special ed populations? They are sometimes better tolerated, and allow the teacher to see facial expressions.

Will the district commit to not using the school district's police officers to enforce the mask rules?

The district's police officers are additional people who can bring Coronavirus into the schools. Will the district consider keeping them out of the schools unless there is an emergency?