Elementary Questions and Answers

What time will school begin?

All elementary teachers and students will have the same arrival and dismissal times, and the times are noted below. Buses will be staggered by a few minutes to allow for less congestion in the hallways. There will only be half the number of students on a given day due to the Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday cohorts.

• Teacher Day: 8:40 a.m. – 3:52 p.m.
• Student Day: 8:55 a.m. – 3:25 p.m. (same as last year)

What days will students be expected to attend onsite?

At the elementary level students will be assigned to a Monday/Thursday or a Tuesday/Friday schedule. The Transportation Department is working with building principals to create an equal balance for both the Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday cohorts. We will make every effort to accommodate siblings on the same days, but are unable to guarantee that will occur based on special programs or other logistical concerns.

How will the district determine which students will attend school on Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday?

Students will be selected to attend on Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday based on their household, which will allow for most elementary students in the household to have the same schedule. There may be exceptions for special programs such as special education and bilingual education. However, adjustments may need to be implemented to balance the number of students in classrooms and grade levels. Our Transportation Department will develop those schedules to ensure an optimal balance of students for the Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday cohorts.

Is phasing in grade levels a possibility?

At this time, all students in grades K-5 will begin on September 9, 2020 for a blended model of instruction including both onsite and remote learning in accordance with the Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday schedules. We will provide further information with regard to Pre-K, but it is anticipated that Pre-K will be phased in at a later date. The schedule allows for proper social distancing in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations.

How much core instruction will my child receive when they are onsite?

The elementary schedule is designed to maximize core instructional time when students are onsite noted in the schedule below. The content blocks may be split to incorporate brain breaks, projects, games and other activities to allow for movement and support student engagement.

• 120 minutes of English Language Arts
• 90 minutes of Math
• 30 minutes Social/Emotional Learning (SEL)
• 30 minutes Science or Social Studies

How will elementary students attend specials?

Students will have in-school specials (physical education, music, art, library) on the days they are scheduled to attend onsite. These will be forty (40) minute periods on each day students attend onsite. Since students will only be attending two days a week, priority will be given to physical education on one of the days, which is mandated by New York State.  Music, art and library will be rotated in on the other onsite day weekly. In addition, students will have specials during remote learning days. Those specials will be a combination of live virtual classes and recorded activities. If students are unable to attend live virtual specials due to not having a device at the scheduled time, recorded lessons will be available.

Will the students remain in the classroom for lunch?

Students will have a combined forty-minute lunch/recess period on the days they are scheduled onsite. Lunch and recess will either be in the classroom or outside weather permitting. The student lunch/recess period will be supervised by a part time staff member designated by the school principal.

What does Wednesday look like for students/teachers?

In a blended model encompassing both onsite and remote learning, teachers need additional time to plan for delivery of instruction in both formats. Teachers will use this day for planning and corresponding with parents and students. Teachers may also be posting assignments for science and social studies. Wednesday is a remote learning day for students, and all students will be home on Wednesdays. Remote learning will include a combination of posted (reinforcement assignments) and live virtual instruction for specials.

How will live instruction infuse with remote learning?

On days when students are not onsite, they will be on remote learning similar to the way they were the last few months of school. However, this school year, teachers will infuse some live virtual lessons for specials and science or social studies. Students who do not have access to devices at a specific time to participate in live virtual lessons, will have the option to watch a recording at a later time.

How will the Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday schedules work for dual language?

We are still working on this and will provide additional information at a later date.

How will my child receive related services and remedial services?

Related services such as speech, resource room, occupational therapy as well as remedial reading Math AIS, etc., will be provided in small group via both a push-in and pull-out model based on scheduling. Instruction will be a combination of in-person instruction when students are onsite and virtual on remote learning days. Partitions will be available for small group instruction to ensure student and staff safety.

Will there be an opportunity for remote learning for students who have medical conditions?

Students who provide medical documentation may be entitled for home instruction in accordance with Board of Education Policy 6173. Home instruction typically does not begin until 10 absences have been recorded, but there may be extenuating circumstances waiving that timeframe for documented reasons.

May I opt my child into only remote learning?

The district plan includes a blended model of instruction with both onsite and remote learning in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. This will be the only model offered unless otherwise directed by an Executive Order, however the district is still exploring options that may be considered based on individual circumstances.

What happens if I decide not not to send my child for onsite instruction?

The district is exploring options based on individual circumstances, however we cannot commit to this option due to staffing implications. However, in accordance with BOE Policy 5120 parents have the option to apply for homeschooling through the Office of Instructional Services.

If school should resume full time, will my child have the same teacher?

The district will make every effort to keep students placed with the same teachers, but some shifts may be required based on staffing changes that were needed due to the blended model.

What happens if there is a school holiday on my child’s onsite day of instruction?

Changing the Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday rotation due to a school holiday would cause too much confusion, so students will follow their regular Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday schedule regardless of holidays.

How many students will be in each classroom?

At the elementary level, class sizes are anticipated to be between 8-15 students. We are not able to give exact numbers until the transportation runs are solidified. We will do our best to create an equal balance on Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday, but it may not be an even split. We will also do our best to create the transportation runs by household, but there may need to be adjustments based on programmatic need (i.e., special education and bilingual education) and to balance the number of students in classrooms and grade levels.

Will there be clubs or other extracurricular activities?

Yes. According to the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Reopening Guidelines, “Extra-curricular activities are an important aspect of student life and the school community. Attention should be paid to bringing back activities that can be conducted in a safe environment with appropriate social distancing protocols.” The district is exploring opportunities for a combination of in-person, as well as virtual extracurricular activities.

What school supplies will my child need?

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, there will be no sharing of student supplies. Building principals will be posting supply lists to their building websites. Students should have both in-school and at-home supplies for use on remote learning days. Select instructional materials will need to travel back and forth with the students in the event we need to make an immediate decision to close schools due to the pandemic. This will ensure all students have the requisite materials when needed at home.

Will the district offer childcare?

Before and after care will be offered in each elementary building for students on the respective days they are scheduled for onsite instruction. To be eligible parents will need to register for both days of the week to keep the numbers consistent and avoid mixed groupings in accordance with the Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. Primary consideration will be given to medical professionals and emergency responders. Parents should plan for other childcare arrangements when students are not scheduled for onsite instruction.

What can students expect at the bus stop, walking in the hallways?

The Elementary Committee is working on creating videos to assist students in seeing what the school days will look like in different settings.

Staff Survey - Questions and Answers

Will school reopen in September?

The Governor has issued his intent to reopen schools based on certain parameters pertaining to the COVID-19 infection rate. At this time, the Long Island region falls within these guidelines, so schools are expected to reopen in September. We will keep you apprised of any further developments.

What will the school day look like?

The district has invested a great deal of time designing our reopening plans to ensure student and staff safety. The district is recommending a blended model of instruction that will permit all students to return on alternating days to allow for proper physical distancing. There is a district-wide committee and various subcommittees that have been developing plans pertinent to a variety of areas.

Am I required to go to the school buildings to report to work?

Yes, beginning August 3, 2020 all full-time and part-time 12-month staff are required to report to work unless otherwise directed by Human Resources. Beginning September 2, 2020 all other full-time and part-time 10-month staff will be required to report on premises unless otherwise directed by Human Resources.

What is the effective date of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act?

The FFCRA’s paid leave provisions are effective on April 1, 2020, and apply to leave taken between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020.

Will I be able to telework under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?

Patchogue-Medford is recommending a blended model of instruction that requires staff to be onsite to deliver instruction. Subsequently, opportunities for telework will be limited to those individuals who can perform their duties from home and have medical documentation to substantiate the request. Each situation will be evaluated based on the job responsibilities and nature of the circumstances surrounding the request.

Do I qualify for leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?

Employees must fall under one of the six (6) qualifying reasons below to be eligible:

1. Is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19;
2. Has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
3. Is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
4. Is caring for an individual subject to an order described in (1) or self-quarantine as described in (2);
5. Is caring for his or her child whose school or place of care is closed (or child care provider is unavailable) due to COVID-19 related reasons; or
6. Is experiencing any other substantially-similar condition specified by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Do I qualify for childcare leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?

This benefit is for employees who are unable to work (or work remotely) due to a need for leave to care for their son or daughter under 18 years of age if their school or place of care has been closed, or their child care provider is unavailable due to an emergency with respect to COVID-19 declared by a federal, state, or local authority. An employee must have been employed for at least 30 calendar days and provide the required documentation in order to qualify.

As an employee, how much will I be paid while taking paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?

It depends on your normal schedule as well as why you are taking the leave. If you are taking paid sick leave because you are unable to work or telework due to a need for leave because you (1) are subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19; (2) have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19; or (3) are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and are seeking medical diagnosis, full-time employees will receive up to 80 hours or paid sick leave, or for a part-time employee, the number of hours equal to the average number of hours that the employee works over a typical two-week period. In these circumstances, you are entitled to a maximum of $511 per day, or $5,110 total over the entire paid sick leave period.

If you are taking paid sick leave because you are: (1) caring for an individual who is subject to a Federal, State, or local quarantine or isolation order related to COVID-19 or an individual who has been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19; or (2) experiencing any other substantially-similar condition that may arise, as specified by the Department of Health and Human Services, you are entitled to compensation at 2/3 of your salary. This benefit will be capped at a maximum of $200 per day, or $2,000 over the entire two-week period.

If you are taking expanded family and medical leave for childcare, you may use your accrued time for the first two weeks (2) weeks, providing you have accrued time available. For the following ten (10) weeks, you will be paid at 2/3 of your regular rate of pay for the hours you would be normally scheduled to work, which is capped at $200 per day or $12,000 total.

Will I have to use my own sick time if I test positive for Coronavirus, or if I am directed to self-quarantine because a student or other staff member tested positive?

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) full-time employees are eligible for up to 80 hours of paid sick leave, or for a part-time employee, the number of hours equal to the average number of hours that the employee works over a typical two-week period for either situation above. However, full-time employees are only eligible for up to 80 hours, or for a part-time employee, the number of hours equal to the average number of hours that the employee works over a typical two-week period one time for the above noted reasons. Thereafter, employees will need to use their own sick accruals.

If I am out for one of the six (6) eligible reasons under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), will it impact my seniority or tenure in the district?

As long as an employee remains on payroll through either paid leave time under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) or using their own accrued time, there is no impact to tenure or seniority. However, if an employee needs to request an unpaid leave of absence, that will impact tenure and seniority dates.

Can I request to work from home if I am over 65 years old, pregnant or have underlying health conditions?

Employees should contact the Office for Human Resources as these situations will be reviewed on an individual basis depending on the nature and responsibilities of one’s job title, the ability to telework, and if necessary engaging in an interactive process regarding reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

What happens if I need to take Family Medical Leave (FMLA)?

The process for taking a leave of absence under FMLA remains the same. Employees should advise Human Resources as soon as possible, and submit a letter from their doctor indicating the need to care for a family member or take care of their own “serious health condition”. Information from doctors should indicate the date of any procedure, expected due date, etc., and the anticipated recovery period. Human Resources will review the requests and determine eligibility.

May I take paid sick leave for my self-quarantine and then another amount of paid sick leave for another reason provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?

You may take up to two-weeks (80 hours for a full-time employee, or for a part-time employee, the number of hours equal to the average number of hours that the employee works over a typical two-week period) of paid sick leave for any combination of qualifying reasons. Employees are only eligible for FFCRA paid sick leave for qualifying reasons 1-3 one time. Additionally, employees will only be eligible for the Expanded Family and Medical Leave, qualifying reason 5, one time.

What documents do I need to give to get paid under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)?

When requesting paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave, you must provide the following information:

• Your name;
• The date(s) for which you request leave;
• A note from your doctor indicating the dates you cannot work and the anticipated return date;
• A statement that you are unable to work because of the above reason.

If you request leave to care for your child whose school or place of care is closed, or child care provider is unavailable, you must also document:

• The name of the child being cared for who is under 18 years of age;
• Age of child(ren);
• The name of the school, place of care, or child care provider that has closed or become unavailable; and
• A statement indicating that there is no other suitable person available to care for the child.

Will students and staff be required to submit to a daily health questionnaire?

All staff, visitors, vendors, contractors, etc., will be required to complete a daily health questionnaire prior to admittance into the buildings. Students will complete a health questionnaire periodically in accordance with the NYSED Reopening guidance. In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control, current symptoms include the following:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Employees are encouraged to visit the Centers for Disease Control for the most up-to-date list of symptoms.

Will students and staff be required to submit to daily temperature checks?

Yes. Students and staff will have their temperatures taken daily upon arrival. Anyone exhibiting COVID symptoms or a fever of 100.0 or higher will be immediately sent to a quarantine room and sent home.

Will students and staff be required to wear a mask?

Students and staff must wear a cloth face covering whenever six (6) feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained. Students will be encouraged, but not required, to wear face coverings even when physical distancing is in place. Face coverings will be required to protect against the spread of COVID‐19 and must be worn when entering or exiting the building, travelling through the hallways, riding on buses, while in the restrooms, while riding in elevators, or any areas/situations where physical distancing is not possible. The district will have an adequate supply of face coverings on hand if any student needs a replacement.

 Exceptions include:

• Those who are medically unable to tolerate a face covering.
• During meals, instruction, and short breaks just as long as they maintain appropriate physical distance.

What measures is the district taking to promote physical distancing?

We have been taking a number of steps to promote physical distancing such as spacing the classroom desks six feet apart, marking the outdoor pavement near building entry points, and installing polycarbonate barriers in spaces where physical distancing is not possible.

All desks (including teachers) will face in the same direction rather than facing each other to reduce transmission caused by virus-containing droplets. Coat hooks and cubbies in the classrooms will not be used, nor will hallway, gym, or instrument lockers.  In addition, the use of restrooms will be staggered and every other stall/urinal will be unavailable for use as an additional measure to ensure physical distancing.

If a student or staff member tests positive, does every member of that class need to self-quarantine?

The Department of Health will provide direction in these circumstances. If the Department of Health deems it necessary to quarantine individuals (students or staff), they will issue quarantine orders via their contact tracers. The district will follow the recommendations of the Department of Health.

How will the buildings be disinfected?

The buildings will be cleaned and/or disinfected according to the New York State Education Department guidelines throughout the instructional day as needed.  All cleaning and disinfection protocols will also be in compliance with recommendations from the EPA/CDC and the New York State Department of Health.  Disinfecting will typically take place after the students, staff, and faculty leave for the day. The custodians will disinfect the highly touched areas on a daily basis. The disinfectants used are EPA Registered Antimicrobial products for use against the Novel Coronavirus SAR-Co V-2 (the cause of COVID-19). 

How will the district provide space for physical distancing during lunch?

The students will be eating lunch in the classroom at their desks, which will already be spread out in the classroom to meet proper physical distancing protocols. Staff may utilize common areas as long as six (6) feet of physical distance is maintained; however, staff is encouraged to seek out other remote locations that are not being utilized in the buildings and/or outside.

Will hand sanitizer be available in multiple locations around the building?

Yes, hand sanitizing dispensers will be mounted in common areas where adult supervision is readily available at all times.  Additionally, bottles of hand sanitizer will be placed in each classroom wherever a sink is not available for hand washing with soap and water.

What type and what quantity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be available for staff?

The district has and will make sure that each employee is provided with a face covering upon their return to work in the building.  We will also have an adequate supply of face coverings on hand if any student or staff member needs a replacement once the school year resumes.

What enhancements or procedures will be in place to increase airflow and ventilation in the buildings?

There will be flexibility to open windows/doors to enhance ventilation, but this will need to be in conjunction with building administration and security to ensure student and staff safety.

Will observations of teachers and principals be required under our APPR Plan?

Yes.  At this time SED has not issued any guidance that indicates otherwise.  We are working with PMCT leadership to make the necessary revisions to our APPR plan should we be on remote learning for a large portion of the year, and not able to conduct on-site observations.

Will we receive training in recognizing COVID symptoms, proper physical distancing, handwashing, etc., prior to the start of school?

Yes.  We intend to use Superintendent Conference Days to conduct the necessary training.

Will the district consider closing schools during peak flu season?

The district will consult with the Department of Health on recommendations based on the current infection rate or an Executive Order from the Governor’s Office.

What happens if a staff member or student does not comply with wearing a mask or proper physical distancing?

The student code of conduct is currently being modified to ensure there are consequences for non-compliance. Staff should report concerns of non-compliance to their building principals and/or immediate supervisor to be addressed. Persistent concerns with non-compliance of staff may warrant disciplinary action.

What happens if I need to travel to a designated hotspot?

In accordance with Executive Order 205, travelers arriving from select hotspot states must quarantine for a 14-day period. Travelers may be excluded from the travel advisory if they are passing through a hotspot (i.e., less than 24 hours through the course of travel). Employees should consult with the New York State Travel Advisory Page to review the current list of states and travel advisory guidelines.  Employees may be eligible for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act if they need to quarantine in accordance with the Travel Advisory, but if utilized, they will be ineligible for paid sick leave if they are directed to quarantine for another instance related to COVID.

Will there be substitutes for teachers who become ill due to the virus?

The district is currently working to secure 34 permanent substitute positions, and we anticipate having all of these filled to begin the year. In addition, the district is working to secure a pool of per diem substitutes to be on call. However, we recognize that based on the need for coverage, we could be short substitutes in a moment’s notice, and subsequently teachers will still be eligible for paid coverage if needed.