COVID-19 Reopening Plan

1. Introduction and Reopening School Model
2. Reopening Zeta Schools at Reduced Capacity
3. School-Wide Safety Precautions
4. School-Wide Safety Procedures & Protocols
5. COVID-19 Procedures for Vulnerable Populations
6. Mental Health, Behavioral, and Emotional Support Services & Programs
7. Procedures Regarding Symptomatic Individuals
8. Responding to Positive COVID-19 Test(s) in a Zeta School
9. Communication with Our Community
10. November 30, 2020 Update

As we plan to open our schools for the 2020-2021 school year, Zeta Charter Schools – New York City (“Zeta”) is committed to fulfilling our promise to deliver a whole-child education that cultivates each student’s mind, body, and soul in a safe and supportive environment.

Our planning to reopen our school buildings for the 2020-2021 school year is driven by our deep commitment to student and staff safety, combined with our urgent need to continue to provide an excellent education to our students, whether in a remote space, in person, or in a hybrid model. To that end, our planning is shaped by the following guiding principles:

• Ensure that our students and staff have a safe school environment that supports excellent education
• Ensure that our school design fully contemplates students’ social-emotional needs, particularly following a challenging half year of COVID-19 and civic upheaval due to racial violence, which may have persisting traumatic effects on the communities we serve
• Fulfill our promises to students and families to continue to deliver a world-class education that supports the whole child
• Continue to develop our staff at a high-level
• Drive toward an ongoing goal of ensuring that students meet or exceed grade-level benchmarks through excellent instruction and instructional management

Throughout the past several months, Zeta has studied medical and safety materials, scientific studies, guidance, and advice issued by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), the New York State Department of Health (“DOH”), and the New York State Education Department’s (“NYSED”), and other national, state, and local experts. We have also monitored the COVID-19 infections rates in the New York City and New York areas and considered the approach that other states and nations have taken or plan to take with regard to school reopening, as well as reopening businesses. As part of our planning, we have sought feedback from, and continue to engage in extensive consultation with, our faculty, staff, and families regarding our plans to reopen our buildings for the 2020-2021 school year.

After our thorough review of available guidance and metrics, and taking into account the safety and preferences of our school community, we have determined that the best path to reopen our schools for the 2020-2021 school year is to commence with primarily remote instruction, and to phase in opportunities for in-person instruction over the first portion of the school year. Zeta is fully committed to providing for the continuity of education of our students throughout the process, and we plan to reopen for the 2020-2021 school year as follows:

• All School Full Time Remote Start:Zeta plans to launch its school year with students attending school remotely full time. We are also planning, to the extent possible, to offer a part-time or full-time in-person option for families during this time on an opt-in basis, prioritizing students with the highest need for in-person instruction.
• Transition to Hybrid Model:Following our remote start, we anticipate transitioning to a hybrid model that combines remote and in-person instruction on a staggered basis. The timeline of this transition will be based on a range of factors, including infection rates, up-to-date safety guidelines and best practices, and community input. Following our transition, students will attend in-person instruction on a staggered schedule, with approximately half of our students spending their time on-site learning and approximately half at home learning on any given day. Cohorts of students would attend school in person on designated days of the week, likely 2 or 3 days per week. If one or more students or staff members who have been attending school in person test positive for COVID-19 or display symptoms, they (and other exposed individuals) will transition to full time remote learning until it is safe for them to return to school in person.

Beginning at the start of the school year, and in parallel with any of the models above, we will run a fully remote school (“Z School”) for students who cannot return to school due to health concerns or otherwise.

Zeta will provide all of our students with the technology, access, supplies, substantive teacher interaction, and academic and emotional support necessary to fully participate in Zeta’s academic program, as set forth in Zeta’s charter and adapted to the remote environment (to the extent necessary). Zeta will continue to ensure and fully document the provision of free appropriate public education to students with disabilities, provide meaningful engagement with parents in their preferred language, collaborate with the committee on preschool special education (“CPSE”) and committees on special education (“CSE”) as necessary, and ensure access to necessary accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids, and services to meet the needs of our students with disabilities. Zeta will continue to complete the English Language Learner (“ELL”) identification process in a timely manner, provide instruction to ELLs based on their most recent measured English language proficiency level, maintain regular communication with parents/guardians of ELLs to ensure that they are engaged in their children’s education, and provide all communications for parents/guardians of ELLs in their preferred language. Finally, Zeta will continue to ensure that our teachers and principals are evaluated pursuant to Zeta’s charter and that all Zeta teachers hold required certifications.

In order to safely reopen our school buildings for in-person instruction, Zeta is undertaking extensive safety measures, including reduced building capacity, health and safety upgrades to our facilities, and new school-wide health and safety procedures and protocols, to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and ensure that our community will be as safe as possible inside our school buildings. In doing so, we have followed and are implementing the DOH’s Interim COVID-19 Guidance and NYSED’s COVID-19 Reopening Guidance to the extent applicable to Zeta. Zeta’s COVID-19 Reopening Plan addresses each component of DOH’s Interim COVID-19 Guidance at pp. 3-6 (re-opening of in-person instruction, monitoring, containment, and closure) as well as each sub-component thereof, herein.

This plan, which applies to the following Zeta schools, will be posted to Zeta’s public website in English and Spanish:

• Zeta Charter School – Inwood 1 (“Zeta Inwood 1,” including its locations at 500 West 138th Street, New York, NY (“Zeta Inwood 138th”) and 652 West 187th Street, New York, NY (“Zeta Inwood 187th”))
• Zeta Charter School – Bronx 1 (“Zeta Bronx 1”), located at 222 Alexander Avenue, Bronx NY
• Zeta Charter School – New York City 3 (“Zeta Bronx 3”), located at 222 Alexander Avenue, Bronx NY
• Zeta Charter School – New York City 4 (“Zeta Bronx 2”), located at 222 Alexander Avenue, Bronx NY

During in-person instruction, Zeta school buildings will operate at a significantly reduced capacity to allow for maximum possible social distancing.

Student Capacity

When Zeta returns to in person-instruction in our school buildings (whether on a hybrid/full-time remote or full-time in person/full-time remote model), we will operate at a reduced student capacity.

Faculty and Staff Capacity

Most of Zeta’s academic team, teachers, and leaders will be working in Zeta school buildings on days students are in attendance, with the exception of some who may continue to work remotely to teach in our Z School and/or as a result of health considerations. All Zeta staff and faculty will, when in the school buildings and on school grounds, maximize social distancing to the extent possible, wear face masks (provided they are medically able to do so), use other Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) when appropriate, socially distance from students not in their groups when possible, and practice good hand hygiene (cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; use the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use) and hand hygiene (hand washing with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash) after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials and frequently throughout the day.

Prior to reopening for in-person instruction, Zeta is implementing the following precautionary measures at its school buildings and in its classrooms to protect against the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, in accordance with all relevant facilities requirements in NYSED’s COVID-19 Reopening Guidance:

• Cleaning, disinfection, and restart of ventilation in all school buildings during the summer prior to reopening the buildings
• Improved air purification via UV air purifiers in each room
• Installing touchless hand sanitizer stations in every classroom and every shared space throughout the building
• Providing each student an individual set of student supplies that are not shared
• Placing disinfecting wipes in every classroom and every shared space throughout the building so high-touch surfaces can be frequently and conveniently wiped down and any shared items wiped between use
• Providing portable, clear desk dividers (for student meals in classrooms and for use at adult desks)
• Installing touchless faucets, touchless soap and paper towel dispensers, and touchless garbage cans
• Installing conveniently located sinks or portable sinks for hand washing (including pre-existing but upgraded in-classroom sinks where available, and installing 3 portable sinks on per floor where classrooms sinks are not available)
• Installing toilet seat lids and sneeze guards at each school’s Security desk and Main Office desk
• Installing touchless visitor sign-in system using iPads and sign-in apps
• Posting COVID-19-specific safety signage intended to help reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with CDC and local health authority guidance, including regarding hand and respiratory hygiene, social distancing, and the use of PPE
• Placing hallway and classroom floor stickers to encourage 6 feet of separation between students and staff
• Providing PPE for staff, students, and visitors (cloth masks, clear masks/face shields, disposable masks, gloves, gowns as appropriate). DOHMH will provide PPE and supplies necessary for outfitting the school nurse.

Mandatory Health Screens Prior to School Building Admission

• Every student and any necessary visitor to a Zeta school will have his or her temperature taken prior to entering the building by a Zeta staff member (PPE provided). If symptoms of COVID-19 or a temperature over 100.0°F are detected, the person will not be admitted and will be directed to seek assessment/testing.
• Parents will be instructed not to send a student to school if the student exhibits any COVID-19 symptoms.
• Zeta staff will be required to complete a health questionnaire daily (students periodically). Questions include recent contact with COVID-19 positive individuals, symptoms, positive tests in the last 14 days, and recent travel per NY travel advisory.
• Each Zeta school will designate a staff member responsible for reviewing staff questionnaire responses each morning. Positive responses disallow entry; symptomatic individuals will be directed to seek assessment/testing.

Revised Drop Off and Dismissal Procedures

• Multiple building entrances/exits will be used to stagger arrivals and departures to allow distancing.
• Anyone dropping off/picking up must wear a mask and maintain 6 feet social distance; pick-up/drop-off will take place outside when possible.
• In severe weather, dismissal will be coordinated so students come outside to families at assigned doors.

PPE Requirements and Considerations

• Masks required for anyone who can medically tolerate them; Zeta will provide masks if someone arrives without one.
• Those who cannot medically tolerate masks will be asked to use a face shield and maintain distance.
• Staff assigned to arrival posts will check masks and hand out masks as needed (wearing PPE).
• Students will receive short mask breaks; Pre-K students will not wear masks during nap time but will maintain 6-feet distance while napping.

Social Distancing Requirements and Considerations

• Students will remain in reduced-size stable groups (“cohorts”) in their main classroom for most of the day; teachers will travel to classrooms where possible.
• Classroom furniture will be arranged for distancing; seats face one direction and/or use clear barriers.
• Floor stickers and staffed transitions will reinforce physical distancing.
• Movement-based specialty classes will meet outdoors, with 12-feet spacing, or remotely; other specialty classes will occur in home classrooms or remotely.
• Safety drill procedures will be adapted for distancing.

New Hygiene, Cleaning & Disinfection Procedures

• Staff will teach and supervise 20-second handwashing; students will sanitize/wash before/after meals and between activities.
• Each student will have individual supplies; shared items sanitized after use; dedicated cleaning staff will perform regular disinfecting throughout the day and use a disinfectant sprayer nightly.
• Zeta will coordinate with NYC DOE custodial engineers and DSF for additional cleaning guidance in DOE buildings.

Health and Safety Transportation Policies and Procedures

• A limited shuttle will run between Zeta Inwood locations; drivers self-screen and do not drive if symptomatic.
• Students will be screened before boarding; masks required when medically tolerated; capacity limited for distancing.
• Buses will be disinfected daily; staff supervising trips trained in procedures.

Procedures for On-Site Food Services

• Meals/snacks individually packaged and eaten in classrooms with clear desk dividers; disposable utensils used.
• Hands washed/sanitized before and after meals; families encouraged to send reusable water bottles; touchless filtered water dispensers available.
• Zeta maintains student allergy lists and trains staff in allergy safety.

Additional Operational Changes

• Student batches/cohorts created considering IEP service delivery, sibling grouping, shuttle needs, and ICT classes.
• Afterschool limited to tutoring with all safety protocols applied; no external field trips or large in-person family events.
• Traditionally shared rooms (science, cafeteria) will be avoided; classes remain in home rooms with teachers traveling.
• Network Director of Operations will be the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator and liaison to health authorities.

Students

Any students who cannot (for medical reasons) or do not feel comfortable returning to in-person instruction may join Z School (fully remote) or switch to Z School at any point. For students who cannot medically tolerate masks, Zeta will seek to maximize social distancing and provide clear masks where needed.

Staff

Zeta intends to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities consistent with the ADA. Possible accommodations include additional/different PPE, remote work where feasible, barriers, or increased distancing. Zeta has engaged in the required interactive process with employees requesting accommodations and will consider other COVID-19 related accommodation requests consistently and non-discriminatorily.

Zeta’s commitment to whole-child and social-emotional learning is more important than ever as students return to school following a challenging half year of COVID-19. In consultation with school culture leaders and psychologists, Zeta plans to:

• Have teachers manage school culture, academic outcomes, and SEL for the students in their group
• Train all staff to identify indicators of trauma and implement supports
• Provide resources and referrals for mental health and behavioral supports
• Incorporate SEL into hybrid and remote models via morning meetings, short lessons, and social-emotional circle practice
• Continue regular, remote wellness checks with families, with higher frequency for higher-risk students (shelter/foster care, loss due to COVID, CPS cases, or students with anxiety/depression history)

SELF Implementation (summary)

• Morning meetings daily (virtual or in-person)
• PK–2: short 5–15 minute SEL segments integrated daily
• Grades 3+: SEL through “current events” practice and SEL badge work
• Virtual SEL for Z School with live/recorded lessons

Referral to the School Nurse

• Staff trained to detect COVID-19 symptoms and MIS-C indicators; symptomatic persons assessed by the school nurse and isolated as needed.
• If the school nurse is unavailable, symptomatic individuals will be isolated (6 feet away) and dismissed for assessment.
• Zeta follows DOHMH guidance for symptomatic identification, testing, and contact definitions (including travel-related guidance).
• School nurse will use PPE appropriate to symptoms.

Isolation at School

• Suspected COVID-19 persons will be kept at least 6 feet away from others and supervised by a PPE-wearing adult.
• Those not wearing a mask will be instructed to do so if medically able and receive a face shield if possible.
• Multiple suspected individuals may be kept in the isolation area if separated by at least 6 feet.

Return to School after Symptoms or Infection

Zeta will follow DOH guidance for return-to-school:

• If tested and found not to have COVID-19, return once fever-free (without meds) and feeling well for 24 hours, or with a healthcare provider note clearing return.
• If diagnosed with COVID-19 (by test or symptoms) or symptomatic without testing, may not return until:
  1. At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared;
  2. At least 3 days since fever has resolved (without fever-reducing meds); and
  3. At least 3 days since symptom improvement (including cough and shortness of breath).

Cleaning after a Symptomatic Individual

• Close off areas used by a symptomatic person until cleaned and disinfected.
• Open outside doors/windows where possible to increase ventilation.
• Contracted janitorial staff to wait 24 hours before cleaning/disinfecting an area used by a symptomatic person when possible (or as long as practical), following CDC guidance.