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District Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services


Posted Date: 09/21/2023

District Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services



Below is the USD 449 Reopening Plan for the 2023-2024 school year as required by the Federal Law, American Rescue Plan Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. This plan is a working document, and we will continue to revise and update to reflect changes as necessary.

PART I. Describe how the district will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff and the extent to which it has adopted policies, and a description of any such policies, on each of the following safety recommendations established by the CDC:

1. Handwashing and respiratory etiquette. a. Hand washing and sanitizing stations are available throughout the building with proper signage and hand sanitizer available in every classroom; substantial training was provided for staff and students regarding proper procedures and respiratory etiquette.

2. Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation. a. Custodial staff have been and will continue to follow specific cleaning protocols and procedures. Our district will continue to use cleaning solutions that are rated to eliminate the COVID-19 virus. We will continue to monitor ventilation efficiency and effectiveness for opportunities to continually improve air quality.

3. Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to health and safety policies. a. We will provide accommodations consistent with IEP team decisions based on the individual need of each student in the context in which they are served. In addition, appropriate accommodations consistent with State and federal law will be applied to ensure access for all students.

4. Coordination with State and local health officials. a. There will continue to be extensive coordination with state and local health officials regarding school opening practices and procedures, school closings, mitigation strategies, and athletics and extracurricular activities.

Part II. Describe how the district will ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to:

● services to address students' academic needs ○ Our district has implemented a summer learning program to assist students with academic recovery. Additional instructional personnel have been added or American Rescue Plan Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Revised August 2023 reassigned where possible to implement further academic recovery efforts in core curriculum areas.

● students' and staff social, emotional, mental health ○ Our district has K-12 staff to monitor and address the social and emotional learning needs of our students. We will continue to partner with our social worker and local mental health services with the goal of helping students and families overcome obstacles with connecting to school. ○ Our district has provided staff with opportunities for social and emotional support through our district’s participation with an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider. Staff social and emotional wellness and mental health are also considered in district communications and staff committees.

● other needs, which may include student health and food services. ○ USD #449 Public Schools maintain a concern for student health and well-being, as evidenced by our commitment to having a full time district school nurse. ○ We have expanded our food service at the secondary level to include more salad bar options along with 2nd chance breakfast. The elementary school provides opportunities for students to make suggestions for different breakfast/lunch options. A fruit & vegetable grant has allowed elementary students to try various fruits & vegetables that they might not have had access to previously.

Comments on the District Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services may be addressed to Tim Beying, superintendent, at 913-651-9740. American Rescue Plan Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Revised August 2023