Districtwide School Safety Plan

Introduction

Emergencies and violent incidents in school districts are critical issues that must be addressed in an expeditious and effective manner. Districts are required to develop a district-wide school safety plan designed to prevent or minimize the effects of serious violent incidents and emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of the district with local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies. The district-wide plan is responsive to the needs of all schools within the district and is consistent with the more detailed emergency response plans required at the school building level. Districts stand at risk from a wide variety of acts of violence, natural, and manmade disasters. To address these threats, the State of New York has enacted the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) law. Project Save is a comprehensive planning effort that addresses prevention, response, and recovery with respect to a variety of emergencies in each school district and its schools.

The HAMILTON-FULTON-MONTGOMERY BOCES, in coordination with the Greater Johnstown School District, supports the SAVE Legislation and intends to facilitate the planning process. The Superintendent of Schools encourages and advocates ongoing district-wide cooperation and support of Project SAVE.

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Section I: General Considerations and Planning Guidelines

A. Purpose

The Greater Johnstown District-wide School Safety Plan was developed pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17. At the direction of the Greater Johnstown School District Board of Education, the Superintendent of the Greater Johnstown School District appointed a District-wide School Safety Team and charged it with the development and maintenance of the District-wide School Safety Plan. The district wide plan was updated as of The district wide plan was updated as of July 19, 2021 and adopted by the Board of Education on August 19. 2021.

B. Identification of School Teams

The Greater Johnstown School District has created a District-wide School Safety Team consisting of, but not limited to, representatives of the School Board, students, teachers, administrators, parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel.

• School Board: Joyel Richardson
• Student Representative: TBD
• Instructional Staff: Meredith Fagan, Rachel Harrington, Karlene Peck, Michael Franko
• Support Staff: Kaye Houtz
• Administration: Alicia Koster, Robert Kraemer, Matthew Lewis
• Transportation: Julia Barrington, Richard Miles
• Community Member/Parent: Scott Hale
• School Safety and Medical Personnel: David Wood, Jessica Barnes, Rick Depasquale, Kerri Hauser, Bobbie Jo Senzio
• Pupil Personnel Services/SEAL Team Member: Nicole Lent

C. Concept of Operations

The District-wide School Safety Plan shall be directly linked to the Building-level Emergency Response Plan. Protocols reflected in the District-wide School Safety Plan will guide the development and implementation of the Building-level Emergency Response Plan.

In the event of an emergency or violent incident, the initial response to all emergencies at an individual school will be the Emergency Response Team.

Upon the activation of the School Emergency Response Team, the Superintendent of Schools or designee will be notified and, where appropriate, local emergency officials will also be notified.

Efforts may be supplemented by County and State resources through existing protocols.

D. Plan Review and Public Comment

This plan has been reviewed as of June 5, 2024.

Pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17(e)(3), this plan was made available for public comment 30 days prior to its adoption. The district-wide and building-level plan was adopted by the School Board in 2001 after a public hearing that provided for the participation of school personnel, parents, students and any other interested parties. The plan must be formally adopted by the Board of Education.

Note 1: This was adopted initially in 2001,and will be re-adoped at the August 15, 2024 meeting, after the Public Hearing and public comment period has been satisfied.

Full copies of the District-wide School Safety Plan and any amendments will be submitted to the New York State Education Department within 30 days of adoption.

This plan will be reviewed periodically during the year and will be maintained by the District-wide School Safety Team. The required annual review occurred on June 5, 2024, and updates to the plan were posted to the District’s website as of that date.  

Building-level Emergency Response Plans will be updated and supplied to local police, the Sheriff’s department and the State Police by September 30th of each academic year.

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Section II: Risk Reduction/Prevention and Intervention Strategies

A. Prevention/Intervention Strategies

Program Initiatives

• Character Education Program
• Agency consultation provided in schools

Training, Drills, and Exercises

Three levels of annual multi-hazard school training will be considered in this plan:

1. responder training for members of the Incident Response and Post-Incident Response teams conducted by response agencies and/or the BOCES HSRM staff;
2. general staff awareness training conducted during a Superintendent’s Conference Day by response agencies; and
3. general student awareness training of emergency response procedures conducted by building staff (i.e. lockdown drills).

Each year the District-Wide School Safety Team and/or Building-Level Teams will consider appropriate training for each of the groups listed above.

Drills and related procedures specific to this safety plan:

• Lockout and Lockdown drills are conducted throughout the school year, also, an evacuation drill is done at least once a year
• A table-top exercise with response staff to discuss emergency procedures will be conducted this year
• After each drill, building and district level leaders meet to discuss the drill and make changes if necessary
• Tests of the emergency notification system are conducted each year on a Superintendent’s Conference Day to ensure that staff in all areas of the building can hear the notifications.
• Staff and students will be made aware of upcoming drills at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled drill via building announcement. Families will be notified inadvance of a scheduled drill via ParentSquare, and followed up with a second ParentSquare communication after the drill is complete
• Annually, families will receive written communication regarding information regarding our emergency management plan and protocols, drills, communication pathways, and family preparation for emergency situations.

Implementation of School Security

Chief Emergency Operator

The Superintendent of Schools of the Superintendent’s designee will serve as the District Chief Emergency Operator.

Safety Response

School staff are trained to be vigilant pertaining to threats against students and staff (i.e. bullying). The district continues to promote a culture of respect for the students and staff through the Dignity Act recently enacted in New York State.

Security Devices

• Surveillance cameras are placed on buses and at various locations on campus. The district is adding additional surveillance devices for additional coverage.
• Photo ID cards are issued to staff and badges are issued to visitors.
• A sign-in and sign-out log is used to track entrants to the building who are not students or staff. The District utilizes the Raptor Visitor System to screen all visitors during the official school day.
• A swipe-card system is used for door access and all staff are issued non-descript swipe cards that provide access limited to the employee’s specific building and shift.
• All district buildings have secure vestibules with double sets of locked doors. Bulletproof transaction windows are accessible in each locked vestibule so that transactions can be completed without visitors coming into the locked building.
• Buzzer systems with cameras at each main entrance are installed at all schools in district
• Door access controls have been updated, along with an automated lockdown system and installation of panic buttons.

Vital Educational Agency Information

Additional Education locations within the district boundaries are listed below:

• Adirondack Daycare & Learning, 2448 St Hwy 29, Johnstown, NY
• Conner’s Friends Daycare, 12 Breckenridge Drive, Johnstown, NY
• Country Kids Daycare, 20 Bloomingdale Avenue, Johnstown, NY
• Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc., 235 Pleasant Avenue, Johnstown, NY
• Fulton County YMCA Playmates, 213 Harrison Street, Johnstown, NY
• Fulton County YMCA Pre-Kindergarten, 213 Harrison Street, Johnstown, NY
• HFM BOCES PTECH, 502 Glebe Street, Johnstown, NY
• Ladybug Daycare, 10 Hoffman Street, Johnstown, NY
• Misty Houser Family Day Care, 111 Whitmore Avenue, Johnstown, NY
• Sharon Hillier Family Day Care, 19 Nicholas Street, Johnstown, NY

B. Early Detection of Potentially Violent Behavior

Strategies for improving communication among students and between students and staff along with reporting of potentially violent incidents, such as the establishment of:

• Staff to attend a violence prevention and intervention course, that addresses early signs of potentially violent students
• Newsletters and pamphlets to parents/guardians with articles addressing bullying, conflict resolution and other issues, included are important contact numbers to address concerns.

C. Hazard Identification

Not all inclusive of hazards, the most common or potentially likely to occur:

• Railroad (external)
• NYS Thruway, Rt. 29, Rt. 67, Rt. 30A (external)
• School Heating System (Gas Pipeline) (internal)
• School Bus (external)
• Athletic Fields, Playgrounds and Play Area (external/internal)
• Field Trips (external)
• Pool (internal)

Hazard Assessment (external hazards are county-wide)

Predictability: 1 (unpredictable) through 5 (very predictable)

Frequency: 1 (more than one/year); 2 (annually); 3 (every 2-5 years); 4 (every 5-10 years); 5 (rarely)

Warning time: 1 (none); 2 (minutes); 3 (hours); 4 (days); 5 (exact likely dates known)

Seriousness: 1 (disaster – entire community with casualties); 2 (disaster (entire school with casualties); 3 (emergency – affects one or more individuals with casualties); 4 (emergency (entire community, no casualties); 5 (emergency – entire school, no casualties)

Possible responses: 1) drop, cover and hold; 2) drop flat/gunfire; 3) lockdown; 4) evacuation; 5) reverse evacuation; 6) early dismissal; 7) external emergency response.

Intruder

• Predictability: 1
• Approximate frequency: 5
• Warning time: 1
• Seriousness: 3, 5
• Possible responses: 3

Bomb Threat

• Predictability: 1
• Approximate frequency: 5
• Warning time: 1
• Seriousness: 5
• Possible responses: 3, 4

Hazmat

• Predictability: 1
• Approximate frequency: 5
• Warning time: 1
• Seriousness: 4
• Possible responses: 4, 7

High Winds

• Predictability: 3
• Approximate frequency: 2
• Warning time: 2
• Seriousness: 5
• Possible responses: 1, 3

Bus Accident

• Predictability: 1
• Approximate frequency: 5
• Warning time: 1
• Seriousness: 3
• Possible responses: 7

Winter Storm

• Predictability: 5
• Approximate frequency: 1
• Warning time: 4
• Seriousness: 5
• Possible responses: 6

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Section III: Response

A. Notification and Activation

Policies and procedures for contacting appropriate law enforcement officials in the event of a violent incident.

• The person in charge (Incident Commander) will decide if the level of the incident classifies it as a “violent incident” (consistent with the definition of such an incident as defined in the district’s Code of Conduct). If appropriate, the Incident Commander will call 911.
• In a crisis situation involving a violent incident, school staff should call 911 and notify the Incident Commander.

A system for informing all educational agencies within a school district of a disaster

• Educational agencies within the Greater Johnstown School District (non-public schools, registered daycare centers, etc.) will be contacted in an emergency via telephone. If telephone contact is not possible, a contact person will be sent to the school if possible.

Procedures to contact parents, guardians or persons in parental relation to the students in the event of a violent incident or an early dismissal

• Parents/Guardians will be contacted by the school district using an automated message via Parent Square. In some cases, the public/parents may also be notified via media outlets.

B. Situational Responses

Multi-Hazard Responses

Responses to Acts of Violence: Implied or Direct Threats

The district uses emergency information folders in each room for important directional information when a response action is needed

Acts of Violence

This issue is addressed in the Code of Conduct. The district uses emergency information folders in each room for important directional information when a response action is needed.

Response Protocols

We have incorporated the homeland security guidelines into our plans. It establishes definitions of lockout, lockdown, sheltering and evacuation. Our responses are based upon these guidelines. These guidelines are confidential and we respectfully will not submit them at this time.

Bomb Threats

Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Greater Johnstown School. We use the NYS Police guidelines for bomb threats as protocol.

Hostage Taking

Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Greater Johnstown School.

Intrusions

Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Greater Johnstown School.

Kidnapping

Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Greater Johnstown School.

Arrangements for Obtaining Emergency Assistance from Local Government

Policies and procedures for contacting appropriate law enforcement officials in the event of a violent incident.

• The person in charge (Incident Commander) will decide if the level of the incident classifies it as a “violent incident” (consistent with the definition of such an incident as defined in the district’s Code of Conduct). If appropriate, the Incident Commander will call 911.
• In a crisis situation involving a violent incident, school staff should call 911 and notify the Incident Commander.

Arrangements for Obtaining Advice and Assistance from Local Government Officials

Procedures for obtaining advice and assistance from local government officials including the county or city officials responsible for implementation of Article 2-B of the Executive Law.

• The person in charge (Incident Commander) will decide if the level of the incident warrants obtaining emergency assistance. If appropriate, the Incident Commander will call 911
• In a crisis situation, school staff should call 911 and notify the Incident Commander

District Resources Available for Use in an Emergency

• Building Resources: Schools have kitchen and serving areas
• Transportation Resources: School buses, school vans, and maintenance vehicles
• Personnel Resources: Staff with CPR/FA training, bus drivers
• Other Resources: Local Emergency Management Coordinator

Agencies authorized to Request Use of Resources:

• County Emergency Management Office
• Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
• NYS Police
• City of Johnstown F.D. / P.D.

Protective Action Options

School Cancellation

Superintendent of Schools or designee will announce the closing of school. Communication will be sent to all officials needed to proceed with the cancellation.

Early Dismissal

• Preliminary Procedures
  • An annual request is made of parents of K-12 students to notify the school district where their child should go in the event that they are not home during school hours. Drivers maintain a list for their information in the event of an emergency.
  • Drivers will be alerted and substitutes contacted by the Transportation Office as to the possibility of an early or emergency dismissal.
• Dismissal Bus Students:
  • The main office will notify the Transportation Office of the decision to take pupils home
  • The Transportation Office will notify drivers and required substitutes
  • Bus pupils will remain in classroom or other designated areas until buses are spotted
  • Personnel will assume regular duties for bus dismissal.
  • The Transportation Director will remain at their station until all buses have completed their runs and returned. The Transportation Office will notify the main office of each school building when all runs have been completed. (Estimated length of longest run is ~1 hour 10 minutes)
• Dismiss Walking Students
  • Walking students will be dismissed via an announcement from the main office, after contacting persons in parental relations or emergency contact.

Evacuation (before, during and after school hours)

Procedures and guidelines are included in the building-level school safety plans for the Greater Johnstown School

Sheltering Sites (internal and external)

Procedures and guidelines are included in the building-level school safety plans for the Greater Johnstown School

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Section IV: Recovery

District Support for Building

All the district’s manpower and resources will be available to one of our sites that has endured an emergency. Mental health counseling, building security and restoration will be items of primary focus. Response and recovery will be a district goal.

Besides building security and restoration, the strategies will also include damage assessment, relocation and continuation of the educational process. A post-incident response critique, the notes from the incident command team and lessons learned will be assessed. Plans to mitigate the likelihood of occurrence or impact, if the incident does occur again, will be reviewed. If possible, efforts will be made to improve district facilities resulting in them being more resistant to suffering similar or worse damage.

Disaster Mental Health Services

The district understands how an emergency can have a major effect on the well being of students, staff and community at large. The district will coordinate resources with County Mental Health Services and the Post-Incident Crisis Response Team.

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Section V: Communicable Disease Pandemic Plan

Effective April 1, 2021, Labor Law §27-c, amends Labor Law §27-1 and adds a new provision to Education Law §2801-a.  Labor Law §27-c requires public employers to develop operation plans in the event of certain declared public health emergencies.  Education Law §2801-a requires school districts to develop plans consistent with the new Labor Law requirement. The new law requires public employers to prepare a plan for the continuation of operations in the event that the Governor declares a public health emergency involving a communicable disease. Educational institutions must prepare plans consistent with Labor Law §27-c as part of their school safety plans pursuant to newly added subsection (2)(m) of Education Law §2801-a. The Plan addresses the required components in the sections as noted below:

• Prevention/Mitigation
  • 1) A list and description of positions and titles considered essential with justification for that determination.
  • 2) The specific protocols that will be followed to enable non-essential employees and contractors to telecommute.
  • 3) A description of how the employer will, to the extent possible, stagger work shifts of essential employees and contractors to reduce workplace and public transportation overcrowding.
• Protection/Preparedness
  • 4) Protocols to be implemented to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) sufficient to supply essential workers with 2 pieces of each PPE device needed for each work shift for at least six months. This must include a plan for storage of such equipment to prevent degradation and permit immediate access in the event of an emergency declaration.
• Response
  • 5) Protocols to prevent spread in the workplace in the event an employee or contractor is exposed, exhibits symptoms, or tests positive for the relevant communicable disease. Such protocols must include disinfection of the individual’s work area and common areas. It must also address the policy on available leave with respect to testing, treatment, isolation or quarantine.
  • (6) Protocols for documenting precise hours and work locations of essential workers for purposes of aiding in tracking the disease and identifying exposed workers in order to facilitate the provision of any benefits that may be available to them on that basis.
  • (7) Protocols for coordinating with the locality to identify sites for emergency housing for essential employees to contain the spread of the disease, to the extent applicable to the needs of the workplace.

Prevention/Mitigation

• We will work closely with the Fulton County Department of Health to determine the need for activation of our Plan. The following procedures will be followed by administrators, principals, and school nurses for reporting communicable disease, including Coronavirus, Influenza, etc., and communicating with the Health Department:
  • Report suspected and confirmed cases of influenza on the monthly school’s Communicable Disease Report, (DMS-485.7/93; HE-112.4/81) and submit to: Fulton County Department of Health
• The Fulton County Department of Health will monitor County-wide cases of communicable disease and inform school districts as to appropriate actions.
• The Assistant Superintendent will help coordinate our Pandemic planning and response effort. This person will work closely with the District-Wide School Safety Team that has responsibility for reviewing and approving all recommendations and incorporating them into the District-Wide School Safety Plan. The school district Medical Director and nurses will be vital members of the Safety Team. Because of the potential importance of technology in the response effort (communication and notification), the school district technology director will also be an important Team member. The Superintendent of Schools, Business Manager, Director of Facilities, Food Service Director, Director of Transportation, Public Relations Specialist, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Director of Technology, Building Principals, and the Director of Curriculum will also be vital to the planning effort. Other non-traditional individuals may also be required to be part of the Team.
• The District-Wide School Safety Team will review and assess any obstacles to implementation of the Plan, incorporating the CDC School District Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, related to Planning and Coordination; Continuity of Student Learning; Core Operations; Infection Control Policies and Procedures; and Communication.
• The school district will emphasize hand-washing and cough/sneezing etiquette through educational campaigns including the CDC Germ Stopper Materials; Cover Your Cough Materials; It’s a SNAP Toolkit; and the NSF Scrub Clean; which can all be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/school/.
• We will educate and provide information to parents, staff, and students about our Pandemic Plan and about how to make an informed decision to stay home when ill. We will utilize our website, postings and direct mailings for this purpose.

1) Essential Positions/Titles

In the event of a government ordered shutdown, similar to our response to the Coronavirus in the spring of 2020, we are now required to consider how we would prepare for future shutdowns that may occur. As part of our planning, we are now required to provide information on those positions that would be required to be on-site or in-district for us to continue to function as opposed to those positions that could realistically work remotely. The following information is addressed in the table below:

1. Title – a list of positions/titles considered essential (could not work remotely) in the event of a state-ordered reduction of in-person workforce.
2. Description – brief description of job function.
3. Justification – brief description of critical responsibilities that could not be provided remotely.
4. Work Shift – brief description of how the work shifts of those essential employees or contractors (if utilized) will be staggered in order to reduce overcrowding at the worksite.
5. Protocol – how will precise hours and work locations, including off-site visits, be documented for essential employees and contractors (if utilized)?

The worksheet below has been completed by each department which includes Central Administration, Human Resources, Facilities Services, Transportation, Food Service, Communications, Technology, Instructional Programs, Athletics, Special Education.

Essential Employee Determination

Superintendent of Schools

• Description: Lead administrator for the district
• Justification: Fully responsible to the Board of Education and the safety of all students and staff
• Work shift: 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Assistant Superintendent

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Assistant Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Director of Facilities

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Director of Student Engagement & Athletics

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Director of Transportation

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: HFM BOCES Contract

Director of Food Service

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: Capital Region BOCES Contract

JHS Principal

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day; Flexible
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

JHS Nurse

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

JHS Clerical

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

JHS School Counselors

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

JHS Assistant Principal

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

JHS Psychologist

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

KMS  Principal

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

KMS Nurse

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

KMS Clerical

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

KMS School Counselors

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

KMS Psychologist

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

WSES Principal

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

WSES Nurse

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

WSES Clerical

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

WSES School Counselors

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

WSES Psychologist

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

PAES Principal

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, Flexible
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

PAES Nurses

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

PAES Clerical

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

PAES School Counselors

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

PAES Psychologist

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

GJSD Social Workers

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

Director of Technology

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Technology & Curriculum Administrative Assistant

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Director of Curriculum & Instruction

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: Documented through regular means of Personnel Attendance and Leave Tracking

Public Relations Specialist

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: Capital Region BOCES Contract

Director of Pupil Personnel Services

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day, flexible
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

School Business Manager

• Description: Lead Administrative Team
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per Collective Bargaining Contract

Business Office and HR Clerical

• Description: Administrative Support
• Justification: Essential to Operations of the District
• Work shift: Standard Work Day as per Contract
• Protocol: As Per GJSD Agreement

(2) Protocols Allowing Non-Essential Employees to Telecommute or Videoconference

Ensure Digital Equity for Employees

• Mobile Device Assessments:
  • Survey agency departmental staff to determine who will need devices at home to maintain operational functions as well as instructional services
  • Conduct a cost analysis of technology device needs
• Internet Access Assessments:
  • Survey agency departmental staff to determine the availability of viable existing at-home Internet service
  • Conduct a cost analysis of Internet access needs
• Providing Mobile Devices and Internet Access:
  • To the extent practicable, decide upon, develop procurement processes for, order, configure, and distribute, if and when available, appropriate mobile devices to those determined to be in need.
  • To the extent practicable and technically possible, decide upon, develop procurement processes for, and when available, provide appropriate Internet bandwidth to those determined to be in need. WIFI hotspots and residential commercial Internet options will be evaluated for anticipated effectiveness in particular situations.

Technology & Connectivity for Students – Mandatory Requirements

• To the extent possible, have knowledge of the level of access to devices and high-speed broadband all students and teachers have in their places of residence;
• To the extent practicable, address the need to provide devices and internet access to students and teachers who currently do not have sufficient access; and
• Provide multiple ways for students to participate in learning and demonstrate mastery of Learning Standards in remote or blended models, especially if all students do not yet have sufficient access to devices and/or high-speed Internet.

Mobile Devices Delivery

Technology offers schools and districts increased options for continuing learning during extended closures. Technology can be leveraged in different ways to meet local needs, including but not limited to:

• Communication (e-mail, phone, online conferencing, social media)
• Teacher/student and student/student interaction (office hours, check-ins, peer collaboration)
• Instruction (video/audio recordings of instruction, instructional materials, synchronous distance learning, asynchronous online courses)
• Learning Materials and Content (digital content, online learning activities)
• Additional Technology Devices Assessments:
  • Identify students’ technology needs to include adaptive technologies
  • Use the Asset Tracking Management System procedures to check out all mobile devices
  • If a shutdown happens abruptly, plan a pick-up time and location, and arrange to deliver devices to those who cannot pick them up.
• Providing Multiple Ways for Students to Learn
  • Support instructional programs as needed in preparation of non-digital, alternative ways for students to participate in learning and demonstrate mastery of Learning Standards in remote or blended models in circumstances in which students do not yet have sufficient access to devices and/or high-speed internet. For additional information, see “Instructional Packets” heading on the Remote Instruction Schedule page.

(3) Staggering Work Shifts of Essential Employees

Reducing Overcrowding

Depending on the exact nature of the communicable disease and its impact, The GJSD district is prepared to enact numerous strategies to reduce traffic congestion and maintain social distancing requirements in order to minimize building occupancy. The following will be considered:

• Limiting building occupancy to 25%, 50% or 75% of capacity or the maximum allowable by
• State or Local guidance.
• Forming employee work shift cohorts to limit potential contacts.
• Limit employee travel within the building.
• Limit restroom usage to specific work areas.
• Stagger arrival and dismissal times.
• Alternate work days or work weeks.
• Implement a four-day work week.
• Limit or eliminate visitors to the building.

The school district will utilize these base strategies and expand upon them as necessary in order to address any public health emergency.

Protection (Preparedness)

We have collaborated with our partners to assure complementary efforts. We have invited representatives from the Fulton County Department of Health, Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Mental Health and others to attend our District-wide School Safety Team meetings. This will allow us to send consistent messages to the school community on pandemic-related issues.

• The District-wide Command Center and its alternative are listed in the building level safety plan and will be activated at the direction of the School District Incident Commander. Building-level Command Posts and Incident Command Structures are defined in the Building-Level Emergency Response Plans. Our Incident Command System will complement and work in concert with the Federal, State, and Local Command Systems.
• The school district has designated a COVID-19 safety coordinator (administrator) for each of its schools, whose responsibilities include continuous compliance with all aspects of the school’s reopening plan, as well as any phased-in reopening activities necessary to allow for operational issues to be resolved before activities return to normal or “new normal” levels. The coordinators shall be the main contact upon the identification of positive COVID-19 cases and are responsible for subsequent communication. Coordinators shall be responsible for answering questions from students, faculty, staff, and parents or legal guardians of students regarding the COVID-19 public health emergency and plans implemented by the school.

District COVID-19 Safety Coordinator/Administrator: Assistant Superintendent, 518-762-4611 School

Johnstown HS COVID-19 Safety Coordinator/Administrator: JHS Principal, 518-762-4661 School

Knox MS COVID-19 Safety Coordinator/Administrator: KMS Principal, 518-762-3711 Scool

Warren Street ES COVID-19 Safety Coordinator/Administrator: WSES Principal, 518-762-3715 School

Pleasant Avenue ES COVID-19 Safety Coordinator/Administrator: PAES Principal, 518-762-8610 School

• Communication will be important throughout a pandemic outbreak. It will be necessary to communicate with parents, students, staff, and the school community. Communication methods may include: websites, school postings, general mailings, e-mails, special presentations, phones and cell phones, texting, reverse 911 systems, and the public media. A school district Public Information Officer (PIO), Trisha Miller, has been designated to coordinate this effort and act as the central point for all communication. The PIO will also retain responsibility for establishing and maintaining contact with accepted media partners. The PIO will work closely with our Technology Director to assure proper function of all communication systems. This coordination will also help assure that as many redundant communication systems as possible are available. Parent Square Notification System is utilized throughout the district for staff, families, and students. We test/exercise our communication systems continuously.
• Continuity of operations and business office function could be severely impacted by a loss of staff. As such, our plan will include procedures for maintaining essential functions and services. This will include:
  • Overall Operations – we have defined the following decision-making authority for the district Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Technology, Director of Facilities, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Director of Pupil Personnel Services. Recognizing the need for these essential individuals to have frequent communication, we have established as many redundant communication systems as possible. Our primary communication will be through email, Parent Square Notification System, our normal phone system, cell phones, followed by hand-held radios.
  • The Business Office is essential for maintaining overall function and facilities operation. Back-up personnel will be important to maintain purchasing and payroll responsibilities. We recognize the need for job cross-training. We have also established the ability to maintain essential functions off-site from remote locations.
  • Maintenance of facilities will be difficult with a reduced or absent maintenance staff. The Director of Facilities or back-up designee will keep the business office informed of such status and of the point at which buildings can no longer be maintained. Teachers may be asked to assist in this effort. If necessary, we may provide spray bottle sanitizers for each classroom teacher for doorknob and desktop disinfection only. Desktops will be misted with the provided disinfectant and left to dry. At no time will products not approved by the school district be utilized.
  • Human Resources will be essential in monitoring absenteeism and assuring appropriate delegation of authority. Changes to district policies and procedures to reflect crisis response may become necessary and will be implemented by the Office of the Assistant Superintendent. The Assistant Superintendent or School Business Manager will provide cross-training of staff to ensure essential functions. The Assistant Superintendent or School Business Manager will help develop the Plan, in conjunction with all bargaining units, for emergency use of personnel in non-traditional functions and changes in the normal work-day such as alternate or reduced work hours, working from home, etc. The Superintendent, through collaboration with the entire Cabinet of Administrators, will decide if schools need to be closed.
• Continuity of instruction will need to be considered in the event of significant absences or school closure. Restructuring of the school calendar may become necessary. We will work closely with the New York State Education Department on this potential result throughout the crisis period. Some of the alternate learning strategies we have implemented to be used in combination as necessary include:
  • Hard copy, self-directed lessons
  • Use of mobile media storage devices for lessons (CDs, Jump Drives, iPads)
  • On-line instruction; on-line resources; on-line textbooks
  • Communication modalities for assignment postings and follow-up: telephone; Postal Service; cell phone, cell phone mail, text messages: e-mail, automated notification systems, website postings

(4) Obtaining and Storing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE & Face Covering Availability

• The school district will provide employees with an acceptable face covering at no cost to the employee and have an adequate supply of coverings in case of replacement.
• Cloth face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected (many people carry COVID-19 but do not have symptoms).
• Cloth face coverings are not surgical masks, respirators, or personal protective equipment.
• Information should be provided to staff and students on proper use, removal, and washing of cloth face coverings.
• Masks are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult.
• Procurement, other than some very basic preliminary purchases will be done on a consolidated basis to ensure that the District is getting the most for its PPE dollars.
• Teach and reinforce use of face coverings among all staff.
• We have encouraged all staff to utilize their own personal face coverings but have secured and will provide PPE for any employee requesting such protection. Specialized PPE (N95s, face shields, gowns, gloves, etc.) may be required for specific work tasks and will be provided as deemed necessary. Those individuals who are required to wear N-95 respirators will be fit-tested and medically screened prior to use to assure they are physically able to do so. We will work in partnership with the GJSD Medical Center or Fulton County DOH to provide this capability. Parents will also be encouraged to provide face coverings for students; however, face coverings will be provided for any student who cannot provide their own.

PPE Supply Management

The Facilities Department is working with programs to determine the overall PPE needs of the District. Centralized purchasing will be used when possible.

Disposable Face Covering Supplies

Students

Quantity per 100 per group: 100 masks per week

12 week supply (100% attendance): 1200

12 week supply (50% attendance): 600

12 week supply (25% attendance): 300

Assumptions: 1 disposable mask per week per student (supplements parent provided)

Teachers/Staff

Quantity per 100 per group: 500

12 week supply (100% attendance): 6000

12 week supply (50% attendance): 3000

12 week supply (25% attendance): 1500

Assumptions: 5 disposable masks per week per teacher

Nurse/Health Staff

Quantity per 100 per group: 1000

12 week supply (100% attendance): 12,000

12 week supply (50% attendance): 6000

12 week supply (25% attendance): 3000

Assumptions: 10 disposable masks per week per school nurse

PPE for High Intensity Contact with Students

Disposable Nitrile Gloves

1 week supply for 1 staff: 10

12 week supply: 120

Assumptions: 10 per week per staff

Disposable Gowns

1 week supply for 1 staff: 10

12 week supply: 120

Assumptions: 10 per week per staff

Eye Protection

1 week supply for 1 staff: 2

12 week supply: n/a

Assumptions: 2 re-usable per staff

Face Shields

1 week supply for 1 staff: 2

12 week supply: n/a

Assumptions: 2 re-usable per staff

Waste Disposal Medium

1 week supply for 1 staff: 1

12 week supply: n/a

Assumptions: 1 unit per staff total

N-95 Respirators*

1 week supply for 1 staff: 10

12 week supply: 120

Assumptions: 10 per week per staff

*Note: N-95 respirators are recommended only if staff will be in contact with a suspected COVID-19 positive case and/or aerosol-generating procedure. Those employees required to wear N-95 respirators will need to be fit tested and medically evaluated in order to determine if the
employees are capable of wearing an N-95 respirator without impacting health.

Response

The District-Wide School Safety Team will meet to determine the need for activation of a pandemic response based on internal monitoring and correspondence with the Fulton County Department of Health and other experts. Each Building-Level Emergency Response Team will be informed that the Plan has been activated.

• The entire Incident Command Structure at both the District and Building level will be informed that the response effort has been enacted. These individuals will meet to discuss the Plan’s activation and review responsibilities and communication procedures.
• The PIO will work closely with the Technology Director to re-test all communication systems to assure proper function. The District-wide School Safety Team and Building-Level Emergency Response Teams will assist in this effort.
• Based on the latest information from collaboration with our partners, and to send a message consistent with public health authorities, the PIO will utilize the communication methods previously described to alert the school community of the activation of our District-Wide School Safety Plan as it specifically applies to pandemics.
• The Business Official will meet with staff to review essential functions and responsibilities of back-up personnel. Ability to utilize off-site systems will be tested. The Business Official will monitor utilization of supplies, equipment, contracts, and provided services and adjust as necessary.
• The Facility Director will meet with staff and monitor ability to maintain essential function. The Facility Director will review essential building function procedures with the Principal and command chain. Sanitizing procedures will be reviewed with teachers. The Facility Director will work closely with the Business Official or designee to implement different phases of the Plan as necessary.
• The Assistant Superintendent will meet with staff to review essential functions and responsibilities of back-up personnel. The Assistant Superintendent and/or School Business Manager will monitor absenteeism to assure maintenance of the Command Structure and possible need to amend existing procedures.
• Based on recommendations from Local and State Authorities, schools may be closed. Our Plan for continuity of instruction will be implemented as previously described.
• If the decision is made to close a school building in consultation with NYS department of public health, the school district will notify the NYS Education Department and District Superintendent at HFM BOCES.

(5) Preventing Spread, Contact Tracing and Disinfection

Confirmed COVID-19 Case Requirements & Protocols

Instructional programs must be prepared for COVID-19 outbreaks in their local communities and for individual exposure events that occur in their facilities, regardless of the level of community transmission. CDC has provided the following decision tree to help schools determine which set of mitigation strategies may be most appropriate for their current situation:

CDC and NYSDOH Recommendations

• Closing off areas used by a sick person and not using these areas until after cleaning and disinfection has occurred;
• Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area.
• Waiting at least 24 hours before cleaning and disinfection. If waiting 24 hours is not feasible, wait as long as possible;
• Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, lockers, and common areas.
• Once the area has been appropriately cleaned and disinfected it can be reopened for use.
• Individuals without close or proximate contact with the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 can return to the area and resume school activities immediately after cleaning and disinfection.
• Refer to DOH’s Guidance for Schools for further guidance on exposure and determining contacts.
• If more than seven days have passed since the person who is suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 visited or used the facility, additional cleaning or disinfection is not necessary, but routine cleaning and disinfection should continue.

Return to School After Illness

Schools must follow CDC guidance for allowing a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If a person is not diagnosed by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) with COVID-19, they can return to school:

• Once there is no fever without the use of fever reducing medicines, and they have felt well for 24 hours;
• If they have been diagnosed with another condition and have a healthcare provider written note stating that they are clear to return to school.

If a person is diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider based on a test or their symptoms or does not get a COVID-19 test but has had symptoms, they should not be at school and should stay at home until:

• It has been at least 24 hours since the individual has had a fever (without using fever reducing medicine); and
• The individual’s symptoms are improving, including cough and shortness of breath.

The CDC provides specific guidance for individuals who are on home isolation regarding when the isolation may end. Discontinuation of Isolation for Persons with COVID-19 Not in Healthcare Settings➚. The latest guidance can be found here.

Staff Absenteeism

• Instructional staff will call into the Absence Management System (AESOP-Frontline, formerly known as AESOP) when they are absent due to illness. Substitutes will be provided as necessary and as requested.
• The instructional departments will develop a plan to monitor absenteeism of staff, cross-train staff, and create a roster of trained back-up staff.
• The instructional departments will monitor absenteeism of students and staff, cross train staff, and create a roster of trained back-up staff.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• The Human Resources Department will continue to disseminate information to employees about EAP resources. EAP is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. EAPs address a broad and complex body of issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders.

Medical Accommodations

• The Assistant Superintendent and School Nurses will continue to handle medical and COVID-19 accommodations.

New York State Contact Tracing Program

If a student or staff member tests positive for Coronavirus, the New York State Contact Tracing Program will be implemented. As such, it is important for everyone to understand how contact tracing works. The school district will assist with contact tracing by keeping accurate attendance records of students, staff, and visitors. The information below is provided by the New York State Contact Tracing Program:

New York State has partnered with Bloomberg Philanthropies, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Vital Strategies to create the NYS Contact Tracing Program, a nation-leading initiative to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and make it safer to begin to return to normal again.

Contact Tracers work with people who have tested positive for COVID-19 to identify people they have had contact with and let them know they may have been exposed to the disease.

If you get a call from “NYS Contact Tracing” (518-387-9993), PLEASE answer the phone. Answering the phone will keep your loved ones and community safe.

A contact tracer will:

• NEVER ask for your Social Security number
• NEVER ask for any private financial information
• NEVER ask for credit card information
• NEVER send you a link without proper authentication procedures

If you test positive, a COVID Contact Tracer will connect you with the support and resources you may need through quarantine, such as help getting groceries or household supplies, child-care, medical care or supplies. The Tracer will work with you to identify and reach out via phone and text to anyone you’ve been in contact with while you were infectious to trace and contain the spread of the virus.

People who have come in close contact with someone who is positive are asked to stay home and limit their contact with others. By staying home during this time, IF you become sick yourself, you have not infected many others along the way. This is how we stop the spread!

Testing, medical and quarantine support for yourself and your loved ones will be arranged. We will not release your name to anyone. Your information is strictly confidential and will be treated as a private medical record. This nation-leading program will place emphasis on areas with the highest rates of infection and on regions ready to open. The program will operate through the next flu season. It will be implemented in coordination with New Jersey and Connecticut.

Your caller ID will say “NYS Contact Tracing” (518-387-9993).

Please answer the phone so we can keep NY moving forward and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Facilities: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. Visibly soiled surfaces and objects must be cleaned first. If surfaces or objects are soiled with body fluids or blood, use gloves and other standard precautions to avoid coming into contact with the fluid. Remove the spill, and then clean and disinfect the surface.
Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

Routine cleaning of school settings includes:

• Cleaning high contact surfaces that are touched by many different people, such as light switches, handrails and doorknobs/handles
• Dust- and wet-mopping or auto-scrubbing floors
• Vacuuming of entryways and high traffic areas
• Removing trash
• Cleaning restrooms
• Wiping heat and air conditioner vents
• Spot cleaning walls
• Spot cleaning carpets
• Dusting horizontal surfaces and light fixtures
• Cleaning spills

Classroom/Therapy Rooms

District will provide related service providers with additional cleaning supplies to ensure continuous disinfecting of classrooms and therapy rooms that service students with complex disabilities where multiple tools are used for communication, mobility, and instruction.

Common Areas

Smaller common areas, like kitchenettes and copy room areas, should have staggered use. If users cannot maintain six feet of distance, they shall wear a mask. Signage has been posted in common areas to remind staff of health and safety etiquette.

Disinfecting

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

• Cleaning and disinfection requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health will be adhered to.
• Custodial logs will be maintained that include the date, time and scope of cleaning and disinfection. Cleaning and disinfection frequency will be identified for each facility type and responsibilities will be assigned.
• Hand hygiene stations will be provided and maintained, including handwashing with soap, running warm water, and disposable paper towels, as well as an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60% or more alcohol for areas where handwashing is not feasible.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of facilities and more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high-risk areas used by many individuals and for frequently touched surfaces, including desks and cafeteria tables will be conducted.
• Regular cleaning and disinfection of restrooms will be performed.
• Cleaning and disinfection of exposed areas will be performed in the event an individual is confirmed to have COVID-19, with such cleaning and disinfection to include, at a minimum, all heavy transit areas and high-touch surfaces.
• Although cleaning and disinfection is primarily a custodial responsibility, appropriate cleaning and disinfection supplies will be provided to faculty and staff as approved by Central Administration.
• Additional paper towel dispensers may be installed in other designated spaces.

Upon request, Facilities Services will provide CDC approved disinfecting solutions for additional on the spot disinfecting. This should be done daily or between use as much as possible. Examples of frequently touched areas in schools may include:

• Bus seats and handrails.
• Buttons on vending machines and elevators.
• Changing tables.
• Classroom desks and chairs.
• Door handles and push plates.
• Handles on equipment (e.g., athletic equipment).
• Handrails, ballet barres.
• Dance studio floors.
• Kitchen and bathroom faucets.
• Light switches.
• Lunchroom tables and chairs.
• Positive Academic Support Solution (PASS) Rooms.
• Related Services Spaces.
• Shared computer or piano keyboards and mice.
• Shared desktops.
• Shared telephones.

Hand Sanitizing

• Hand sanitizer dispensers will be located and installed in approved locations.
• Hand sanitizer bottles will be distributed to staff as approved by Central Administration.
• Nassau BOCES ensures that all existing and new alcohol-based hand-rub dispensers, installed in any location, are in accordance with the Fire Code of New York State (FCNYS) 2020 Section 5705.5.

Trash Removal

• Trash will be removed daily.
• Garbage cans or process for collecting trash during lunch periods in classrooms will be increased where necessary.
• No-touch trash receptacles will be utilized, where possible.

(6) Documenting Precise Hours/Work Locations of Essential Workers

It is recognized that as the work environment changes to adapt to the emergency situation and typical work schedules are modified, it can become more difficult to track employees especially if they conduct work off site or in numerous locations. The ability to identify these individuals will be extremely important if contact tracing is necessary during a communicable disease crisis. Our plan to track such individuals can be found in Appendix C, Essential Employee Worksheets.

(7) Emergency Housing for Essential Employees

Emergency housing for essential workers is not considered to be generally required for school employees as opposed to healthcare workers and other critical care employees. If deemed necessary, school districts will work closely with the Office of Emergency Management to determine housing options.

Recovery

• Re-establishing the normal school curriculum is essential to the recovery process and should occur as soon as possible. We will work toward a smooth transition from the existing learning methods to our normal process. We will use all described communication methods and our PIO to keep the school community aware of the transition process.
• We will work closely with the New York State Education Department to revise or amend the school calendar as deemed appropriate.
• We will evaluate all building operations for normal function and re-implement appropriate maintenance and cleaning procedures.
• Each Building-Level Post-incident Response Team will assess the emotional impact of the crisis on students and staff and make recommendations for appropriate intervention.
• The District-Wide School Safety Team and Building-Level Emergency Response Teams will meet to de-brief and determine lessons learned. Information from the PIO, Business Office, Human Resources, Facility Director, and Curriculum Supervisor will be vital to this effort. The District-Wide School Safety Plan and Building-Level Emergency Response Plans will be revised to reflect this.
• Curriculum activities that may address the crisis will be developed and implemented.

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Appendices

Appendix

• School District (K-12) Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (via CDC)

Appendix 1: Listing of all school buildings covered by the district-wide safety plan

• Warren St. Elementary School
• Pleasant Ave. Elementary School
• Glebe St. School
• Knox Middle School
• Johnstown High School

Appendix 2: Policies and Procedures for working with the Media

Information

• Media interaction may be handled by: Superintendent or Designee
• A law enforcement / emergency response agency PIO; or
• Jointly, by both PIO’s listed above

Public Information Officer Information

• Incident Commander and PIO functions may be handled by two different persons.
• The School District PIO may work under, over or in cooperation with law enforcement and emergency response agency PIO’s.
• The PIO should set forth clear media guidelines and communicate these guidelines to the media in writing
• The PIO should use a press release template for both a news conference script and/or a written press release.
• The PIO should receive information and forms from the Incident Commander and other key function personnel on a regular basis throughout the emergency event

Student/Parent/Guardian Information

• Students, Parents and Guardians should be mindful of the situation during an emergency event when approached by the media for an interview. Safety and security issues may be comprised
• Students should not communicate with the media via cell phone or other type of communication when on campus during the following events:
  • Lockdown
  • Shelter in Place
  • Evacuation
  • Bomb/Biological Events
  • Acts of Violence

Appendix 3: Forms

Parent Notification Letter

Dear Parents:

Should an emergency or disaster situation ever arise in our area while school is in session, we want you to be aware that the schools have made preparations to respond effectively to such situations. Should we have a major disaster during school hours, your student(s) will be cared for at this school. Our School District has a detailed disaster plan, which has been formulated to respond to a major catastrophe.

Your cooperation is necessary in any emergency.

1. DO NOT TELEPHONE THE SCHOOL. Telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication.
2. In the event of a serious emergency, students may be kept at school until they are picked up by an identified, responsible adult who has been identified as such on a School District emergency card that is required to be filled out by parents at the beginning of every school year. Please be sure you consider the following criteria when you authorize another person to pick up your child at school:
   • they are 18 years of age
   • they are usually home during the day
   • they could walk to school, if necessary
   • they are known to your child
   • they are both aware and able to assume this responsibility
3. Turn to your local radio station / television stations for emergency announcements. If students are to be kept at school, radio / television stations will be notified. List of stations provided on school website and school calendar.
4. Impress upon your children the need for them to follow the directions of any school personnel in times of an emergency.

Students will be released only to parents and persons identified on the School District Emergency Card, you may be asked to provide proof of identification upon arrival in order for the school to release the student(s). During an extreme emergency, students will be released at designated reunion location(s). Parents should become familiar with the School Emergency Disaster Plan and be patient and understanding with the student release process. Please instruct your student(s) to remain at school until you or a designee arrives.

Please discuss these matters with your immediate family. Planning ahead will help alleviate concern during emergencies.

Appendix 4: New York Brochure: “Protect Your Child From Violence

Copies of the Lieutenant Governor’s Brochure “Protect Your Child From Violence, A Resource For Parents” will be distributed to staff, students and parent as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.

Appendix 5: Bomb Threat Incident Form and Checklist

SED Bomb Threat/Serious Incident Report Form

Appendix 6: Emergency Remote Instruction Plan

Experiences during COVID-related school closures emphasized the importance of planning for emergency conditions that might require district- or school-wide remote learning. A recent amendment to Commissioner’s Regulation §155.17 requires districts add emergency remote instruction provisions to their annual District-wide School Safety Plan (DWSSP).

Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, all public school districts and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) must develop a plan that addresses six different regulatory components related to how they will provide remote instruction under emergency conditions.

These Emergency Remote Instruction Plans (ERI Plans) will serve to insure that there is a common understanding about remote instruction amongst district or BOCES staff, teachers, families, and students.

ERI Plans must include the methods by which districts and BOCES will ensure the availability of devices and internet access, provision of special education and related services for students with disabilities, and the expectations for time spent in different remote modalities, should an emergency require the district or BOCES to transition to remote instruction.

ERI Plans must be informed by the district’s Student Digital Resources data collection, which is to be completed annually in the Student Information Repository System (SIRS). For more information in the Students Digital Resources data collection, please reference the related memos from June 2021, September 2021, and January 2022 or see the SIRS manual on the NYSED website.

Emergency Remote Instruction Plan The following items are the components required by regulation.

1. Required Component: Policies and procedures to ensure computing devices will be made available to students or other means by which students will participate in synchronous instruction. §155.17(c)(1)(xxi)(a)

Suggested Considerations:

How will the district ensure that all students have access to a computing device? How will the district disseminate computing devices to students?

How will the district communicate with families about the dissemination of computing devices?

How will devices be serviced and/or replaced?

If not using computing devices, how will students participate in synchronous instruction?

Is your plan consistent with the information provided by families in the Student Digital Resources data collection?

Our long-range technology plan ensures that all students in Grades 5-12 are equipped with a Chromebook as a one-to-one device that are brought home on a daily basis for the school year. All students in Grades PK-4 are assigned a Chromebook for the school year; however, these devices remain in classrooms for classroom use. Students will be able to take the devices home in the event of a closure requiring remote learning.

Based on the Digital Equity Survey, families in need of internet access are provided with a wireless hotspot to use for purposes of synchronous learning. The District also assists families with accessing affordable internet connectivity programs in our region.

In the event a need to distribute computing devices to students exists, the District will create pick-up points for any student in need of a computing device for remote instruction. The District will use our communication pathways (i.e. ParentSquare, social media, website) to disseminate instructions to families.

The GJSD Technology Department is charged with ensuring support to our families on the use of devices, connectivity, and servicing/replacement of devices. Specific locations at school buildings with office hours will be designated should a device issue arise that must be addressed in person (the District will adhere to all Public Health protocols).

2. Required Component: Policies and procedures to ensure students receiving remote instruction under emergency conditions will access internet connectivity. §155.17(c)(1)(xxi)(a)Based on the Digital Equity Survey, families in need of internet access are provided with a wireless hotspot to use for purposes of synchronous learning. The District also assists families with accessing affordable internet connectivity programs in our region.

Suggested Considerations:

How will the district determine the need for access to internet in students’ places of residence?

How will the district ensure that all students have access to internet?

How will the district work with community organizations and local public spaces to ensure students have access to Wi-Fi access points?

Is your plan consistent with the information provided by families in the Student Digital Resources data collection?

Based on the Digital Equity Survey, families in need of internet access are provided with a wireless hotspot to use for purposes of synchronous learning. The District also assists families with accessing affordable internet connectivity programs in our region.

Further, the District will use our communication pathways (i.e. ParentSquare, social media, website) to solicit the needs of our families as they relate to connectivity.

The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) team will coordinate with Social Services and other community organizations to ensure that our families have the resources they need for remote learning.

3. Required Component: Expectations for school staff as to the proportion of time spent in synchronous and asynchronous instruction of students on days of remote instruction under emergency conditions with an expectation that asynchronous instruction is supplementary to synchronous instruction. §155.17(c)(1)(xxi)(b)

Suggested Considerations:

How will the district ensure that school staff has the necessary tools, including device and Wi-Fi, to deliver emergency remote instruction from their places of residence?

What portion of the school day will be spent on synchronous instruction?

What portion of the school day will be spent on asynchronous instruction?

How will instruction be personalized to support students individualized needs, including supporting ELL/ML students?

What training is provided to teachers in order to help adapt their instruction to the district expectations?

The District will follow the guidance as set for the by the New York State Education Department should remote instruction become necessary. Further, the District will ensure that the total number of instructional hours are met for elementary and secondary schools, and in collaboration with our teachers’ collective bargaining union.

 All instructional staff are provided with a laptop and Chromebook that can be used at home and/or school. Other devices are provided as necessary (i.e. document cameras and monitors). In the event of remote instruction, staff will be instructed to take their devices home, and to inform the Technology Department if other devices and/or internet connectivity is required at home in order to deliver synchronous learning.

The following lists the minimum expectations for synchronous learning:

Students in Grades PK-4: A minimum of two hours per day will be spent on synchronous instruction. The District will follow the homebound instruction requirements set forth by NYSED and ensure a minimum of 10 hours per week are synchronous learning.

Students in Grades 5-12: Students will follow a schedule that mimics their current period based schedules using the buildings 2-hour delay schedule. The District will follow the homebound instruction requirements set forth by NYSED and ensure a minimum of 15 hours per week are synchronous learning.

The following lists the minimum expectations for asynchronous learning:

Students in Grades PK-4:

• 90 minutes of asynchronous instruction per week to be completed on our math learning platform iReady.
• 20 minutes per day of literacy activities to be completed asynchronously (via Google Classroom or learning packets).
• Additional 30 minutes per week for both Science and Social Studies (via Google Classroom or learning packets).
• Teachers will provide optional office hours for 1 hour per day for any student who may require support with their asynchronous instruction.

Students in Grades 5-12:

• Students will be assigned 20-30 minutes of asynchronous learning by course using Google classroom.\

Instruction will be personalized to support students’ individualized needs, including, supporting ELL/MLL students by:

• ELL/ML Students will have the same services listed above; and in addition, our ENL provider will provide the same level of services needed through:
  • Individual Google Meets
  • Small Group Google Meets
  • Phone calls
  • Home visits (if allowable by Public Health)

Teachers are provided with ongoing training on our student learning management system through our embedded technology integration coaches. Further, staff are able to participate in continuous technology training offered by our technology department, local BOCES, Teachers Centers, etc.

Staff are surveyed at the beginning of each year to determine areas of needed professional learning to ensure they are comfortable with using technology devices and applications for instruction.

4. Required Component: A description of how instruction will occur for those students for whom remote instruction by digital technology is not available or appropriate. §155.17(c)(1)(xxi)(c)

Suggested Considerations:

How will the district determine which students for whom remote instruction via digital technology is not appropriate?

How will the district provide synchronous instruction for those students for whom remote instruction by digital technology is not appropriate?

How will the district provide synchronous instruction for those students who do not have adequate internet access?

The District will work with building principals, Pupil Personnel Services and School Based Intervention Teams to determine which students for whom remote instruction by digital technology is not available or appropriate.

Following then current Public Health guidelines, the District will provide opportunities for in-person instruction (i.e. bring small classes into the building and offer synchronous instruction).

Moreover, the District will prioritize providing instruction in other ways to those students who are in self-contained classrooms or require additional services that would be limited by service through digital means.

Based on the Digital Equity Survey, families in need of internet access are provided with a wireless hotspot to use for purposes of synchronous learning. The District also assists families with accessing affordable internet connectivity programs in our region.

Further, the District will use our communication pathways (i.e. ParentSquare, social media, website) to solicit the needs of our families as they relate to connectivity.

5. Required Component: A description of how special education and related services will be provided to students with disabilities and preschool students with disabilities, as applicable, in accordance with their individualized education programs to ensure the continued provision of a free appropriate public education. §155.17(c)(1)(xxi)(d)

Suggested Considerations:

How will the district ensure that special education and related services will be provided remotely?

How has the district coordinated with special education teachers, support staff, and service providers in the district to ensure that each student with an IEP is receiving the same quality of services that would occur in an in-person environment?

Students with Disabilities in Grades PK-12, will be provided with the same synchronous and asynchronous learning as regular education students as outlined in Number 3 above. Additionally, special education students in PK-12 will be provided with:

• Office hours offered with general education, special education teachers and related service providers.
• Special education providers will provide Resource Room and AIS as appropriate, and as indicated on Individualized Education Plans.
• Related Service Providers will offer remote therapy sessions.
• Packets will be provided for students to work on if unable to complete assignments remotely using technology.
• Providers will offer support to families to assist their children- phone calls, consults, virtual meetings, etc.

The Director of Pupil Personnel Services will meet virtually weekly with all Special Education teachers, service providers, and support staff to review progress of each student with an Individualized Education Plan to ensure consistency and quality of the services provided.

6. Required Component: For school districts that receive foundation aid, the estimated number of instructional hours the school district intends to claim for State aid purposes for each day spent in remote instruction due to emergency conditions pursuant to section 175.5 of this Chapter. §155.17(c)(1)(xxi)(e)

Suggested Considerations:

This provision allows for districts to determine the number of hours per day that the district plans to provide instruction during emergency remote learning.

How many hours of instruction will the district plan to claim for each day of an emergency closure?

The District will follow the guidance as set for the by the New York State Education Department should remote instruction become necessary. Further, the District will ensure that the total number of instructional hours per school year are met for elementary and secondary schools, and in collaboration with our teachers’ collective bargaining union. This may include adjustments to the school calendar in terms of length of the school year and number of in-person instructional days, once remote instruction requirements end.

 Please see Number 3 above for specifics on the number of hours per day the District will provide synchronous and asynchronous learning to students.

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