To Do:
Meal Plans by Tuesday: please add your MEAL plan (lunch and breakfast) to this link!
Next, please share your school meal plans on your website the first week of school. Please call the document “Meal Plans” and post it to your School Information page. Deby Bryon can assist if folks run into challenges.
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Please be sure you are following this law about the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week:
ORS 339.875 Procurement, display, and salute of flags.
(1) Each district school board shall:
(b) Provide students with the opportunity to salute the United States flag at least once each week of the school year by reciting: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
(2) Students who do not participate in the salute provided for by this section must maintain a respectful silence during the salute. [Formerly 332.100 and then 336.045 and then 336.630; 1999 c.137 §1]
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iPad Insurance and AUP – Here is the English version of the iPad insurance form and the AUP. We submitted both for translation but as of today, we haven’t received them back. As soon as those come in we will send them out in a separate email. Please remember, purchasing iPad insurance is not mandatory for a child to receive an iPad. However, if a family doesn’t want to pay the high cost of iPad repair due to damage or loss, purchasing the Bend-La Pine Schools’ iPad insurance will be in their best interest. The AUP should be distributed to 3rd grade, 6th grade, and 9th-grade students as well as new students to your school. Cross your fingers that we have a digital solution for the AUP next year. This is a priority for the department.
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Standard Response Protocols (SRP) SRP training for the SY 21-22 has been updated to include the HOLD and SECURE protocols. The Secure protocol replaced the term Lockout from the previous SRP protocols. The protocols to conduct a Secure have not changed from the Lockout protocols, only the terminology as Lockout and Lockdown were often confused as protocols. The current posters that you should use to replace the outdated ones in your school are here.
In lieu of Scott Bojanowski, Julianne Repman, and the SRO coming out to schools and going over the protocols during a one-hour in person training this school year, we ask that you have your staff watch the SRP 2021 What’s New video (6 minutes in length) that discusses the SRP protocols.
Please have staff complete watching the video by October 31, 2021 and type in your school name and the date you watched it here when you are done. If after you watch the video and want Scott, Julianne, and the SRO to come visit and answer any questions, they would be happy to come for a visit–just reach out.
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BRYT Admin Lead As part of our BRYT program launch, we would like to have one administrator identified at each site that we can collaborate/support and train in terms of supporting the Student Success/BRYT implementation. Please verify that the person listed here, is correct.
Information:
Media on your Campus: As the start of school approaches, we are seeing an uptick in media attention. Quick reminders about media. Media can film your school from the public sidewalk or street. They should not come onto campus (in your parking lot, etc.) without permission. All media requests usually come through Alandra and Julianne. If we expect media to come to a school, we will let you know. Please reach out if you get a media inquiry or have media members show up unexpectedly, we are happy to help. Alandra’s cell: 541-255-9112
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Attendance update from Rachel Mavis: Your Attendance Secretaries were trained on this information this week and HERE are the instructions Rachel shared with them:
10-day Drops are back and so are quarantines
When a student is quarantined, the office will place a C19 on the school days that fall during a quarantine. The C19 code is an excused absence. If the quarantine extends past 10 days, the student will need to be inactivated.
IF the student attends class virtually, the attendance office may enter PVQ. Present Virtual Quarantine (PVQ) is a School Activity code that does not generate an all-day value. This code may be used before 10 consecutive absent days.
Teachers will not have access to C19 or PVQ. Only the office staff will have the ability to enter these codes.
A suggestion from Rachel: If a student would like to attend class(es) virtually, a counselor or teacher may call the student and parent to arrange a plan for the student to attend virtually. The student and parent need to know the expectations regarding virtual attendance. Then the counselor or teacher may work with the office staff on the dates for the PVQ code.
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NOTE to parents about transportation: FYI: This message will be going out to parents from Central Office once translation has been completed:
Bend-La Pine Schools, like many other service providers in our community, is facing monumental labor shortages in some critical operational areas.
One such area is student transportation. We are currently down more than 25 bus drivers from the start of the 2020-21 school year, despite significant investments into recruitment efforts: actively marketing driver positions for many months, increasing pay and providing more robust training and support to those who are interested in this fulfilling work. We have consolidated routes and rerouted students as much as possible. Currently, just to have enough qualified drivers to run our current routes, qualified office staff, trainers and repair technicians are driving routes to start the school year, in addition to their normal job responsibilities.
Yet still, we find ourselves in the difficult position of not having enough drivers for bus routes this fall. Even in the past two weeks we have experienced driver resignations and retirements. That is why we are reaching out today to families on select routes to ask for your help.
As an alternative to providing a school bus to transport your child(ren), we are offering to reimburse families registered on selected routes for transporting their own child(ren) to school to start the year. We will reimburse $2.00 per mile, to and from school, to families that are able to assist in this way. This would allow us to temporarily consolidate a few more routes until additional drivers complete the required training and are available to drive our routes. We are asking for your help through October.
Please complete this form and let us know whether you are able to help:
TEMPORARY PARENT TRANSPORT FORM
If you can help, thank you! We will follow up with more details about the reimbursement.
We are also investigating other transportation options, such as using Suburbans, vans or other fleet vehicles, driven by a district staff member with a Type 10 license. This option will be extremely limited, based on driver availability, and made available to those for whom this change creates extreme hardship.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we continue to navigate these difficult times. We hope that you will help us to get all students to school this year, where we will continue to ensure every student has the teaching and learning environment they need to be successful.
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COVID Updates:
Field Trips: Currently, we are not allowing field trips with buses. Walking field trips are allowed as long as masks are worn at all times and socially distancing is maintained. We will revisit this on October 1.
Volunteers and Visitors:
As you know, the district is restricting volunteers in our schools during the school day while Covid-19 transmission rates remain high. However, there are a few organizations whose services have been deemed “essential.” These are listed below:
OSU-Cascades interns and supervisors
George Fox interns and supervisors
Friends of the Children mentors and supervisors
Camp Tamarack/ODS staff
Human Resources will work with these organizations to assure all volunteers meet our vaccination mandate on or before October 18, 2021. We will notify schools if any staff from these groups does NOT comply.
Booster club members/concession stand workers are allowed into the building AFTER school hours. We will provide more guidance as we get closer to October.
Staff from Bend Police, Deschutes County, etc. are not considered volunteers: they are contracting partners and should be allowed in schools whenever necessary.
Once HR has a process in place to verify vaccinations, we will consider allowing other groups into our buildings. We are legally required to verify vaccinations prior to letting anyone in the building by October 18.
Concerts and Drama Performances: Schools are highly encouraged to schedule concerts and performances outside whenever possible. Masks are required. When scheduled inside, masks are required, and socially distancing should be maintained to the greatest extent possible. At this time, there are no capacity requirements.
Locker Rooms: Students can access locker rooms. They must be masked at all times and should not be in the locker rooms for more than 15 minutes.
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COVID FAQ from Alandra – Here is a link that has been created for Admins to use to get information that has been vetted for accuracy and translated into Spanish.
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Notes from Scott McDonald, Director of Technology:
Hotspots
We will again be prepared to support families who do not have internet by providing mobile hotspots. Our team in IT has made some significant improvements that should be known before we start connecting families with hotspots. Some of the improvements include:
- School district Hotspots will only work with student-issued school iPads. This is because they have their own unique network that is only visible to Bend-La Pine student devices.
- Internet content is now filtered in a way that is near identical to our school network. (no more Netflix)
- The set-up process has been simplified and should require little or no support from staff.
Distribution: At this time, we plan to support only those families without internet access who are either involved in Targeted Remote Learning programs or referred by a FAN advocate or building principal. The check-out process is more formal than last year but is also straightforward.
- Students or family members obtain a Loan Agreement Form from a school FAN advocate or principal.
- The completed form is used to redeem the hotspot from the school media center or the education center.
We will have active hotspots available beginning September 21st. As we get close to that date, I will send both our Loan Agreement Form and set up instructions to principals and our FAN team.
Last year’s hotspots 🙁We are still looking for over 500 hotspots that were not turned into schools last spring (500 is not a typo). These hotspots are not active and not of any use to students. Please continue to message that we need to collect hotspots so that they can be reactivated and put to use by our families who need them.
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Last week’s Innovative Teaching Conference was a huge success. Thanks to all of the teachers and administrators who came to engage in lifelong learning. Here is the Google Folder that participants can access information from the presenters.
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Yes, we are moving back to an A-F scale. Here is the AR! The note about grading is at the very end of the reg.
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We are charging for ASB this year. The cost is $25 with scholarships available for F and R students. It is important that all schools charge the same amount.
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Health Information from Tami Pike:
COVID testing requirements:
BLS will offer COVID-19 tests to students and staff who become symptomatic during the school day.
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le3560.pdf
| OHA 3560 COVID-19 Testing in Oregon’s K-12 SchoolsFor some students, COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools may represent their only access to a COVID-19 test and the importance of this access cannot be overstated.sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us |
School Administrator Responsibilities
- Oversees implementation
- Fills out and submit COVID-19 Testing K-12 Registration Form *Highly encouraged to do this asap. See link above “OHA 3560 COVID-19 Testing in Oregon’s K-12 Schools”.
- Identify at least one, preferably two, Testing Coordinators (other than school nurses for they have multiple school sites to support)
- Meet with your site’s Testing Coordinator(s) and Testing Facilitator(s) to finalize responsibilities
- Meet with the team periodically to review procedures and clarify expectation
| Testing Coordinator Responsibilities (School Reporter) Read OHA 3560 COVID-19 Testing in Oregon’s K-12 Schools.View The Abbott BinaxNOW training modules https://www.globalpointofcare.abbott/en/support/product-installation-training/navica-brand/navica-binaxnow-ag-training.html BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card and NAVICA App Set-Up and Training | Abbott Point of Care TestingBINAXNOW™ COVID-19 AG CARD AND NAVICA™ TRAINING MATERIALS OVERVIEW. Watch the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card demonstration and NAVICA™ consumer videos prior to the more detailed training to see a brief demonstration of the testing process from start to finish.www.globalpointofcare.abbott Module 1: Getting Started (~ 2 min)Module 2: Quality Control (~ 4 min)Module 3: Specimen Collection and Handling (~ 2 min)Module 4: Patient (Individual) Test (~ 3 min)Make copies of consent formOrganizes consent forms in a binderMake copies of the following documents:Understanding your positive COVID-19 resultUnderstanding your negative COVID-19 resultOther documents regarding when to return to schools?Ensure PPE inventory is sufficientRead FAQs & follow flow chart steps belowDaily reporting of all positive and negative results to OHAKeep a hard copy tracking of your tests with this Testing Log | Testing Facilitator (Test Administrator) Read OHA 3560 COVID-19 Testing in Oregon’s K-12 Schools BookletView The Abbott BinaxNOW training modules here. Module 1: Getting Started (~ 2 min)Module 2: Quality Control (~ 4 min)Module 3: Specimen Collection and Handling (~ 2 min)Module 4: Patient (Individual) Test (~ 3 min)Review PPT slideshowRead FAQsRefer to flow chart steps below*** New Disposal Information 3/11/21*******OHA has clarified that USED test kits, swabs, and reagent are not considered biohazard; may be disposed of in regular trash. See DEQ factsheet for information on disposal of medical waste exposed to COVID-19: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/FilterDocs/COVID19MedicalWasteFS.pdfOHA has clarified that UNUSED kits and reagent should NOT be disposed of in regular trash. They should be returned to OHA at the conclusion of the testing program |
COVID-19 Testing Reminders
- Only designated staff who have completed the OHA BinaxNOW training are authorized to administer the test.
- Results of EACH test must be promptly logged in the Abbott BinaxNOW Testing Log. Testing logs must be kept in a secure location and may be audited by OHA.
- OHA requires all COVID-19 test results, both positive and negative, to be reported daily.
- All positive cases should be reported immediately to the local public health authority
- All students must have written consent (see Appendix C) on file prior to COVID-19 testing.
**SCHOOLS SHOULD ORDER TESTING KITS NOW See Question #9 in the “COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing In” link below for ordering information. Athletics should order their own test kits. https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2390z.pdf
| COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing inOHA 2390Z (8/24/2021) 1 of 7 PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing in Oregon’s Schools FAQs (Updated 8/24/2021) Q1: What is the purpose of the COVID-19 diagnostic testing program insharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us |
Question #22 We are not having students or staff return to campus on after day 5 or 6 for testing post-exposure. Individuals identified as close contacts to a COVID-19 positive case must have a negative NAAT or PCR test to return to school. Results must be interpreted by the school nurse for clearance to return to school/work.
Question #23 – Information for athletic programs
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Contact tracing and Seating Charts are REQUIRED– Please let your teachers know that if there is a positive case in their class, middle and high schools will be receiving an email from a contact tracer or nurse requesting information about whether masks were worn consistently during the class and they will be requesting a seating chart to identify any close contacts. The expectation is that teachers will respond to emails asap (we understand that they are teaching classes) – ideally before 5pm on the same day. If we do not receive a reply by 10am the next day, we will assume that students consistently wore masks and were at least 3 feet apart. We do not have the capacity to track teachers down to get this information.
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Ordering PPE from Scott Bojanowski: As a reminder, when ordering PPE for your schools (masks, band masks, hand sanitizer, etc.) please coordinate with your school nurse to make those orders. This will help streamline the ordering process for PPE through our distribution center.
Please attempt to make one weekly order for PPE, to the best extent possible. This will also help the distribution center in gathering the PPE products and getting them out to your schools.
Many schools have emailed me with their PPE orders over the last couple of days. I have coordinated with Tami Pike to get those orders in for your schools.
If you have sent me a PPE order this week, you do not need to make a reorder for those products with your nurse.
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Links to Covid 19 Safety Posters. Your Office Manager and School nurse already have these posters. Check with them about how you will use them in your building. Poster 1, Poster 2
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Earlier in the week, Steve Herron sent an email outlining the Oregon Health Authority vaccination mandate for staff. HERE is a copy of that email.
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From Julianne: There are just a few more spaces available for the STAS Training with John Van Dreal on September 23 and 24 at the High Desert ESD.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1aVJ6wDVItk2K8kfi7JiyGtXDtmVeZ2O4s3UyPHp0Q3s/edit
There is a tentative date for Threat Assessment Training in Salem on November 30 and December 1 at Willamette University.
https://willamette.edu/events/tat/index.html
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From Kinsey Martin:
Family Liaison Team:
We have an amazing team of Family Liaisons to support both our staff and our culturally- and linguistically diverse community. While hiring is not quite complete and IT is still processing their phone extensions, I want to share the information I do have at this time: What do Liaisons do:
See some examples here.
Which Liaison supports me: Please see this list for the Family Liaison who will support your school community. We will put out a family-facing communication about our team soon–for now, this list is just to support your office team! (Disclaimer: I tried to minimize changes, but it was not possible everywhere…and there could be small tweaks in the upcoming weeks.)How do I connect with them: Again, phone numbers aren’t functioning yet for new liaisons, so contact them via district email until they tell you otherwise. When will they be in my building: Next week they will flood support for Transportation and grades K, 6, and 9. Regular weekly schedules in your buildings will begin Sept 13–more info coming soon.
Civil Rights Training:
Here are the slides for the abbreviated version of the training we are required to cover with all staff.
Remember, there are talking points in the Notes section under each slide. If you would like additional support, contact Kinsey and/or Steve Herron–we’re happy to co-facilitate with you.
Here is the Trivia Sheet referenced in the training, and (new!) here is a poster/handout you can print and make available for easy reference for reporting (and/or, bookmark the form link).
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Concussion Research Letters to Parents: We are still involved in the concussion research project with U of O, the HDESD, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A letter describing the project and parental consent in English and Spanish was sent to your parents today. Please reach out if you have questions.
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Care & Connection Week
The first full week of school – Sept. 13-17 — we are going to celebrate Care & Connection week, in conjunction with this ODE initiative. We want to celebrate all the wonderful ways our schools and staff are building relationships, connecting with students and families, and helping support students’ mental and emotional health. At the district level – we will be showcasing programs and staff that connect with this theme – including sharing a family version of the video we created for the Welcome Back. We know your plates are full; participation is optional. If you’re interested, you can join in by: Highlighting staff members whose roles focus on care and connection (share in newsletter, web, or social), sharing district resources about the week, planning an activity related to the Care & Connection (my guess is many of you are already doing things that would connect with this theme). Please let Alandra know if you’ve got something in mind, she’s creating a list of participating schools, activities, and ideas. Thanks, everyone!
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From Cate Hill, Title III Coordinator: This is a reminder to not send student identification information through our regular email server, which isn’t secure. We are noticing that it is happening again, already this year. Please advise your staffs to either share documents via Google Drive or BLsend.
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FAN Advocate Update: Here is the link to the most current FAN Advocate update. If you are a school that is currently without an advocate, the link lets you know who will be covering your school. It is also a good heads up for those of you who have advocates who have additional schools to support. Please spread the word that we have two positions to hire for if you know of anyone who may be a great candidate.
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A Note from Lora: Steve and I and possibly some school board members may drop by the first couple days of school. These visits are to celebrate the opening of school and to check in to see how things are going. Administrators are NOT expected to interrupt their busy days for us.
Calendar:
September 8 – Frosh Welcome Day
September 8-10 – Drop-in visits by Ed Center and School Board members
September 13 – Begin ABC rotation
September 21 – HS Admin meeting @ Summit HS 8:00-9:30
September 22 – Leadership training @Ed Center 3:30-5:00
- October 31 – SRP video due date
Your Calendars – if you have a couple free moments in the upcoming days or weeks please complete your work calendar. Remember, this is your best guess at the days you will work and take off. It can be adjusted throughout the year. Tammy and I would like calendars completed by the end of September. If you need assistance please contact April Jorgenson.
Mark your calendars for June 20 and 21, 2022 for our Leadership Training Academy.