Reopening Reynolds-Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please note: Information and guidance is changing frequently. The following answers are based on the best information and planning that we have at this time. Answers will be updated as new information becomes available. 

 

Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL)

Will Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) continue for the rest of the school year?

The District is committed to offering Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

Will CDL remain the same as it has been?

The school day will look the same as it has since September, with some modifications at the start of Hybrid, which varies by grade level.

If we choose to stay in CDL, will school-made meals still be available?

Nutrition Services will continue to provide curbside meals to students in CDL. 

Elementary Schools - Hybrid Learning

What is the advisory health metric that needs to be satisfied for RSD to consider offering In-Person Hybrid Instruction for elementary students?

The advisory health metric set by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance indicates that we need to have 350 or fewer positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over the previous two-week period in Washington and Multnomah Counties. See current case count.

When will In-Person Hybrid Instruction begin?

We’re tentatively scheduled to begin Hybrid for Kindergarten students on April 12. In addition, we’re tentatively scheduled to begin phased in Hybrid for Kinder through 2nd grade on April 19. And Kinder through 5th grade on April 26.

What will the In-Person Hybrid Instruction look like?

All students who opted for Hybrid will come to school for a morning session. During that time, students will receive live in-person instruction from their teachers in reading, writing, math and some health subjects. In the afternoon session, those students will be learning online at home asynchronously. They’ll be working independently on social studies, science and some other health lessons. Students may use Dreambox, our self-directed math program. They’ll also have music and P.E., either live or recorded lessons. Students will attend school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; Wednesdays will be devoted to asynchronous learning online, much like it is right now in CDL. 

All students who opted for CDL will be learning online at home asynchronously in the morning. They’ll be working independently on social studies, science and some health lessons. Students may use Dreambox, our self-directed math program. They’ll also have music and P.E., either live or recorded lessons. In the afternoon session, those students will receive live in-person instruction online from their teachers in reading, writing, math and some health subjects. Students will have live online instruction on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; Wednesdays will be devoted to asynchronous learning online, much like it is right now in CDL. 

During asynchronous times, students also may receive English Language Development, Special Education or Intervention supports.

Why half days rather than two full days of instruction?

Our Teaching & Learning Department gave this question a tremendous amount of thought. It was decided that having regular consistent interaction with teachers four days a week — albeit for a shorter time period — was in the best interest of young learners, some of whom have never been in an actual classroom.

Will students have their same teachers?

The vast majority of students will not need to change teachers. However, there will be a few instances where — because of student numbers and the required 35 square feet of space per person — this will not be the case. We’ve done our very best to accommodate the largest number of families.

If my child is assigned a new teacher, how will that teacher know where my child stands academically?

Our teachers work as teams and will share all necessary information.

I just got used to the way my teacher does things. Will I need to learn a new system?

While each of our teachers has their own unique communication style, they use similar communication tools. If your child is assigned to a new teacher, that teacher will take time to get new parents up to speed.

How will the classroom experience be different from regular school?

Students will be sitting in a chair at a desk or table that is spaced 6 feet from all other students. Students may be directed to keep their own supplies in a box, bin or cubby.

Will my child have recess at school?

Students won’t have traditional recess, but they’ll have plenty of movement breaks, both indoors and outdoors.

Will my child be eating at school?

Students won’t be eating at school. Hybrid students will take their school meals — breakfast, lunch and supper — home at the end of their day. This means some of those meals will actually be eaten the following school day. Meals will be free to all students who want them.

Will transportation be provided?

Bus transportation will be provided for students who live more than a mile from school. We’ll be running buses with fewer students, adhering to all social distancing guidelines and doing enhanced cleaning.

What about Pre-Kindergarten?

If your child is in one of our Pre-K programs, the schedule will look different. CDL students will be in the morning session; in-person students will be in the afternoon session. Most in-person students will come two times per week, but it varies by school. Your Pre-K teacher will contact you with more details.

What safety measures will be implemented?

We'll follow all safety protocols set forth by the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance. We’ll have strict safety protocols in place at school including no contact with more than 100 people in a single week, space bubbles of 35 square feet per student, vigorous cleaning routines, contact tracing and mandatory face coverings.

Please review the COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance to learn more about RSD's safety procedures for In-person Hybrid learning. 

Will my child have to wear a face covering for In-Person Hybrid Instruction?

All students and staff must wear face coverings. If your child is unwilling to wear a face covering, you should select CDL. If your student has a documented medical condition or disability that prevents the wearing of a face covering, the District will accommodate your child. All these safety measures are mandated by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance.

Are vaccines available for elementary students?

No vaccines have yet been approved for use with elementary-aged children.

Middle Schools - Hybrid Learning

Can students stay in Comprehensive Distance Learning?

The District is committed to continuing Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) for the remainder of this school year. Teachers will be teaching students who are in-person and online at the same time. This will be a new approach to CDL but will still allow students to learn in a full-time online model.

What is the advisory health metric that needs to be satisfied for RSD to consider offering In-Person Hybrid Instruction for secondary students?

The advisory health metric set by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance indicates that we need to have 200 or fewer positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over the previous two-week period in Washington and Multnomah Counties. See current case count.

When will In-Person Hybrid Instruction begin?

We’re tentatively scheduled to begin Hybrid for 6th grade on April 19. And for 6th through 7th grade on April 26. And 6th through 8th grade on May 3.

What will In-Person Hybrid Instruction look like?

Simply put, teachers would provide live instruction from school to all students. Students who opt for Phased-In Hybrid will be divided into two attendance groups. They'd spend two full days on campus and three days online at home, as current state-mandated safety protocols don’t allow for all students to be on campus at the same time. Families will not be able to choose their attendance groups, but we’ll make every effort to have siblings at the same school on the same schedule, when possible. 

In-person and online instruction will occur simultaneously for the first half of each period. During the second half of the period when students engage in applied learning (practice work), teachers would provide in-person support to students in the classroom and online support to CDL students. Teachers will use strategies to manage and engage both groups in real time.

Wednesdays will look just like they do right now in CDL — students attending synchronous advisory classes and then working on assignments independently. We also hope to offer more social activities on Wednesdays and after school.

What will the attendance groups be?

Phased-In Hybrid students will be assigned to either a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday attendance group. You’ll be unable to choose. Schools will make every effort to keep siblings part of the same attendance group, when possible.

How will students move between classes?

At the middle school level, teachers will move between classes — not students. Cohorts have been set up to accommodate this plan. With middle school students having 5 to 6 classes per day (depending on the school), this strategy minimizes the number of people that each student comes into contact with during the week.

When it comes time for electives, the cohort will move together to another room, if necessary. For example, art students will move to the art room; band students will move to the band room. Student cohorts were established based on elective interest.

How will the classroom experience be different from regular school?

Students will be sitting in a chair at a desk or table that is spaced 6 feet from all other students. Supplies and classroom libraries may be divided between the cohorts. Students may be directed to keep their own supplies in a box, bin or cubby.

Will students eat at school?

School-made bagged breakfasts will be available when students arrive and likely eaten in their Period 1 classrooms. Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria or gym with particular attention paid to social distancing and limiting additional exposures to other students. Students will be able to take home bagged suppers and meals for their at-home learning day(s) at the end of the day. Meals will be free to all students who want them.

Will transportation be provided?

Bus transportation will be provided for students who live more than 1.5 miles from school. We’ll be running buses with fewer students, adhering to all social distancing guidelines and doing enhanced cleaning.

What safety measures will be implemented?

We'll follow all safety protocols set forth by the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance. 

We’ll have strict safety protocols in place at school including no contact with more than 100 people in a single week, space bubbles of 35 square feet per student, vigorous cleaning routines, contact tracing and mandatory face coverings.

Please review the COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance to learn more about RSD's safety procedures for In-person Hybrid learning.

Will my child have to wear a face covering for In-Person Hybrid Instruction?

All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings all day. If your student is unwilling to wear a mask, you should select CDL. If your student has a documented medical condition or disability that prevents mask wearing, the District will accommodate your child. Students will be spaced six feet apart, as required by Ready Schools Safe Learners (RSSL) guidelines. The District will adhere to all other safety protocols mandated by ODE and OHA.

If a middle school teacher tests positive for COVID-19, do all of that teacher’s students in all of the teacher’s classes have to quarantine?

Yes, they would all be considered contacts to a positive case and would need to quarantine.

Are COVID-19 vaccines being required for students?

No vaccines have yet been approved for use by middle school-aged children.

What are your options?

All parents need to make a choice — will your student stay in CDL for the remainder of the school year or will your student begin Hybrid when it’s safe to do so? Remember, your student won’t be allowed to switch once Hybrid begins.

High School - Hybrid Learning

Can students stay in Comprehensive Distance Learning?

The District is committed to continuing Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) for the remainder of this school year. Teachers will be teaching students who are in-person and online at the same time. This will be a new approach to CDL but will still allow students to learn in a full-time online model.

What is Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI)?

As the name indicates, this instruction model is limited to a very small number of our students who’ve been most impacted during COVID-19, including some English language learners and those students who don’t have reliable internet connectivity. Staff members have identified and contacted eligible students. 

LIPI will run from now until April 16.

What is the advisory health metric that needs to be satisfied for RSD to consider offering In-Person Hybrid Instruction for secondary students?

The advisory health metric set by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance indicates that we need to have 200 or fewer positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over the previous two-week period in Washington and Multnomah Counties. See current case count.

When will In-Person Hybrid Instruction begin?

In preparation for the start of Hybrid and per our previous agreement with our employee association, the Reynolds Education Association (REA), teachers will be engaging in three staff development work days on April 19-21. We’re tentatively scheduled to begin Hybrid for students at high schools on April 19.

What will In-Person Hybrid Instruction look like?

Simply put, teachers would provide live instruction from school to all students. Students who opt for Hybrid will be divided into two attendance groups. They'd spend two full days on campus and three days online at home, as current state-mandated safety protocols don’t allow for all students to be on campus at the same time. Families will not be able to choose their attendance groups, but we’ll make every effort to have siblings at the same school on the same schedule, when possible. 

In-person and online instruction will occur simultaneously for the first half of each period. During the second half of the period when students engage in applied learning (practice work), teachers would provide in-person support to students in the classroom and online support to CDL students. Teachers will use strategies to manage and engage both groups in real time.

Wednesdays will look just like they do right now in CDL — students working on assignments independently. We also hope to offer more social activities on Wednesdays and after school.

What will the attendance groups be?

Hybrid students will be assigned to either a Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday attendance group. You’ll be unable to choose. Schools will make every effort to keep siblings part of the same attendance group, when possible.

How will students move between classes?

At high schools and option schools, students will move between their four classes.

How will the classroom experience be different from regular school?

Students will be sitting in a chair at a desk or table that is spaced 6 feet from all other students. Supplies and classroom libraries may be divided between the cohorts. Students may be directed to keep their own supplies in a box, bin or cubby.

Will students eat at school?

School-made bagged breakfasts will be available when students arrive and likely eaten in their Period 1 classrooms. Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria or gym with particular attention paid to social distancing and limiting additional exposures to other students. Students will be able to take home bagged suppers and meals for their at-home learning day(s) at the end of the day. Meals will be free to all students who want them.

Will transportation be provided?

Bus transportation will be provided for students who live more than 1.5 miles from school. We’ll be running buses with fewer students, adhering to all social distancing guidelines and doing enhanced cleaning.

What safety measures will be implemented?

We'll follow all safety protocols set forth by the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance. 

We’ll have strict safety protocols in place at school including no contact with more than 100 people in a single week, space bubbles of 35 square feet per student, vigorous cleaning routines, contact tracing and mandatory face coverings.

Please review the COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance to learn more about RSD's safety procedures for In-person Hybrid learning.

Will my child have to wear a face covering for In-Person Hybrid Instruction?

All students and staff will be required to wear face coverings all day. If your student is unwilling to wear a mask, you should select CDL. If your student has a documented medical condition or disability that prevents mask wearing, the District will accommodate your child. Students will be spaced six feet apart, as required by Ready Schools Safe Learners guidelines. The District will adhere to all other safety protocols mandated by ODE and OHA.

Are COVID-19 vaccines being required for students?

No.

What are your options?

All parents need to make a choice — will your student stay in CDL for the remainder of the school year or will your student begin Hybrid when it’s safe to do so? 

To make your choice, go to the For High/Option School accordion at the top of this page and follow the instructions.

All decisions must be made by March 15. If you don’t indicate a choice, your student automatically will remain in CDL.

Special Education - Hybrid Learning

Elementary Schools

What will the Hybrid model look like for elementary students in Specialized Programs?

Students who currently receive Special Education services in a Specialized Program will follow a similar model as General Education — students will attend a morning session on site. Students will participate in General Education inclusion time via Zoom with a General Education teacher. Some students who spend a significant portion of their day in General Education may have the General Education classroom assigned as their on-site location and receive their specially designed instruction virtually from their Specialized Program teacher.  

During their at-home time, students will participate in synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction that’s provided by music/PE teachers, related service providers or Seesaw/Canvas activities uploaded by their Special Education teachers and supported by paraeducators. Similar to the plan for General Education, students may not have the same Specialized Program teacher or General Education teacher in Hybrid as they do currently.

What about elementary students receiving Special Education services? 

Students in General Education who receive IEP services through the resource room, speech language pathologists, school psychologists and/or other related service providers will continue to receive their services primarily through Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL).

What if my student struggles to wear a mask or practice social distancing?

We understand some of our students in Special Education may struggle with wearing face coverings and social distancing. IEP teams will be developing plans to support students who struggle in these areas as well as making potential amendments to students’ IEPs.

Middle/High Schools

What will the Hybrid model look like for secondary students in Specialized Programs?

Students who receive Special Education services in a Specialized Program will be split into two cohorts and will attend two full days per week — either Mondays/Thursdays or Tuesdays/Fridays. On their at-home days, they’ll participate in synchronous and/or asynchronous instruction that’s provided by specialists, related service providers or through Seesaw/Canvas activities uploaded by the Special Education teachers and supported by paraeducators. They’ll participate in any General Education inclusion time virtually. 

What about secondary students receiving Special Education services? 

Students in General Education who receive IEP services through the resource room, speech language pathologists, school psychologists and/or other related service providers will continue to receive their services through a combination of on-site courses, such as Learning Strategies or Access Tutorial, and through Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL).

More specific information about the schedule and services will be shared as we get closer to the start date for students.

What if my student struggles to wear a mask or practice social distancing?

We understand some of our students in Special Education may struggle with wearing face coverings and social distancing. IEP teams will be developing plans to support students who struggle in these areas as well as making potential amendments to students’ IEPs.

Health & Safety

Where can I find RSD's COVID-19 safety procedures?

Please review the full COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidance to learn more about RSD's safety procedures for In-person Hybrid Instruction. 

What is the advisory health metric that needs to be satisfied for RSD to consider offering In-Person Hybrid Instruction for elementary students?

The advisory health metric set by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance indicates that we need to have 350 or fewer positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over the previous two-week period in Washington and Multnomah Counties. See current case count.

What is the advisory health metric that needs to be satisfied for RSD to consider offering In-Person Hybrid Instruction for secondary students?

The advisory health metric set by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance indicates that we need to have 200 or fewer positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over the previous two-week period in Washington and Multnomah Counties. See current case count.

However, please know that case counts are not the only factor that will influence the decision to start Hybrid Instruction.

How many students will be in a classroom?

Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance, each student is required to have 35 square feet of space to ensure social distancing. With that restriction in mind, most of our classrooms will have enough space for 16 to 20 people, which includes students and staff.

Will my child be screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Parents and guardians will be asked to do a daily health evaluation before sending students to school. If a student exhibits a fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a new loss of taste or smell, or any of the symptoms on our Home-Based Student Screening Guide, the student should stay home. Students also will be visually screened by drivers upon boarding school buses and by staff upon arriving at school.

Will temperature checks be done daily on students and staff?

Screenings for symptoms of COVID-19 will be done at home, before students board school buses and before entering school buildings. Temperature checks are not required on the bus or at school.

Will my child have to wear a face covering for In-Person Hybrid Instruction?

All students and staff must wear face coverings. If your child is unwilling to wear a face covering, you should select CDL. If your student has a documented medical condition or disability that prevents the wearing of a face covering, the District will accommodate your child. All these safety measures are mandated by the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance.

What happens if a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms at school?

Each school has designated an isolation room or area, separate from the health room. If a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms during the day, the student will be sent to the isolation area. The child will be supervised by an adult and wait in the isolation area until picked up by a parent or guardian, who will receive instructions on next steps and information for when the student may return to school.

It’s extremely important that you make sure your students’ emergency contact information is up-to-date in our system.

When will a classroom need to be quarantined?

If a student or staff member has a positive or presumptive case of COVID-19, the entire cohort will be quarantined and move to online learning with their Hybrid teacher for 14 days.

A presumptive case is defined as a person experiencing at least two of these COVID-19 symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or a new loss of taste or smell; the person has not had a positive COVID-19 test but has had close contact with a confirmed case in the past 14 days.

When will a school be quarantined?

If a school has multiple cohorts impacted by COVID-19, the entire school may need to revert to remote learning for 14 days. Your school’s principal will communicate with you.

If a student’s parent/guardian, sibling or immediate family member tests positive for COVID-19 and the student quarantines, will the student’s school attendance cohort also need to quarantine?

The attendance cohort would be considered a “contact to a contact” and therefore would not have to quarantine.

If a staff member’s immediate family member tests positive for COVID-19 and the staff member quarantines, will the staff’s school attendance cohort also need to quarantine?

The staff’s attendance cohort would be considered a “contact to a contact” and therefore would not have to quarantine.

If a student or staff member travels outside of the country, is that person required to have a negative COVID-19 test to return to Hybrid school?

Following the CDC guidance, Multnomah County currently recommends anyone who travels outside of the state and is not fully vaccinated (2 weeks after their second COVID-19 vaccine), should quarantine when they return to Oregon, regardless of previously having COVID-19. 

If a person was at least 14 days past their second COVID-19 vaccination, we are not recommending quarantine after domestic travel at this time.  We do suggest that the person still monitor for symptoms daily, and if symptoms develop, the person should isolate and reach out to a primary care provider for guidance and testing.  We are recommending a 14-day quarantine for any international travel in this situation.

Are specialists, substitutes and maintenance employees going to be moving from school to school?

We’re looking for ways to minimize movement of all staff between schools.

Will parents or guardians be allowed inside schools?

Visitors may not freely enter school buildings at this time. Families who make prior arrangements may enter through the main office.

Will students share supplies?

Supplies and classroom libraries may be divided between cohorts. Students may be directed to keep their own supplies in a box, bin or cubby.

If a middle school teacher tests positive for COVID-19, do all of that teacher’s students in all of the teacher’s classes have to quarantine?

Yes, they would all be considered contacts to a positive case and would need to quarantine.

Will handwashing be mandatory for students?

Yes, students must wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with 60-95% alcohol) when they arrive at school, before and after meals, and periodically throughout the day.

Will the District provide all the cleaning supplies, particularly disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, for the classrooms?

The district has purchased and installed free-standing hand-sanitizer dispensers and wall-mounted dispensers throughout the schools, targeting building entrances, cafeterias and other key areas. The schools also will have a supply of hand sanitizer bottles and household disinfecting wipes to use in classrooms and other areas as needed. 

As students wrap up their session, they may be directed to use cleaning wipes to wipe down their own desk and chair. Staff will disinfect high-touch surfaces.

How and how often will bathrooms be disinfected?

Bathrooms will be disinfected several times a day. Due to room capacity requirements, only a certain number of students will be allowed in the bathrooms at any one time, depending on the size of the space.

How is the District addressing proper ventilation for classrooms?

Our maintenance team has worked to increase ventilation throughout our school buildings. Thanks to updates to our systems, our schools’ HVAC will run from 6 a-m to 6 p-m, filtering classroom air through medical grade Merv 13 filters. If you’d like to find out more about your particular school’s system, read our Summary of HVAC Operations and Modifications Report.

HVAC Filter Status Report

What are the plans for social distancing if and when a school is put into lockdown?

In an emergency situation, RSD staff will do their best to maintain social distancing between students; however, the immediate well-being of all students and staff is our priority. That means social distancing may not be practical in a situation where students and staff need to quickly get to a safe location in the school.  

If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19, would the student’s school attendance cohort have to quarantine or just the sports team?

If a student-athlete has a positive or presumptive COVID-19 case, the student-athlete and their school-related cohorts will be quarantined for 14 days. Athletic trainers will conduct contract tracing with the athletic team, which may result in additional players or the entire team being quarantined for 14 days.

If, for example, the Gresham High School football team plays a Reynolds High School football team, and it’s determined that a player on the RHS team tested positive for COVID-19, would both teams have to be quarantined? 

These cases will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the RSD nursing staff and Multnomah County Department of Public Health.

Transportation

Under the Hybrid Model, will bus routes be operational?

Bus transportation will be provided. We’ll be running buses with fewer students, adhering to all social distancing guidelines and doing enhanced cleaning.

Will riders be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon boarding?

The driver will greet riders, record their attendance and do a visual evaluation. If a student exhibits or complains of any COVID-like symptoms, the child will be directed to sit in one of the first three rows of the bus, isolated from the rest of the students. Drivers will notify dispatch and dispatch will notify the school. These children will disembark first. A staff member will meet them and take them to the isolation area.

How will riders be seated?

The driver will direct the students where to sit, loading the bus from rear to front. We’ll make every effort to place one child per seat with members of the same household sitting together on the bus.

Will riders be required to wear masks?

Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, all drivers and riders in grades K-12 will be required to wear masks. 

Will buses be arriving on a staggered schedule?

Most buses arrive on a staggered schedule normally. For schools with many buses, there will be times when multiple buses arrive simultaneously; however, staff will ensure social distancing is maintained upon disembarkation.

How and how often will buses be cleaned?

Buses will be cleaned after students from each school disembark. Additionally, buses will receive more rigorous cleanings after all routes are completed in the morning and afternoon with cleaning products approved by the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Education in the Ready Schools, Safe Learners (RSSL) guidance.

In addition, at least three windows per side will be lowered to the red line, and roof hatches will be open to ensure extra airflow and ventilation.

How will families find out about routes?

Our Transportation Department will be notifying families about bus routes for Hybrid instruction. Families can learn more on our transportation webpage.

 
 
 
Meals

Will my elementary school student be eating at school?

Students won’t be eating at school. Hybrid students will take their school-made meals — breakfast, lunch and supper — home at the end of their day. This means some of those meals will actually be eaten the following school day. Meals will be free to all students who want them.

Will my middle, high or option school student be eating at school?

Middle school students will eat lunch in the cafeteria or gym with particular attention paid to social distancing and limiting additional exposures to other students. Students will be able to take home bagged breakfasts, suppers and meals for their at-home learning day(s) at the end of the day. Meals will be free to all students who want them.

For high School and options students school-made bagged breakfasts will be available when students arrive and likely eaten in their Period 1 classrooms. Students will eat lunch in the cafeteria or gym with particular attention paid to social distancing and limiting additional exposures to other students. Students will be able to take home bagged suppers and meals for their at-home learning day(s) at the end of the day. Meals will be free to all students who want them.

Will school-made meals be available to CDL students?

Nutrition Services will continue to provide curbside meals to students in CDL. However, once we begin Hybrid and CDL students will need to sign up for meal pick-up on Wednesdays. They’ll receive a box of meals for the entire week on that day.

Grades & Assessments

Elementary

Assessing a child’s knowledge, skills and understanding in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) is a challenge, and the assessment tools and assignments we normally use as evidence for progress may not accurately represent how your child is doing this year. This year, we’re suspending the practice of assigning proficiency to end-of-year learning targets. The progress report won’t show 1-4 proficiency marks. Instead, each section will indicate which targets have been taught during the semester, and another mark will reflect the student’s learning progress according to the evidence gathered during CDL. The Behavior, Language and Speaking & Listening sections won’t be assessed and will be grayed out.

When we begin Hybrid, the same assessment will apply.

Secondary

For the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, we will not be giving “F” marks. Due to this change, at the high school level (because of the 4x4 schedule, grades were added to student transcripts), we plan to retroactively change all “F” grades from the 1st quarter to either “N” marks, “I” marks, or depending on continued student work completed, a passing letter grade.  The “N” and “I” marks are non-credit bearing marks but do acknowledge the instability of the current environment for our students by not impacting grade point averages.

 

For the remainder of the school year, middle school and high school students will earn grades according to the following chart:

Grading Guidance 2020/21 School Year
  Applicable Grades after Quarters/Semesters
(A-D) The mark represents the level of proficiency/mastery of priority learning targets. A - D
(I) Incomplete marks communicate to the student(s) that there wasn’t sufficient academic evidence submitted to warrant the awarding of an A-D letter grade. Incomplete marks communicate to the student(s) that we (the teacher and/or the school) will provide more opportunities to demonstrate proficiency on the learning targets to earn a passing grade (A-D).  The student has not reached proficiency YET. I
(N) Not enough interaction with the student or submitted evidence to merit a grade. For example, a student who didn't attend class often and did not complete enough of the course to merit a letter grade. An N grade will be given if the student will no longer have opportunities to demonstrate proficiency on the course learning targets. N
   

*Incomplete (I) marks will turn to No Grades (N) if no more opportunities exist to demonstrate proficiency.  If student(s) do demonstrate proficiency, teachers will assign letter grades of (A-D).

*There is no GPA point value assigned to an N and I marks.

It’s important to note that teachers also will be utilizing behavior targets to communicate to students and families about student behaviors that they’ve seen in their virtual classrooms/interactions.

Sports & Activities

OSAA Season 2 Athletics Information

Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released updates to the Indoor and Outdoor Recreation Guidance.  This guidance comes as school districts prepare for the start of Season 2 of the OSAA revised athletic calendar.  Season 2 includes football, soccer, volleyball and cross country.

A few of the pertinent updates:

  • Indoor full-contact sports remain prohibited at this time. Training and conditioning can occur but can’t include full contact of any kind.
  • Indoor competitions in non-contact and minimal- and medium-contact sports are allowed in lower, moderate and high risk counties. Indoor volleyball competitions remain prohibited in extreme risk counties.
  • Outdoor full-contact sports, including practices and games, are allowed in moderate and lower risk counties following health and safety guidance from the OHA.

Which Season 2 sports will begin on February 22?

  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Dance
  • Cheerleading

Will spectators be allowed at athletic events?

The Oregon Health Authority allows for the following maximum number of  spectators at athletic contests:

  • Stadium field + bleachers maximum - 150 people
  • Designated field area maximum - 150 people
  • Enclosed gym maximum - 50% capacity (125 square feet of space per person) or 100 people, whichever is fewer

The maximum numbers must include athletes, coaches, trainers and any required administrative supervisors, in addition to spectators. Given these requirements, the number of spectators in attendance at RHS will vary by site and sport. 

Because site and team sizes vary across the District, ticketing processes will vary by school. Your school’s athletic director or your athlete’s coach will communicate specifics. However, these general guidelines will apply:

  • Only home team families will have access to tickets. The number that each school allocates will vary based upon team size and support needed to run the event. Families will need to follow these processes in order to gain admission.
  • Families of senior athletes will be given first priority.
  • No students from the host school will be admitted unless they’re siblings of those athletes competing.
  • Visiting spectators will not be admitted to contests.
  • Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times.
  • Family groups must maintain 6 feet of distance at the venue.
  • No concessions will be sold.
  • Arrival will take place no earlier than 15 minutes prior to the contest. Immediately following each contest, all fans must leave the site promptly, preferably within 5 minutes.

Will my athlete need to pay an athletic fee?

We are waiving all athletic and activity fees for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.

What about non-OSAA activities, like theater?

Right now, clubs and activities like theater are virtual. However, there’s a possibility that clubs and activities will be allowed to meet in person. Stay tuned.

Will after-school activities run by third-party vendors be offered in schools?

No.

If a student-athlete tests positive for COVID-19, would the student’s school attendance cohort have to quarantine or just the sports team?

If a student-athlete has a positive or presumptive COVID-19 case, the student-athlete and their school-related cohorts will be quarantined for 14 days. Athletic trainers will conduct contract tracing with the athletic team, which may result in additional players or the entire team being quarantined for 14 days.

If, for example, the Gresham High School football team plays a Reynolds High School football team, and it’s determined that a player on the RHS team tested positive for COVID-19, would both teams have to be quarantined? 

These cases will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the RSD nursing staff and Washington County Department of Public Health.

What if my student athlete's school cohort has to quarantine due to exposure at school?


If an athlete in a hybrid cohort is quarantined because of exposure in class they will not be able to practice. Quarantine from school means quarantine from athletics for the individual.

Internet Connectivity

How will the District address equal access to education for families with limited or no WIFI?

Please visit the Internet Access for Families webpage for more information.

Child Care

Will child care be offered in some area schools?

The District has been working with our local child care providers. The following vendors have been given permission to operate in our schools once students return for Hybrid. It’s important to note that we do not run these programs. The providers still need to ensure that they have the proper staffing levels and the ability to adhere to enhanced health and safety protocols. To check on availability, you’ll need to contact the provider directly. 

  • Champions 
    • Email Contact: 
    • Phone: 

Will after-school child care be allowed in school?

Yes, schools who work with outside partners to offer after-school child care in their buildings will continue to do so while maintaining social distancing and safety measures.

Next School Year (2021-2022)

What will next year look like?

All plans are subject to health metrics and guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority. However, here’s what we can share at this time:

For the 2021-22 school year, the District will NOT be offering Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) in the same format as we have done this year. 

If current state-mandated health and safety protocols remain unchanged, all RSD schools will begin the school year in a Hybrid model. After evaluating the success of this school year’s various Hybrid models, the administration will make a determination as to which Hybrid model(s) will be implemented for the coming school year.

If current state-mandated health and safety protocols are changed, RSD schools may be able to open in a “normal” model. We’ll be paying close attention to rules around cohorting and required social distancing.