Intent to Return to Instruction
Magic City Acceptance Academy(MCAA) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and families. When developing the plan for a safe return to school, should it become necessary, MCAA will consult with families, teachers, students, health officials, and community stakeholders to better understand their concerns and seek counsel to ensure we are taking all precautions and following ADPH guidelines.
The following plan will be reviewed regularly and revised as necessary. Should we be faced with a substantial barrier to in person learning we will use the following plan: this plan may need to be modified to adequately address the situation.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Students will return to in-person instruction five days a week for school year and we will remain MASK Required:
● Students will only have a virtual option when necessary due to COVID.
● We will utilize data from our NWEA Benchmark testing to determine student needs in Reading, ELA, and Math and provide the necessary intervention.
● Instruction for students will be based on Alabama Course of Study standards. TRADITIONAL LEARNING
● Instruction will be delivered face-to-face (at school) in a traditional setting
● The master schedule will be balanced and unused desks and furniture in classrooms may be removed; social distancing will be maximized (to the extent practicable)
● Cleaning of classrooms and high-touch surfaces will be conducted daily along with biweekly sanitizing spray in the entire building
● Physical interaction through partner or group work will be limited The MCAA assessment plan includes grade-appropriate administration of NWEA MAP Growth reading and math diagnostic. Dyslexia screeners will be administered based on universal screening results. Updated 5/2023
● We will provide frequent updates to parents regarding student progress and will encourage parents to utilize the parent portal to check progress.
● Students who are identified as having a reading deficiency will immediately receive an intervention plan and parents will be notified
● General and special education teachers will collaborate to share students’ results from screeners and diagnostics to inform IEP revisions and accommodation design
LEARNING GAPS
In addition to the use of NWEA MAP Growth, MCAA will utilize IXL reading and math diagnostic for adaptive assessments to address gaps in reading and math achievement.
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL
• Hand sanitizer will be provided for students and staff at main entrances, exits and elevators. • Unnecessary congregations of students and staff will be limited
• A protocol will be established for students/staff who feel ill/experience symptoms when they come to school (see When a child, staff member, or visitor becomes sick at school)
• Protocol will be followed for student arrival/dismissal
TRANSPORTATION
• Masks required for all students on buses
• Spaced seating will be used to the extent possible
• Assigned seating will be utilized
PREVENTION
• Weekly testing will be available through a partnership with UAB. We also have COVID tests available through our school nurse as needed. Masks will remain required for students and staff for the 2021-22 school year
• Parents are encouraged to screen students prior to school each morning (temperature below 100.4 °F) Updated 5/2023
• School personnel will teach and reinforce good hygiene measures such as handwashing, covering coughs, and face coverings
• Hand soap and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, paper towels, and no-touch trash cans will be provided in all bathrooms, classrooms, and high traffic areas
• Students and staff will be allowed to bring hand sanitizer and face masks/coverings to use from home
• Deep cleaning of schools will be conducted prior to students/staff returning; schedule periodic cleanings during weekends or school holidays/breaks (to the extent practicable)
• Touched surfaces will be cleaned/disinfected at least daily
MEALS
• Hand sanitizer or soap will be provided for students and staff
• Students will be allowed ample time to wash with soap and water or apply hand sanitizer prior to meal service
• Students and staff will be allowed to wear face masks/coverings while in large group gatherings
• Cafeteria entrance/exit and serving lines will be clearly marked for one-way traffic; staggered use will be exercised to the extent possible
• Disposable plates and utensils will be used
• Cleaning of cafeterias and high-touch surfaces will be conducted throughout the school day Updated 5/2023
TRANSITIONING
• Cleaning of hallways and high-touch surfaces will be conducted throughout the school day
• Areas of the hallway (i.e. lanes) to walk to keep students separated will be designated (to the extent practicable)
• Classroom and hallway doors will be propped open by teachers to minimize touch points
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
• PPE will be provided to vulnerable students and staff as appropriate
• Vulnerable students and staff will be allowed to wear PPE throughout the school day (to the extent practicable)
• An early transition will be allowed for vulnerable students to go to classes
• FERPA and HIPPA requirements will be followed.
WHEN A CHILD, STAFF MEMBER, OR VISITOR BECOMES SICK AT SCHOOL
• An isolation room or area to separate anyone who exhibits COVID-like symptoms will be identified at all school locations.
• School nurses and other healthcare providers will use Universal Precautions when caring for sick people.
• Local health officials, staff, and families will be notified immediately of a confirmed case while maintaining confidentiality consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable federal and state privacy laws.
• Areas used by a sick person will be closed and will not be used before cleaning and disinfecting.
• Sick staff members and children will be advised to not return until they have been cleared by administration. Updated 5/2023
• Those who have had close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 will be advised to stay home and follow state ADPH guidance if symptoms develop. If a person does not have symptoms, they will be advised to follow appropriate ADPH guidance for home quarantine.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
• Teachers will monitor students to ensure that appropriate practices that assist in limiting the spread of germs are observed
• Parents are encouraged to administer student’s morning medications prior to school to minimize first aid traffic
• School functions such as Meet the Teacher, Open House, etc. may be facilitated virtually and will be communicated separately by each campus
• Morning and after-school care will not be provided during the 2021-22 school year. However, bus transportation will be provided to Satsuma Christian School for their after- school program.
ATTENDANCE
• New attendance codes for COVID-19 quarantine due to exposure (COVQE) or a positive test (COVQP) have been added to the Student Information System
• Students will not be penalized for attendance (including non-resident students) for absences due to quarantine or any illness with COVID/flu-like symptoms
• Students will complete courses digitally while on 14-day quarantine (if required)
NON-ESSENTIAL VISITORS/VOLUNTEERS WILL BE RESTRICTED
• Parents/guardians building entry will be restricted to check-ins, early dismissals, or scheduled appointments; Please ensure your child has everything they need (school supplies, lunch, etc.) before coming to school
• All visitors are required to wear masks.