Board Update

The Reading Board of Education held its regular meeting on August 19, 2020. Superintendent Jason Enix shared the progress of the district’s reopening plan linked below.

Superintendent's Update (pdf)

AM/PM session assignments

• Emailed out by all buildings on August 18.

• Assignments were made based on:

• High school schedule constraints

• Keeping siblings together

• Student needs (IEP, 504 Plan, ELL, support services)

• Maintaining classroom size to meet spacing requirements

• Timestamp of response

Arrival/Dismissal

• The administrative team met with the City of Reading’s Mayor, Safety Director, Police and Fire Chiefs to discuss the traffic pattern and arrival and dismissal procedures for the 2020-2021 school year.

• Traffic pattern for drop off and pick up linked below.

• A video highlighting this process will be sent out next week.

• Pick Up Site Plan

• Drop Off Site Plan

Remote Learning

• Goal has been to provide an option for students and families to maintain academic progress with Reading teachers and our curriculum/instruction

• Recommendation and best practices were covered. The best practice is for remote learners to maintain a school day schedule and log in to their assigned teacher/class.

• Arrangements for alternative learning time must be made with school and teachers.

Presentation by Omnia 360

• Original Custodial Plan and Covid-19 Supplementation

The Board held a first reading on the policy on personal devices to change policy to allow students to bring their own devices to school. Due to delays in Chromebook delivery, students will now be permitted to bring their own device to school.

A link to an online survey was emailed to all parents to determine the number of students who can use their own devices for technology. The survey is due by 4 p.m. on Friday, August 21. The district needs this information to determine technology needs and Chromebook allocation for the school year. If you did not receive the class assignment or the link to the survey, please contact your child's school.

• Reading Elementary Technology Survey

• Reading Middle School Technology Survey

• Reading High School Technology Survey

Remote students without a device will be assigned a district device. Device pick up (for remote learners only without a device) will be held on Thursday, August 27, from 10:00-2:00 (Back-up date Friday, 8/28 10:00-2:00).

On-site blended students will be assigned devices dependent upon BYOD participation – Priority for grades 5-12.

The Board approved a contract for mobile hotspots for families who have indicated they do not have an internet connection. Anticipate hotspot delivery on 8/27.

District's technology team, ForwardEdge, is preparing Chromebooks, chargers, and device updates.

The guidance on how the district response to suspected and confirmed COVID cases was provided by the Hamilton County Public Health Health Department. Training was provided for superintendents and district nursing personnel on August 19. Masks are required for all students unless exceptions provided.

If students or staff have symptoms, they will be excluded from school and advised to seek medical attention. Permitted to return after a confirmed diagnosis of non-COVID 19 (allergies, etc.).

Suspected Case:

• excused from school following attendance policy

Suspected and Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Probable Case:

• excluded from school until the following criteria are met – 10 days have passed since onset of symptoms AND – fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication AND – other symptoms have improved – return to school after released from isolation

Confirmed Case:

• SAME AS ABOVE

• If asymptomatic, excluded at least 10 days since the positive test and no symptoms

Reading School District nursing staff will work with HCPH to complete contact tracing, communication with families, attendance support, and documentation

The Reading Board of Education approved option 1 for the softball and baseball fields and practice field at the Hilltop property. The Board will continue to move forward with this plan and share updates at future meetings.

Hilltop Option 1

Governor DeWine has permitted all fall sports to begin competition:

• Order will be effective on Friday, August 21

• Spectators will be reduced significantly per order

• All spectators will be required to wear masks and remain properly distanced

• Final spectator attendance policy to be determined in accordance with state guidelines

• OHSAA will be monitoring compliance with school athletic contests and may impose penalties for non-compliance

• CHL Athletic Directors will be meeting to collaborate on implementation of new guidelines and requirements

• August 18-21 - Professional Development Days
• August 24-28 - PD/Staff Work Days
• August 31 - First Day for Grades 6-12
• September 1 - First Day for Grades 1-5
• September 2 - First Day for PK-K

**Communication from each building will be coming regarding schedules, orientation, meet the teacher, building-specific protocols, and other back-to-school information during the coming week.

To watch a recording of the Board Meeting on our RCCSD YouTube Live channel, click here.

Email: kblair@readingschools.org
Website: www.readingschools.org
Location: 810 East Columbia Avenue, Reading, OH, USA
Phone: 513-842-5109
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReadingCommunityCitySchools
Twitter: @ReadingCSD