Return to School

When will school start?
The first day of school for students will be Monday, September 14.

Do we need to enroll in Comprehensive Distance Learning?
No

How will Comprehensive Distance Learning be more robust than remote learning in the spring?
Thanks to surveys filled out by staff, parents and students about remote learning in the spring, we’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t. As we put together the plan for Comprehensive Distance Learning, we’re incorporating that learning. In addition, participation will be mandatory in the fall; student attendance will be taken. Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, we also expect to be giving grades to students.

How will attendance be counted?
Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, attendance includes both participation in class activities and interaction with a teacher.

Describe what an average day of Comprehensive Distance Learning will look like?
Each day will include learning that is facilitated by a teacher and opportunities for students to apply their learning, as well as nutrition and wellness support.

The goal of teacher-facilitated learning is to develop, deepen and assess new knowledge and understanding. Teacher-facilitated learning likely will be used to introduce new concepts or learning targets to students. It may include Zoom classes of full groups, as well as small breakout groups of students. It also may include lessons delivered through learning management systems (Seesaw for elementary and Canvas for secondary) and teacher-produced videos. Teacher-facilitated learning must take up at least 50% of a student's day.

Applied learning experiences are intentionally designed by the teacher to allow students to apply the knowledge and skills that they have gained from teacher-facilitated learning to deepen their learning and understanding. Basically, students are taking the concepts from the teacher-facilitated learning and putting them into practice. Applied learning experiences may include peer interactions, independent learning and independent practice.

So how will these two concepts work together? A teacher may introduce a new learning target or concept in a full group via Zoom and then break students into small groups to work together on a problem or concept. In addition, the students may have an independent project or assignment that allows them to further demonstrate their understanding of the material and allows the teacher to assess their progress on the learning target.

Nutrition Services will provide grab-and-go meals during Comprehensive Distance Learning. Stay tuned for more information on pick-up sites and schedules. Counselors will provide lessons related to social-emotional learning. Physical education and health teachers also will provide lessons. For elementary school students, these lessons will likely be rotated and may not be offered every day.

Will Comprehensive Distance Learning be the same from school to school?
Teachers will be designing their learning tasks using School Board-adopted learning targets and materials. Teachers continue to have discretion in using supplemental materials and assigning day-to-day tasks. Teachers also will receive lesson supports from the Teaching and Learning Department.

Why can’t teachers livestream their classes to at-home students in real time, recreating a normal school day?
Especially at the early elementary level, students may need help from their parents. We know that many parents will be juggling their own jobs with classroom support and need more flexible schedules. In addition, a full day at school doesn’t translate well to a full day in front of a screen. 

Will teachers have office hours for students learning from home?
Office hours are likely, pending discussions with our teachers’ association.

Will students be provided Chromebooks?
Students enrolled in BSD last year should still have their Chromebooks from the spring. For those students who are new to the District, devices will be issued in the fall. Our priority is to make sure that all students needing a device will have one by September 14. Stay tuned for more information.

Will Comprehensive Distance Learning be offered for the entire year?
Yes.

Will parents be allowed to volunteer online in virtual classrooms?
The District is currently considering this question.

Who will determine when the Hybrid Model can begin?
Per the Governor's guidance from July 28, the following criteria would need to be met to begin the Hybrid Model:

• 10 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Washington County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row.
• Test positivity of 5% or less in Washington County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row.
• Test positivity of 5% or less statewide over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row.

Per the Governor's guidance from July 28, the following criteria would need to be met to begin the Hybrid Model with K-3 students:

• 30 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Washington County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row.
• Test positivity of 5% or less in Washington County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row.
• COVID-19 is not actively spreading in the school community.
• The District is in compliance with sections 1-3 of the state's Ready Schools, Safe Learners Guidance.

What will the Hybrid Model schedule look like?
Students will attend school on-site in assigned attendance groups two days each week. Attendance Group 1 will meet Monday and Tuesday.  Attendance Group 2 will meet Thursday and Friday. On the days when students aren’t in school, they’ll participate in Comprehensive Distance Learning from home. CDL days will include time for students to engage remotely with their teachers. Students will be learning five days a week.

What happens on Wednesdays?
Most students will be participating in Comprehensive Distance Learning from home. However, some students in specialized programs and English Language Learners may have additional in-person time at school. In addition, our custodial staff will deep clean schools on Wednesdays in between attendance groups.

How will class electives work for middle and high school students? How can students stay in their attendance groups given varying schedules?
Secondary students may need to be in more than one attendance group each day in order to meet the needs of their electives. Schools will work to create schedules that keep students in the smallest number of cohorts possible.

If I have multiple children attending multiple schools, will they be on the same schedule when the Hybrid Model begins?
All schools across all levels (elementary, middle and high schools) are attempting to coordinate so that students in a single household are assigned to the same attendance group schedule.

What are the new school hours? Why will the school day be shortened by 45 minutes?
Teachers will start each day by connecting with students engaging in Comprehensive Distance Learning at home. Then, in the Hybrid Model, in-person students will begin to arrive at school for the start of their day, approximately 45 to 60 minutes later than normal.

On the days that students are learning from home in the Hybrid Model, will they be able to interact with teachers and classmates online?
Real-time interaction with in-school students is unlikely.

Will PE be required and graded?
We anticipate that physical education courses will continue, but they’ll need to be modified to accommodate social distancing. Students may be sharing equipment in class; all equipment will be cleaned between classes per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, and students will be required to wash or sanitize their hands. Like other courses, we anticipate that grades will be issued, per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education.

Will parents be allowed to volunteer in person in classrooms/schools?
At this time, volunteers will not be allowed in schools.

Will counselors and nurses still be at the schools?
Yes, support staff — like counselors and nurses — will still be working with students.

What will parent-teacher conferences look like?
Parent-teacher conferences will likely be conducted via Zoom.

What will an average day of Comprehensive Distance Learning look like at the elementary level?
Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, K-5 students can expect 60 to 120 minutes of synchronous or asynchronous interaction with their classroom teacher along with two hours or more of at-home work, supported by a parent, guardian or learning coach. All classrooms grades K-3 will be utilizing Seesaw and 4-5 classrooms will be utilizing either Canvas or Seesaw. 

How much time are parents expected to schedule to help their children with Comprehensive Distance Learning?
Depending on the grade and age of the child, parents should be available to support learning for the full 60 to 120 minutes. There could be additional time needed, depending on your child and the work assigned.

What about kindergarteners?
We are still working out plans for kindergarten students. We understand that it’s very important for kindergarten students to have as much in-person time as possible; however, they will follow the same structure for Comprehensive Distance and Hybrid Learning as other students. For more on kindergarten, watch here. 

What about Pre-K?
Our current Pre-K classroom consists of 36 students in morning and afternoon sessions. Under the Hybrid model, these students would be shifted into Attendance Groups 1 and 2 with 18 students in each cohort. Students would attend during the same time as their K-5 siblings; however, Pre-K students would only attend for 2-½ hours.  Those students who begin school at 9:00 a.m. would dismiss at 11:30 a.m. Those students who begin school at 9:30 a.m. would dismiss at 12:00 p.m. Students at home participating in Comprehensive Distance Learning will have time to check in with their teachers each day. Teachers also will provide learning activities and coaching for families to help engage students during their CDL days.

At this time, guidance from the Oregon Department of Education doesn’t require face coverings for pre-K students.

Will any printed packets of school work be available for students?
At this time, the District doesn’t plan to send home uniform district learning packets.

How will the District assess any possible learning loss due to remote learning in the spring?
At the start of the school year, teachers will assess all students’ skills as they relate to learning targets. They’ll then design interventions and track progress throughout the year.

What is the drop off/pick up procedure for students? How will the schools ensure students from various classes/cohorts stay separated?
Each school is working with District personnel to determine how different cohorts can safely enter and exit the building. Specifics for each school will be announced prior to the start of school.

How will Specials like PE, music and library work?
We’re still working out the specifics when it comes to Specials, but we do anticipate that students will be able to participate. Specifics for each school will be announced prior to the start of school.

How will recess work?
We understand the importance of play and are working on how to implement safe recess protocols. Some schools may have quadrants on the playground for each cohort. Equipment, if used, will be cleaned between cohorts.

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.

Will outside after-school activities be allowed in school?
No, third-party vendors who offer after-school classes will not be allowed in the schools, even when we move to a Hybrid Model.

What will an average day of Comprehensive Distance Learning look like at the middle school level?
Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, students in grades 6-8 can expect 15 to 30 minutes per class of teacher-facilitated learning - either synchronous or asynchronous — in addition to 1 to 2 hours of applied learning (i.e. group or independent projects) and 2 hours of nutrition wellness and support. All teachers will be utilizing Canvas. It’s important to note that we haven’t decided on the length of class periods, but the periods will meet or exceed the Oregon Department of Education’s recommendations. Middle schools will follow their typical A-B schedules.

Will electives be available for middle school students?
Yes, we anticipate being able to offer electives.

How will students switch classes?
To keep cohorts as stable as possible, it’s likely that teachers will move, and students will not, to the greatest extent possible.

What about advanced math students who normally are bused to a high school for class? How will they get that coursework in Comprehensive Distance Learning or in the Hybrid Model?
We’re investigating how to meet the needs of students who are enrolled in advanced math classes while limiting the number of cohorts that they’ll be a part of. In some cases, we can support these students at their home middle schools in both the Comprehensive Distance Learning and Hybrid Models. When that isn’t possible, we’ll support student access to advanced math classes with Comprehensive Distance Learning that may combine students from more than one school. When we move to a Hybrid Model, we will continue to instruct online rather than busing students.

What social activities will be available through the Hybrid Model?
We are investigating ways to keep students engaged in extracurricular and social activities while also maintaining social distancing.

What about SUMMA?
SUMMA students will be supported by their SUMMA-site schools via Comprehensive Distance Learning and when it’s safe to do so, Hybrid Learning.

What will an average day of Comprehensive Distance Learning look like at the high school level?
Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, students in grades 9-12 can expect 20 to 45 minutes per class of teacher-facilitated learning - either synchronous or asynchronous — in addition to 1 to 2 hours of applied learning (i.e. group or independent projects) and 2 hours of nutrition wellness and support. All teachers will be utilizing Canvas. It’s important to note that we haven’t decided on the length of class periods, but the periods will meet or exceed the Oregon Department of Education’s recommendations.

Will high schools be utilizing a 4x4 scheduling model or a straight 8?
After looking at survey data from families and talking to administrators and teachers from all of our high schools and option schools, the District has made a decision in regards to what schedules to adopt for high school and option school students this fall. This decision is consistent with the majority of school districts around the state.

In a normal school year, students take seven classes (plus Access Tutorial) per semester, referred to as a Straight 8 or A-B schedule; classes meet every other day. Survey results from families indicated that this course load was unmanageable in an online environment during the spring. We investigated a 4x4 model which would have students taking only four courses per semester; those classes would meet every day. As a result, a student could cover a year’s worth of material in one semester and receive the same number of credits as in previous school years. We believe the 4x4 model best meets the needs of our high school students in this current environment. However, because option schools encompass grades 6-12, option schools will be better served by an A/B model.

Therefore, the following schedules will be implemented for the entire 2020-21 school year.

Straight 8/A-B Schedule
ACMA
BASE
ISB

4x4 Schedule
Aloha
Beaverton
Mountainside
Southridge
Sunset
Westview

6 Weeks/5 Periods Schedule
Merlo Station

With any schedule, we understand that there are pros and cons, especially in remote learning. Please know that our principals will work with BSD's Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment department (CIA), school staff and other districts to implement best practices and structures to meet the needs of academic programs such as IB, AP and AVID. We’re confident that our students will receive the support needed to do well in all of our class offerings.

How will students switch classes?
To keep cohorts as stable as possible, it’s likely that teachers will move and students will not, to the greatest extent possible.

How will course selection for high schoolers be affected? Will they need to re-forecast?
We are still trying to work out the details of a daily schedule. The need to re-forecast has not yet been determined.

Will all electives be available for high school students? (Choir, band, drama, etc.)
Our goal is to offer all the electives that we traditionally have offered in school via Comprehensive Distance Learning and Hybrid Model. However, we’re still having discussions about safety in regards to some of our more hands-on elective classes, so stay tuned for more information on those options.

How will partial-day option programs work like Automotive Technology, Health Careers and Terra Nova? 
We expect that our half-day option programs will continue.  We are still trying to determine the safest way to operate, given that the option programs include students from several schools. We want to offer these opportunities but maintain safety without too much added exposure risk.

How will the Health Careers program work in Comprehensive Distance Learning when students are required to participate in in-person activities?  
Science labs will be conducted virtually. We are seeking guidance from our health care providers in regards to the on-site clinical rotations. 

How will dual credit classes work?
We're taking our guidance from our higher education partners. Currently, we're planning to offer dual credit classes. 

Will AP courses be available?
Yes

Will IB courses be available?
Yes. The District is currently working with the national and regional IB coordinators to ensure that our students will be able to earn IB credit and take any necessary testing.

What does Early College look like?
Portland Community College has not yet decided on how it will open. We hope to have more details soon. 

Will students be allowed to participate on high school sport teams?
If we’re operating in Comprehensive Distance Learning where in-person classes aren't occurring, organized sports won't occur either. When we move to a Hybrid Model, sports may resume with social distancing measures in place. We'll rely on the most up-to-date guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon School Activities Association.

If high schools adopt a 4x4 model, how will high school athletes be able to meet the five-credit requirement set by the Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA)?
The requirement will be modified. Students will be able to compete. Many districts also are exploring the 4x4 model.

Will foreign exchange students be accepted to study in BSD in the fall?
No foreign exchange students will be allowed to study in Beaverton schools until the state of Oregon enters Phase 3 of recovery.

When will FLEX Online School start?
The first day of school for students will be Monday, September 14. 

What’s the difference between Comprehensive Distance Learning and FLEX Online School?
Comprehensive Distance Learning will be available to all students and will last as long as the Oregon Department of Education guides us to maintain social distancing restrictions. With that in mind, it’s meant to be a short-term online solution. CDL makes it possible to maintain a relationship with your regular school and classroom teacher.

FLEX Online School is designed to be a long-term option for families who want a fully online learning experience for their students. While taught by BSD teachers, students will not be taught by their regular teachers from their neighborhood or option schools. We ask that students remain enrolled in FLEX Online School at least through the end of a semester.

Is FLEX Online School free?
Yes

Is there an enrollment cap for FLEX Online School?
At this time, we aren’t planning to have a cap on FLEX Online School enrollment. At the end of the initial FLEX Online School application window (July 31), we’ll see how many students have applied and make a decision as to whether to close the application process or keep it open. We encourage those interested to apply by July 31.

What if I missed the enrollment deadline for FLEX Online School?
If we decide to continue to accept FLEX Online School applications after July 31, we’ll notify families via SchoolMessenger and on the BSD website.

If I've applied to FLEX Online School, when do I need to make a final decision whether to accept my spot?
August 10, 2020

Will FLEX Online School use the same curriculum as Comprehensive Distance Learning?
Comprehensive Distance Learning will offer the same content that students would receive in a normal school year using Seesaw and Canvas. FLEX Online School will cover the same learning targets as Comprehensive Distance Learning but will use Florida Virtual for grades K-5 and Apex Learning for grades 6-12 as the main curriculum providers. Demos are available on FLEX Online School’s website. 

Are FLEX Online School teachers also teaching in the Comprehensive Distance Learning model?
No

If a student is enrolled at an option school and opts for FLEX Online School for this coming school year, will the student be allowed back into the option school when he/she feels comfortable or will the student lose that spot?
If you choose to enroll in FLEX Online School, you’ll be enrolling in a new school and would need to go through the option lottery process again to seek re-enrollment in any option school.

If a student is enrolled in FLEX Online School as a 5th grader, can that student apply to an option school the following year?
Yes

For those choosing FLEX Online School, how will returning to a neighborhood or option high school at the end of a semester be feasible when so many classes are year-long or specialized?
FLEX Online School is designed for families who would choose this option even if COVID-19 didn't exist. We recommend Comprehensive Distance Learning with your local school if your student is interested in specialty courses or is considering transferring back at the end of the semester.

We’ll do our best to align with the schedules chosen by our other district schools. That being said, FLEX Online School curriculum is different, and just as with any option school, moving schools may be difficult and will require an adjustment period.

How will Advanced Placement (AP) classes be offered at FLEX Online School? Will all advanced math and science classes be offered?
We’ll be offering advanced math, science and AP courses through the Apex Learning curriculum. The District has been using Apex for approximately ten years.

How will science be taught?
Science teachers at FLEX Online School will implement a curriculum provided by Florida Virtual at the elementary level and Apex Learning at the secondary level. Science courses will include online lab simulations and at-home lab experiences.

Will FLEX Online offer band or choir classes?
FLEX Online School won’t have band or choir classes available during the first year but will consider the option moving forward, depending on demand. Students can join or remain in activities, athletics and clubs that are non-credit bearing at their neighborhood or option schools. FLEX Online School will offer a music appreciation class.

Will the FLEX Online School offer Dual Language instruction?
No

Will the FLEX Online School offer AVID?
No, not at this time

Will students in FLEX Online School be disconnected from their home schools or will efforts be made to keep, for example, Cedar Mill students together and/or with Cedar Mill teachers?
Students who enroll in FLEX Online School will be part of FLEX Online School. FLEX Online School teachers will be a part of the FLEX Online School staff. Students who wish to stay connected to their neighborhood or option school teachers and peers should opt for Comprehensive Distance Learning. 

What technology will be provided?
FLEX Online School will provide Chromebooks for students in grades 3-12 and iPads for students in grades K-2. If you currently have a device from your previous BSD school, you may keep it. However, if you're transitioning from an iPad to Chromebook, you should return the iPad to your previous school when it reopens.

Will students be able to take ITBS/SUMMA testing if they are in FLEX Online School?
Yes

If enrolled in FLEX Online School, can students still participate in sports at their neighborhood high school?
Yes, however if we’re operating in Comprehensive Distance Learning, organized sports won’t occur. When we move to a Hybrid Model, sports may resume with social distancing measures.

Will FLEX Online School be offered in future years, even when there’s not a pandemic?
Yes, FLEX Online School is a permanent option school in BSD.

I signed up for FLEX Online School, but now I’ve changed my mind. What should I do?
Email FLEX Online School at flex-online-school@beaverton.k12.or.us as soon as possible.

Please refer to this FLEX Online School FAQ for additional information.

How will grading work?
Grades will be given with Comprehensive Distance Learning, the Hybrid Model and FLEX Online School.

What will schools do to assess learning needs for students who didn’t adapt well to remote learning, and what will schools do to support those students in catching up?
At the start of the school year, teachers will access all students’ skills as they relate to learning targets. They’ll then design interventions and track progress throughout the year.

Please provide more information for students on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Students who are eligible for Special Education services will receive their Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and related services from their case managers and/or service providers in a synchronous learning environment. The learning environment will be online unless the District initiates a Hybrid Model and families have selected for their students to attend on-site instruction.

Will Special Education (SPED) students be able to go to school more often when we transition to a Hybrid model?
In the Hybrid Model, students who participate in specialized programs will attend school four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) and be assigned to either Attendance Group 1 (Monday/Tuesday) or Attendance Group 2 (Thursday/Friday) for inclusion and participation in general education classes. Students in a resource room placement will be assigned to either Attendance Group 1 (Monday/Tuesday) or Attendance Group 2 (Thursday/Friday). 

Some students who receive Special Education (SPED) services in a resource room placement will attend an additional Wednesday morning or Wednesday afternoon attendance group to receive their specially designed instruction and related services. These students will be members of both their general education attendance groups as well as their Wednesday SPED attendance groups.

For families who elect not to participate in hybrid on-site learning in a specialized program or in the resource room setting, their students will receive their Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and related services from their case managers and/or service providers in an online synchronous learning environment. 

How will the Community Transition Program (CTP) work?
Students who are enrolled in CTP will receive their Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and related services from their case managers and/or service providers in a synchronous learning environment. The learning environment will be online unless the District initiates a Hybrid Model and families have selected for their students to attend on-site instruction.

In the Hybrid Model, students in CTP will attend 4 days a week and follow the same schedule as all students in specialized programs. They will participate in Comprehensive Distance Learning on Wednesdays. Staff will be working to develop specific plans for supporting students' transition needs in Comprehensive Distance Learning, on-site at CTP and in the community if/when possible.  For families who elect not to participate in hybrid on-site learning, their students will receive their Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and related services from their case managers and/or service providers in an online synchronous learning environment. 

How will speech therapy be handled?
Students who receive speech therapy will get their services in a synchronous learning environment. The learning environment will be online unless the District initiates a Hybrid Model and families have selected for their students to attend on-site instruction.

In the Hybrid Model, students receiving speech and language therapy will either receive services in person on Wednesdays (if they are scheduled to attend a Wednesday group for specially designed instruction and related services), via push-in to general education classes or through online meetings. Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) will be in touch with families regarding specific scheduling for students. SLPs will be required to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with students. For families who elect not to participate in hybrid on-site learning to receive speech therapy, their students will receive their Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and related services from their case managers and/or service providers in an online learning environment. 

What support will students on an IEP get with FLEX Online School? Will there be virtual IEP meetings to adjust online learning?
FLEX Online School will offer all Special Education (SPED) services virtually (academic, social emotional, motor, speech-language and study skills). A student’s SPED placement at FLEX Online School will be a resource room placement. An IEP meeting may be required to determine whether or not the student’s IEP can be implemented in a resource room placement and/or if IEP amendments are needed.

What additional accommodations are being made to protect medically fragile students?
Nurses will be working with school teams on necessary supports for students who are medically fragile that are specific to each student's needs. Staff will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and will follow all district protocols. If parents have concerns about sending their students to school for on-site instruction, parents should consider Comprehensive Distance Learning for their students. 

How will Dual Language work?
We have two Dual Language teams (elementary and secondary) working this summer to determine the details of immersion while also maintaining the recommended language allocation minutes to each language of instruction. Stay tuned for more information. 

Will there be Dual Language courses available at FLEX Online School?
No 

If I enroll in FLEX Online School, will I be able to keep my dual language placement?
No, once you enroll in FLEX Online School, you’ll lose your placement in Dual Language. If you’re on the waiting list to enter a Dual Language school, you’ll also be removed from that waiting list. If you start at FLEX Online School and then decide to move back, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to return to your former spot. Decisions for re-entry into a Dual Language school will be made on a case-by-case basis. Please contact your school principal.

What will the language service model look like at each grade level?
The Multilingual Department is working with teachers on developing the language access program for our English Learners. More specific information will be released soon. Newcomers will have more support to help accelerate their language acquisition. 

Will English Learners be able to go to school more often when we transition to a Hybrid model?
When we transition to a Hybrid Model, English Learners will be grouped with all peers into Attendance Group 1 or 2 and receive their English Language Development (ELD) support through collaborative efforts between the classroom/content and ELD teachers. Newcomer students in our Newcomer Centers will receive additional support on Wednesdays.

Are the TAG tests going to continue as planned? What about TAG programs?
TAG assessment opportunities will continue for all students. TAG students will have the opportunity to participate in remote enrichment activities on Wednesdays, beginning in October. 

What about SUMMA?
SUMMA students will be supported by their SUMMA-site schools via Comprehensive Distance Learning and when it’s safe to do so, Hybrid Learning.

Will SUMMA be offered through FLEX Online School?
No. If a student wants to continue in SUMMA, they should stay connected to the site school via Comprehensive Distance Learning and when it’s safe to do so, Hybrid Learning.

What about specialized programs — like AVID, CTE or Dual Language — in FLEX Online School?
Students interested in specialized classes (including AVID, CTE and Dual Language) should consider Comprehensive Distance Learning or when it’s safe to do so, Hybrid Learning through their neighborhood or option schools. FLEX Online School won’t offer these studies.

Will FLEX Online School offer Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes?
FLEX Online School will offer AP classes, but it will not offer IB classes. If students want to continue IB coursework, they should consider Comprehensive Distance Learning or when it’s safe to do so, Hybrid Learning through their neighborhood or option schools. 

How will high school sports work?
If we’re operating in Comprehensive Distance Learning, organized sports won’t occur. When we move to a Hybrid Model, sports may resume with social distancing measures. We'll rely on the most up-to-date guidance from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon School Activities Association.

How will clubs and other activities work?
We anticipate that school clubs and activities will need to meet virtually until social distancing requirements have been eased.

Will after-school activities run by third-party vendors be offered in schools?
No

You mentioned that we would not return to school buildings until it is safe. How will BSD define “safe,” and who makes that determination?
Superintendent Don Grotting will work closely with the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Health Authority on reviewing protocols and public health indicators to determine when to safely open schools for in-person instruction.

Will students be required to wear face coverings?
Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, all K-12 students are required to wear face coverings. The District will provide face coverings. However, for maximum comfort, students are encouraged to use cloth face coverings from home that can be washed after a day’s use. Parents should introduce these coverings to students, especially young children, well before the start of school. Using face coverings doesn’t negate the need to physically distance. 

What if my child doesn't want to wear a face covering?
According to the Oregon Department of Education, “Students who abstain from wearing a face covering, or students whose families determine the student will not wear a face covering, during on-site instruction must be provided access to instruction. Comprehensive Distance Learning may be an option; however, additional provisions apply to students protected under ADA and IDEA.” Students with existing medical conditions who can’t wear face coverings will not be denied access to on-site instruction. 

Will teachers and staff be required to wear face coverings and other personal protective equipment?
Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, all staff members are required to wear face coverings. The District will provide face coverings. However, for maximum comfort, staff members are encouraged to use cloth face coverings from home that can be washed after a day’s use. Some staff who work with Special Education students in close proximity will be required to wear face shields, which also will be provided; clear face shields may be preferred in cases where phonological instruction or social emotional cues must be seen. In addition, all contractors, service providers or other visitors to school buildings will be required to wear face coverings. Using face coverings doesn’t negate the need to physically distance. 

Will temperature checks be done daily on students and staff?
Screenings for symptoms of COVID-19 will be done before students enter school buildings and school buses. Comprehensive screening procedures are currently being developed by BSD Health Services in conjunction with the Washington County Health Department and Oregon Health Authority.

How will you screen students and staff every day to prevent people who are sick from coming to school?
Adults working in schools will self-screen for symptoms; training and guidance will be provided as we return to in-person learning. Teachers or other designated staff members will do visual screenings of students for symptoms upon arrival. Any student displaying symptoms will be separated from other students in a monitored room until the child is able to be picked up by a parent or guardian. ​Parents are encouraged to screen their children for symptoms prior to coming to school. 

What will the protocols be if someone at a school tests positive for COVID-19? Will children/teachers in the same attendance group be quarantined for two weeks at home? Will the entire school be notified?
In the event of a positive case of COVID-19 in a school community member, BSD will follow Washington County Health Department protocols for exclusion from in-person school attendance. These plans are in development and will be communicated when available. Contact tracing will be of the utmost importance. BSD will cooperate with the county health department to provide any necessary information to minimize exposure to our school community.

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 the District provide all the cleaning supplies, particularly disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, for the classrooms?
We’ll be placing hand-sanitizer dispensers throughout the schools, targeting building entrances, cafeterias and other key areas. In classrooms, we’ll have hand sanitizer available in bottles for use as needed. High-touch areas will be disinfected regularly with disinfectant wipes. 

How many students will be in a classroom?
Per guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, 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 hand-washing 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) before and after meals.

How and how often will bathrooms be disinfected?
We are currently building our custodians’ schedule to disinfect and sanitize often. Because of social distancing 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 are you addressing proper ventilation for classrooms?
The District is doing everything possible to increase ventilation and air exchanges in schools and buildings. We’re setting HVAC operation schedules to start earlier in the morning and end later in the afternoon.

What are the plans for social distancing if and when a school is put into lockdown?
In an emergency situation, BSD 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.  

How will the District address equal access to education for families with limited or no WIFI?
The District has partnered with Comcast to offer six months of free internet access through the Internet Essentials Program. Families must apply by August 31.

What if I miss the deadline to apply for the BSD-sponsored Internet Essentials Program?
The District has a limited number of internet hotspots available for student use.  For high school students, please see the District’s Sprint 1 Million Project webpage for information and an application for a free hotspot. For middle and elementary school students, please email hotspots@beaverton.k12.or.us to request a hotspot for the coming school year.

Will breakfast be provided for students?
Yes, breakfast will be available for students at all schools. Location(s) for breakfast pick-up will be determined on a site-by-site basis.

Will students be eating lunches in the cafeteria or in classrooms?
Lunchtime will vary depending on the layout of each school and the ability to socially distance students in the cafeteria. Students may need to eat in the classrooms, and meal schedules may vary. Additionally, cleaning will occur in both cafeterias and classrooms.

If you qualify for free or reduced lunch, can you still get lunch if you’re enrolled in FLEX Online School?
Yes, Nutrition Services is working on the details, but you’ll likely be able to pick up grab-and-go lunches for multiple days once a week from a hub location, possibly your neighborhood school.

How will severe food allergies be handled?
Students receiving meals from Nutrition Services will have their allergens reviewed at the point of sale.  K-5 schools will not be serving any foods that contain, or may contain, tree nuts or peanuts for breakfast. It’s recommended that any classes that prohibit specific food items due to a severe allergy of a student be seated for meals in the cafeteria to keep any potential food allergens out of the classroom.

Under the Hybrid Model, will bus routes be operational?
Buses will run Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday with their regular stops. Essentially, buses will have half the number of regular riders; students will be socially distanced with many buses having only one person per seat. Bus drivers will wear masks, and masks will be available to riders. We also will have additional ventilation and cleaning.

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.

Will the District provide child care options for elementary students on their learn-from-home days?
Because of the lack of usable space, the District is not planning to provide child care services at this time.

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.

If my child is enrolling in FLEX Online School, do I need to notify his/her neighborhood or option school?
No

If we’ve applied to FLEX Online School, when do we need to make a final decision about whether to accept our spot?
August 10, 2020

If my child will not be attending BSD next year, do I need to notify his/her neighborhood or option school?
If you plan to attend a non-BSD option or homeschool your children, please call your neighborhood or option school and leave a message on voicemail or send an email to your principal.