As we prepare for the 2020-21 school year, we will be moving forward with a blended learning model:Students in grades K-2, special education students, ELL students, and students with social emotional or mental health concerns will attend school in person four days each week.All other students (grades 3-12) will be assigned to color designated teams to attend school in person two days per week and online three days per week.In partnership with community agencies, upper classmen may attend (in-person or virtually) to attain their credits required for graduation and will supplement their learning experience with community-based internships.All instruction is standards based, with an emphasis on social emotional learning at every grade level. Cross curricular project-based learning and assessment will be emphasized.Each student will be assigned a Cuba-Rushford Ally (CRA) with whom they will connect at least twice weekly.Extra-curricular activities will continue in a solely virtual model and phase into an in-person model when possible. All designated teams will be honored in extra-curricular grouping.

This decision (blended-learning model) was made to best support the needs of students and families while following all social-distancing, health and safety, and cleaning guidelines.Based on educational research, developmental needs of students, and recommendations from the New York State Education Department, we are maximizing in person instruction for our youngest learners (Pre-K -2), special education students, and English language learners. Students in this model will be split into teams designated by color, with approximately half the grade level attending on specific days. These groupings will be driven by household and transportation needs and will be communicated to families by mid-August.Once teams are assigned, students will not be able to change.

As we prepare to reopen, and regardless of the learning scenario, we will be guided by the following school values:Providing a Safe and Caring Learning EnvironmentThe health, safety, and well-being of everyone in our school community will continue to be our top priority as we bring students back to school. We will be wearing masks, practicing social distancing and implementing other protocols to promote health and safety in our classrooms, hallways, buses, and facilities. We will also continue to center our efforts on supporting the social and emotional well-being of our students.Unwavering Focus on LearningDespite the complexity of our current circumstances, the schedules that we have developed for our students are all centered on and designed to provide a focus on learning for our students. We will continue to deliver our curriculum and plan creatively to ensure that we are preparing students to be lifelong learners who are independent, involved, and conscientious citizens in a global community.Collaboration, Leadership, and PrideAs a school district, we pride ourselves in our determination to be a regional model of excellence.  Our commitment to that vision remains steadfast during this difficult time.  Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we collaborate with families and community members to create an epic experience for our students.  As the saying goes, “It takes a village!”As we head into this unprecedented school year, we must continue to be supportive and cooperative in order to create a safe and caring learning environment that is not only effective and engaging, but is also flexible enough to adjust as conditions change in our area. We will continue to actively monitor local, state, and national health agencies and will use the Center for Disease Control guidelines as we prepare to safely reopen school. As evidenced throughout this difficult situation, the fluidity of the pandemic will require all of us to remain patient, understanding, and flexible. Take comfort in knowing that our amazing school community will get through this together.

Since the onset of COVID-19, every individual has endured trauma.  The stress, anxiety, and health concerns that came with COVID-19 are real.  In addition, life continued.  The everyday struggles that existed prior to COVID-19 did not go away, rather they were intensified.Everyone endured an incredible shock to reality with this global pandemic, and individual circumstances made the experience different for everyone.For that reason, social emotional well-being of all students and staff will remain the primary focus at Cuba-Rushford School District.You will see this focus emphasized in scheduling, through restorative practices, and in professional development efforts.WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER!

Assigned Grouping:Students will be assigned to color teams based on household.*Once assigned, color teams will not be changed*All students (3-12) in the same household will be assigned to the same color team, except K-2, who are gray team.Assigning an entire household to the same color team ensures the following:- consistent schedule for entire household.- safety guidelines regarding transportation, social distancing, and grouping are met.Daily Schedules:IN-PERSON SCHOOL DAY WILL STILL RUN 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM at MHS and 8:00 AM – 2:45 PM for CRE.Grade level schedules will be released by building principals during the week of August 24th.Although strict guidelines are in place, we will still offer specials, such as PE, art, and music.Students will not be assigned personal lockers.Transfer of classrooms will be minimized, with teachers traveling and students remaining in the classroom for most of the school day.Virtual Academy:ALL FAMILIES CAN SELF-SELECT FULL VIRTUAL ACADEMY FOR ANY STUDENT IN GRADES K-12.To opt for full virtual academy, you must:- Have full Internet access.- Commit to at least one full semester (20 weeks) of remote learning.  Students cannot switch out of this model sooner.- Adhere to the district Code of Conduct and attendance policy.- Understand that your child must engage daily, participate in all online classes, and submit all assignments on time.TO SELF-SELECT VIRTUAL ACADEMY FOR YOUR CHILD, PLEASE EMAILopencr@mycrcs.orgor call Laura Smith (6-12) at 585-968-2650 or Maghen Beck (K-5) at 585-968-1760  by Friday, August 14th.*All students will be scheduled into grade level model unless requested.

All students with an IEP who receive special education services will attend school in-person four days per week.Students will be assigned to a color designated team but will be in school the additional two days as well. This ensures that all special education services are delivered, and additional services are provided.Transportation will be provided for all students who attend out of district special education placements.ALL CSE and 504 MEETINGS WILL BE VIRTUAL FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR.English Language Learners and students with social emotional or mental health concerns may also be recommended by school personnel for four days of in person instruction.QUESTIONS ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES, SCHEDULE, AND TRANSPORTATION:KIM FISHER, CSE CHAIR,Email Kim Fisher, 585-968-1760, EXT 3123

Every student will have his/her temperature scanned when boarding school vehicle.  A child with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher will not be allowed on the bus, nor will household members of that child.  A parent or household member over the age of 11 must be home when the student is boarding the bus.Morning pick up and afternoon drop off locations must remain constant.  Bus assignments will not be changed.For proper ventilation, anytime the temperature is above 45 degrees, windows and roof hatch must be open.DUE TO NEW YORK STATE MANDATES RELATED TO COVID-19, STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO WEAR A MASK FOR THE ENTIRE BUS RIDE AND REMAIN SOCIALLY DISTANT.For the health and safety of your child(ren), we strongly encourage families to transport their child(ren) if possible.IF YOU WILL TRANSPORT YOUR CHILD(REN), PLEASE CONTACT TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR, MIKE SEARS at:Email Mike Sears585-968-2650 – EXT 4442

Breakfast & Lunch:Breakfast and lunch will be available for every student daily, regardless of instructional model.To maintain social distancing and student groupings, meals will be served in classrooms.Students will place meal orders ahead of time, and all meals will be pre-packaged.All students will wash hands before and after all meals.Food sharing and group snacks are not permitted.Meal Distribution:All meals will be pre-packaged in disposable containers and will include the main menu lunch item, breakfast for the following morning, milk, juice, and a fruit.Packaged meals will be distributed by delivery or pickup service.Meals will be delivered directly to the home of the student(s) if delivery service is requested.Pickup service will be available at CRE bus loop and at the Rushford Firehall:DAILY11:00 AM – 1:00 PMMeal Payment & Reservation:Cuba-Rushford strongly encourages the use of our online payment systemVisit Website My School Bucksto add money to student accounts.  This will prevent the exchange of cash between persons.All cash or check payments should be given to the student’s homeroom teacher, who will submit payment to the cafeteria manager.TO SIGN UP FOR MEAL DELIVERY, PLEASE CONTACTCAFETERIA MANAGER, ALEX LEYVA at:Email Alex Leyva585-968-2650 – EXT 4421

Because we are a 1:1 district, every student has access to his or her own device, which is not and will not be shared with others.All students in grades 3-12 have student email accounts that should be checked regularly.All instructional materials will be downloaded at school during in-person learning days, therefore minimizing the need for WiFi outside the building.Preferred communication forms will be completed by every family.WiFi is available at CRE, MHS, multiple Cuba businesses, Cuba Public Library, Black Creek Town Hall, Rushford Fire Hall, Rushford Library, and Farmersville Fire Hall.

All students, staff, and visitors will have their temperature checked before entering the bus or building.Social distancing will be enforced per state guidelines.All staff and visitors will complete a COVID-19 wellness questionnaire upon entering the building.All students (6-12) will complete a COVID-19 wellness questionnaire periodically. Parents of elementary students will be required to periodically complete a wellness questionnaire for their child(ren).Masks & Face Coverings:Cuba-Rushford will provide a cloth mask to all students and employees.  Additional disposable masks will be available for those who forget a mask on any given day.All students, staff, and visitors will wear a mask when in the school building and on school property, including the school bus.Written documentation from an individual’s doctor will be requested if mask exemption is necessary, and must meet one of the CDC guidelines:◦severe respiratory condition and diagnosis◦unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance◦choking hazard◦severe anxiety or claustrophobiaOpportunities will be given for individuals to remove masks during designated times.

All students will participate in virtual learning on Wednesdays for deep cleaning and disinfecting between in person learning groups.Capacity of all classrooms has been calculated with social distancing considered.  Classrooms will not have more than 15 students during in-person instructional days.Additional handwashing stations have been added to each building, with more on order.Drinking fountains will be for filling water bottles only.  Students should bring a water bottle labeled with his/her name. Water bottles that are not labeled will be thrown away.Restrooms will be limited to one person per facility and will be cleaned frequently throughout the day.A specific checklist will be used daily to address all cleaning requirements in all areas.Cleaning and maintenance crew will meet weekly to review all updated protocol.All buses will be sanitized after each use, and deep cleaned/disinfected once per day.Visitors to the buildings will be extremely limited.  Visitors during meals will not be permitted, and all visitors will be health screened.Building facilities are currently closed for use by the general public.Outdoor areas are available.FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT FACILITIES AND CLEANING, PLEASE CONTACT DAVE HARDMAN, DIRECTOR OF MAINTENACE,Email Dave Hardman585-968-2650 EXT 4427

Plans specific to Cuba-Rushford Elementary & Cuba-Rushford Middle high school will be released by August 7th.

These plans will include specific details regarding pre-k, boces, student groupings, social-emotional resources, technology platforms, and building policies.

Schedules will be released the week of August 24th.

Re-Opening Questions & ConcernsEmail:opencr@mycrcs.org

Allegany County Health Department:585-268-9250Allegany County Emergency ManagerJeff Luckey -Email Jeff Luckey585-268-5290