What learning model will be implemented in February?

Starting Monday, February 1, 2021, BCCS students in grades Pre-K – 5 will begin to transition to the expanded campus hybrid model. Other students in grades E-12 who receive special services in a setting III special education classroom and students who are new to the country, will begin the limited campus hybrid model on February 1. Click here to read the announcement about our learning model decision. 

Most middle and high school students in grades 6-12 will remain in distance learning. Students who receive special services will be in the limited campus hybrid model and have been communicated with from staff members. 

When will my child transition to the expanded campus hybrid model?

• Monday, January 25 – Thursday, January 28: No school for grades E-5 for teacher planning. Grades 6-12 will be in distance learning.
• Friday, January 29: The professional development day originally scheduled for Friday, February 5 will be moved to Friday, January 29. There will be no school for grades E-12 students.
• Monday, February 1
• Grades Pre-K and K students begin the expanded campus hybrid learning model and will be onsite two days per week
• Grades E-12 students in a setting III special education classroom and students who are new to the country will begin learning onsite in custom schedules
• Grades E-12 students can schedule onsite individual appointments and evaluations
• Monday, February 8: Grades 1-2 students begin the expanded campus hybrid learning model and will be onsite two days per week
• Monday, February 22: Grades 3-5 students begin the expanded campus hybrid learning model and will be onsite two days per week

Families should review the February and March calendar to see when Group A and Group B students will be onsite. The calendar also includes No School days. 

How will decisions continue to be made?

Previously, the district used a variety of factors to determine the learning model to be implemented, including staffing availability and rates of COVID-19 cases in our community. Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education announced on December 16 that school districts could implement new health and safety protocols to safely return grades E-5 students back in-person or hybrid learning. 

Our knowledge of how COVID is transmitted in our community has evolved since it closed our doors in March. Health experts have communicated with school districts that children in grades E-5 do not spread the virus as easily as adolescents and adults. Young children also do not experience severe symptoms when they contract COVID-19. 

We understand that this updated parameter for how we will decide which learning model to implement at the elementary level will cause concern for staff and families. We are relying on the expertise of health experts to guide our decision making for this age group. Please see the Health & Safety section below to understand what protocols we are putting into place to ensure a safe learning and work environment. 

For families that are not comfortable with in-person or hybrid learning, they can register for BC Online, our full-time online learning program. Click below for more information about BC Online.

For grades 6-12 students, we will continue to use cases of COVID-19 in Hennepin County and the Brooklyn Center area to determine the learning model to implement. 

Can I choose 100% distance learning for my child, even if some in-person school is taking place?

For families that are not comfortable with in-person or hybrid learning and want the certainty of full-time online learning with no movement between models may opt into the BC Online learning program. This option does not include any in-person instruction and will operate independently from the other plans. Click below to learn more about BC Online.

What is the expanded campus hybrid (ECH) model?

In the ECH model, students receive instruction in a combination of in-person and online learning. Students will learn onsite two days per week and engage in online learning three days per week. There will be no on-site instruction one day per week, typically on Wednesdays, to allow for the buildings to be disinfected between student groups. Starting Monday, February 1, BCE elementary students will begin the transition to the ECH model. Also starting on Monday, February 1, students in grades E-12 who receive special services in a setting III special education classroom and students who are new to the country, will begin the limited campus hybrid model. These students will learn onsite four days per week with no onsite instruction on Wednesdays. 

Families should review the February and March calendar to see when Group A and Group B students will be onsite. The calendar also includes No School days. 

What are the school hours in the ECH model?

School hours at Brooklyn Center Elementary will be the same as last year’s schedule, 7:45 a.m. – 2:05 p.m. 

What will be the in-person learning schedule during a short week?

If there is a short week, with only three or four days of instruction, that week’s schedule will be adjusted. Every effort will be made to provide equal amounts of in-person learning between Group A and Group B students throughout the school year. Families will be communicated about any calendar changes with plenty of time to plan accordingly. 

Students in the limited campus hybrid model who receive special services will not be cohorted in Groups A or B. These students will learn onsite four days per week with no onsite instruction on Wednesdays. 

How will students be placed into cohorts and when will families know which group their student is in?

Principals are working to create cohorts in a way that keeps families together, is based on student needs, and that also balances daily attendance. Schools will communicate that information directly with families as soon as it is finalized.

Will my child have the same teacher in the hybrid schedule as they have had all school year?

We realize the importance of maintaining a consistent schedule with familiar school staff for students. Every effort will be made to assign students to the current class and teacher they have been with all school year but this will not be possible in all cases. 

Will my child have recess?

Recess will occur after lunch and be in a supervised zone with just their classmates for twenty minutes. Masks are also expected during indoor and outdoor recess.

Will my child receive special services such as EL and special education when onsite?

EL and special education staff will continue to work closely with families and general education staff to schedule services for students. Services may be provided in a variety of ways, as they have been all year. Please contact your child’s EL or special education case manager if you have questions.

What are the district’s childcare options in the ECH model?

Childcare will be limited to students who have a caregiver that's a Tier 1 essential worker. Click here to view MDH's list of Tier 1 employees. 

How will students receive meals when they are not onsite?

Meal distribution will need to be adjusted in February. More information will be communicated as plans are finalized.

Are face masks required?

Yes, for all students in kindergarten through grade 12 and all staff. Exceptions are made for medical reasons. Click here to learn more about the statewide mask mandate. 

What steps will be taken if a student or staff member who has contact with others during the day falls ill and tests positive for the virus?

The district will follow state protocols and work closely with local and state health experts. Students and staff who come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 are routinely informed. 

How will buildings/learning spaces be cleaned?

Schools and office spaces will continue to be cleaned on a daily basis, as usual. On a regular basis, the district uses devices to spray disinfectant on commonly used surfaces. In the expanded campus hybrid model, there will be no in-person learning one day per week, mostly on Wednesdays, allowing the school to be cleaned even more thoroughly.

Will students and staff have daily health checks?

Students who choose the flexible learning model, will be expected to conduct self-assessments each day to monitor for symptoms with the help of a family member or caregiver. Staff members are also expected to complete a daily health screening before coming to work. Families are critical in the screening of their child. To maintain the health of our community, it’s important that we all stay home when we don’t feel well. Click here to review the MDH Home Screening Tool for more information.

An on-site screening process for students will be implemented as cases increase in our local and immediate communities. As cases allow, we will rely on families to conduct at-home daily screenings. As case rates increase, our health and safety team will consider implementing on-site screenings of students on buses and in the school building. Additional screening may occur if needed as an extra mitigation strategy if multiple cases occur in a classroom or house.

What if a student doesn’t pass the health screening?

If a student doesn’t pass the health screening when entering the school, the student will be hosted in the Haven Room, an isolated room away from the larger school community, until a caregiver arrives to bring them home. Families will be communicated with when their child does not pass the health screening.

How will students’ health be protected on buses?

The number of students allowed on buses at one time will be limited and all students will be required to wear masks while on the bus. Increased cleaning measures will be implemented. Assigned seating on the bus will be necessary for contact tracing and ensuring that students are placed at an adequate distance from the driver and other passengers. 

How will students’ health be protected during school meals?

During in-person learning days, students will eat breakfast meals in the classroom and lunch in the cafeteria. They will either travel to the cafeteria only with their pod/class and then return to their classroom, or meals will be brought to their classroom.

What other steps will schools take to protect students’ and staff members’ health?

Students will be placed in either Group A or Group B so that only 50% of students will be in the building at a time. Group A will be onsite Monday and Tuesday and Group B will be onsite Thursday and Friday most weeks. We will implement increased cleaning measures between each group’s in-person learning days. 

The state has also provided other guidance for safely returning elementary students back to in-person instruction. Masks will be required and staff members will also wear face shields. Physical distancing will be maintained throughout the school day. Students will only interact with their classroom of peers and students on their bus routes. Students will also be restricted to how they can move about the building during the school day to minimize exposure with students in other classrooms and pods.

Additionally, staff members, families and caregivers must be vigilant about monitoring potential symptoms. Now more than ever, it’s important to stay home when we don’t feel well. As members of the community, we all play a role in maintaining a healthy school community. The following protocols will be implemented and we ask that families help uphold this commitment to health:

• Students must stay home with any of the following symptoms: 
• Fever greater than or equal to 100.4 F
• New onset and/or worsening cough
• Difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Excessive fatigue (tiredness)
• New onset of severe headache
• New onset of nasal congestion or runny nose
• Students that develop symptoms during the school day will be sent home. Students that cannot be transported home by family if they become ill should stay home.
• Masks will be required for students in grades K-12 and all staff members. Students will be provided three reusable cloth masks upon their return to school. 
• Masks should be worn with the correct fit and wear
• Masks must cover both mouth and nose at all times.
• Reusable masks should be regularly washed. Disposable masks will be available for students should a mask become soiled or ripped. 
• Masks must be worn indoors for students regardless of exertion level, including gym or indoor recess
• Masks are also expected during indoor and outdoor recess

• Frequent handwashing will include 20 seconds with soap and water or 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Handwashing should be performed when arriving to school, before leaving school, before and after lunch, before/after recess, after going to the bathroom, and after touching a mask or face
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue to contain respiratory droplets and wash hands after. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, particularly with unwashed hands. 
• Students are expected to maintain physical distancing of six feet
• Masks will be removed to eat. This time will serve as a mask break. There will be no sharing of foods or snacks.

How many students will be in a room together?

It will depend on the size of the room. The maximum allowed by state guidelines is 25 people per space, but always while maintaining six feet of distance between students and staff and six feet of distance between students. Many typical classrooms will hold 12-15 students along with a teacher. Some classes may be held in larger spaces, such as school media centers or gymnasiums, which would allow for more students in a space. Smaller learning spaces and offices will be limited to 1-3 students and an adult staff member.

Are the ventilation systems in our buildings up to code?

Our HVAC, or ventilation systems, are compliant with all guidelines and standards used by the American Society of Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHREA). 

ASHREA has developed guidelines related to reopening of schools and other buildings to aid in minimizing the risk of spread of COVID-19. Based on these recommendations, BCCS will implement the following procedures to minimize the spread of COVID-19:

1. Keep ventilation systems running for longer periods. Start systems several hours before the start of school and leave running longer at the end of the day.
2. Increase outdoor air ventilation where possible
3. Replace filters with higher efficiency MERV13 filters
4. Keep toilet room exhaust fans running continuously

If you have any questions about our HVAC systems, please contact Jim Langevin, director of operations, at jlangevin@bccs286.org. 

What learning model will we use in the 2020-2021 school year?

From September 8 through at least Feb. 1, BCCS is in the limited campus hybrid model. In this learning model, most students will learn online off-campus. A limited number of students, in our setting-III special education program, will have the option to learn on-campus. 

Beginning Monday, February 1:

• Grades Pre-K and K students begin the expanded campus hybrid learning model and will be onsite two days per week
• Grades E-12 students in a setting III special education classroom and students who are new to the country will begin learning onsite in custom schedules
• Grades E-12 students can schedule onsite individual appointments and evaluations

Monday, February 8: Grades 1-2 students begin the expanded campus hybrid learning model and will be onsite two days per week

Monday, February 22: Grades 3-5 students begin the expanded campus hybrid learning model and will be onsite two days per week

How will decisions continue to be made?

Previously, the district used a variety of factors to determine the learning model to be implemented, including staffing availability and rates of COVID-19 cases in our community. Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Education announced on December 16 that school districts could implement new health and safety protocols to safely return grades E-5 students back in-person or hybrid learning. 

Our knowledge of how COVID is transmitted in our community has evolved since it closed our doors in March. Health experts have communicated with school districts that children in grades E-5 do not spread the virus as easily as adolescents and adults. Young children also do not experience severe symptoms when they contract COVID-19. 

We understand that this updated parameter for how we will decide which learning model to implement at the elementary level will cause concern for staff and families. We are relying on the expertise of health experts to guide our decision making for this age group. Please see the Health & Safety section below to understand what protocols we are putting into place to ensure a safe learning and work environment. 

For families that are not comfortable with in-person or hybrid learning, they can register for BC Online, our full-time online learning program. Click below for more information about BC Online.

For grades 6-12 students, we will continue to use cases of COVID-19 in Hennepin County and the Brooklyn Center area to determine the learning model to implement. 

What are the Ready to Learn Plans?

Each BCCS family may select between two learning model options below for the 2020-2021 school year.  

Option #1: Students and families can expect to move between one or more of the following learning scenarios throughout the school year. BCCS will follow the guidance provided by Governor Walz and the Safe Learning Plan to determine the model of learning in the school district using data from Hennepin County, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and Minneapolis to help us understand the rate of COVID-19 transmission in our immediate community. 

• Distance Learning 2.0: All students participate in full-time online learning. Live virtual class sessions with grade-level instruction will take place four days per week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday). One day per week will be dedicated to additional one-on-one virtual support for students.
• Limited Campus Hybrid: Most students in grades K-12 participate in full-time online learning. Select student groups will receive support onsite including students who receive educational support primarily in a setting III special education setting and English learners. Mental health services, resources and other supports will continue to be available onsite for students and families.
• Hybrid: A combination of in-person and online learning, students in grades K-12 will learn onsite two days per week and engage in online learning three days per week.
• In-person Learning: Grades K-12 students attend school every day, with additional precautions including wearing masks and practicing social distancing where possible.

Option #2: Families who want the certainty of full-time online learning with no movement between models may opt into the BC Online learning program. This option does not include any in-person instruction and will operate independently from the other plans.

Click here to learn more about our Ready to Learn Plans.

Can I choose 100% distance learning for my child, even if some in-person school is taking place?

Yes, families can register for BC Online, our full-time online learning program. Click here for more information about BC Online.

What is BC Online?

Families who want the certainty of full-time online learning with no movement between models may opt into the BC Online learning program. This option does not include any in-person instruction and will operate independently from the other plans. In order to ensure appropriate staffing levels, we ask that families who select this option commit to the program for a minimum of nine weeks, or an academic quarter. We are asking families to make a commitment to BC Online for third quarter only, which runs through Friday, March 26.

Click here to learn more about BC Online.

What if I decide I want to register my student(s) for BC Online after the deadline?

BCCS staff members will work with families on a case-by-case basis to determine a learning model that best meets their family’s needs. Registration for quarter two will open later this fall.

If I choose BC Online, do my children have to stay in it all year?

No, we are asking families to make a commitment to BC Online for third quarter only, which runs through Friday, March 26.

What if I decide I want to switch learning models?

Families are encouraged to commit to a learning model for each academic quarter, however, BCCS staff members will work with families on a case-by-case basis to determine a learning model that best meets their family’s needs. 

How will BC Online students receive meals?

Meal distribution will need to be adjusted in February. More information will be communicated as plans are finalized. 

What is the limited campus hybrid model?

In this learning model, most students will learn online off-campus. A limited number of students, in our setting-III special education program, will have the option to learn on-campus. Click here for more information about the limited campus hybrid model.

What is “synchronous” learning?

In the distance learning 2.0 and limited campus hybrid learning scenarios and for students in BC Online, students will have live interaction with licensed teachers and classmates every day. Many classes will take place in a synchronous manner, meaning all students are expected to log in at a specific time and participate in a virtual classroom through video conferencing. Videos that take place live will also be available as a recording for students to watch.

Will there be teachers available for special education and English language services as well as the intervention and enrichment groups mentioned?

Yes. Special education teachers and English Learner teachers will work directly with their students to ensure they receive the support and instruction they need. 

What technology will be available?

A learning device will be assigned to each student. Students in early childhood programs through grade 2 will receive an iPad. Students in grades 3-12 will receive a Chromebook. Internet connectivity assistance will also be provided. Families and students will receive training for how to use their devices and learning systems at the beginning of the school year. More information will be provided.

What are the district’s childcare options in the ECH model?

Centaur Plus childcare will be limited to students who have a caregiver that's a Tier 1 essential worker. Click here to view MDH's list of Tier 1 employees. 

What is Centaur Plus

Centaur Plus (previously Bright Start) is a fee-based program that provides quality and engaging instruction in a safe and nurturing environment for students in grades Pre-K – 5. All daycare will be provided during Distance and Hybrid learning, along with on-site Distance Learning support. Centaur Plus will be available in all learning scenarios and includes onsite distance learning support.

How much does Centaur Plus cost tier 1 employees?

Rates for childcare depend. Please see below table for more information:

Rates	Tier 1 Employees	Tier 1 Employees Qualifying for Free and Reduced Lunch
After school rates  (2:05-4:30 p.m.)	$10.00/per day	$7.00/per day
Day Programming 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	No cost during school hours (7:45 a.m. – 2:05 p.m.)

When can I register for childcare?

Families can still register for Centaur Plus. The program is located at our Early College Academy campus this year. We are open for care Mondays – Fridays from 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on school days and non-school days, excluding holidays. 

Click here to register for Centaur Plus on our Eleyo website.

Click here for more information about getting started with Eleyo.

Who can I contact for more information about Centaur Plus?

If you have any questions, please contact Jakarta Turner (612) 242-4652 or jturner@bccs286.org.

What technology will be available?

A learning device will be assigned to each student. Students in early childhood programs through grade 2 will receive an iPad. Students in grades 3-12 will receive a Chromebook. Internet connectivity assistance will also be provided. 

When will technology will be issued?

Students should have received their district-issued device at the beginning of the school year.  

Who can I talk to about internet access?

Families that need internet assistance can contact their child's teacher or the main office of their school.

How will students receive meals?

Meal distribution changes will need to be implemented in February. Information will be shared as soon as plans are finalized. Detailed route information will continue to be updated at www.BCCS286.org/MealDistribution.

How will students' health be protected on buses?
School buses will be limited to 50% student capacity. Students will share seats only with other members of their household. School arrival and dismissal times will be staggered to limit the number of students entering and exiting the building simultaneously. Riders and drivers will wear face coverings. Buses will be disinfected following each route with special attention to high touch areas.