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The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides answers to questions from our Riverview Community, asking questions about what school will look like for potential reopening. Please note that as guidance could change at any time from Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), the Governor’s Office, and/or the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), these responses may likewise change as conditions and situations mandate.
Click on the category headers below, or use the search function to find questions based on your keyword search.
This FAQ was last updated on October 9, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
IT Support
Food Services
Student Services
Child Care
Student Engagement
COVID-19
Fall 2020
Archive
My student was absent when laptops went home, how do I get one?
Does the district offer internet access at home?
How do I get breakfast or lunch for my student?
What is novel coronavirus?
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. Health experts are concerned because little is known about this new virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people.
How does COVID-19 spread?
What can I do to protect my family’s health?
Where should I turn for accurate information or to ask specific questions?
Given the increased number of cases, what additional precautions is Riverview taking?
Effective March 9, 2020, Riverview School District has cancelled all volunteer programs and visitations during the school day, postponed or cancelled all after-school, evening, and weekend events (including athletic competitions, dances, plays, open houses, and music concerts), postponed or cancelled all field trips, cancelled all non-Riverview School District building use (field use remains permitted), and postponed all district professional learning which requires staff to leave their normal work day duties. These steps will be re-evaluated on March 20, 2020.
What cleaning and disinfecting procedures are being used?
What is Public Health's direction regarding school districts remaining open?
Under what circumstances would Public Health recommend school closures?
At this time, Public Health would likely recommend a closure if someone with a novel coronavirus case spent time in a school and had contacts with other individuals in the school setting while ill. In this situation, Public Health will work with school leadership to consider the duration of the closure and to determine other steps that should be taken to limit spread.
If our school is closed because of a confirmed case, how long will the closure last?
The length of the closure will be determined based on multiple factors, including the number of cases and the number and types of exposure that other individuals in the school may have had, as well as the underlying health of the student population served. Public Health may recommend closure for anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks, depending on the circumstances.
Will Public Health notify our schools if we have a case?
Yes, if Public Health is aware of a case in a King County school, we will contact key school personnel, such as the school nurse, principal, or district leadership.
A student or staff member in our district recently tested negative for COVID-19. Should the school require healthcare provider documentation for reentry?
School administrators should not require any letter or documentation from health care providers about their COVID-19 status. Requiring documentation is not recommended as a measure to protect public health at this time.
How should we talk about coronavirus with our students and other children in our lives?
This situation can raise fear and anxiety for both adults and children. Check out this helpful article and comic strip from NPR, “Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus.”
Where can I find additional resources about stigma and discrimination?
Public Health - Seattle & King County has an anti-stigma toolkit with social media tools, a poster, infographic, and other information to help you prevent, interrupt, and respond to stigma.
What direction have districts received from Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)?
On March 9, 2020, OSPI released the following information for parents, publishing Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in K-12 Schools: A Parents Guide. The document is available in both English and Spanish.
I can't access linked resources for my student - when will this be available?
RSD staff have been actively preparing resources for students and families to stay engaged. Content for the packets that went home with elementary students, and links for secondary students will be available by Monday March 16th.
How will student devices be provided and distributed?
Will teachers be providing live instruction during remote learning, will lessons be pre-recorded, or will there be a mixture of both?
It will be a mixture of both synchronous (live Interactions via online format) and asynchronous (pre-recorded videos).
How will students receive teacher feedback? How will parents/guardians receive information about their student(s) progress?
Staff, students, and parents will be connected through the Skooler LMS. Skooler allows for direct, real-time feedback on student work.
How will electives be handled at the secondary level (Cedarcrest, Tolt, RLC)?
As our Teaching and Learning Department works with building principals, counselors, and district administration, an update will be provided in August as to how middle school and high school scheduling will look in a potential Remote Learning environment.
Skooler, as part of Riverview’s Core 4, will be the district’s Learning Management System. What upgrades/modifications have been made to ensure success in Remote Learning for the Fall of 2020?
Will students and families have multiple platforms to navigate and manage for assignments and grades, or will this be streamlined for Remote Learning in the Fall of 2020?
The district is adopting a Core 4 technology model which requires all teachers to deliver plans, assignments, and messaging over a single platform.
Will grading return to normal letter grades or continue as Pass/Fail for middle school and high school students?
This is currently being evaluated by our Teaching and Learning Department, in consultation with building principals and district administration. We will provide updates on grading as those plans are finalized.
If schools are closed for Remote Learning, what will happen with sports? Extracurricular clubs and activities?
The Riverview School District is continuing to receive guidance from the Washington Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA), the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), and the Governor’s Office, as well as neighboring school districts, on how extracurricular activities and sports may occur in a pandemic. In Riverview, generally, if school campuses are closed, afterschool events and activities are likewise cancelled. We will continue to monitor the guidance we receive, remain in contact with neighboring school districts and provide updates on activities and sports when available.
We live in a remote location and accessing streaming or internet services is difficult and a challenge for us? What services does the district have available to help make this easier for us in the Fall?
The district IT department has a series of mobile hotspots available for check out. IT staff can check signal strength for locations to see if that added equipment can help students.
If we make the decision to homeschool our children, do I need to formally withdraw our students from the district?
Families looking to homeschool their students outside of the Riverview School District’s PARADE program at the Riverview Learning Center, will need to download, complete, and submit the “Declaration of Intent to Home School” form, available on the district website under the tab “Parents & Community” and the option “Registration & Forms”. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Renner with our Teaching & Learning Department, via e-mail, at rennert@rsd407.org.
Kindergarten
Health & Safety OLD
Reopening
WHY IS RIVERVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT REOPENING?
The Riverview School District has continued engaging in conversations with regional school districts and reviewing guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Governor’s Office, and Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) since the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year. The Riverview Reopening Advisory Committee, consisting of students, staff, and parents have initiated meetings, provided guidance, and proposed questions to help guide this process. Continued dialogue with our labor organizations has also provided important feedback, worthwhile advice and helped us address challenges. Additionally, separate surveys of our elementary families and staff members have also been informative as we continue moving forward with our DRAFT Reopening Plan.
The decision on returning students to in-person learning is a complex one, which requires weighing many factors. PHSKC publishes a COVID-19 dashboard, which includes both county-wide and local reporting area statistics for positive cases. King County statistics are updated Wednesdays. The local Health Reporting Area (HRA) statistics are released daily, following a two-week rolling window.
To view the PHSKC COVID-19 Dashboard and King County data, please click below:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/daily-summary.aspx
WHAT DATA IS RIVERVIEW SCHOOL DISTRICT USING TO DECIDE TO REOPEN SCHOOLS?
As indicated above, the rate of positive cases per 100,000 residents in our Health Reporting Area is something we look at daily, as well as tracking the rate of positive cases per 100,000 residents per King County.
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/data/key-indicators.aspx
Logistics & Planning
HOW WILL LUNCH AND RECESS AND OTHER TIMES WHEN LARGE STUDENTS ARE GATHERING BE HANDLED?
For our elementary students, lunch and recess will occur as follows:
LUNCH
- Students will remain socially distanced six feet apart.
- For some schools/programs, this will mean keeping cohorts of students together in classrooms.
- “Grab and Go” meals will continue (see “Food Services” section for more information).
- Handwashing and sanitizing practices will be a part of the lunch period. This will also be incorporated into snack times as well.
- For other schools/programs, this will mean students will be practicing social distancing in designated areas.
RECESS
- Students will be assigned designated areas on the playground, or on campus, based on their classroom cohorts.
- Students will move to and from the classroom with their teachers.
- Educating students on six-feet social distancing to and from recess will initially be part of the recess period(s).
For our secondary students, lunch and passing time will likely occur as follows (Note: these specific plans are still under development):
LUNCH
- Students will be assigned to designated areas that meet social distancing guidelines.
- Specific plans in this area are being worked on.
PASSING TIME
- Students will be required to adhere to social distancing requirements.
- Classes will be dismissed in a staggered manner.
- Specific plans in the scheduling of staggered dismissal is still in development.
WHAT IF FAMILIES NEED TO CHANGE FROM IN-PERSON LEARNING TO REMOTE LEARNING?
We understand that specific situations may arise when families make a commitment to either a return to in-person learning or a continuing with remote learning. Specific situations that arise will be handled by building principals and district administration, if necessary, on a family-by-family basis.
Our survey to elementary families asked for a commitment now, to determine staffing needs and potential class sizes. We understand it is difficult to make a blanket statement which accounts for every scenario possible. Our goal is to work with families, as we always strive to do, to support student learning wherever students are at in their education.
HOW WILL SPLITTING CLASSES BY ALPHABET CREATE EQUAL SIZE CLASSROOMS?
Splitting classes by alphabet can create slightly unequal class sizes in some cases. We made this decision so families, overall and in multiple schools, can have their students attending the same days. Some inequities may exist in specific classes and those will be addressed after we know the number of students who will be returning, versus the number of students who will be continuing with remote learning.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT WANTS TO STAY WITH HIS/HER EXISTING TEACHER? CAN I REQUEST THAT?
The Riverview School District has surveyed staff members on their decision to either return to in-person teaching or remain teaching in a remote learning environment. Families have been asked the same question. Consequently, students and teachers may have selected differently on which plan works best for them. To ensure that we have appropriate class size, considering all health and safety measures needing to be in place, classroom rosters will be evaluated and adjusted/shifted as needed to accommodate both teachers and students/families’ needs.
Health & Safety
WHAT IF THE DATA SHOWS THAT WE NEED TO CONSIDER RE-CLOSING SCHOOLS?
As has been our practice since considering reopening of schools, we will monitor the PHSKC COVID-19 dashboard, evaluating local and county-wide metrics, while continuing to follow guidance from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Governor’s Office, and Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), as well as our community members participating in the Riverview Reopening Advisory Committee. All decisions on reopening and/or reclosing of schools are made by the School Board, in direct consultation with the Superintendent.
HOW WILL STUDENTS AND STAFF BE SCREENED TO ENSURE THEY ARE ENTERING THE SCHOOL SAFELY?
Safety protocols have been established to minimize health risks to students and school staff. Parents will fill out an attestation form (Wellness Screening) on Skyward every morning (instructions provided below) before children come to school. Students will have their temperatures taken upon arriving at school each morning, to ensure they are healthy enough to be at school that day.
• Wellness Screening Instructions - English
• Instrucciones para la evaluación de bienestar - Español
Health screening questions will include asking if a student has COVID-19 symptoms within the past 24 hours which are not normal to you. Another question will ask if, within the last 14 days, you have been in close contact with someone with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 or tested positive yourself for Coronavirus.
Additional information:
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/schools-childcare.aspx
Each school facility is required to plan for temporarily isolating any staff or student who appears symptomatic or indicates a fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, or new loss of taste or smell. Refer to the CDC guidance about protecting school staff to ensure that personnel managing sick employees or students are appropriately protected from exposure. See also What Healthcare Personnel Should Know About Caring for Patients with Confirmed or Possible COVID-19 Infection.
• Only designated, trained staff should interact with people showing symptoms of COVID-19. At least one designated, trained staff member should be available at all times in case there is a need to isolate a symptomatic employee or student.
• When providing care for anyone with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, personnel who need to be within 6 feet of a sick colleague or student must be provided appropriate PPE (including gloves, a gown, a face shield or goggles, and an N95 or equivalent or higher-level respirator or a surgical facemask and face shield if a respirator is not available), and follow Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions.
If respirators are needed, they must be used in the context of a comprehensive respiratory protection program that includes medical exams, fit testing, and training in accordance with Washington Administrative Code 296-842 – Respirators.
Staff serving in these roles would be considered an extremely high transmission risk, requiring:
• FDA-approved surgical mask or healthcare N95 filtering facepiece respirator**** or elastomeric respirator with particulate filters. Tight-fitting respirators must be fit-tested and the wearer must be clean-shaven. Powered-air purifying respirator (PAPR) with particulate filter may be used; no fit testing is required for loose-fitting models. When feasible, clients with COVID-19 should also wear an FDA-approved surgical N95 or surgical mask.
• If an employer cannot reasonably obtain an approved filtering facepiece respirator, then a face shield plus an FDA-approved KN95 mask, dust mask, or procedural mask is an acceptable alternative.
• Add face shield to surgical masks or eye goggles to half-face disposable respirators and nonpermeable disposable upper body coverings; use powered-air purifying respirator (PAPR) system, elastomeric full-face respirators with particulate filters or higher protection.
However, if the interaction with ill students involves students without masks, particularly for very close contact (3 feet), or if there is an additional reason for concern (aerosol-generating procedure or performing physical assistance would be the most likely), a surgical mask would not be sufficient. If staff are simply watching over the students and can generally maintain physical distancing, then surgical masks are sufficient.
In addition, staff are required to cordon off any areas where an employee or student with probable or confirmed COVID-19 illness was present until the area and equipment is cleaned and sanitized. Follow the cleaning guidelines set by the CDC to clean and sanitize.
School nurses circulating in multiple school settings must follow these guidelines for each school setting in which they work. In addition, follow guidelines required for cleaning vehicles prior to traveling between work locations.
This document does NOT substitute nursing judgment and acknowledges that courses of action may be modified on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Resources:
• Guidance for Healthcare Personnel on the Use of PPE in Schools During COVID-19 (National School Nurses Association)
• Special Considerations – School nurses/health professionals (CDC)
ONCE STUDENTS ARE ON SITE; WHAT SAFETY STANDARDS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY?
Public Health – Seattle and King County, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) provide guidance and reference for safe and healthy practices, physical distancing, mask wearing, and limiting exposure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As published in our 2020-2021 Remote Learning Guidelines booklet, dated August 28, 2020, here are Riverview School District’s health and safety protocols in alignment with OSPI requirements and recommendations from the CDC:
Social/Physical Distancing
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Maintain 6-feet social/physical distancing between all staff and students at all times.
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Utilize markings and signage to promote social/physical distancing in the building and classrooms with traffic flow (i.e.: one-way directions).
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Plexiglass installation in front offices and where social/physical distancing cannot be maintained.
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Appropriate signage will be placed throughout the buildings.
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Meal service will maintain 6-feet of social/physical distance.
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Visitors will be restricted.
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Face masks will always be required when in buildings.
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Supplies will be directly delivered to students via the Transportation Department and through scheduled pickups, reducing contact at the schools.
Face Mask Coverings
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All staff, students, and visitors must always wear a cloth face covering (unless a physician’s note indicates otherwise and is provided or otherwise on file).
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Disposable masks will be made available at each site.
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Staff will be provided two reusable face masks upon request. Face shields will also be provided upon request.Identified staff members that work with vulnerable populations, and require working within less than 6-feet of distance, will be provided appropriate medical grade PPE.
Daily Symptom Checking
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Staff and students will complete a symptom check and temperature check when reporting to work. If the answer to any question is “yes” or if the employee has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, the employee will stay home.
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If at any time during the day a staff member or student feels ill, they will be asked to return home.
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A health screening app that connects with Skyward will be used to monitor and screen incoming staff and students; as well as keep a record of where staff and students have been on site.
HVAC/Ventilation
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All air vents (univents) must be kept clear to operate properly.
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All buildings circulate outdoor air based on Department of Health standards to maintain indoor air quality.
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All air must be filtered.
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Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters on a scale of 1-16, ranging from an 8–10 have been installed at all locations. A MERV filter is an anti-bacterial, microfiber, multi-layered filter. A MERV rating measures how well the filter traps and collects particulates.
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Utilizing higher level MERV filters in our existing HVAC systems will limit the outdoor air exchange.
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In accordance with manufacturer guidelines, filters are replaced every three months.
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Air purifiers have been installed in any rooms with no windows, or windows that do not open.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
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Cleaning procedures will follow the Department of Health guidelines and utilized EPA-approved disinfectant.
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High touchpoints such as counters, desks, tables, door and cabinet handles, handrails and light switches, will be cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved disinfectant every night and once during the day.
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Bathrooms will be cleaned and disinfected every night and once during the day.
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Staff will be provided with gloves, disinfectant spray, and microfiber towels to wipe down surfaces during the day.
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Two UV lights are provided in each building for disinfecting supplies and tools.
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Multiple hand sanitizer stations have been installed at all locations.
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Buses will be disinfected in between routes and at the end of the workday.
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Materials will be disinfected between student use.
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Classrooms will be disinfected in the morning and afternoon of each workday.
Safety and Health Plan Development
Each school building will have a worksite-specific Safety and Health Reopening Plan (SHP), which describes the modifications and protocols being adopted to limit, control and mitigate COVID-19 exposure for a safe and healthy work environment.
The SHP will be developed by the District, in conjunction with building administration and, based on current knowledge and public health guidance, will include, but not be limited to, modifications or protocols for the following topics:
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Building access points, walking patterns and signage.
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Use of shared spaces (e.g., offices, bathrooms, staff rooms), shared equipment (e.g., copy machines, refrigerators), and shared teaching materials (e.g., manipulatives, textbooks, technological devices).
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Building access to volunteers, visitors and other guests determined by the District.
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Staff and student screening and exclusion, and student isolation and supervision if symptomatic at the school site determined by the District.
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Communication regarding staff or student exposure events determined by the District.
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Responses to staff or student breaches of safety protocols determined by the District.
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Availability and access to all personal protective equipment (PPE) required for an employee’s assignment, including alternative equipment necessary to accommodate student or staff disabilities determined by the District in compliance with regulations (i.e. Americans with Disabilities Act).
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Cleaning schedules and access to sanitizing supplies; and,
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Maximum occupancy and air quality standards for rooms in which staff and/or students are expected to work determined by the District.
WHAT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) WILL BE REQUIRED FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS?
Students and all district staff members will be required to provide and wear a cloth face-covering or face mask each day. Schools will have additional disposable masks available for any students and staff who do not have appropriate PPE. Staff will be provided PPE by the school district unless they choose to supply their own and it meets district guidelines and requirements.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF AN ENTIRE CLASS MUST BE TESTED, OR UNDERGO CONTACT TRACING?
In addressing this with PHSKC, they indicate they are developing a plan for this. When that plan is released, Riverview will adhere to the guidance provided, as determined by PHSKC, for ensuring all safety and health protocols are followed. Currently, it is anticipated that comprehensive contact tracing will be conducted by PHSKC representatives.
Childcare
HOW WILL REOPENING OF SCHOOLS AFFECT CHILDCARE PROGRAMS CURRENTLY OFFERED?
We are still evaluating our staffing needs for accommodation of in-person and remote learning. Currently, we are exploring what options may exist for families to consider remaining in an All-Day program, and which locations will have that availability, as well as offering an Extended Care program for students and families. More information will be made available, as survey results and planning for reopening continues forward. At this time, we anticipate continuing a childcare program, with those details still to be determined.
Remote | In-person
WILL THE DISTRICT CONSIDER AN AM/PM LEARNING MODEL WHEN STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL?
No. We have evaluated the possibilities of an AM/PM learning model for our students. When considering the logistics involved, in areas like food services, transportation, childcare and daycare needs, families’ work schedules, staffing needs and other factors, an AM/PM schedule is not able to be properly supported at this time.
WHAT WILL THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHEDULE LOOK LIKE?
With students returning to school, our elementary schools will build a daily schedule that will more closely resemble/replicate a more traditional brick-and-mortar schedule.
AT THIS POINT, IN PLANNING A RETURN TO IN-PERSON LEARNING, WHAT WOULD A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR AN ELEMENTARY STUDENT?
PRE-ARRIVAL
Each school day, prior to children attending school, parents will complete a Wellness Screening attestation through Skyward. These will be required daily.
BREAKFAST | MOVING TO CLASSROOM
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
Classrooms may be equipped with teaching stations which allow teachers and students to work one-on-one, as needed, in close proximity, with plexiglass barriers and safety protocols in effect.
Students who need a "mask break" during recess, will be moved into a designated seating location, away from other students, socially distanced from one another. At the end of recess, all students will return to classrooms, following social distancing protocols and wearing masks/face-coverings. Handwashing protocols will begin upon return to class.
DISMISSAL
When students are dismissed, they will depart their classrooms in a socially distanced manner, wearing masks/face-coverings at all times. Students will stay with their classroom cohort when it comes time to board the bus. For more information on Transportation protocols, please click the Transportation tab at the top of this FAQ.
Transportation
WHEN STUDENTS START BEING BUSED TO SCHOOL, WILL BOOK AND SUPPLY DROPS CONTINUE? HOW WILL STUDENTS NOT IN SCHOOL RECEIVE THESE ITEMS?
Transportation is working to build routes to accommodate both to-and-from school transportation for returning students, as well as continuing the book and supply delivery drops which have taken place during remote learning. Book and supply drop times will likely change, and those changes will be communicated through the individual schools via newsletters and Constant Contact.
WHAT SAFETY PROTOCOLS WILL BE IN PLACE WHEN MY STUDENT BOARDS THE SCHOOL BUS?
The Riverview School District Transportation Department will follow all CDC health and safety guidelines, as well as school district guidelines, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Parents are required to complete Wellness Screenings in Skyward each morning, prior to students boarding the bus. Confirmation of a completed Wellness Screening will occur when students arrive on campus.
• All staff are required to complete a health screening and temperature check when reporting to work.
• All students and staff are required to wear a mask/face-covering to enter school buses. Bus drivers will provide disposable face masks if needed.
• Social/physical distancing on the bus will be practiced as much as possible. For as long as feasible, seating in the row directly behind the driver will be prohibited. With more students returning to school, this restriction will likely be lifted.
• All bus windows, unless the outside temperature is below 40 degrees, will be opened one-third of the way to allow for outside air flow.
• Staff will wipe down every seat and handrail between each group of students transported on the school bus. Each bus will be disinfected with a disinfectant spray at the end of each workday.
Food Services
WILL “GRAB AND GO” MEALS CONTINUE WHEN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS START RETURNING TO SCHOOL?
Yes. We do not anticipate any changes in the “Grab and Go” meals program when students begin returning to school. Riverview School District will continue to operate under the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Summer Meals Program, which allows free meals for kids through December 31, 2020. Breakfast and lunch will continue to be offered at no cost for students.
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