- Morningside Elementary School
- COVID Readiness Team Updates
MES COVID Readiness Team
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The first meeting of the MES Covid Readiness Team was held on October 7, 2020. This team of 33 volunteer family members, teachers, and MES administrators was brought together to develop specific protocols for reopening the MES@Inman campus.
This team has proven invaluable in the reopening planning process. Our school community not only has amazing families and teachers willing to research and dedicate extra time to our school, but we also have infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, public health experts, medical personnel and those who have been on the front lines of COVID-19 since January 2020. In addition, Principal Sofianos and team have consulted with other principals and heads of schools who have safely and successfully reopened. Recommendations use the resources of various departments in APS as well as federal, state, and local guidelines and CDC recommendations for schools K-12.
These procedures will continue to evolve as we learn more about COVID-19 and the “Reopening Plans” section of the MES website will be updated as needed. The COVID Readiness Team will continue to function on an advisory level until we get a reopening date.
COVID Readiness Team Updates
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10-28-20 COVID Readiness Team Update 4
The MES Covid Readiness Team met on October 28 for a status check-in. Principal Sofianos updated the team on the status of teacher telework applications, which continued to be processed by APS HR. She also reiterated that the next APS update will come after the November 2 Board of Education meeting.Each work stream presented a high level summary of their Phase I deliverables.- The Health Team outlined their proposals for health risk mitigation protocols and a health screening app.
- The Cohorts Team outlined definitions of cohort, secondary cohort, and blended cohort. The team also outlined their proposed procedures for contact tracing which involves attendance, seating charts, student and parent interviews, the APS Health Services Department and the Fulton County Board of Health.
- The Flow Team outlined proposed arrival procedures, most expedient routes students will take to their classrooms and dismissal procedures.
- The Facilities Team outlined proposed outdoor zone locations and the rotations schedules for zones. Zones may be utilized for lunch, recess, PE, or outdoor learning.
- The Learning Structures team outlined a proposal for students to bring their own individual school supplies rather than using shared supplies.
- The Communications Team shared a proposed wellness pledge for MES families.
Future meeting dates are scheduled for Nov. 11, Nov. 18, and Dec. 9.
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10-21-20 COVID Readiness Team Update 3
The MES Covid Readiness Team met on October 21 for a status update. Principal Sofianos updated the team on the vision for the reopening plan. The October intent to return responses indicated that 40% of students elected face-to-face instruction. The vision for January is to successfully reopen MES with the majority of students (75%) and teachers face to face with a smaller percentage of students electing virtual instruction and teachers needing telework.Leadership outlined a three-phased approach to the work schedule.- Phase 1: Finalizing the planning documentation [October]
- Phase 2: Implementation of the plan [November]
This phase will include soliciting teacher feedback and holding a Parent Town hall meeting.- Phase 3: Finalizing staffing, student enrollment, and schedules [December]
This phase targets a dress rehearsal the week of Jan. 11 and a reopening date of Jan. 19 (beginning of third quarter).Leadership updated the team on the current budget including APS, MES, PTA and Foundation monies. At this time there is no need to initiate an additional fundraising campaign.The MES website is being updated to include all reopening information in a user-friendly format. The goal is to go live with these updates on October 30. Each of the work streams provided updates on what they have accomplished and what they are currently working on. The work streams will now prioritize work according to the phases outlined by leadership.Going forward the team will meet on the following dates: Oct. 28, Nov. 11, Nov. 18, Dec. 9.
10-14-20 - COVID Readiness Team Update 2
The MES Covid Readiness Team met on October 14 for a status check-in. Principal Sofianos updated the Team on teacher telework applications. Current applications, which are based on current requests only, are being processed by APS Human Resources. The majority of MES telework applications are still pending. She also reiterated the student intent to return responses that were communicated the previous day, with 40% of students electing face to face as of October 26th (total of 334 students), with the remaining 60% remaining virtual as of October 26th by election or not submitting their intent (8%). Specific numbers by grade are included in Principal Sofianos’ blog post on the MES website.Principal Sofianos and the MES Administrative Team continue to meet and plan. They are continuing to speak with leaders at other APS schools, as well as Atlanta area private schools that have successfully reopened without incident to determine current best practices that can be applied to MES.Leadership informed the Team of the current budget, including APS, MES, PTA and Foundation monies. The PTA and Foundation are excited to work together with the Team to fundraise for any additional needs beyond the current budget.Each of the Workflows provided updates of what they have accomplished and what they are currently working on. Workflow teams are prioritizing implementing APS guidelines as well as exploring additional risk mitigation for MES. Leadership is working on finalizing dates by which Workflows need to finalize their deliverables.10-07-20 - COVID Readiness Team Update 1
The MES Covid Readiness Team had its first meeting on 10/7 and will continue to meet every Wednesday hereafter. The Team is tasked with maintaining an environment of high quality learning while minimizing health risks for students and staff. The Team will utilize Atlanta Public School’s required framework, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Georgia Department of Public Health data, and Team members’ expertise to create and implement policies and procedures within the October 26 timeframe. The Team is subdivided into six workflows based on Team members’ expertise, with each workflow including at least one teacher and/or staff member.- The Health Workflow is focused on health, safety and prevention for staff and students;
- The Cohorts Workflow is focused on maintaining students in groups with minimal cross contact;
- The Flow Workflow is focused on moving students and staff safely within the facilities throughout the day;
- The Facilities Workflow is focused on maximizing the use of the facilities in a manner that supports APS’ framework;
- The Learning Structures Workflow is focused on best methods and equipment for allowing teachers to deliver high quality learning no matter where the student or teacher is physically located; and
- The Communications Workflow is focused on documenting and communicating final policies and procedures.
Each committee is expected to establish metrics to define success, and has started meeting and working both virtually and at MES @Inman in order to meet the October 26th deadline.
Parents, teachers and staff may provide input and ask questions on this Google form. .
We look forward to a risk reduced return to school and continued virtual learning that maintains MES’ high standards. -
10-14-20 COVID Readiness Team Update 2
The MES Covid Readiness Team met on October 14 for a status check-in. Principal Sofianos updated the Team on teacher telework applications. Current applications, which are based on current requests only, are being processed by APS Human Resources. The majority of MES telework applications are still pending. She also reiterated the student intent to return responses that were communicated the previous day, with 40% of students electing face to face as of October 26th (total of 334 students), with the remaining 60% remaining virtual as of October 26th by election or not submitting their intent (8%). Specific numbers by grade are included in Principal Sofianos’ blog post on the MES website.Principal Sofianos and the MES Administrative Team continue to meet and plan. They are continuing to speak with leaders at other APS schools, as well as Atlanta area private schools that have successfully reopened without incident to determine current best practices that can be applied to MES.Leadership informed the Team of the current budget, including APS, MES, PTA and Foundation monies. The PTA and Foundation are excited to work together with the Team to fundraise for any additional needs beyond the current budget.Each of the Workflows provided updates of what they have accomplished and what they are currently working on. Workflow teams are prioritizing implementing APS guidelines as well as exploring additional risk mitigation for MES. Leadership is working on finalizing dates by which Workflows need to finalize their deliverables. -
10-07-20 COVID Readiness Team Update 1
The MES Covid Readiness Team had its first meeting on 10/7 and will continue to meet every Wednesday hereafter. The Team is tasked with maintaining an environment of high quality learning while minimizing health risks for students and staff. The Team will utilize Atlanta Public School’s required framework, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, Georgia Department of Public Health data, and Team members’ expertise to create and implement policies and procedures within the October 26 timeframe. The Team is subdivided into six workflows based on Team members’ expertise, with each workflow including at least one teacher and/or staff member.
- The Health Workflow is focused on health, safety and prevention for staff and students;
- The Cohorts Workflow is focused on maintaining students in groups with minimal cross contact;
- The Flow Workflow is focused on moving students and staff safely within the facilities throughout the day;
- The Facilities Workflow is focused on maximizing the use of the facilities in a manner that supports APS’ framework;
- The Learning Structures Workflow is focused on best methods and equipment for allowing teachers to deliver high quality learning no matter where the student or teacher is physically located; and
- The Communications Workflow is focused on documenting and communicating final policies and procedures.
Each committee is expected to establish metrics to define success, and has started meeting and working both virtually and at MES @Inman in order to meet the October 26th deadline.
Parents, teachers and staff may provide input and ask questions on this Google form. .
We look forward to a risk reduced return to school and continued virtual learning that maintains MES’ high standards.
