We hope to answer questions as we can, during this ever changing period of planning for school reopening during a pandemic in a state with increasing infection rates, etc. We understand that your child's health and safety are paramount and the situation at times may have more questions than answers.

Our goal is to provide as many answers as we can in the next week so that you can begin to make an informed selection for quarter 1 starting July 20th.

July 20th is three weeks prior to the start of school and we will need your selection to make class rosters and plan for spaces that will accommodate social distancing. We understand that if there are changes in your personal lives, work situation or the community infection rate, you may want to change your selection. We will work with each family the best we can but we will begin to fill seats in the three proposed options starting next Monday.

We welcome your input, and questions, even the hard questions that we might not have the answer to right away. We can only get better by engaging in a two way discussion about the situation.

If you have not watched the Facebook Live 30 min video we encourage that first. Also but scanning through the 100 or so comments, questions and answers your questions may be answered. We are posting in this newsletter some FAQ's as well.

Tuesday evening we encourage you to join us on Zoom (accessible via phone, tablet or laptop with internet) - you do not need a webcam to participate. We will go over the three instructional models and then open it up to Questions and Answers from YOU! See below for Zoom link/meeting code/password - please do not post the zoom code and password on social media as this opens up the security to hackers.

Lastly, we cannot say enough how much we appreciate your patience, positive communication and engagement during this period of uncertainly. DCSS parents have shown they are a class act and a true school community!

Amanda Sauer is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Parent Q & A - DCSS

Time: Jul 14, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://charterusa.zoom.us/j/92410748185

Meeting ID: 924 1074 8185

Password: 882419

These descriptions are not meant to be all inclusive of policies/procedures, but are meant to be an overview to help the parent make an informed decision for quarter one.

For those parents who do not feel comfortable having their child return to the physical building at this time during the pandemic. Students would learn through our mobile classroom model from the comfort and safety of their own home.

Attendance & grading guidelines are being developed. Please know the expectation is that they are online at total of 3-4 hours per day and completing assignments daily. Some classes would have set time periods the student would need to be online live. This will be different than in the spring, (which was more of an emergency shut down) where some students worked 1-2 hours in the evening or just "caught up" on weekends. This will be a daily commitment on the part of the student and family. Devices, if needed, will be provided. Lessons will be a combination of pre-recorded videos, live sessions directly with the teacher, and live from the physical classroom sessions. Students will have small group instruction and may be eligible for online tutoring if needed. Families would be eligible to select the hybrid, or the five day a week at school option at the end of the quarter, or perhaps continue in virtual for the next quarter. All online code of conduct policies apply and the student is expected to be an active participant in class, not just a passive member of the class.

**Nicknamed "Virtual" to help build understanding but due to specific language in state statue, we will be calling this model "Fully Mobile" moving forward.

These students would have some socially distanced time on campus with their peers and classroom teacher and some days that they would learn from home as a virtual student. This model helps to reduce class size of the students physically present and lessen their exposure to other students each week, perhaps providing a lower risk of illness than a five day a week model. It may be a better fit for a family whose parents have some flexibility with working from home or can arrange some days to support their student, but it also gives more peer to peer collaboration and interaction than a full virtual model.

One cohort would be assigned M/Tues on site, one cohort would be assigned Thurs/Friday on site. All students in this class would be virtual on Wednesday to allow for additional sanitation of the classroom between cohorts. The virtual days would be conducted as if they were full time virtual (see description above.) The on site days would be similar to a five day a week students' experience (see description below.) Before and Aftercare would be available on the two days they are assigned to be on campus if a parent chooses to register and pay for before/aftercare.

We would start with allowing parents to choose which cohort and we certainly would put siblings on the same assigned days.

**Nicknamed "hybrid" because it is a mix, but due to specific language in state statue, we will be calling this model "Flexible

These students would report to the physical building five days a week during the traditional time schedules we have used in the past. The school day will look and feel different in that we will be following CDC guidelines for social distancing, eating in the room, staggering outside play time and space, not sharing items, etc.

Students will be spaced when possible 4-6 feet apart in the classroom. When they are at a personal learning space 6ft or more from another student the teacher may direct them that they can take a break from their mask or face shield, otherwise they are required for the entire time they are on campus. Outside activities will be without personal protective equipment but students must remain 6 feet apart. We will not be holding field trips, assemblies, or traveling to resource classes until the current conditions in our community improve.

These students would have more peer to peer interaction, collaboration and face to face time with the teacher. If a student has a fever, or exhibits other signs of illness they will become a virtual student from home until they meet all conditions to return to the physical classroom. Parents will need to understand that if self-quarantine conditions arise then the students will temporarily become fully mobile/virtual students until cleared to return and additional sanitation steps on site are taken. Before and aftercare will be available, but will follow the same guidelines as during the school day.

If a student, or household family member becomes ill or has been exposed to a covid-19 person, the student would become fully mobile/virtual to continue their learning (device provided if needed) until cleared to return.

At any time during the quarter, if a parent becomes concerned and wants to switch to the fully virtual/mobile option, that would be permitted, but they would remain as a fully virtual student until the end of the quarter before the parent could make a new option selection. With the change, any unused weeks of before/aftercare could be credited to future use, but refunds would not be issued.

#1 - Will students be required to wear masks?

• Safety is our first priority and in order to protect staff & students, during this current phase of re-opening, everyone over the age of two on campus will be required to wear a face covering. Face shields will be permitted as this is often a better option for those with asthma or sensory concerns.

• Proper fit & comfort is important. Please begin having your students get used to wearing their face coverings. Target, Old Navy and other retailers are currently selling children’s cloth masks both online & in store. We hope to also have Stingray masks and extra face shields for sale at cost in the office.
• We will always have disposable masks on hand in case a student’s mask breaks or becomes unwearable during the school day.

#2 Will Students get a break from wearing masks or is it ALL day?

• When students are 6ft or more apart at personal learning stations, the teacher may direct students that they can remain in their seats and take a break from their masks.
• When outside playing students will have to stay six feet apart and will not be required to wear masks/shields if actively exercising and not congregating.

#3 What if I need to change the option I select?

• We understand that with changing conditions parents may want to change the way their child is learning and what model they are attending at DCSS. If prior to school starting, they would just resubmit form on which they made their selection the week of July 20th. We would take the most up to date timestamped survey entry from a family. During school, we ask that parents wait until the nine week/quarter to change. Changes may be made during the quarter on a case by case basis through the Principal.
• Infection, illness in the home, or exposure may necessitate students or classes moving to fully virtual/mobile until conditions are met to return to the building for that student or class.

#4 What social distancing & other precautions will be put in place on site?

• Following all CDC, state, local and CSUSA guidelines
• Limiting transitions throughout the day
• Students will be required to wash hands/sanitize hands frequently
• Avoid hugs, handshakes, large gatherings and close quarters.
• Single point of entry for staff & visitors with daily health screenings in place
• Utilize virtual meeting methods with parents and stakeholders when possible.
• Ensure the HVAC systems continue to be maintained as required by the Indoor Air Quality Standard & notify facilities team of any issues immediately.
• Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch, high-traffic surface areas.
• Train employees on personal hygiene expectations, including increased frequency of hand washing, the use of hand sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol and, clear instruction to avoid touching hands to face.
• Training around screening of students for health symptoms and building isolation practices as well as privacy guidelines.
• Encourage employees and students who feel sick to stay home.
• Instructional items that are shared must be sanitized between uses
• Students will not be permitted to bring toys from home.
• We will advise children, families, and staff to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• We will always provide adequate supplies for good hygiene including clean and functional handwashing stations, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and lined trash cans

#5 What Sanitation Protocols Will be Put in Place

• Surfaces will be wiped down nightly and between groups of students
• Water fountains will be turned off - two are being converted to touchless water bottle filling stations
  
• The Clorox Air Ionization System will be used frequently to kill germs/viruses
• Increase the frequency with which we clean equipment, and surfaces, especially doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and restrooms.
  
• Follow regular cleaning protocols and use an EPA-registered disinfectant that is active against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
  
• Cleaning protocols will be followed for cleaning of the isolation area that is used for anyone that presented with a fever or other symptoms

#6 How will drop off /pick up be handled?

• Upon arrival students will report directly to their assigned morning room, unless entering café line, socially distanced for breakfast. No holding areas of large groups will be permitted.
• Drop off requires health screening.
• Tardies will be scanned in using touchless system/ health screening and social distancing. During initial phase middle school students will not be permitted to sign themselves in as in the past.
• Stagger drop-off and pick-up times within reason to allow for social distancing and to avoid a large number of people congregating outside the facility or in front of the facility.
• Children and staff must wash/sanitize hands upon arrival
• Touchless sign in and out will be used when possible. No pen should be shared. “Clean” & “Dirty” pen receptacles will be present and clearly marked
• For dismissal students will remain in their classroom area until their name appears on the screen to report to the loading area.
• Students awaiting pick up in the loading area will use social distancing and stand on visual markers where available.

#7 - What about visitors to campus and volunteering?

• During the initial phase where strict social distancing is in place and we trying to limit exposure, we will not be permitting classroom visitors or volunteers
• Visitors will not be permitted to eat lunch with students during this initial phase of reopening due to social distancing and limiting exposure of students and staff to outside visitors
• School visitors will also be very limited and vendors must go through the same protocols and health screenings.
• Volunteer hours will be reduced for 2020-21 eliminating 1/4 due to 1st Quarter changes.
• We will have some off site - electronic ways to earn some volunteer hours

The office lobby will open for drop off from 8:30am-2:30pm. Monday-Friday

Drop off registration documents, immunizations, school owned devices if not returning to DCSS, musical instruments, uniform donations, etc. We will not be able to make copies for you of documents at this time, so it is a drop off only.

If you need to pick up student items, you can call ahead and we will place your child's belongings in the lobby for the day. *Medications have been disposed of as of 6/12*

Again, we are not open for tours yet, and visitors will not be allowed past the lobby.

Devices should only be dropped off if the student will no longer be attending Duval Charter School at Southside.

Lobby hours will be 8:30am-2:30pm Monday through Friday, please ring buzzer.

Dates/Times - Sign up for Appointments for Used Uniform Sale

Dates/Times - Sign up for Appointments to tour - "What will classrooms look like with social distancing"

Dates/Times for virtual orientations/meet the teacher sessions!

If you have not watched, you may want to switch over to our Facebook page to watch the 30 min video from July 9th and also and scan the Q & A below the video as well!

https://www.facebook.com/DuvalSouthside/

Dress Code – School Attire Policy

A higher standard of dress encourages greater respect for individuals, students and others, and results in a higher standard of behavior. Our dress code guidelines indicate appropriate school dress during normal school days for every student. Please read the parent handbook for the complete uniform policy.

Our Uniform Donations/Surplus is currently out for laundering. We will be holding appointment time slots for purchasing of used uniforms. We hope to start 7/28 but are waiting to ensure we have the laundered items back.

To shop, masks will be required, social distancing will be in effect - please bring check or different amounts of cash bills to try and have exact cash - less handling of monies.

School Uniforms are currently on sale at our provider RC Uniforms. They are 15% off online or you must make an appointment to shop at the store. They are sending us an updated pricing sheet to update our school website with current pricing.

From the Uniform Store's Website:

11160 Beach Boulevard, Suite 126
Jacksonville, Florida 32246

Our store is located just west of I-295 in the Winn Dixie shopping center behind Arby’s.

Tel: 1-904-646-0493

Regular Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm & Saturday 10am-2pm

Summer Hours (July & August): Monday- Saturday 10am-6pm

We do have some remaining yearbooks which can be purchased through School Cash Online for $25 while supplies last!

We are not taking cash payments in the office, all payments have moved online. You will soon be able to see 2020-21 items for sale in MySchoolBucks

• 2020-21 pre-order yearbook $20 (price will increase in the spring!)
• 2019-20 Yearbook $25
• 2018-19 Yearbook $5
• Car Magnet $5
• Spirit Shirt $12
• Jeans Pass one Quarter $15
• Jeans Pass Semester 1 $25
• Jeans Pass Year $45
• Athletic Fee $75 (only after team rosters are confirmed, not for tryouts)

• School Donation (Principal's discretion - email if you would like it applied to certain item or event)
  
• Helping Hand Donation (pay off other's lunch accounts, supplies for those in need)
• Before/Aftercare Registration Fee $25 starting 7/20

NEW - one payment and be done!

• Gold Package (shirt, year jeans pass, pre-order yearbook, magnet) $75

We are now moving to ALL online payments going through one system! MySchoolBucks started as our meal payment site, but it will now be our site for Before/Aftercare Payments, Meal Accounts, Jeans Pass, Spirit Shirt, Field Trips, Purchasing Items, and donations!

If you do not have a MySchoolBucks account, set one up now!

https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/getmain?requestAction=home

You will need to select "Renaissance Charter Schools" not Duval County Public Schools

Is your student currently in 6th grade going into 7th grade?

Has your student received the Tdap shot? (Usually at age 12)

Make sure the school has a copy of the Florida Shot Record

You must have this shot in order for your student to start school August 10th. Please visit your physician or clinic (listed below) to get the shot and obtain the Form DH-680 (required to be on this form) as soon as possible.

Florida Department of Health

5220 N Pearl Street

904-253-1420

Duval County Health Department

515 W 6th Street

904-253-1250

Duval County Health Department

900 University Blvd. N

904-253-1620

Once you have received this form showing proof of your student receiving the Tdap shot, please email it to bmerryman@southsidecharter.org or drop a copy by the school lobby M-F 8:30-2:30

Log your volunteer hours on a computer in your Powerschool account (option does not appear on the App)

IF you need to log more volunteer time and have been busy this fall, there are some off-site opportunities that can be done from home...

1 hr: Leave a positive review on Facebook, Yelp, or Great Schools - let shopping families know what you LOVE about Duval Charter at Southside. This helps our marketing team!

1 hr: Choose one of our enrollment/marketing social media posts and share it! That's it... help spread the word using the "share" button

https://www.smore.com/c9hqf

Website: https://www.southsidecharter.org/
Location: 8680 A C Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, FL, USA
Phone: 904-4235348
Facebook: facebook.com/DuvalSouthside
Twitter: @DCSSouthside