The District Wide Safety Plan is available for view/comments for 30 days. Comments on this document may be sent to the Superintendent of Schools at nick.fitzgerald@canjo.org by July 13.

There will also be a District Safety Committee Meeting on Thursday, August 11 at 4 p.m. for anyone would like to attend.

For a PDF version, click here: safetyplan2223

PROJECT SAVE

(Safe Schools Against Violence in Education)
CANAJOHARIE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT – WIDE
SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN
Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17

Adopted: May 24, 2001
Revised: August 14, 2006
Revised: February, 20 I 3
Revised: September 2019
Revised: August 2020
Revised: August 2021
Revised: August 2022

INTRODUCTION	4
SECTION I: GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND PLANNING GUIDELINES	5
A.PURPOSE	5
8. IDENTIFICATION OF SCHOOL TEAMS	5
C.CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS	6
O.PLAN REVIEW AND PUBLIC COMMENT	6
SECTION II: RISK REDUCTION/PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES	7
A.PREVENTION/INTERVENTION STRATEGIES	7
8. EARLY DETECTION OF POTENTIALLY VIOLENT BEHAVIOR	8
C. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION	9
SECTION III: RESPONSE	10
A.NOTIFICATION AND ACTIVATION	10
8. SITUATIONAL RESPONSES	] 0
SECTION IV: RECOVERY	13
A.DISTRICT SUPPORT FOR BUILDING	13
8. DISASTER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES	13
APPENDICES	14
APPENDIX 1: LISTING OF ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS COVERED BY THE DISTRICT-WIDE SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN	14
APPENDIX 2: POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR WORKING WITH THE MEDIA	15
APPENDIX 3: PARENT NOTIFICATION LETTER	)6
APPENDIX 4: STUDENT/PARENT CONTACT INl·0RMATI0N	17
APPENDIX 5: NEW YORK BROCHURE: “PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM VIOLENCE”	18
APPENDIX 6: SED BOMB THREAT/SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORT FORM APPENDIX 7: COMMUNICABLE DISEASE – PANDEMIC PLAN	20

INTRODUCTION

The Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Act was passed by the New York State Legislature and signed into law in 2000. School districts were required to design a

district-wide plan to outline the potential threats to the district and response action the district would take in the event an emergency or violent incident. Our district-wide plan was developed and submitted in 2001 per SED requirements. The plan was updated in 2006 and due to recent national events, we revised and enhanced our plan in 2013. The current revision is to update items and procedures.

Emergencies and violent incidents in school districts are critical issues that must be addressed in an expeditious and effective manner. The District-wide school safety plan is designed to prevent or minimize the effects of serious violent incidents and emergencies and to facilitate the coordination of the district with local and county resources in the event of such incidents or emergencies. The district-wide plan is responsive to the needs of all schools within the district and is consistent with the more detailed emergency response plans required at the school building level. Districts stand at risk from a wide variety of acts of violence, natural, and manmade disasters.

Project Save is a comprehensive planning effort that addresses prevention, response, and recovery with respect to a variety of emergencies in each school district and its schools.

The Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery BOCES, in coordination with the Canajoharie Central School District, supports the SAVE Legislation and will be a partner in the planning process. The Superintendent of Schools encourages and advocates on-going district-wide cooperation and support of Project SAVE.

Section I: General Considerations And Planning Guidelines

A. PURPOSE

The Canajoharie Central District-wide School Safety Plan was developed pursuant to Commissioner’s Regulation I 55.I 7. At the direction of the Canajoharie Central School District Board of Education, the Superintendent of the Canajoharie Central School District appointed a District-wide School Safety Team and charged them with the development and maintenance of the District-wide School Safety Plan. The district wide plan was updated as of January 2013 and August 2019.

B. IDENTIFICATION OF SCHOOL TEAMS

The Canajoharie Central School District has created a District-wide School Safety Team consisting of, but not limited to, representatives of the School Board, students, teachers, administrators, parent organizations, school safety personnel and other school personnel.

Representing

School Board Representative

Administration

Facilities Operation

Instructional Representative

Student Representative

Transportation

Community Member/Parent

School Safety Personnel, Administration

Law Enforcement – School Resource Officer (SRO)

Crisis Response

Medical

C. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS

The District-wide School Safety Plan shall be directly linked to the building-level emergency response Protocols reflected in the District-wide School Safety Plan will guide the development and implementation of the Building-level Emergency Response P1an.
In the event of an emergency or violent incident, the initial response to all emergencies at an individual school will be the Emergency Response
Upon the activation of the School Emergency Response Team, the Superintendent of Schools or designee will be notified and, where appropriate, local emergency officials will also be notified.
Efforts may be supplemented by County and State resources through existing

D. PLAN REVIEW AND PUBLIC COMMENT

This plan has been reviewed as of June 2022
This plan will be reviewed periodica1ly during the year and will be maintained by the District-wide School Safety Team. The required annual review occurred in June and August of 2022. Building-level Emergency Response Plans are supplied to local police, the Sheriff’s department and the State Police within 30 days of the update in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Education.

Section II: Risk Reduction/Prevention and Intervention Strategies

A. PREVENTION/INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

Program Initiatives

Social emotional learning: Conscious Discipline, MS 1, HS STAR, Restorative Justice
- Character Education
- Agency consultation provided in schools
- Scheduled emergency drills

Training, Drills, and Exercises

Three levels of annual multi-hazard school training will be considered in this plan:

responder training for members of the Incident Response and Post-Incident Response teams conducted by response agencies and/or the BOCES HSRM staff;
general staff awareness training conducted during a Superintendent’s Conference Day or faculty meeting and;
general student awareness training of emergency response procedures conducted by building staff (i.e. lockdown drills).

Each year the District-Wide School Safety Team will consider appropriate training for each of the groups listed above.

Lockout and Lockdown drills are conducted throughout the school
Evacuation drills will be planned with at least a tabletop exercise per
Different types of tabletop exercises will be discussed at the district
After each drill we have building level meetings to discuss the drill and report to the District team as well.

Safety Response

School staff is trained to be vigilant pertaining to threats against students and staff (i.e. bullying). The district continues to promote a culture of respect for the students and staff through the Dignity Act recently enacted in New York State.

Security Devices

Surveillance cameras placed on
Cameras with DVR storage are placed at strategic various locations on

2021 Revision: Enhanced cameras, swiper door locks (classrooms -offices), blue lights
2018 Revision: To enhance security, additional security cameras will be installed. We will also upgrade the camera DVR system to maximize usage.

Faculty and staff use a photo ID based card access system to access building entries for upgraded and additional card reader access enabled doors added.

2013 Revision: As part of enhanced security measures the district will implement a photo ID based card reader system. Additional card reader access points will be installed. The upgraded system will be under the supervision of the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds.

Visitors will be issued a badge using an electronic identification system and be required to sign in and sign out of buildings.
The Raptor security online system has been installed in each building for all visitors during the school day.
During the school day there is a single point of entry into the One entry point for everyone, all doors are locked during the school day.

Vital Educational Agency Information

Additional Education locations within the district boundaries are listed below:

Educational Organization	Location
Faith Bible Academy	Crosby Road
Amish School	Darrow Road
Amish School	Blaine Road
Amish School	Rt. 163
Wee Care Day Care	Palatine Bridge
Little Friends	Robinson Street

B. Early Detection of Potentially Violent Behavior

Strategies for improving communication among students and between students and staff along with reporting of potentially violent incidents, such as the establishment of:

Staff to attend a violence prevention and intervention course that addresses early signs of potentially violent The school district SRO will conduct training for all faculty, staff and students grades 6-12 in A.L.I.C.E.
Newsletters and pamphlets to parent/guardians with articles addressing bullying, conflict resolution and other issues, included are important contact numbers to address

C. Hazard Identification

The table below identifies sites of potential emergency (including their location), as well as the potential internal or external hazards or emergency situations identified at those sites. The list of sites of potential emergency may include: school buildings and school grounds; properties adjacent to schools; areas adjacent to bus runs and off-site field trips; as well as other potential community hazards that the district’s planning team chooses to identify.

The NYS Emergency Management Office rated the top hazards in Montgomery County in the “Montgomery County Hazard Analysis Report:” Ratings were based on Potential Impact, Frequency, Hazard Duration, Cascade Effect, Onset, Recovery

Location of Potential Sites

Location of Potential Siles	Internal or External Hazard
Railroad	External
NYS Thruway / Rt. 5, Rt. 5s	External
Mohawk River / NYS Bar2e Canal	External
School Heatine: System (Gas Pipeline)	Internal
School Bus	External
Athletic Fields, Playe:rounds and Play Area	External/Internal
Field Trips	External
Fort Plain Aeway	External
Richardson Brand Company	External

Hazard Assessment (external hazards are county wide)

Type	Predictability	Approx. Frequency	Warning Time	Seriousness	Possible Responses
Intruder	1	5	1	3,5	3
Bomb Threat	1	5	1	5	3,4
Hazmat	1	2	1	4	4,7
Hi2h Winds	3	2	2	5	1,3
Bus Accident	1	5	1	3	7
Winter Storm	5	1	4	5	6

Predictability: I) unpredictable through 5) very predictable

Frequency: I) more than once/year; 2) annually; 3) every 2-3 years; 4) every 5-10 years; 5) rarely

Warning Time: I) none; 2) minutes; 3) hours; 4) days; 5) exact likely dates known

Seriousness: (entire school w/casualties); 3) emergency (affects one or more individuals w/casualties); 4) emergency (entire community no casualties); 5) emergency (entire school no casualties)

Possible Responses: I) Drop, Cover and Hold; 2) Drop Flat/Gunfire; 3) Lockdown; 4) Evacuation; 5) Reverse Evacuation; 6) Early Dismissal; 7) external emergency response

Section III: Response

A. Notification and Activation

Policies and procedures for contacting appropriate law enforcement officials in the event of a violent incident.

The person in charge (Incident Commander) will decide if the level of the incident classifies it as a ”violent incident” (consistent with the definition of such an incident as defined in the district’s Code of Conduct). If appropriate, the Incident Commander will call
In a crisis situation involving a violent incident, school staff should call 911 and notify the Incident Commander.
Camera System access will be available to dispatch

A system for informing all educational agencies within a school district of a disaster.

Educational agencies within the Canajoharie Central School District (non-public schools, registered daycare centers, ) will be contacted in an emergency via telephone. If telephone contact is not possible, a contact person will be sent to the school if possible.

Procedures to contact parents, guardians or persons in parental relation to the student’s in the event of a violent incident or an early dismissal.

Parents/Guardians will be contacted via School Messenger automatically by the school district. In some cases, the public/parents may also be notified via media outlets.

B. Situational Responses Threat Assessment Team

This team identifies situations that pose a safety threat to the school, evaluates situations and makes recommendations for action. The team also identifies students who may be in need of extra support and respond to threats as reported to a school staff member.

Responses to Acts of Violence: Implied or Direct Threats
- The district uses emergency information folders in each room for important directional information when a response action is needed.
Acts of Violence
- This issue is addressed in the Code of Conduct. The district uses emergency information folders in each room for important directional information when a response action is needed.
Response Protocols
- We have incorporated the new homeland security guidelines into our plans. It establishes definitions of lockout, lockdown, sheltering, and evacuation. Our responses are based upon these guidelines. These guidelines are confidential and we respectfully will not submit them at this time.
Bomb Threats
- Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Canajoharie Central School. We use the NYS Police guidelines to bomb threats as protocol.
Hostage Taking
- Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Canajoharie Central School.
Intrusions
- Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Canajoharie Central School.
Kidnapping
- Procedures and Guidelines are included in the Building-Level School Safety Plans for the Canajoharie Central School.

Arrangements for Obtaining Emergency Assistance from Local Government

Policies and procedures for contacting appropriate law enforcement officials in the event of a violent incident.

The person in charge (Incident Commander) will decide if the level of the incident classifies it as a “violent incident” (consistent with the definition of such an incident as defined in the district’s Code of Conduct). If appropriate, the Incident Commander will call
In a crisis situation involving a violent incident, school staff should call 911 and notify the Incident Commander.

Arrangements for Obtaining Advice and Assistance from Local Government Officials

Procedures for obtaining advice and assistance from local government officials including the county or city officials responsible for implementation of Article 2-B of the Executive Law.

The person in charge (Incident Commander) will decide if the level of the incident warrants obtaining emergency assistance.

District Resources Available for Use in an Emergency

Building Resources	Both Schools have full working kitchen and serving areas
Transportation Resources	School buses, school vans, and maintenance vehicles
Personnel Resources	Staff with CPR/FA & AED training, bus drivers
Other Resources	Local Law Enforcement Personnel, SRO – School Resource Officer

Agencies authorized to Request Use of Resources:

Agency

County Emergency Management Office

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

NYS Police

Canajoharie Village V.F.D./P.D.

School Cancellation
Superintendent of Schools or designee will announce the closing of school. Communication will be sent to all officials needed to proceed with the cancellation.
Early Dismissal

Preliminary Procedures:
1. An annual request is made of parents of K-12 students to notify the school district where their child should go in the event that they are not home during school hours. Drivers maintain a list for their information in the event of an emergency.
2. Drivers will be alerted and substitutes contacted by the Transportation Director as to the possibility of an early or emergency dismissal.
Dismissal Bus Students:
1. The district office will notify the Transportation Director of the decision to take pupils
2. The transportation director will notify drivers and required
3. Bus pupils will remain in the classroom or other designated areas until buses are
4. Personnel will assume regular duties for busThe transportation director will remain at his station until all buses have completed their runs and returned. The transportation director will notify the main office when all runs have been (Estimated length of longest run is ~1 hour 10 minutes)
Dismiss Walking Students:
1. Walking students will be dismissed via an announcement from the main office, after contacting persons in parental relations or emergency contact.

Evacuation (before, during and after school hours)

Procedures and guidelines are included in the building-level school safety plans for the Canajoharie Central School.

Sheltering Sites (internal and external)

Procedures and guidelines are included in the building-level school safety plans for the Canajoharie Central School.

Section IV: Recovery

A. District Support for Buildine

All the district’s manpower and resources will be available to one of our sites that have endured an emergency. Mental health counseling, building security, and restoration will be items of primary focus. Response and recovery will be a district goal.
Besides building security and restoration, the strategies will also include damage assessment, relocation, and continuation of the educational process. A post-incident response critique, the notes from the incident command team, and lessons learned will be assessed. Plans to mitigate the likelihood of occurrence or impact, if the incident does occur again, will be reviewed. If possible, efforts will be made to improve district facilities resulting in them being more resistant to suffering similar or worse damage.

B. Disaster Mental Health Services

The district understands how an emergency can have a major effect on the well being of students, staff, and the community at large. The district will coordinate resources with County Mental Health Services and the Post-Incident Crisis Response Team.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Listing of all school buildings covered by the district-wide school safety plan

Building

Canajoharie Elementary School

Canajoharie Middle School

Canajoharie High School

Canajoharie Bus Garage

Appendix 2: Policies and Procedures for Workin,: with the Media Information

Media interaction may be handled by: Superintendent or Designee;

A law enforcement (SRO)/ emergency response agency PIO; or
Jointly, by both PIOs listed above,

Public Information Officer Information

Incident Commander and PIO functions may be handled by two different
The School District PIO may work under, or in cooperation with law enforcement and emergency response agency PIOs.
The PIO should set forth clear media guidelines and communicate these guidelines to the media in writing.
The PIO should use a press release template for both a news conference script and/or a written press release.
The PIO should receive information and forms from the Incident Commander and other key function personnel on a regular basis throughout the emergency event.

Student/Parent/Guardian Information

Students, Parents, and Guardians should be mindful of the situation during an emergency event when approached by the media for an Safety and security issues may be compromised.
Students should not communicate with the media via cell phone or other type of communication when on campus during the following events:
- Lockdown
- Bomb/Biological Events
- Shelter in Place
- Acts of Violence
  Evacuation

Appendix 3: Parent Notification Letter

Dear Parents:
Should an emergency or disaster situation ever arise in our area while school is in session, we want you to be aware that the schools have made preparations to respond effectively to such situations. Should we have a major disaster during school hours, your student(s) will be cared for at this school. Our School District has a detailed disaster plan, which has been formulated to respond to a major catastrophe.
Your cooperation is necessary in any emergency.

DO NOT TELEPHONE: The Telephone lines may be needed for emergency communication.
In the event of a serious emergency, students may be kept at school until they are picked up by an identified, responsible adult who has been identified as such on a School District emergency card that is required to be filled out by parents at the beginning of every school Please be sure you consider the following criteria when you authorize another person to pick up your child at school:
1. They are 18 years of age or
2. They are usually home during the
3. They could walk to school, if
4. They are known to your
5. They are both aware and able to assume this
Turn to your local radio station / television stations for emergency announcements. If students are to be kept at school, radio / television stations will be List of stations provided on the school website and school calendar.
Impress upon your children the need for them to follow the directions of any school personnel in times of an emergency.

Students will be released only to parents and persons identified on the School District Emergency Card, you may be asked to provide proof of identification upon arrival in order for the school to release the student(s). During an extreme emergency, students will be released at designated reunion location(s). Parents should become familiar with the School Emergency Disaster Plan and be patient and understanding with the student release process. Please instruct your student(s) to remain at school until you or a designee arrives.

Please discuss these matters with your immediate family. Planning ahead will help alleviate concern during emergencies.

Sincerely,

Appendix 4: New York Brochure: “Protect Your Child Erom Violence”

CANAJOHARIE CENTRAL SCHOOL – STUDENT/CONTACT INFORMATION

Homeroom _______________________________

Student Name:_________________________ Birthday:________________

Student Name:_________________________ Birthday:________________

Physical Address: ______________________ Grade: _______

Mailing Address: _________________________
Mailing Address: _________________________

Student Lives With: ________________________
Student Lives With: ________________________

Contact Name: _______________________ Home Phone: ______________

Address: ___________________________ Cell Phone: ________________

Employer: ____________________________ Work Phone: _______________

Email: _____________________________________________

Relation to Student
_________________________
Receive Mailings
Yes/No
Please Circle One

Contact Name: _______________________ Home Phone: ______________

Address: ___________________________ Cell Phone: _________________

Employer: ____________________________ Work Phone: _________________

Email: _____________________________________________

Relation to Student
_________________________
Receive Mailings
Yes/No
Please Circle One

Alternate person(s) to contact in the Event Parent is not Available

Name: _________ Relationship: _____ H: _________ W: ____ C: ________

Alternate person(s) to contact in the Event Parent is not Available

Name: _________ Relationship: _____ H: _________ W: ____ C: ________

Emergency School Closing Contact (one name only please):

Name _______________ Relationship: __________________ H:__________________

Doctor’s Name: ______________ Phone: _______________

Doctor’s Name: _______________ Phone: ________________

Date: ____________ ___________________________________________

Signature of Parent or Persons Responsible for Signing Excuses

Appendix 5: New York Brochure: “Protect Your Child Erom Violence”

Copies of the Lieutenant Governor’s Brochure “Protect Your Child From Violence, A Resource For Parents” will be distributed to staff, students, and parents as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.

APPENDIX 6: SED Bomb Threat/Serious Incident Report Form

Appendix 7 – Communicable Disease – Pandemic Plan

Effective April 1, 2021, Labor Law §27-c, amends Labor Law §27-1 and adds a new provision to Education Law

2801-a. Labor Law §27-c requires public employers to develop operation plans in the event of certain declared public health emergencies. Education Law §2801-a requires school districts to develop plans consistent with the new Labor Law requirement. The new law requires public employers to prepare a plan for the continuation of operations

in the event that the Governor declares a public health emergency involving a communicable disease. Educational institutions must prepare plans consistent with Labor Law §27-c as part of their school safety plans pursuant to newly added subsection (2)(m) of Educatton Law §2801-a. The Plan addresses the required components in the sections as noted below:

Prevention/Mitigation

A list and description of positions and titles considered essential with justification for that
The specific protocols that will be followed to enable non-essential employees and contractors to
A description of how the employer will, to the extent possible, stagger work shifts of essential employees and contractors to reduce workplace and public transportation overcrowding.

Protection/Preparedness

4. Protocols to be implemented to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) sufficient to supply essential workers with 2 pieces of each PPE device needed for each work shift for at least six months. This must include a plan for storage of such equipment to prevent degradation and permit immediate access in the event of an emergency declaration.

Response

5. Protocols to prevent spread in the workplace in the event an employee or contractor is exposed, exhibits symptoms, or tests positive for the relevant communicable Such protocols must include disinfection of the individual’s work area and common areas. It must also address the policy on available leave with respect to testing, treatment, isolation or quarantine.

6. Protocols for documenting precise hours and work locations of essential workers for purposes of aiding in tracking the disease and identifying exposed workers in order fo facilitate the provision of any benefits that may be available to them on that

7. Protocols for coordinating with the locality to identify sites for emergency housing for essential employees to contain the spread of the disease, to the extent applicable to the needs of the

Prevention/Mitigation

We will work closely with the Montgomery County Department of Health to determine the need for activation of our The following procedures will be followed by administrators, principals, and school nurses for reporting communicable disease, including Coronavirus, Influenza, etc., and communicating with the Health Department;
- Report suspected and confirmed cases of influenza on the monthly school’s Communicable Disease Report, (DMS-485.7/93; HE-112.4/81) and submit to: Montgomery County Department of Health
- Notify any staff, faculty, administrators, and parents/guardians if the case warrants notification
- Follow the Jaws and regulations in relation to privacy and confidentiality
The Montgomery County Department of Health will monitor County-wide cases of communicable disease and inform school districts as to appropriate actions.
The Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, along with the Superintendent of Schools, will help coordinate our Pandemic planning and response effort. This person will work closely with the District-Wide School Safety Team that has responsibility for reviewing and approving all recommendations and incorporating them into the District-Wide School Safety Plan. The school district Medical Director and nurses will be vital members of the Safety Because of the potential importance of technology in the response effort (communication and notification), the school district technology director will also be an important Team member. The Business Official, Director of Facilities, Food Service Director, Transportation Director, and associated administrators will also be vital to the planning effort. Other non-traditional individuals may also be required to be part of the Team.
The District-Wide School Safety Team will review and assess any obstacles to implementation of the
The school district will emphasize hand-washing and cough/sneezing etiquette through educational campaigns including the CDC Germ Stopper Materials; Cover Your Cough Materials; It’s a SNAP Toolkit; and the NSF Scrub Clean; which can all be accessed at www.cdc,gov/flu/school/.
We will educate and provide information to parents, staff, and students about our Pandemic Plan and about how to make an informed decision to stay home when ill. We will utilize our website, postings and direct mailings for this purpose.

Essential Positions/Titles

In the event of a government ordered shutdown, similar to our response to the Coronavirus in the spring of 2020, we are now required to consider how we would prepare for future shutdowns that may occur. As part of our planning, we are now required to provide information on those positions that would be required to be on-site or in-district for us to continue to function as opposed to those positions that could realistically work remotely. The following information is addressed in the table below:

Title – a list of positions/titles considered essential (could not work remotely) in the event of a state-ordered reduction of in-person workforce.
Description – brief description of job
Justification – brief description of critical responsibilities that could not be provided
Work Shift – brief description of how the work shifts of those essential employees or contractors (if utilized) will be staggered in order to reduce overcrowding at the worksite.
Protocol – how will precise hours and work locations, including off-site visits, be documented for essential employees and contractors (if utilized)?

The worksheet below has been completed by each department which includes Central Administration, Human Resources, Facilities Services, Transportation, Food Service, Communications, Technology, Instructional Programs, Athletics, Special Education, Messenger/Mail Services, and Security (these are examples).

Essential Employee Worksheet

In the event of a government ordered shutdown, similar to what we experienced in the spring due to Coronavirus, we are now required to have a Plan for future shutdowns that may occur. As part of that Plan, we are now required to provide information on those positions that would be required to be on-site or in district for us to continue to function as opposed to those positions that could realistically work remotely. Please provide the information requested below for your department utilizing the following guide:

Title – a list of positions/titles considered essential (could not work remotely) in the event of a state-ordered reduction of In-person
Descrfptfon- brief description of job
Justification – brief description of critical responsibilities that could not be provided remotely.
Work Shfft – brief description of how the work shifts of those essential employees or contractors (lf utilizedI will be staggered in order to reduce overcrowding at the worksite.
Protocol – how will precise hours and work locations, including off-site visits, be documented for essentiaI employees and contractors (ff utilized).

(Department) Essential Employee Determination

Superintendent	Chief Executive Officer for the District	Oversee the operations of the district	Reduced as needed	Hours and locations documented in google sheets
Director of Facilities	Managing facilities, grounds, maintenance workers and cleaners	Oversee maintenance and cleaning of the district	Reduced as needed	Hours and locations documented in google sheets
Food Service Director	Organizing the food service and related workers	Help prepare and organize food for students	Reduced as needed	Hours and locations documented in time cards
Administration	HS, MS, Elementary Principal, Technology Director and Director of Special Education	Oversee operations of each school and department and help with technology	Reduced as needed	Hours and locations documented in google sheets
Maintenance	Work on maintenance of the buildings	Ensure buildings and grounds are operational	Reduced and in shifts	Hours and locations documented in time cards
Cleaners	Cleaning the buildings	Ensure buildfngs are cleaned and disinfected	Reduced and in shifts	Hours and locations documented in time cards
Mechanics	Maintaining and fixing school vehicles	Ensure all vehicles are ready for use	Reduced and in shifts	Hours and locations documented in time cards
Director of Transportation	Organize use of vehicles and supervise bus drivers and mechanics	Overseeing the maintenance and driving of school vehicles	Reduced as needed	Hours and locations documented In google sheets
Cafeteria Workers	Prepare food for students	Make sure food ls made and delivered to students	Reduced	Hours and locations documented in time cards
Bus Drivers	Driving school vehicles	Delivery of food and suoolies to students	Reduced	Hours and locations documented in time cards
Nursing Staff	District Nursing	Ensure alt records are updated and health services are available	Reduced as needed	Hours and locations documented in google sheets
Supports Staff	Clerical, Aides and Monitors	To ensure educational and food services are delivered	Reduced as needed and in shifts	Hours and locations documented in time cards

2. Protocols Allowing Non-Essential Employees to Telecommute

Ensure Digital Equity for Employees

Mobile Device Assessments:
- Survey agency departmental staff to determine who will need devices at home to maintain operational functions as well as instructional services
- Conduct a cost analysis of technology device needs
Internet Access Assessments:
Survey staff to determine the availability of viable existing at-home Internet service
Conduct a cost analysis of Internet access needs
Providing Mobile Devices and Internet Access:
To the extent needed, decide upon, develop procurement processes for, order, configure, and distribute, if and when available, appropriate mobile devices to those determined to be in need.
- To the extent needed and technically possible, decide upon, develop procurement processes for, and when available, provide appropriate Internet bandwidth to those determined to be in need. WIFI hotspots and residential commercial Internet options will be evaluated for anticipated effectiveness In particular situations.

Technology & Connectivity for Students – Mandatory Requirements:

To the extent possible, have knowledge of the level of access to devices and high-speed broadband all students and teachers have in their places of residence;
To the extent practicable, address the need to provide devices and internet access to students and teachers who currently do not have sufficient access; and
Provide multiple ways for students to participate in learning and demonstrate mastery of Learning Standards in remote or blended models, especially if all students do not yet have sufficient access to devices and/or high-speed Internet.

Mobile Devices Delivery:
Technology offers schools and districts increased options for continuing learning during extended closures. Technology can be leveraged in different ways to meet local needs, including but not limited to:

Communication (e-mail, phone, online conferencing, social media)
Teacher/student and student/student interaction (office hours, check-ins, peer collaboration)
Instruction (video/audio recordings of instruction, instructional materials, synchronous distance learning, asynchronous onllne courses)
Learning Materials and Content (digital content, online learning activities)
Additional Technology Devices Assessments:
- Identify students’ technology needs to include adaptive technologies
- Use the Asset Tracking Management System procedures to check out all mobile devices
- If a shutdown happens abruptly, plan a pick-up time and location, and arrange to deliver devices to those who cannot pick them up.
Providing Multiple Ways for Students to Learn
Support instructional programs as needed in preparation of non-digital, alternative ways for students to participate in learning and demonstrate mastery of Learning Standards in remote or blended models in circumstances in which students do not yet have sufficient access to devices and/or high-speed internet.

3. Staggering Work Shifts of Essential Employees- Reducing Overcrowding
Depending on the exact nature of the communicable disease and its impact, the district is prepared to enact numerous strategies to reduce traffic congestion and maintain social distancing requirements in order to minimize building occupancy. The following will be considered:

Limiting building occupancy to 25%, 50% or 75% of capacity or the maximum allowable by State or Local
Forming employee work shift cohorts to limit potential
Limit employee travel within the
Limit restroom usage to specific work
Stagger arrival and dismissal
Alternate work days or work
Implement a four-day work
Limit or eliminate visitors to the

The school district will utilize these base strategies and expand upon them as necessary in order to address any public health emergency.

Protection {Preparedness):

We have collaborated with our partners to assure complementary efforts. We may invite representatives from the Montgomery County Department of Health, Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Department of Mental Health and others to attend our District-wide School Safety Team meetings. This will allow us to send consistent messages to the school community on pandemic-related issues.

The District-wide Command Center and its alternative are listed in the building level safety plan and will be activated at the direction of the School District Incident Building-level Command Posts and Incident Command Structures are defined in the Building-Level Emergency Response Plans. Our Incident Command System will complement and work in concert with the Federal, State, and Local Command Systems.
The school district has designated a COVID-19 safety coordinator (administrator) for the district, whose responsibilities include continuous compliance with all aspects of the school’s reopening plan, as well as any phased-in reopening activities necessary to allow for operational issues to be resolved before activities return to normal or “new normal” levels. The coordinator, in coordination with the Superintendent, shall be the main contacts upon the identification of positive COVI0-19 cases and are responsible for subsequent The coordinator and Superintendent shall be responsible for answering questions from students, faculty, staff, and parents or legal guardians of students regarding the COVID-19 public health emergency and plans implemented by the school.

School/Program	COVID-19 Safety Coordinator/Administrator	Contact#
District	Alicia D’Ambrosio	518-673-6310
District	Nick Fitzqerald	518-673-6302

Communication will be important throughout a pandemic outbreak. It will be necessary to communicate with parents, students, staff, and the school community. Communication methods may include: websites, school postings, general mailings, e-mails, special presentations, phones and cell phones, texting, reverse 911 systems, and the public media. A school district Public Information Officer (PIO) has been designated to coordinate this effort and act as the central point for all communication. The PIO will also retain responsibility for establishing and maintaining contact with accepted media partners. The PIO will work closely with our Technology Director to assure proper function of all communication systems. This coordination will also help assure that as many redundant communication systems as possible are available. With the use of the Blackboard messaging system, email, student management system, website and social media platforms, the district will be able to communicate to the parents, guardians, faculty and staff. The platforms mentioned are tested each summer prior to the school year to ensure they are updated prior to opening.

Continuity of operations and business office function could be severely impacted by a loss of staff. As such, our plan will include procedures for maintaining essential functions and This will include:
- Overall Operations – we have defined the following decision-making authority for the district (Superintendent, Business Official, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, Facilities Manager and Transportation Director). Recognizing the need for these essential individuals to have frequent communication, we have established as many redundant communication systems as possible. Our primary communication will be through our normal phone system followed by hand-held radios, cell phones, e-mail, district-automated phone notification
- The District Office is essential for maintaining overall function and facilities The Business Office will be important to maintain purchasing and payroll responsibilities. The use of ONC BOCES will be used as a back-up in case of an emergency for the business office responsibilities.
- Maintenance of facilities will be difficult with a reduced or absent maintenance staff. The Director of Facilities or back-up designee will keep the business office informed of such status and of the point at which buildings can no longer be Teachers may be asked to assist in this effort. If necessary, we may provide spray bottle sanitizers for each classroom teacher for doorknob and desktop disinfection only. At no time will products not approved by the school district be utilized.
- Building Administration and the District Office will be essential in monitoring absenteeism and assuring appropriate delegation of Changes to district policies and procedures to reflect crisis response may become necessary and will be implemented by both parties. The Superintendent will help develop the Plan, in conjunction with all bargaining units, for emergency use of personnel in non-traditional functions and changes in the normal work-day such as alternate or reduced work hours, working from home, etc. Working with administration and local officials, the Superintendent will help to decide if schools need to be closed.
Continuity of instruction will need to be considered in the event of significant absences or school closure. Restructuring of the school calendar may become necessary. We will work closely with the New York State Education Department on this potential result throughout the crisis Some of the alternate learning strategies we have implemented to be used in combination as necessary include:
- Hard copy, self-directed lessons
- Use of mobile media storage devices for lessons (CDs, Jump Drives, iPads)
- On-line instruction; on-line resources; on-line textbooks
- Communication modalities for assignment postings and follow-up: telephone; Postal Service; cell phone, cell phone mail, text messages: e-mail, automated notification systems, website postings

4. Obtaining and Storing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE & Face Covering Availability:

The school district will provide employees with an acceptable face covering at no cost to the employee and have an adequate supply of coverings in case of replacement.
Cloth face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected (many people carry COVID-19 but do not have symptoms).
Cloth face coverings are not surgical masks, respirators, or personal protective
Information should be provided to staff and students on proper use, removal, and washing of cloth face
Masks are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult
Procurement, other than some very basic preliminary purchases will be done on a consolidated basis to ensure that the District is getting the most for Its PPE dollars.
Teach and reinforce use of face coverings among all
We have encouraged all staff to utilize their own personal face coverings but have secured and will provide PPE for any employee requesting such protection. Specialized PPE (N95s, face shields, gowns, gloves, etc.) may be required for specific work tasks and will be provided as deemed necessary. Those individuals who are required to wear N-95 respirators will be fit-tested and medically screened prior to use to assure they are physically able to do Parents will also be encouraged to provide face coverings for students; however, face coverings will be provided for any student who cannot provide their own.

PPE Supply Management

The Facilities Department is working with programs to determine the overall PPE needs of the District. Centralized purchasing will be used when possible.

Disposable Face Covering Supplies
Group	Quantity per 100 per Group	12 Week Supply 100% Attendance	12 Week Supply 50% Attendance	12 Week Supply 25% Attendance	Assumptions
Students	100 Masks per Week	1200	600	300‘	1 Disposable Mask week per Student Needs (supplements parent provided)
Teachers/Staff	100	1200	600	300	1 Disposable Masks week per Teacher needs
Nurse/Health Staff/Misc	100	1200	600	300	10 Disposable Masks per week per School Nurse

PPE for High Intensity Contact with Students
Item	1 Week Supply for 1 Staff	12 Week Supply	Assumptions
Disposable Nitrite Gloves	10	120	10 per week per Staff
Disposable Gowns	10	120	10 per week per Staff
Eve Protection	2	n/a	2 Re-usable per Staff
Face Shields	2	n/a	2 Re-usable per Staff
Waste Discosal Medium	1	n/a	1 Unit cer Staff Total
N-95 Respirators•	10	120	10 per week per Staff

*Note: N-95 respirators are recommended only if staff will be in contact with a suspected COVID-19 positive case and/or aerosol-generating procedure. Those employees required to wear N–95 respirators will need to be fit tested and medically evaluated in order to determine if the employees are capable of wearing an N–95 respirator without impacting health.

Response:

The District-Wide School Safety Team will meet to determine the need for activation of a pandemic response based on internal monitoring and correspondence with the Montgomery County Department of Health and other experts. Each Building-Level Emergency Response Team will be informed that the Plan has been activated.

The entire Incident Command Structure at both the District and Building level will be informed that the response effort has been These individuals will meet to discuss the Plan’s activation and review responsibilities and communication procedures.
The PIO will work closely with the Technology Director and Superintendent to re-test all communication systems to assure proper function.
Based on the latest information from collaboration with our partners, and to send a message consistent with public health authorities, the PIO will utilize the communication methods previously described to alert the school community of the activation of our District-Wide School Safety Plan as it specifically applies to pandemics.
The Business Official will meet with staff to review essential functions and responsibilities of back-up Ability to utilize off-site systems will be tested. The Business Official will monitor utilization of supplies, equipment, contracts, and provided services and adjust as necessary.
The Director of Facilities will meet with staff and monitor the ability to maintain essential function. They will review essential building function procedures with the Principal and command chain. Sanitizing procedures will be reviewed with teachers.
Based on recommendations from Local and State Authorities, schools may be Our Plan for continuity of instruction will be implemented as previously described.
If the decision Is made to close a school building In consultation with the department of public health, the school district will notify the NYS Education Department and District Superintendent at HFM

5. Preventing Spread, Contact Tracing and Disinfection

Confirmed COVI0-19 Case Requirements & Protocols
Instructional programs must be prepared for COVID-19 outbreaks in their local communities and for individual exposure events that occur in their facilities, regardless of the level of community transmission. CDC has provided the following decision tree to help schools determine which set of mitigation strategies may be most appropriate for their current situation:

CDC and NYSDOH Recommendations:

Opening outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the
Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, such as offices, classrooms, bathrooms, lockers, and common areas.
Areas will be appropriately cleaned and disinfected when needed so it can be reopened for
Individuals without close or proximate contact with the person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 can return to the area and resume school activities immediately after cleaning and
Refer to the district reopening plan for guidance related to the return to work and school

If more than seven days have passed since the person who is confirmed to have COVID-19 visited or used the facility, additional cleaning or disinfection is not necessary, but routine cleaning and disinfection should continue.

Return to School After Illness:
Schools must follow their reopening plan for allowing a student or staff member to return to school after exhibiting symptoms of COVID 19. If a person is not diagnosed by a healthcare provider (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) with COVID-19, they can return to school:

If symptoms are not progressing after day 5
If they have been diagnosed with another condition and have a healthcare provider written note stating the condition

The CDC provides specific guidance for individuals who are on home isolation regarding when the isolation may end.

CDC recommendations for discontinuing isolation in persons known to be infected with COVID-19 could, in some circumstances, appear to conflict with recommendations on when to discontinue quarantine for persons known to have been exposed to COVID-19. CDC recommends 5 days of quarantine after exposure based on the time it may take to develop the illness, if infected. Thus, it is possible that a person known to be infected could leave isolation earlier than a person who is quarantined because of the possibility they are infected.

Staff Absenteeism

Instructional staff will call into the Absence Management System (formerly known as AESOP) when they are absent due to Substitutes will be provided as necessary and as requested.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The PPS team will continue to disseminate information to employees about EAP resources. EAP is a voluntary, work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related EAPs address a broad and complex body of issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders.

Medical Accommodations

The Nursing and PPS staff ill continue to handle medical and COVID-19

New York State Contact Tracing Program

If a student or staff member tests positive for Coronavirus, the County and State Contact Tracing Program will be implemented. As such, it is important for everyone to understand how contact tracing works. The school district will assist with contact tracing by keeping accurate attendance records of students, staff and visitors. The information below is provided by the New York State Contact Tracing Program:
New York State has partnered with Bloomberg Philanthropies, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Vital Strategies to create the NYS Contact Tracing Program, a nation-leading initiative to help slow the spread of COVI0-19 and make it safer to begin to return to normal again.
Contact Tracers work with people who have tested positive for COVID-19 to identify people they have had contact with and let them know they may have been exposed to the disease.
If you get a call from “NYS Contact Tracing” {518-387-9993), PLEASE answer the phone. Answering the phone will keep your loved ones and community safe.

A contact tracer will:

NEVER ask for your Social Security number
NEVER ask for any private financial information
NEVER ask for credit card information
NEVER send you a link without proper authentication procedures

If you test positive, a COVID Contact Tracer may connect you with the support and resources you may need through quarantine, such as help getting groceries or household supplies, child-care, medical care or supplies. The Tracer will work with you to identify and reach out via phone and text to anyone you’ve been in contact with while you were infectious to trace and contain the spread of the virus.

People who have come in close contact with someone who is positive are recommended to stay home and limit their contact with others. By staying home during this time, If you become sick yourself, you have not infected many others along the way. This is how we stop the spread!

Testing, medical and quarantine support for yourself and your loved ones can be arranged. We will not release your name to anyone. Your information is strictly confidential and will be treated as a private medical record. This nation-leading program will place emphasis on areas with the highest rates of infection and on regions ready to open. The program will operate through the next flu season. It will be implemented in coordination with New Jersey and Connecticut.

Your caller ID will say “NYS Contact Tracing” (518-387-9993).

Please answer the phone so we can keep NY moving forward and stop the spread of COVID-19.

Facilities: Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitizing

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection. Visibly soiled surfaces and objects must be cleaned first. If surfaces or objects are soiled with body fluids or blood, use gloves and other standard precautions to avoid coming into contact with the fluid. Remove the spill, and then clean and disinfect the surface.

Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.

Routine cleaning and/or disinfecting of school settings may Include one or a number of the following:

Cleaning high contact surfaces that are touched by many different people, such as light switches, handrails and door knobs/handles
Dust- and wet-mopping or auto-scrubbing floors
Vacuuming of entryways and high traffic areas
Removing trash
Cleaning restrooms
Wiping heat and air conditioner vents
Spot cleaning walls
Spot cleaning carpets
Dusting horizontal surfaces and light fixtures
Cleaning spills

Classroom/Therapy Rooms:
District will provide related service providers with additional cleaning supplies to ensure continuous disinfecting of classrooms and therapy rooms that service students with complex disabilities where multiple tools are used for communication, mobility, and instruction.

Common Areas:
Smaller common areas, like kitchenettes and copy room areas, should have staggered use. If users cannot maintain six feet of distance, they shall wear a mask. Signage has been posted in common areas to remind staff of health and safety etiquette.

Disinfecting:
Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Cleaning and disinfection requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health will be adhered to.
Custodial logs will be maintained that include the date, time and scope of cleaning and Cleaning and disinfection frequency will be identified for each facility type and responsibilities will be assigned.
Hand hygiene stations will be provided and maintained, including handwashing with soap, running warm water, and disposable paper towels, as well as an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing 60% or more alcohol for areas where handwashing is not feasible.
Regular cleaning and disinfection of facilities and more frequent cleaning and disinfection for high-risk areas used by many individuals and for frequently touched surfaces, including desks and cafeteria tables will be
Regular cleaning and disinfection of restrooms will be
Although cleaning and disinfection is primarily a custodial responsibility, appropriate cleaning and disinfection supplies will be provided to faculty and staff as approved by Central Administration.
Additional paper towel dispensers may be installed in other designated spaces.

Upon request, Facilities Services will provide CDC approved disinfecting solutions for additional on the spot disinfecting. This should be done on a regular basis. Examples of frequently touched areas in schools may include:

Bus seats and
Classroom desks and
Door handles and push
Handles on equipment (e.g., athletic equipment).
Handrails, ballet
Kitchen and bathroom light
Lunchroom tables and
Related Services
Shared computer or piano keyboards and
Shared desktops
Shared telephone

Hand Sanitizing:

Hand sanitizer dispensers will be located and installed in approved
Hand sanitizer bottles will be distributed to staff as approved by Central
HFM BOCES ensures that all existing and new alcohol-based hand-rub dispensers, installed in any location, are in accordance with the Fire Code of New York State (FCNYS) 2020 Section 5.

Trash removal:

Trash will be removed daily
Garbage cans or the process for collecting trash during lunch periods in classrooms will be increased where
No-touch trash receptacles will be utilized, where possible

(6) Documenting Precise Hours/Work Locations of Essential Workers
It is recognized that as the work environment changes to adapt to the emergency situation and typical work schedules are modified, it can become more difficult to track employees especially if they conduct work off site or in numerous locations. The ability to identify these individuals will be extremely important If contact tracing is necessary during a communicable disease crisis.

(7) Emergency Housing for Essential Employees
Emergency housing for essential workers is not considered to be generally required for school employees as opposed to healthcare workers and other critical care employees. If deemed necessary, school districts will work closely with the Office of Emergency Management to determine housing options.

Recovery:

Re-establishing the normal school curriculum is essential to the recovery process and should occur as soon as possible. We will work toward a smooth transition from the existing learning methods to our normal We wlll use all described communication methods and our PIO to keep the school community aware of the transition process.
We will work closely with the New York State Education Department to revise or amend the school calendar as deemed appropriate.
We will evaluate all building operations for normal function and re-implement appropriate maintenance and cleaning
Each Building-Level Post-incident Response Team will assess the emotional impact of the crisis on students and staff and make recommendations for appropriate intervention.
The District-Wide School Safety Team and Building-Level Emergency Response Teams will meet to de-brief and determine lessons learned. Information from the PIO, Business Office, Facility Director, and Curriculum Supervisor will be vital to this effort. The District-Wide School Safety Plan and Building-Level Emergency Response Plans will be revised to reflect
Curriculum activities that may address the crisis will be developed and implemented