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Fairfield Union Local School District has been providing face-to-face instruction, four days a week, to our students during the 2020-2021 academic year. We have maintained the same standard of high expectations as in previous years. We consistently monitor student progress and use all available data to make decisions that support individual student needs. We have prioritized the social and emotional well-being of our students during the pandemic and are providing supports where appropriate.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, Fairfield Union plans to provide face-to-face instruction five days a week. These general principles will guide our school community as we continue services in the Fairfield Local School District.

1. Our school district will implement recommended safety protocols to the highest degree possible.

2. Our school district will work closely with the Fairfield County Health Department to promote health and safety in all school buildings.

3. Our school district will be transparent with all stakeholders that some level of risk will always be present when children and school district employees occupy school district facilities.

4. Our school district recognizes the need for consistency in areas of operations while also recognizing that individual differences in classroom sizes, school facilities and building operations may lead to some inconsistencies.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Ohio Department of Education

Policies for Mitigation Strategies:

• Universal and correct wearing of masks: The district will not require mask wearing, it will be optional.
• Physical distancing: The district will return to pre-pandemic protocols.
• Handwashing and respiratory etiquette: Handwashing will continue to be emphasized throughout the school day. Cough and sneeze etiquette will continue to be utilized.
• Facilities: District cleaning protocols will continue to include frequent disinfection of high-touch surfaces. Hand sanitizers have been placed throughout the buildings and are available to students and staff.
• Contact tracing: Contact tracing will occur in collaboration and consultation with the Fairfield County Health Department.
• Diagnostic and screening testing: Fairfield Union will continue to have testing and screening supplies available at school clinics.
• Vaccinations: The district will continue to encourage staff and students to be vaccinated, but ultimately it is up to the individual or family to determine if they want to be vaccinated. COVID vaccination is not required to attend school.
• Accommodations for children with disabilities: The district will build a health plan to meet the unique health needs of students.

 Continuity of Services – Academic:

• The district will offer a comprehensive summer program to address learning gaps, credit recovery and provide enrichment (June 2021-August 2021).
• At the start of the 2021-22 school year, Fairfield Union teachers will formally and informally assess students to identify individual student strengths and needs.
• Teachers, instructional coaches and leaders will administer and analyze data from multiple sources throughout the school year to ensure timely identification and response to observed learning gaps.
• Differentiated core instruction will enable students to access curriculum on their level of learning with the goal of having all students at or above grade level by the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year.
• Student learning plans, graduation plans, and RIMP plans will be revised as student progress is demonstrated or found to be challenged. Staff will work to communicate progress with families and engage parents and guardians as partners in education.

Continuity of Services – Social-Emotional:

• Fairfield Union will continue to incorporate Social Emotional Learning as part of the curriculum in grades K-12. Additional elementary SEL programming will be provided through partnerships with ADAMH.
• A Behavior Response Team (BRT) will be utilized to respond quickly to students with behavioral issues.
• Each building will utilize their Mental Health Crisis team to implement protocols to ensure swift response and support for students in crisis.
• A social worker and school counselors will be available to students and staff to support wellness.
• School and district leaders will work with building leadership teams to identify staff’s social, emotional, and mental health needs and work to address these needs throughout the school year.

Continuity of Services – Food:

• The district has provided free breakfast and lunch offerings to all students and provided for weekend meals during the 2020-21 school year. It is expected that free breakfasts and lunches will continue to be offered during the 2021-22 school year.
• The district will continue to partner with area churches to provide weekend meals for students that are distributed each Friday.  

Periodic Review of the Continuity Plan:

• The plan will be reviewed by the Administrative Team and/or the DLT every 6 months.
• The plan will be updated based on new or additional guidance from the Fairfield County Health Department, Ohio Department of Education and public input.

Public Input of the Continuity Plan:

• The plan will be posted on the district website and shared at a public session of the Board of Education.
• Public input will be reviewed as part of the revision process as changes are made.