Let me begin by saying thank you. 

Thank you to our students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff who worked together to ensure that the 2019-2020 school year ended well. On March 12, 2020, all of us were challenged when our Governor announced that school buildings would be closing. Our district staff started right away on March 13, 2020, creating a new model. This model evolved over time and provided our students with opportunities to continue learning. 

We certainly had our fair share of bumps along the way and, looking back, we can see where things could have been improved or gone better. However, I am proud of the work that all of us did to ensure that our students could continue learning and growing. 

Now the 2020-2021 school year is fast approaching. The Novi Community School District has been busy planning and we are excited to share our plans with you. We have great confidence that the plans we have made will provide opportunities for our students and options for our families. 

We, like you, are committed to providing a safe environment for our students and staff. Governor Whitmer has given us guidance on what will be required and what will be recommended based on the context within our region. We will follow the required elements of the Governor’s plan and make decisions on the recommendations to ensure that all of our community can be safe as we return to school. 

We believe that the best option for students is to return to in-person learning in our schools. Students need to be with their friends, with a caring and supportive teacher, and provided opportunities that come in our school buildings. Our in-person plan will address both the academic and social/emotional needs of our students. 

We also plan to have a robust virtual option for our students. This option will look and feel different than the virtual experience that we offered in the spring. Our new virtual option will be more structured, requiring attendance and giving grades. Students will receive instruction from NCSD teachers following NCSD curriculum. 
We recognize that our new school year will be unlike any we have prepared for before. Working together we will create positive and robust options for both in-person and virtual instruction this fall. 

I look forward to working with you and our staff to make sure we create safe, positive, and challenging learning environments for our students this fall. 

Gratefully and Respectfully, 

Dr. Steve Matthews 
Superintendent 

The District assures that when it provides in-person instruction to its students without disabilities, the district must also provide in-person instruction to its students with disabilities, consistent with their individualized education programs (IEPs).

The District assures that when schools are closed to in-person instruction, districts must strive in good faith and to the extent practicable, based upon available resources, technology, training, and curriculum, as well as the circumstances presented by COVID-19, to provide equal access to any alternative modes of instruction to students with disabilities from birth through age 26. This assurance includes the provision of auxiliary services under section 1296 of the Revised School Code, MCL 380.1296.

The District assures that while any state of emergency or disaster related to the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it shall comply with guidance from the United States Department of Education, including its Office of Civil Rights and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and the Michigan Department of Education concerning the delivery of alternative modes of instruction to students with disabilities in light of the impact of COVID-19.

The District assures that it shall, to the extent practicable and necessary, make individualized determinations whether and to what extent compensatory services may be needed for students with disabilities in light of the school closures during the 2019–2020 school year.

The District assures that during Phase 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will close its buildings to anyone except: (a) District employees or contractors necessary to conduct minimum basic school operations consistent with a Preparedness Plan, including those employers or contractors necessary to facilitate alternative modes of instruction, such as distributing materials and equipment or performing other necessary in-person functions. (b) Food-service workers preparing food for distribution to students or their families. (c) Licensed child-care providers and the families that they serve, if providers follow all emergency protocols identified by the state.

The District assures that during Phase 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will suspend athletics, after-school activities, inter-school activities, and busing.

The District assures that during Phase 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will provide for the continued pay of school employees while redeploying staff to provide meaningful work in the context of the Preparedness Plan, subject to any applicable requirements of a collective bargaining agreement.

The District assures that in Phases 1, 2, or 3 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will provide for the continuation of food distribution to eligible students.

The District assures that during Phase 4 of the Michigan Safe Start Plan it will prohibit indoor assemblies that bring together students from more than one classroom.

The District assures cooperation with the local public health department if a confirmed case of COVID-19 is identified, and agrees to collect the contact information for any close contacts of the affected individual from two days before he or she showed symptoms to the time when he or she was last present in school.

Learning Options 

• In-person: A hybrid blend of in-person and virtual instruction with strict adherence to clear safety protocols. 
• Virtual online instruction: An online, virtual learning program for students. 

Option One: Hybrid blend of in-person and virtual Instruction, following required safety measures

• Families were asked to commit to this option in early August.
• Half the students in school at one time. 
• Small classes
  • Commitment is to create classes that allow appropriate social distancing
  • Commitment is to have smll classes
    • Exceptions might be classes like orchestra, choir and band, as long as there is adequate social distancing. 
• Lower class sizes means more individualized attention to each student's needs
• Teachers focused on core standards
• Assigned seating
• No sharing of materials
• Strict cohorting in grades K-6
• Cohorting in grades 7-12 will be done as practical
• Class will be different than what it has been, but students will have positive interaction with staff and other students
• Facial coverings for most students and staff will be required or strongly recommended, depending on the Phase we are in at the time. Students can bring their own facial covering or the district will provide one.
• The District will work to create as much social distance as practical within classrooms and common areas.
• Transportation provided, with students wearing facial coverings. Hand sanitizer will be available. District will be cleaning and sanitizing buses.
• Food service provided with potential for staggered lunches, distanced cafeteria or eating in classrooms.
• Extracurricular athletics as permitted by the MHSAA.
• Curricular and extracurricular activities, if possible, adhering to recommended safety protocols.

Option Two: Complete Virtual Learning

• Families will be asked in August to commit to a semester at a time.
• Students will receive instruction from NCSD teachers teaching NCSD curriculum.
• Attendance and grades
• Teachers and students will interact each day, each hour
• Teachers will have a minimum of 15-minute whole group instruction/check in each hour
  • Teachers could take the whole hour for instruction depending on the lesson.
• Students will have a variety of small virtual group or individualized work
• The time expectation will be very similar to in-person instruction. 
• Students will be able to participate in extracurricular athletics and activities.

Responsive Organizational and Academic Return (ROAR) Plan

Vision for the ROAR Plan:

The Novi Community School District Vision: 

The Nov Community School District believes in: 

• an equity of opportunity, 
• a culture of unity,
• fostering and inspiring a curiosity of learning and a community of well-being, for all stakeholders.

The NCSD Guiding Principles for the ROAR Plan: 

• We will continue to take measures to support the safety, health and welfare of our students and staff.
• We will continue our commitment to supporting the well-being and mental health of our students and staff.
• We will continue to engage our community, which includes students, staff and parents, as we work through the planning process. 
• We will continue to provide high quality services to our students with disabilities, English Learners, and students receiving intervention services.
• We will continue Professional Development to support our learning plans. 
• We will be flexible in our approach to our teaching and learning framework, giving us the capability to pivot between instructional modalities in response to the public health crisis. 

Overview 

Key Points

• In order to ensure student safety, we will follow the required elements of the MI Safe Schools: Michigan’s 2020-2021 Return to School Roadmap.
• Masks/facial coverings could be required depending on the phase.
• The district will work to create as much social distance as practical within classrooms and common areas.
• Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be available in all buildings and classrooms.
• For additional details, please refer to the NCSD Prevention and Response Plan listed below. This is a living document that will be updated based on the latest recommendations from the CDC, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Oakland County Health Division and the District Nurse.

References and Resources

The District will direct parents when the App has been activated 

The Novi Community School District will have a health screener that each staff member and family will be required to complete each morning before coming to school.

• A report will be sent to the Principal. 

  • If a family does not complete the health screener, they will be contacted and told it is required. If they continue to refuse to complete the health screener, their student will be enrolled as a virtual student.

NCSD staff, parents/guardians and students will use the Frontline School Health Portal and Mobile App. This will provide daily health screenings for students and staff and allow for a safe and secure way for the district to communicate student health information in a HIPAA and FERPA compliant manner. This is available both as a mobile app, or on any internet connected device, such as a phone, tablet or computer. 

Downloading the Mobile App

• Go to the Apple App Store or Android Apps on Google Play and search for "Frontline Health Portal" to find the Frontline Health Portal mobile app.
• Download the app.

Registering for the Health Portal from a Device or the Mobile App

• You can begin the registration process from within the Health Portal mobile app or from any internet connected computer. 
• If you already have completed the registration process on the desktop version of the Health Portal, you don't need to register again, and you can proceed to Logging In.

Overview 

 
Key Points 

• Nursing Services
  • Health planning/health support/medication requirements
• Each school will identify and designate a quarantine area and a staff person to care for students who become ill at school. Appropriate health care protocols will be followed in caring for these students
• Symptomatic students and staff will utilize a different isolated room in the school building and will utilize social distancing guidelines in such rooms

Resources and References

Overview 

References and Resources 

Overview 

Key Points 

• Proactive approach to focus on the well-being of students and staff.
• Provide time and space for staff and students to intentionally focus on building relationships and foster a strong classroom community of learners.
• Leverage structures and practices already in place while adding new strategies to support the needs of students across each level.
• Utilize our Multi-Tiered System of Supports to provide interventions in varying degrees of intensity to attend to the needs of each student.

References and Resources 

Overview 

Hybrid Learning 

• Adhering to child find requirements, evaluations, eligibility, and providing accommodations, aids and related services to students who are eligible under Section 504.
• Following required social distancing protocols during evaluations and when providing accommodations, aids, and related services.

Virtual Learning

• Support students with Section 504 Accommodation Plans
• Demonstrate good faith effort to provide accommodations and related services to students with 504 Plans
• Provide services in the areas of: Social Worker, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech and Language Services, and Oakland Schools Consultant support, as stated on student’s 504 plans.
• NCSD will provide these supports using several methods, which may include Zoom, Google Meets, or Televate Platform
• Will work to ensure accessibility, including accommodations to their general education learning, as well as individual student needs
• Provide a Notice document to families in the event we cannot provide services on the 504 plan

Child Find and Evaluation

• In-person learning: All federal and district policies and procedures will be adhered to in order to meet compliance under Section 504
• Virtual learning: Individual needs will be reviewed to determine how to best support and provide accommodations, aids, and services so students identified under Section 504 can access curriculum and instruction

Overview 

• Birth to 3/Early On
• Early Childhood/Pre-K Special Education Programs & Services
• K-12
• Novi Adult Transition Center (NATC)
• Career Prep
• Catholic Central (Non-Public Service Plans)
• Novi students who attend Center-Based Programs in Oakland County

Hybrid and Virtual Learning

Child Find and Evaluation 

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meetings 

Overview

Key Points 

• During hybrid instruction,
  • English Language Development Teachers will continue teaching language development along with teaching core content
  • English Learners will continue to be identified for appropriate levels of English Development support based on multiple data points, such as the latest WIDA ACCESS 2.0 For ELLs proficiency scores
  • English Language Development intervention will continue to provide intensive language-based instruction to English Learners who are struggling with language development
  • English Language Development teachers will begin the year by collecting further proficiency data to ensure they are able to meet students’ needs using the WIDA Model assessment, and other local assessments such as i-Ready
• During virtual instruction,
  • English Language Development teachers will also continue to teach language and content, with further emphasis on developing oral language skills
  • The English Language Development program will continue to provide English Language Development intervention to select students who are identified as in need of additional support to further develop their language skills
  • English Language Development teachers will continue to collaborate with core teachers and the special education team to support English Learners in their classes, whether virtually or in person

References and Resources 

Overview 

Overview 

1. Athletics/Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
2. Facilities/Maintenance
3. Food & Nutrition Department
4. School Safety
5. Transportation

Key Points 

Overview 

Key Points

• Each instructional staff member will be provided with a convertible 2:1 laptop with digital inking capabilities. During phase one, staff will retain existing desktop computers through the 2020-2021 school year. During the summer of 2021, the plan is to implement the laptop as the teacher workstation in the classroom.
• Each administrative staff member will be provided with a convertible 2:1 package (same as educators) to replace their existing desktop computers. The package consists of the laptop, two monitors, a docking station, and a wireless keyboard and mouse. The existing desktop, purchased in 2015, will be reimaged to be reprovisioned for the remainder of the usable life expectancy.
• Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 1 will utilize existing iPads to support student learning. Instructional staff assigned to these grades will be assigned an iPad such that they can better support student learning goals.
• Students and staff will continue to have access to the Oakland Schools Service Desk 248-209-2060 for any technology-based issues that may arise.

Overview 

Key Points 

• The C.A.R.E. program supervises children while their parents are at work. C.A.R.E. is ready to serve families in the Novi Community School District. Determination of locations and availability will be made based on public health and LARA guidelines. These guidelines will include the potential of limited capacity of school buildings, reduced ratios, and the need to clean and disinfect spaces before and after sessions. Communication to families regarding availability will be provided early August

• The availability of Youth/Adult Enrichment classes, Aquatics and Facility Rentals will be determined based on CDC guidelines.

• The NCSD Central Registration team can assist families enrolling in the Novi Community School District. Central Enrollment for the 2020-2021 school year will be done online. Please visit NCSD’s Central Enrollment website for enrollment information. The Central Enrollment team will process all paperwork and communicate with all necessary district personnel (building secretaries, administrators, and counselors)
• The Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) will be offering Preschool classes for the 2020-21 school year. The program format may change based on licensing and CDC guidelines
• Determination of NCSD Career Prep High School and Adult Education program locations and availability will be made based on public health guidelines. These guidelines will include the potential of limited capacity of school buildings, reduced ratios, and the need to clean and disinfect spaces before and after sessions
• NCSD will be offering our alternative high school program, Career Prep High School, for the 2020-2021 school year. The program format may change based on CDC guidelines
• NCSD will be offering Adult English as a Second Language classes for the 2020-2021 school year. The program format may change based on CDC guidelines

References and Resources 

Overview 

Key Points

External Communications 

• A new public-facing page on our website will include information about the ROAR Plan. NCSD will communicate more information before the start of the school year about the in-person and virtual learning options, implementation of plans, and supports for families and students. Content will likely include topics such as school schedules, curriculum resources, student expectations, tech support, meal distribution, mental health resources, special education, FAQs, and community resources.
• Communications from the Superintendent will be emailed to parents/guardians when necessary. The Superintendent provided almost daily communication via SchoolMessenger throughout the mandatory building closure due to the pandemic.
• Principals will continue to provide critical updates and information, including a weekly newsletter delivered via email.
• Specific information for each learning mode will be highlighted as needed.
• NCSD will continue to be proactive and reactive in engaging with local and national media outlets.
• NCSD, ranked the No.1 school district in the state of Michigan in 2019, will continue to tell our story, highlighting student achievement and district activities.
• NCSD will continue to use social media, especially Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, to provide content that encourages interaction and participation with external audiences.
• The District and all schools will provide important updates and crisis alerts in multiple languages utilizing the SchoolMessenger broadcast platform. With the potential for fluctuating schedules and plans, these immediate contact tools become increasingly important.

Crisis Communications 

Internal Communications 

References and Resources