One of the most critical lessons from the past two years is the importance of in-person learning. Even with the many tools we now have to combat COVID-19 and other viruses, transmission can still continue; therefore, people with symptoms of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV, and gastrointestinal infections, should stay home. Flexible sick leave and absences should be considered to help avoid staff and students coming to school while sick.
As a support to continue communication with districts involving school health trends and guidance, all districts are encouraged to maintain a Point of Contact (POC) who will continue to have a direct link to the DESE liaison at the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Superintendents have been sent a link to register the district POC and may update the district’s POC information for the current school year.
Even with careful planning, disruptions to the school year can still occur. Districts are reminded that the American Rescue Plan (ARP) requires LEAs to update the LEA Plan for Continuity of Services (Ready for Learning) every six months. The LEA Plan for Continuity of Services should describe how the district will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other staff. DESE will monitor district websites for easy access to the LEA Plan for Continuity of Services. Districts are reminded of the expectation for public engagement and opportunities for public input throughout the life of the ARP ESSER award. Please include the date the plan was reviewed/updated before reposting on the district website. Please include the URL to the updated Continuity of Services Plan here by October 15, 2022. (Prior memos may be referenced: COM-22-129 and COM-22-146)
If a superintendent closes school for a regularly-scheduled school day due to exceptional or emergency circumstances, such as a contagious disease outbreak, inclement weather, or other acts of God, the superintendent may make up missed school days by adding time to the beginning or ending of a regular school day for a minimum of sixty (60) minutes (Ark. Code Ann. §6-10-127) or by adding student contact days during the school year.
If a district (or a school within a district) experiences an emergency or outbreak that requires closure of a campus to onsite instruction, the district may choose to follow its approved AMI plan. All AMI days utilized must be reported in eSchoolPLUS and accuracy checked in the Statewide Information System (SIS): Calendar Table - Day Type field cycle submissions using rpt120 (School Calendar). Districts should document the AMI day, directions for parents, and the reason the AMI day is utilized on the district website and/or social media. It is critical that the public is made aware of why the school is closed and the plan for continued student learning.
Districts are reminded that the Statewide Community Resources Portal website is available as a tool to connect schools and communities with much needed information about available support services around the state. Many students and families remain in need of essential support services, or “wrap-around” services, such as financial, healthcare, and housing assistance. To learn more, please visit https://adedata.arkansas.gov/scr.
DESE and ADH will work with districts to monitor local situations as needed.