July 13, 2020

Dear Students, Parents/Guardians, Teachers & Staff,

The purpose of this correspondence is to provide information about the reopening of Cotter
Public Schools for the 2020-21 school year. The health, safety, and well-being of each student,
teacher, and support staff member is very important. Our goal will be to create an environment
that is as safe as possible while also providing a rich educational experience.

Cotter Public Schools will follow the guidelines provided by the Arkansas Department of Health
(ADH) and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The use of personal
protective equipment, physical distancing where possible, and in-depth cleaning and sanitizing
procedures will be implemented.

In accordance with DESE guidelines, onsite (face-to-face) instruction for students will resume in
August 2020. Cotter Public Schools will also provide a K-12 virtual learning option for
interested students.

Cotter Public Schools is committed to helping each student reach their full potential. We look
forward to partnering with each of you in creating a culture focused on caring and safety as we
navigate this new educational environment together. We will provide updated information as it
becomes available.

Questions and Answers

Updated August 3, 2020

When is the first day for students?

August 24 (revised calendar approved July 16, 2020)

Has the district chosen a Learning Management System (LMS)?

An LMS is an online location platform that helps individuals manage administration, tracking,
reporting and delivering courses, lessons, and tests. Upon the Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education’s approval, Cotter Public Schools will use the following LMSs:

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 Grades K-12​: Google Classroom
Warrior Pride Academy​:
K-8: Acellus
Grades 9-12: Virtual Arkansas

Warrior Pride Academy FAQ

Warrior Pride Academy Memorandum of Understanding

How will you help fill any gaps my student has from the previous year?
Curriculum teams have worked to identify missed essential standards and these will be addressed
throughout the year in the curriculum and in targeted support systems. Additionally, students
will be assessed to determine individual strengths and areas for growth. These assessments will
determine if students need additional support.

How will the Social Emotional Learning needs of our students be addressed?
● Counselors will be available to support students, families, and teachers.
● Mental Health training for teachers
● Burrell Behavioral Health partnership provides counseling services free of charge

Will face coverings be required?

Governor Hutchinson issued a statewide mandate requiring the wearing of face coverings. We
are developing policies and procedures to comply with the Arkansas Department of Health’s
Face Coverings Directive Issued on July 18.
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/face_covering_directive.pdf
With some exceptions, the directive requires every person 10 years of age and older to wear a
face covering completely over the mouth and nose in both indoor environments and outdoor
settings when physical distancing of six feet or more cannot be assured.

Do we need to provide masks for our students or will one be provided?

The district will provide two washable face coverings for every student in grades 5-12.

Will bus transportation be provided?

Yes, the district’s transportation department will follow its traditional route model. Based on
current ADH guidance, students in fifth grade and above will be required to wear face coverings
when riding the bus. We are planning no changes to bus schedules or bus routes at this time.

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Will students at the elementary still have classes like PE, Art, Music, guidance, and
library?
Yes, students will continue to participate in activity classes, check out library books, and receive
guidance and gifted instruction. In some cases, the teachers may present their lessons in the
students’ classroom to reduce the amount of cleaning required. In other situations, such as PE,
students may have an assigned area in the gym with specific materials assigned to their
classroom.

Will my elementary student have recess?

Yes, elementary students will have recess time with restrictions that limit the number of students
they come in contact with.

Will ADH physical distancing guidelines be observed?

Physical distancing will be observed as much as possible, but at times students will be closer
than the recommended 6 feet apart. When physical distancing requirements cannot be
maintained, such as class change time, etc. students in fifth grade and above will be required to
wear face coverings.

Due to ADH guidelines will classrooms be arranged differently to protect students?

Yes, classrooms will be arranged to provide more space between students along with the
additional measures. We will make every effort to provide distance but not limit students’ ability
to interact and communicate with others in their classroom.

If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, what will happen?

In the event an individual tests positive, we will follow the latest guidance from the ADH. We
will be in direct contact with ADH. This could result in a brief closure of a single building/area
within the district to provide time for additional cleaning and sanitizing. ​ADE Response Levels
for On-Site Learning

Does Cotter Public Schools have a virtual option for my student?

We will offer a complete K-12 online educational program for students who do not feel
comfortable returning to onsite instruction. The virtual program is called Warrior Pride
Academy. Parents can sign up for the academy by contacting Misty Haynes at
mhaynes@cotterschools.net​ This program will be available for the first semester until ​August
14th, 2020​. Please contact the office for your child’s building for more information.

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 ➔ Elementary 435-6655
➔ High School 435-6323

Students enrolled in the Warrior Pride Academy will be given an opportunity at the end of each
semester to return to onsite instruction.

If students choose to enroll in the Warrior Pride Academy, will they be able to participate
in extracurricular activities?
Warrior Pride Academy offers extracurricular activities for students in grades 5-12. Virtual
students are allowed to participate in these activities. K-4 students enrolled in the academy will
not have the option to participate in extracurricular activities.

Based on ADH guidelines, will we have open house, assemblies, concerts, etc.?
A virtual open house will be shared with students and parents. No large gatherings will be
allowed so activities such as assemblies and pep rallies will not be held. Those activities will
resume when it is safe to do so.

Will students be able to participate in extracurricular activities and sports in the fall?
Yes, Senior high and junior high athletes have already returned to campus to begin practice
based on ADH and Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) guidance. We anticipate sports
activities in the fall with possible modifications as required by the ADH and AAA.

Will there be restrictions for band and choir?

As this time, we are still awaiting ADH guidance on both band and choir. We will continue to
serve students enrolled in band and/or choir classes while observing the most current guidelines.
Band and choir also follow AAA guidelines.

Will my student eat lunch in their classroom?

Based on current guidance, the ADH is recommending schools limit the number of students in
the cafeteria. Proper sanitation of all areas will be completed after each meal. Students will not
self-serve or share food. Parents are encouraged to send a water bottle with their student. Each
water bottle should be clearly labeled with the student’s name.

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What precautions will be implemented in regard to cleaning and sanitizing?
Sanitation and cleanliness is a top priority at Cotter Public Schools. Frequently touched surfaces
and restrooms will be cleaned continuously throughout the school day. We have purchased
disinfectant sprays to quickly sanitize rooms between usage. We will also provide time for hand
washing and hand sanitizer throughout our buildings. Students will be asked to sanitize their
hands each time they leave and enter a new area.

If a student comes to school sick, what will happen?

If a student is ill, they should not come to school. If a student becomes ill at school, the school
nurse will screen students. If a student has a temperature over 100.4, the student will be sent
home and will need to be fever free for 48 hours without medication before returning to school.
When the child returns to school, he/she will check in with the school nurse.

What happens if schools are not able to have onsite instruction again?
Remote learning will take place if schools are unable to have onsite instruction. This plan
includes K-12 using Google Classroom and Warrior Pride Academy using a digital platform to
submit assignments.. Teachers will utilize Zoom to deliver live lessons. Students will learn how
to use the Learning Management System by participating in lessons throughout the week while at
school.

Will our students have the same arrival and dismissal times?
At this time, arrival and dismissal times will be the same as previous school years. In order to
increase physical distancing and to decrease the number of students in the cafeteria and gym
before school starts, additional locations may be identified for student arrival. This is subject to
change depending on the current guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health and DESE.

How will the district serve students with special needs or weakened immune systems?
Students with special needs or weakened immune systems will be accommodated through both
onsite and remote instruction. If parents have concerns about their student, who may be at
high-risk because of COVID-19, they may explore the virtual learning option which allows the
student to continue their education from the safety of their own home.

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In the event of remote learning, how will the district serve students who have special needs
(Special Education, 504, Dyslexia)?

In the event that we move to remote learning next year, Cotter Public Schools will ensure that
all students with disabilities (SPED, 504, Dyslexia) will continue to receive a free and
appropriate public education (FAPE) that is consistent with protecting the health and safety of
students with disabilities and those providing the education to students with disabilities.
Parent-teacher communication is critical to ensuring the needs of students with disabilities are
met during a remote learning environment. During this time, parents and school staff should
collaborate to determine adjustments to services and/or accommodations.

What are some key definitions?

On-Site:​ Learning that occurs at school, sometimes referred to as face-to-face.

Remote​: Learning that occurs at home or another site away from school.

Blended Learning:​ Students learn in school buildings and utilize digital platforms so they are
prepared to learn remotely for school closure.

Virtual Learning:​ Students choose to learn remotely from home full-time through a digital
platform provided by Cotter Public Schools.