Emergency Virtual Learning Plan

Emergency Virtual Learning Plan


Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish Newmark School and Newmark High School's procedures 
for implementing emergency virtual instruction when circumstances require the temporary closure 
of school facilities. This plan is designed to ensure continuity of instruction while safeguarding 
the health, safety, and well-being of students, staff, and the school community. The plan will be 
reviewed and updated periodically to remain consistent with current state regulations, public health 
guidance, and best practices.

Maintaining Safe and Healthy School Operations
Newmark School and Newmark High School are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy 
learning environment through proactive planning and ongoing collaboration with appropriate 
agencies and professionals. Measures may include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Collaboration with appropriate health agencies, regulatory organizations, and local officials to ensure compliance with current health and safety requirements.
  • Implementation of applicable employee health and safety protocols in accordance with federal, state, and local guidance.
  • Routine inspection, maintenance, and servicing of ventilation and air filtration systems to maximize indoor air quality.
  • Installation of physical barriers or visual guides, when appropriate, to support safe movement and physical distancing.
  • Placement of handwashing and hand sanitizing stations throughout the school buildings.
  • Scheduling adjustments, when necessary, to minimize large group interactions and maintain consistent student groupings.
  • Implementation of updated employee attendance, leave, travel, and illness reporting procedures as needed.
  • Ongoing monitoring of student and staff absenteeism and health office activity.
  • Consideration of reasonable accommodations for students and staff, when appropriate.
  • Individual response by Human Resources and school administration to health, safety, or emergency-related concerns.
  • Clear communication channels for employees to report questions, concerns, or requests for accommodations.
  • Coordination with local public health officials, sending school districts, and transportation providers to maintain effective communication during emergencies.
  • Routine cleaning and disinfecting of school facilities in accordance with current health and safety recommendations.
  • Maintenance of adequate supplies of soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer, personal protective equipment, and other necessary safety materials.
  • Encouragement of preventive health practices, including proper hand hygiene and staying home when ill.
  • Implementation of additional safety measures as recommended by local, state, or federal agencies during an emergency.
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Emergency Virtual Instruction Plan

Stage One – Preparation

To prepare for a potential transition to virtual instruction, school administration will:

  • Review and prioritize emergency response procedures.
  • Maintain an inventory of instructional, technological, and health-related supplies.
  • Communicate emergency preparedness information to staff, families, and sending school districts.
  • Ensure equitable access to instruction for all students.
  • Conduct technology surveys to determine student and staff device and internet needs.
  • Prepare virtual instructional materials and digital learning resources.
  • Develop alternative paper-based instructional packets for students who require them.
  • Maintain an updated substitute teacher list.
  • Continue enhanced cleaning and sanitation of school facilities.
  • Develop plans for the continuation of meal services, when applicable.
  • Provide ongoing staff training related to emergency procedures, health protocols, and instructional continuity.

Should the Newmark School and Newmark High School Board of Directors receive a directive from the New Jersey Department of Education or another authorized governmental agency requiring a temporary school closure, the schools may implement remote instruction in accordance with all applicable state laws and regulations governing virtual learning and instructional time.

 

Stage Two – Emergency Virtual Instruction

If directed by state or local authorities, or when emergency circumstances require the temporary closure of school buildings, the following procedures will be implemented:
  • • Notify families, staff, transportation providers, and sending school districts through established communication systems.
  • • Provide ongoing updates regarding the emergency situation and anticipated timelines.
  • •Continue social-emotional support services through counselors, social workers, and related service providers.
  • Protect the confidentiality of all students and staff in accordance with applicable privacy laws.
  • Deliver instruction through Microsoft Teams or other approved learning platforms.
  • Ensure students have access to appropriate instructional materials and online resources.
  • Continue implementation of each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) to the greatest extent possible.
  • Conduct IEP meetings, annual reviews, and related meetings through secure virtual platforms when necessary.
  • Monitor student attendance through established virtual attendance procedures and document attendance in the school's student information system.
  • Assess student learning through online assessments, teacher-created assignments, projects, discussions, and other appropriate measures.
  • Provide paper-based instructional materials to students whose educational needs require alternative formats.
  • Distribute school-owned technology devices as needed.
  • Continue therapeutic, counseling, speech, occupational therapy, and related services whenever feasible.
  • Maintain regular communication with students and families regarding academic progress and support.
  • Conduct faculty, departmental, and interdisciplinary meetings virtually.
  • Maintain communication logs documenting family outreach and student support.
  • Provide professional development opportunities for instructional and support staff.
  • Maintain technical support services for staff and families.
  • Identify essential personnel required to report to school facilities, when appropriate.
  • Continue custodial services necessary to maintain school facilities and support essential operations.
  • Submit required reports regarding essential personnel to appropriate agencies, when applicable.
School Day, Instruction, and Student Learning

During emergency virtual instruction:
 
  • Students will participate in a virtual instructional day that meets New Jersey Department of Education requirements.
  • Certified teachers will provide daily instruction aligned with curriculum standards Teachers, instructional paraprofessionals, and support staff will remain available during 
  • the instructional day to provide academic assistance.
  • Instruction will include accommodations and modifications identified in students' IEPs.
  • Academic progress will be monitored through assignments, assessments, projects, participation, and teacher observation.
  • Administration will monitor lesson planning, instructional delivery, and student engagement.
  • Translation and language assistance services will be provided for families as needed.
  • Accelerated learning opportunities will continue to be provided when appropriate.
  • Support staff will maintain communication with students and families regarding attendance, participation, and assignment completion.
  • School administrators may be added to virtual classrooms to provide instructional support and oversight.
  • Student credits and graduation requirements will continue to be monitored.
  • Staff will maintain appropriate documentation of instructional activities and communication.
Meal Services

When required and applicable, the school will work with appropriate agencies to:
 
  • Identify eligible students.
  • Coordinate meal preparation and distribution.
  • Establish meal pickup or delivery schedules.
  • Communicate meal service information to families.
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Recovery Stage

When school buildings reopen:

  • Resume in-person instruction in accordance with applicable guidance.
  • Continue virtual instructional supports when appropriate to facilitate student transition.
  • Assess student learning needs and provide interventions as necessary.
  • Restore normal school operations while implementing any required health and safety recommendations.
  • Review the effectiveness of the emergency response and revise the Emergency Virtual Instruction Plan as needed.