COVID-19 Update #6 (November 4, 2020)

Dear GALA Parents, 

Thank you for your patience and trust in us through this time.

The Return to School Committee has revised its plan for conditions for in-person learning to include Risk Level Red.  At Risk Level Red, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health recommends consideration for remote learning, but does not recommend closure. After much consideration, we have decided to offer an in-person learning option to our students and families (all remote will continue to also be available), and we are prepared to make this in-person learning opportunity within a safe school environment.  For your reference, GALA’s revised decision-making framework is provided below (the full Safety, Sanitization and Closure Procedures are on the GALA website – please be advised that this document continues to be updated).

Starting on Monday, January 11th, GALA will offer in-person learning for 4 days a week, Monday through Thursday from 9:00am to 3:30pm. The current class groups and teacher assignments will remain the same, however the school-wide schedule will be altered by pushing everything back by 30 minutes (i.e. SEL Morning meetings will begin at 9:00am, lunch will begin at 11:30am, etc.) to accommodate time needed for health entrance screening into the building.  Fridays will continue to serve as flexible days that are used primarily for enrichment and finishing assignments.  

Whether students continue to learn remotely, or choose to attend in-person learning, there will be little disruption to learning as we transition into January.  For students that are learning in the building, they will benefit from having their teacher to support them directly and during asynchronous learning time. All students will continue to receive the same instructional materials and assignments. 

Please submit the student registration form by Friday, November 13.  This form is required and one form per student must be submitted. In-Person spots are LIMITED due to social distancing requirements (there will be no more than 15 students in a classroom). Registration Form: https://forms.gle/NMU1HL5anRFrA1za6 

We know that you probably have many questions related to schedule details, safety and closure procedures, room assignments, substitute teaching, etc. Please know that we need student registration numbers in order to finalize the in-person learning plan. We will be sharing the final plan before Thanksgiving break.

As always, be well and be safe.

Sincerely,

GALA Return to School Committee

GALA’s revised decision-making framework

GALA will rely on the Ohio’s Public Health Advisory System (OPHAS) color-coded system in making school‐wide decisions and recommendations from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health for evaluating and determining Return to School learning options for students. GALA’s Return to School Plan has been revised as follows:

OPHAS Level 1 (Yellow) – Active Exposure and spread. – Along with a recommendation from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health that supports in-person school, GALA will provide two learning options:  In-person with an opt out option of Remote; while adhering to public health sanitation and social distancing measures as outlined in Ohio’s School Reopening Guidance.

OPHAS Level 2 (Orange) – Increased exposure and spread. Exercise high degree of caution. – Along with a recommendation from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health that supports in-person school, GALA will provide two learning options:In-person with an opt out option of Remote; while adhering to public health sanitation and social distancing measures as outlined in Ohio’s School Reopening Guidance.

OPHAS Level 3 (Red) – Very high exposure and spread. Limit activities as much as possible. – Along with a recommendation from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health that supports in-person school, GALA will provide two learning options: In-person with an opt out option of Remote; while adhering to public health sanitation and social distancing measures as outlined in Ohio’s School Reopening Guidance.

OPHAS Level 4 (Purple) – Severe exposure and spread. Only leave home for supplies and services. – GALA will provide an All Remote learning option for all students, with no in‐person instruction provided during this period of time.