Facilities Protocols

Lynbrook Union Free School District Facilities Reopening Plan

The Lynbrook UFSD will follow health guidance related to social distancing and other safety measures that will be put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.

When students and adults return to their school buildings for in-person instruction, the interior spaces will be configured and maintained, to the best of our ability, in a way that provides the maximum possible protections from the spreading of the coronavirus.

Social Distancing Guidelines

Lynbrook UFSD has developed, implemented, and will enforce social distancing guidelines in all school facilities and on all school grounds, including transportation.

  • Where feasible, the District will socially distance student desks and seating to the maximum extent possible. Socially distancing will be practiced and reinforced to ensure distances are consistently followed. Where social distances cannot be maintained, students will be required to wear masks.

  • All student desks will be configured facing the same direction rather than facing each other to reduce droplet transmission.

  • A clear polycarbonate shield will be installed on the student and teacher desks to disrupt the transmission of droplets.

  • A clear polycarbonate shield will be installed in the main offices, greeter desks and other key areas throughout the building to slow the transmission of COVID 19.

  • The District will ensure that student groupings are as stationary as possible, by having the same groups / classes / cohorts of students when possible.

  • Due to the potential increased risk of droplet transmission, band, chorus, and orchestra will be limited to lessons only. There will be no large ensembles permitted.

  • Due to the potential increased risk of transmission, physical education classes will be held outdoors. On inclement weather days, physical education will be held in the classroom.

  • Each school will designate a second area for school health service personnel. One area will be designated for healthy students to obtain nursing treatments or medications. The second area will be for isolating the ill. Multiple students suspected of COVID-19 may be in this second location simultaneously if they cannot be separated by six feet.

  • Where feasible, separate bins or storage areas may be assigned to each student. This bin or area will house necessary student supplies per elementary child. This will limit cross contamination of supplies among students.

  • Utilizing shared electronic devices will be prohibited.

  • The classroom smartboard will be utilized solely by the classroom teacher.

  • There will be an expanded arrival time in the morning. This will allow additional time for entering the buildings while maintaining social distancing. Masks must be worn while in the queue to enter the buildings.

  • Markings will be installed on the exterior of the buildings on the walkways and steps leading up to the main entrance of each building. Please maintain social distancing and patience while approaching the entrance.

  • Where feasible, hallways and staircases will be designated for one directional travel. In areas that one directional travel is not obtainable, tape will be placed on the floor down the center of the hallway to assist in the flow of movement.

  • Signage and other visual aides will be created, purchased, and installed to direct the flow of movement throughout the building. Travel time between periods will be increased to accommodate the longer distance needed for travel.

  • Elevator usage will be limited to a minimum number of staff/students possible at all times. Masks must be worn by everyone physically capable of wearing a mask to utilize the elevator.

  • The District will cancel field trips and large gatherings, such as assemblies and concerts until further notice.

  • To limit the potential of the transmission of COVID 19, all unnecessary group gatherings, building permits, and visitors will be restricted within the buildings and on school grounds.

  • Delivery of mail and ordered materials (FED EX etc.) will be accepted outside by the door monitor or custodian to limit unnecessary individuals within the school.

  • All visitors will be required to call the main office and schedule visits to the buildings. “Drop-in” visitors may be turned away.

  • To slow the spread of the coronavirus, masks must be worn while:

    • entering the building

    • walking through the hallways

    • entering the classrooms

    • utilizing multi-occupant restrooms

    • exiting the building for recess, physical education, and dismissal

  • Building cafeterias and gymnasiums will be utilized for lunch. Six-feet minimum separation between occupants will be maintained in these areas. A mask must be worn while moving throughout the spaces, but will be taken off while seated so lunch can be consumed. The sharing of food and beverages is strictly prohibited.

  • All students and staff should be prepared to wear a face mask at any given time during the day.

  • The use of student and gym lockers will be prohibited to maintain social distancing.

  • Additional staff luncheon areas will be designated where the space exists, depending on each individual building.

  • High School students with “off periods” will be assigned a destinated area within the building where social distancing can be maintained.

  • Maintain social distancing while conducting mandatory lockdown, fire, or evacuation drills. The use of masks will be required during the conduction of such drills. Maintaining social distancing and wearing masks may not be feasible during an actual fire, lockdown, or evacuation occurrence.

Districtwide Signage

Informational signage will be purchase or created, and will be placed throughout the interior and exterior of each building. The signage will contain information on the following topics:

  • Maintaining social distancing instructions.

  • Proper hygiene and hand washing.

  • Correct use of masks and when they are appropriate.

  • Directional movement throughout the buildings.

Supplies Acquisitions

The Lynbrook UFSD will make every effort to purchase and stockpile the necessary Personal Protective Equipment and cleaning supplies required to help protect the occupants of the school buildings. PPE equipment and supplies that will be provided to staff and if necessary to students can include but may not be limited to:

  • Portable sinks

  • Masks

  • Face shields

  • Gowns

  • Gloves

  • Polycarbonate dividers

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Touchless thermometers

  • Disinfectant wipes

  • Signage and decals

A daily checklist for school personnel to inspect their area and ensure they have sufficient supplies each day (e.g., face covering, tissues, hand hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, etc.) will be required to fill out. When replenishment of supplies is needed, the Head Custodian will request the needed items from the Facilities Department.

Cleaning

The district has developed procedures for the daily cleaning, and disinfecting of school buildings as per the New York State Education Department and the Department of Health guidelines.

These include the following:

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects within the school at least daily, including interior and exterior door handles, handrails, faucets, and drinking fountains and other areas as necessary.

  • Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air by opening windows and doors when possible.

  • Daily logs of will be maintained that include the date, time, and scope of each cleaning and disinfection, as well as the identity of the staff responsible for clean each area.

  • Disposable wipes will be provided to faculty and staff for any items that must be shared or frequently touched surfaces.

  • Regular cleaning and disinfection of restrooms.

  • Daily disinfection of outdoor playground equipment.