Students will be required to wear face coverings at school, except while eating either breakfast or lunch. Wraparound safety glasses are highly recommended (optional).

From our ongoing and careful consultation with FLDOH-Collier and local medical experts, the identified risks to students and staff members will be significantly mitigated with the use of face coverings, wraparound safety glasses, and other sanitization measures.
 

Click here to see Dr. David Lindner, medical director of the Naples Community Hospital (NCH) COVID-19 Response Team, who explained on July 15, 2020, “why wearing both masks and eyewear provides the highest level of safety.”

Bus riders must wear face coverings while on the bus and practice social distancing at bus stops. Wraparound safety glasses are highly recommended (optional).

Yes, students will receive one (1) mask, one (1) buff, and one (1) pair of wraparound safety glasses.

A Virtual Learning Day begins Quarter 2 on October 30.

Parents of students in Classroom Connect/High School Flexible (Option 2) will receive a communication and survey by email on October 12th and asked to respond by Friday, October 16, confirming continuation in Classroom Connect/High School Flexible OR beginning On Campus in Quarter 2. If no response is received, then the student will continue in Classroom Connect/High School Flexible (virtual) for Quarter 2.

January 19 is a Virtual Learning Day and the first day of Quarter 3/second semester. Students would attend on campus beginning on January 20.

Parents of students still seeking a virtual option in second semester may enroll their students in eCollier Academy (https://www.collierschools.com/eCollierAcademy), a distinct virtual school within CCPS.

OPTION 1: ATTEND SCHOOL ON CAMPUS

• Student attends school full-time on campus daily
• Students and staff follow health and safety protocols including wearing masks and safety glasses

OPTION 2: CCPS CLASSROOM CONNECT - SET/STRUCTURED VIRTUAL LEARNING

• Students stay enrolled in projected 2020-21 schools and will be taught by teacher(s) from their school
• Student participates in full-time virtual learning with a set/structured, synchronous model with assigned teacher(s)
• Allows for flexibility for students to easily transition back to an on-campus option

OPTION 3: eCOLLIER ACADEMY (K-8) - FLEXIBLE VIRTUAL LEARNING

• eCollier Academy (eCA) provides an opportunity for students to learn via a flexible, innovative, and customized learning model that supports their unique, individual needs, while satisfying state requirements for completion
• Student participates in full-time virtual learning and follow a flexible, asynchronous model with regular interactions with teachers and peers
• eCA is not a temporary plan for the District, but instead a long-range option for students seeking a virtual education option
• In the future, eCA will be providing part-time course options
• Parents and students seeking the flexible model will be part of eCA and are committing to a minimum of a semester and must enroll at the start of the year or the start of second semester as this is not a rolling enrollment

OPTION 4: HOME EDUCATION

• Student participates in a home education program
• Parent conducts reporting, record keeping, and student evaluation requirements

Click here for more details on each option.

On July 6, 2020, the Florida Commissioner of Education issued the following statement regarding the 2020-21 school year:

"All schools open. Upon reopening in August, all school boards and charter school governing boards must open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week for all students, subject to advice and order of the Florida Department of Health, local department of health, Executive Order 20-114 and subsequent executive orders."

The last day for students for the 2020-2021 school year has changed. The last day is scheduled for Friday, June 11, 2021. School began on August 31, 2020.

Students enrolled in an alternative school such as Beacon, Phoenix, or New Beginnings are only permitted to choose Option 1 or Option 4.

Yes, for the 2020-21 school year, Collier County Public Schools will provide devices (laptops and iPads) to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
 

• Grades 1-12 will receive a laptop
• Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten will receive an iPad

No, all students will be provided a district-issued device that is preloaded with programs and applications to connect to the district’s network.

Yes, all elementary school students will continue to have 20 minutes of recess daily. While using playground equipment students will continue to wear their face coverings. CCPS is exploring ways to provide opportunities for structured activities outside, or in large spaces, in which they may be able to remove their face coverings for a period of time.

Yes, students and staff will be expected to use hand sanitizer whenever entering a classroom.

Our custodial contractor is using a protocol that includes an anti-viral product on all high-touch surfaces. 

Classroom set-ups will be arranged to maximize space and increase social distancing between students. All extraneous furniture has been removed from the classroom to the greatest extent possible.

To the maximum extent possible, students will move throughout the school as a cohort, to lessen the number of people students are exposed to throughout the school day.  When possible, movement will be directional (up one staircase, down another) and everyone walking on the right side of the hallway.

The cafeteria, courtyard, pavilion or gymnasium are being used so that students may be distanced while they eat, and then may put their masks back on and interact with their peers.

No, lockers will not be used in any area.

Yes, secondary students will continue to rotate classes.

No, students will not "dress out" for PE.

CCPS has purchased additional instruments so that students are not sharing. Music teachers at all levels will provide appropriate guidelines for students in classrooms.

The district understands that social distancing may not be possible on buses. Given the space and time restrictions of bus transportation, face coverings must be worn by all students and employees on the bus. Wraparound safety glasses are highly recommended (optional). Students will load from back to front and unload from front to back to decrease the opportunity for students to walk past each other. In addition, hand sanitizer will be provided on each bus and a dispenser will be mounted near the front of the bus. Drivers will also wipe down or spray handrails, seats and windows with a disinfectant wipe or spray daily. Weather permitting; the windows on buses will be lowered two to three inches to allow for greater circulation.

The CCPS Classroom Connect set/structured option is synchronous with classes happening at the same time each day, similar to a typical school day.  Students will have daily interactions with teachers and peers. With CCPS Classroom Connect, the student stays in the enrolled school.

The eCollier Academy flexible option is asynchronous with students largely determining their own schedule during the week, with scheduled times for teacher and/or peer interaction. With eCollier Academy, the student withdraws from the current school and enrolls in eCollier Academy for at least one semester.

Both models follow the CCPS pacing guides, curriculum and resources.

Students at the middle and high school levels in the Option 2 (CCPS Classroom Connect) model may participate in co-curricular music courses (band, chorus, orchestra) at their enrolled schools, as the scheduling process at each school permits.

Students may participate in athletics at zoned schools no matter which option is selected, following guidelines and procedures.

Students participating in CCPS Classroom Connect will have the opportunity to take a variety of electives: Art, Music, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Physical Education (PE) with teachers from their enrolled schools as feasible.

Cambridge programming is offered at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as advanced studies courses at the high school level.

Yes, by choosing CCPS Classroom Connect you child remains a student in their enrolled school and will be taking classes from teachers in that school which means you maintain your out-of-zone assignment.

The CCPS Classroom Connect teacher at the enrolled school will be live virtually with the class of students (all virtual connecting from home) and dedicated to this model to the greatest extent possible.

Yes, students may participate in dual enrollment courses if they meet the criteria as defined in the Student Progression Plan as a CCPS Classroom Connect student.

Yes, with CCPS Classroom Connect, the senior stays enrolled in the current high school and then transition back on campus second semester.

The CCPS Classroom Connect set/structured option is synchronous with classes happening at the same time each day, similar to a typical school day.  Students will have daily interactions with teachers and peers. With CCPS Classroom Connect, the student stays in the enrolled school.

The eCollier Academy flexible option is asynchronous with students largely determining their own schedule during the week, with scheduled times for teacher and/or peer interaction. With eCollier Academy, the student withdraws from the current school and enrolls in eCollier Academy for at least one semester.

Both models follow the CCPS pacing guides, curriculum and resources.

Students at the middle level in the Option 3 (eCA) model may participate in co-curricular music courses at their zoned schools in the 2020-21 school year. There will also be virtual music courses (not ensemble band, chorus or orchestra) available through eCA.

Students may participate in athletics at zoned schools no matter which option is selected, following guidelines and procedures.

Yes, elementary students will be engaged in all of the related arts courses: Art, Music, Instructional Resource (IR), and Physical Education (PE).  

Yes, eCA students will have the opportunity to take in a variety of electives: Art, Music, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Engineering and Physical Education (PE) as feasible , pending the number of student requests.

Cambridge programming is offered at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as advanced studies courses at the high school level at eCollier Academy.

eCA is a full-time offering at this time. We look forward to offering enrichment courses in the future.

As an eCollier Academy student, you may create your own weekly schedule. You will need to maintain the weekly pacing guide which will be guided by the teacher and you will be required to engage with coursework for a specific amount of time each week.

If you are enrolling in eCA, you are committing to the program for at least the first semester as this helps the student with continuity in learning. We understand that extenuating circumstances may occur and individual circumstances will be considered as needed.

Students will report to a designated school site to take the FSA and End of Course (EOC).

Yes, eCA will utilize CCPS curriculum, pacing, resources and the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). eCollier students may also participate in the Virtual Instructional Program (VIP) and take their courses through K12 or Florida Virtual School (FLVS).

Yes, all of the services provided on school campuses are available at eCA, including Cambridge programming.

PE will have exercises and healthy activities that students will complete as part of an established curriculum. Materials and/or virtual resources will be provided for courses such as art and music.

Yes, eCollier Academy will use the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS).  We are committed to preparing our students to be College, Career, and Life Ready.  Canvas is the preferred LMS at the majority of colleges and universities.

Yes, services available on campuses will also be provided at eCollier Academy.

eCollier Academy will offer courses just as would be available on campus to the greatest extent possible. For unique scheduling needs, eCollier Academy will consult individually with the student and parents.

Yes, there is flexibility for students and families to transition between instructional models. Students may transition to/from CCPS Classroom Connect at the end of first or second quarter and may transition to or from eCollier Academy at the semester.

No - for parents who choose eCollier Academy for their child, they will not lose their parental choice/out-of-zone spot. By enrolling at eCollier Academy, although you will be withdrawing your child from the parental choice/out-of-zone school, students will retain their parental choice/out-of-zone selection during the Pandemic Health Emergency for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.

If your child remains in eCollier Academy for the entire 2020-2021 school year, but you wish to return to your parental choice/out-of-zone school for the 2021-2022 school year, a seat will automatically be reserved, unless the parent notifies the District otherwise.

If your child currently has Individual Education Plan (IEP), and there are serious medical conditions involving your child that could affect what option you would choose, please contact your healthcare provider as well as your school principal and request an IEP team meeting.  This will help in working through your concerns and ways the District may be able to provide you with appropriate accommodations and supporting interventions.

Yes. For students who enroll in eCollier Academy, their existing IEPs will be implemented as intended and through a virtual model. This includes specially designed instruction, case management services and related services. Expect contact from the ESE Program Specialist to schedule a meeting to review your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and make any adjustments necessary due to the change in learning environment.

The full continuum of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services will be provided to students with IEP’s who enroll in eCollier Academy. For students receiving supports and services in a special class program (MC, IBI), the asynchronous, flexible model will be provided through CCPS Classroom Connect (option 2). This will allow your child to stay in attendance at their special program school site and maintain the flexibility needed in their daily schedule. Based on enrollment, some special class programs may be combined with partner school sites with similar programs, however, when you choose for your child to return to a school campus, they will attend their original special program school site.

All related services identified in a student’s IEP will be delivered through tele-therapy/virtually including direct and indirect services and consultation with parents, teachers and students. For students receiving supports and services in a special class program (i.e. daily behavior management or counseling in an IBI class), services will be provided through CCPS Classroom Connect (option 2).

All CCPS teachers receive annual professional learning related to educating students with special needs.  This includes training on the best practices in virtual implementation of IEP accommodations and services, progress monitoring, differentiated instruction, and delivery of services.  eCollier Academy teachers will also receive training specific to the needs of the students with IEPs enrolled in their courses.

Each student with an IEP is assigned a Case Manager at all CCPS schools, including eCollier Academy.  A fundamental component of this role is monitoring and reporting progress on IEP goals.

For now, IEP meetings will continue to be held virtually or telephonically.

In development are parent tip sheets and videos for ways to work with your child in the coming weeks on wearing personal protective equipment.  During the District on campus summer programs, students had great success in increasing their ability to tolerate facial coverings.  If your child continues to be unable to tolerate wearing a facial covering, an IEP meeting will be held to determine appropriate accommodations, strategies, and supports necessary for them to make adequate progress towards their IEP goals. 

An equally effective substitute face covering will be utilized during therapy sessions that require an unobstructed view of the face. 

The District will be providing specialized facial coverings with clear panels so that individuals who are DHH can observe the necessary parts of the face for effective communication. 

No - for parents who choose eCollier Academy for their child, they will not lose their parental choice/out-of-zone spot. By enrolling at eCollier Academy, although you will be withdrawing your child from the parental choice/out-of-zone school, students will retain their parental choice/out-of-zone selection during the Pandemic Health Emergency for School Year (SY) 2020-2021.

If your child remains in eCollier Academy for the entire 2020-2021 school year, but you wish to return to your parental choice/out-of-zone school for the 2021-2022 school year, a seat will automatically be reserved, unless the parent notifies the District otherwise.

CCPS will work with students who are on a McKay Scholarship individually as they move between the flexible options within the next school year. 

Website: https://www.collierschools.com/parentalchoice
Email: zoninginfo@collierschools.com
Phone: (239) 377-0540

We have implemented a new student registration system to better assist you with registering your student online from anywhere you have Internet access using a PC, Tablet, or Smartphone. You do not need to visit the district offices in-person. Please visit our student registration website for more information. https://www.collierschools.com/registration

Website: https://www.collierschools.com/registration
Email: registration@collierschools.com
Phone: (239) 377-0540

Based on guidance from the Collier Department of Health and to meet Federal and State requirements, all Head Start and Voluntary Prek (VPK), will be offered on campuses. Children will follow the arrival and dismissal procedures, transportation, car rider and walker procedures as determined by the district and with the guidance of the site-based school administrator.

Children enrolled in the PreK Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs will be able to attend school in a traditional classroom OR participate in virtual learning.

Children whose Individual Education Plan (IEP) indicates placement in a general education Pre-K classroom will be able to attend school in a traditional classroom OR participate in a virtual learning.

The preschool programs will be following the district re-opening guidelines. Additional instruction and support will be provided to encourage adherence to hand washing procedures and the wearing of face coverings and safety glasses. 

Allow your child to pick out a face covering with a pattern that he/she likes. Ensure proper fit of face covering. Practice wearing the face covering on a regular basis prior to the start of school. Praise your child for tolerating and wearing a face covering. 

The enrollment for children in each Head Start/VPK classroom will be 15-20 children with two adults. The number of children in the PreK Exceptional Student Education classrooms will vary based on district recommendations and the students IEP. Social distancing will be implemented to the greatest extent possible.

Children will have a rest time included in the daily schedule. Parents will be asked to follow the district guidance at the beginning of the year regarding any rest time items they would like to send to school with the child (i.e. blanket/towel, item with which to cuddle, etc.).  Children will be socially distance to the greatest extent, using “learning centers” as barriers. Cots will be sanitized daily and each child’s blanket/towel will be stored individually in a sealed plastic bag. 

No, at this time no visitors will be on campus during the school day.

At this time, all volunteer/mentoring opportunities will be conducted virtually.

In order to safely start the school year for all students and staff, the district will limit campus and facility visits by any nonessential visitors, community organizations, businesses, municipal partners, and speakers. Essential visitors are defined as those with business critical to the operation of the district.

Volunteers who participate in after school time sporting and other organizations/club events/activities shall take all precautions to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to players, families, coaches and communities, including social distancing, frequent handwashing and wearing a face covering.

As a reminder, prior to volunteering, all volunteers must be background-approved Level 1.  All Level 1 volunteers will be supervised at all times.  All Level 2 volunteers are permitted to be unsupervised with students, but must follow the CDC guidelines.  All volunteers must wear their badges when on school campus.

Virtual volunteer opportunities for students, parents and community members are posted on the following website https://www.collierschools.com/volunteer.

Yes, before and after school programs will be open based on availability.  Health and safety precautions will continue to be observed.

Click here to view updated guidelines for spectators at fall high school athletic events.

Yes, please check with the activities coordinator at the high school or the school counselor at the middle school to ask about the clubs and activities offered at the school and to find out when and how they will be meeting. Club meetings may be held virtually based on the number of students participating. If held in person, all will be socially distanced and wearing face coverings.

If your childcare facility/school is closed, you are eligible for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) leave. This leave allows up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a child (under 18 years of age) whose school or childcare provider is closed or unavailable for reasons related to COVID-19. This leave may be requested in intermittent intervals.

Please email benefits@collierschools.com should you need to request a leave for childcare.

You are eligible for paid FFCRA leave if you:

1. have been advised by a health care provider to self-quarantine related to COVID-19;
2. are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and is seeking a medical diagnosis;
3. are caring for an individual subject to an order described in (1) or self-quarantine as described in (2)

Please email benefits@collierschools.com should you need to request a leave for FFCRA reasons.

If the medical condition is not COVID-19 related, you may be eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if you have a medical condition that prevents you from working on-site or if you are caring for someone with a medical condition that prevents you from working on-site.

Please email Dan Davidson at davidd2@collierschools.com should you need to request a FMLA leave.

Note: FFCRA will only be in effect until December 31, 2020.

You may be eligible to request an unpaid personal leave (use your own personal and vacation days first) for a maximum of 10 days.

Please email benefits@collierschools.com should you need to request a leave for personal reasons.

To ensure confidentiality and privacy, you should promptly contact the Benefits Department to discuss your situation and available leave options.

If the Benefits advisor working with you concludes that you are eligible for leave, he/she will notify your supervisor. What your actual condition is will not be disclosed to your supervisor in accordance with Federal law.

Please Note: Since many medical leave issues may involve multiple Federal Statutes such as the FMLA and the ADA , for example, (and analogous ones under state law), which at times may overlap, the District is committed to working with employees on an individualized and case-by-case basis to assist them.