Return to Learn
Safe Return to School Plan 2023-2024
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this Plan is to define how Westgate Community School will maximize in-person learning opportunities to the greatest extent possible during the 2023-24 school year, while also taking prudent steps to keep our students, staff, and community safe by adhering to any applicable public health guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Westgate Community School will be offering full time in person learning for all students in grades K-12 for the 23-24 school year. Remote learning will be made available should school issued quarantine orders be in effect. We understand that some families may prefer an online learning environment during the pandemic, and we encourage those families to seek Five Star Online being offered by Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
This Plan is based on available public health information and feedback from staff, students, and the community. The plan may be adjusted based on newly available data and guidance from public health officials. We want to ensure and maintain the education and health of the entire Westgate community.
EDUCATING STUDENTS
- In-Person Learning will be offered for all Westgate students.
- Remote/Online learning options are NOT available aside from during school issued quarantine orders.
SCHOOL DAY STRUCTURES AND WEEKLY MEETING PATTERNS
Westgate Community School will return to a traditional calendar and daily school schedule for the 2023-24 school year. This includes in-person learning five days a week. Students are grouped by split-grade level teams and will learn, recreate, transition and eat together. High school students will resume in-person learning at Front Range Community College.
ACADEMICS
Teachers will have tools and trainings to diagnose and monitor student learning needs and address any academic slide or learning gaps that have happened during the pandemic. Teachers will use a variety of assessments to identify, monitor and fill any learning gaps. Should a need arise to transition to remote learning, teachers and students will be prepared with resources for a seamless transition. This will include the use of online learning resources as well as the hardware (laptops and/or hotspots) necessary to continue learning.
FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES
Westgate will continue to offer food service for in-person learning. School lunches are free under the Healthy Meals for All program and must be ordered ahead of time. All food service staff will follow cleaning and disinfecting protocols aligned with Centers for Disease Control Cleaning/Disinfecting School Guidance and will wear gloves during food preparation and service. Students will continue to eat in classrooms. Classroom tables are cleaned prior to eating lunch.
TRANSPORTATION
Westgate Community School students may utilize transportation provided by Adams 12, or another school/district for field trips or activities. All students utilizing school provided transportation will be required to comply with all safety measures implemented by the provider of the transportation. This includes transportation for High School students to Front Range Community College.
SPECIAL POPULATIONS
Special Populations staff seek to meet the unique needs of all students at Westgate Community School and includes Special Education, Gifted and Talented, Student Services (504), Health Services, and English Language Learning. This department works diligently to consider and plan to equitably serve the diverse needs of all students. The respective Special Populations staff are committed to working with families to answer questions, resolve concerns, and problem-solve barriers to a student’s access and success and capitalize on the strengths of our students.
COMMUNITY AND STAFF ENGAGEMENT
Westgate Community School will continue to engage staff, students and families. These will include staff meetings and trainings, Friday Community Connect calls, Board meetings, and additional communications from the School. Westgate wants to ensure the community and all stakeholders are well informed and have the opportunity to ask questions and clarify information.
Westgate Community School has collected and publicly shared stakeholder input on return to learn plans throughout the pandemic. Stakeholders have had the opportunity to engage with both school administration and the Board of Directors during the planning process. The following engagement opportunities have been offered to the Westgate community:
- Board of Directors Meetings-All Board of Directors meetings provide an opportunity for public comment. Board agendas and minutes are available on the website.
- Friday Community Connects- Live webinars where Westgate families interact directly with the Executive Director. The recordings are posted on the Westgate Wild YouTube channel and are linked on the website for on demand viewing.
- Surveys-surveys were conducted throughout the year to collect information on families needs and wants around learning plans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PLAN REVIEW
This plan will be formally reviewed at minimum every 6 months through the ARP ESSER III period (September 30, 2024). The next formal review of this plan will take place at the August 2023 Board of Directors meeting.
SECTIONS
The following sections provide details on guidance and requirements specific to each topic below.
- Public Health and Layered Prevention Strategies
- Academics
- Student Support Services
- Operations
- Learning Services
- Gifted and Talented
1. Public Health and Layered Prevention Strategies
2. Academics
3. Student Support Services
4. Operations
5. Learning Services
6. Gifted and Talented
PDF File of the Westgate Community School Return to Learn Plan