After consultation with several different of our stakeholder groups, Bethesda Lutheran Service’s N & D plan for the use of ARP ESSER funding is to employ a school counselor to assist with the mental health impact of the pandemic on students at our campus. Students have experienced anxiety over possible symptoms/exposures for themselves and for family members. If exposed, students would have to be quarantined with the same group of peers twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week until test results were obtained. Students were unable to visit with family members, caseworkers, or go on routine medical appointments. We also had students who were unable to grieve with their families over the loss of a loved one, resulting in acting-out behaviors and an increase in AWOL attempts. Students displayed increased levels of anxiety and depression, as well as a decrease in motivation. Some students experienced higher levels of hyperactivity due to social restrictions such as being confined to their classroom seat for extended periods of time. Students also expressed concern over the learning gaps they were experiencing prior to returning to their home schools, due to the lack of in-person instruction. Provision of a school counselor will help support the increased individual mental health needs of our students and ensure their continued academic success. Due to the continuation of the pandemic, we anticipate this to be an ongoing need to support our student’s growth and mental well being.
Bethesda Lutheran Services Alternative Education
Covid-19 School Safety Plan for the 2021/2022 Academic Year
Bethesda is currently in the “Green” phase of reopening.
Should we revert to the “Yellow” or “Red” phase additional/revised guidelines will be issued.
The program supervisor of the Alt-Ed program of Erie County and the Education Director for Main Campus in Meadville shall serve as members on the infection control committee.
Social Distancing and Other Safety Protocols |
* Classroom/ learning space occupancy that allows for 6 feet of separation among students and staff throughout the day, to the maximum extent feasible
· Taking into consideration 6 feet (36 square feet) social distancing between individuals in each classroom, our classrooms are equipped to house a maximum of 18 individuals (students and staff included) in each room. Desks are being rearranged to allow for maximum space between students and staff.
* Restricting the use of cafeterias and other congregate settings, and serving meals in alternate settings such as classrooms
· We have minimized the use of our cafeteria in order to avoid large group congregations; we will be serving breakfast in the classrooms and lunch will be served in alternative/ additional locations as needed so as to allow for social distancing measures. Meals will be individually portioned and pre-packed if necessary to minimize contact and exposure. This includes breakfast and lunch. Areas where food is consumed (desks or tables) will be cleaned before and after meals and students will be encouraged to wash hands/sanitize before and after meals.
· We have also minimized the use of our gym in order to avoid large group congregations; gym class and other recreational activities will take place outside in open air-areas whenever possible.
* Hygiene practices for students and staff including the manner and frequency of hand-washing and other best practices will be reviewed with students and staff.
* Posting signs, in highly visible locations, which promote everyday protective measures, and how to stop the spread of germs
· Proper hand-washing techniques are posted in every bathroom facility and all sink areas have been equipped with hand soap. Hand-washing technique posters will be posted at all sink locations.
· Increased hand-sanitizer stations have been made available at entrance and exit points of the program for student and staff use.
* Identifying and restricting non-essential visitors and volunteers
· All non-essential visitors are prohibited from all Bethesda sites.
· Any essential visitors to our campus will be screened the same as our staff and students and will have to wear masks during their visits
