The following message is from Innovation Academy Principal Joseph Slichko and Instructional Supervisor for Science and Technology Amanda Powers.
COVID-19 and drastic reductions in our district’s budget have limited our ability to engage students in hands-on science learning. We have provided virtual labs, but there are some science skills that aren’t accessible in the digital world.
Starting in February, we will begin offering select in-person laboratory sessions at 91¸£Àûµ¼º½ High School. Our goals are to enhance student learning experiences in science while maximizing the health and safety of students, faculty and staff.
We will gradually phase in these onsite labs during the second semester to allow time for any necessary adjustments; labs will be scheduled to promote social distancing and safety. Some Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and University in the High School classes will offer labs in February, followed by Regents Science classes starting in March. Students who choose to participate in in-person labs will likely have the opportunity to engage in one or two labs during the semester; students are not returning to school for all lab periods.
We have distributed a survey to the students mentioned above. We asked them to consult with you, then indicate whether they are planning to attend onsite labs starting this month. The survey also collects other information such as the students’ need for a workspace before and/or after the science class; student lab attendance and travel should not impact their attendance in their other classes.
We realize that some families are not yet ready to send students back to campus. Students who will not attend onsite science labs -- for any reason -- will be provided with a virtual lab alternative assignment; their decision not to attend the onsite lab will not result in any penalty or loss of points for their science class. While onsite students are completing the lab with the teacher in the classroom, offsite students will work on an asynchronous assignment.
Students who wish to participate in onsite science labs during semester 2 of the 2020-21 school year (February through June 2021) must complete the survey provided by their science teacher and indicate that they plan to attend. Students will be scheduled to enter the building on a specific date when their science teacher has planned a lab experience during the science class and lab time; teachers will inform students of the exact date of their lab. Labs will be offered to small groups of students working individually in the science classroom to allow for social distancing procedures; there will be no lab groups or shared materials. To allow for cleaning between uses, there will only be one group of students in each classroom space per day.
Students must complete the Student Screener before coming to the building; onsite lab students who have bus passes will have their transportation access activated. They should have their ID or ID number ready, enter at Tower 2 in Building 1, sign in, and have their temperature taken. Students are required to wear an appropriate face mask during their entire time in the building; students without a mask will be provided one at the door. Social distancing will be maintained; students and staff will stay six feet apart from all others. Students and staff will follow all contact tracing procedures, signing in and out of any visited spaces (offices, classrooms, bathrooms, or computer labs). Link to these FAQs that will help to address any questions or concerns you may have. If, after reviewing them, you still have questions, please reach out to your student’s science teacher or academy principal.
