More FAQs will be posted here as the questions are posed from public feedback.
Q: Are in-person classes the only instruction option or will students get an option for virtual learning?
Our current plan is to open for in-person instruction. That plan may change if the circumstances surrounding the pandemic change. We have a plan to transition to all-online or a hybrid plan if pandemic conditions deteriorate or if we are so instructed by officials.
We recognize that parents and students may have concerns about attending the LCCTC once the secondary school year begins and all students return to in-person classes. The LCCTC surveyed parents to gather feedback on these concerns and to estimate percentages of students who will participate at school when it is open. Our faculty and staff want to continue to provide the high-quality career and technical education that has been our hallmark over fifty years. The LCCTC intends to keep all students engaged with our academic programming in order to continue our strong relationships and sense of belonging to our school community as much as possible. We will do our very best to ensure that our facilities are sanitized and our procedures are prepared to provide the safest experience for all students and staff. Families and students must remember that our programming is offered on an elective basis. This is subject to change based on condition at that time.
We recognize that parents may choose not to send their student(s) to the LCCTC due to an overall concern for their welfare. Please understand that the LCCTC is an elective program and the current reopening plan is to hold in-person classes. If a family chooses not to send a student to the LCCTC while we are holding in-person classes, the family will need to contact their sending district and make arrangements to withdraw from the LCCTC.
Q: Will students be using the cafeteria for lunchtime or will students remain in classrooms?
Lunches will continue to be served at the CTC, but in pre-packaged containers. To comply with social distancing measures, additional lunch periods will be added and reduced seating capacity will be enforced so that students are able to keep a reasonable distance from each other. Classes will come down at staggered times to reduce numbers in lunch lines. Students are encouraged to stay seated once they get their meals, and if they need to get up from their seat, they are required to wear a mask. Once students are finished eating, masks must be worn. Yes, our plan is to use the cafeterias but as circumstances warrant we may have to use alternative spaces.
Q: How will Cleaning and Sanitization be handled in school?
Daily routine cleaning and sanitizing procedures have been developed. The LCCTC will follow the CDC’s Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Schools. You can view the CDC’s guidelines at the following link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html
Additional Cleaning and Sanitization Protocols include:
- Increased use of PPE required (masks, gloves, face-shields)
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects within the school at least daily, including door handles, and faucets.
- Classroom teachers will have supplies to clean areas as needed between student groups and/or after possible contamination.
- Use of communal drinking fountains will be restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic and safe alternatives for drinking water will be made available. Students should bring in reusable water bottles.
- Hand sanitizers will be available in all building classrooms and common areas.
- HVAC systems will be active for additional hours during the pandemic in an effort to continue the cycle of and filtering of air. Additionally, the exchange with outside air will be increased.
Q: Can students drive to school if they have their license or families drop off and pick up? How do we get a parking pass?
In light of the COVID situation and the challenges faced on ensuring social distance on buses, the CTC strongly recommends those students and families who are able provide their own transportation.
In order to encourage students to use their own transportation, the LCCTC has adjusted its policy on parking on campus to include juniors for the 20-21 school year. An online form to apply for a parking pass can be found on this webpage. https://lancasterctc.edu/student-services/forms-documents/
The CTC will continue to provide bus transportation to and from your student’s high school. To comply with social distancing measures to the best extent possible, students will be required to wear a face covering on all bus rides to and from the CTC, as social distancing options will be limited on the buses.
Another potential option is to drive to the CTC. While in past years, only high school seniors and adult students have been permitted to drive. Starting in with the 2020-2021 school year, any CTC student will be permitted to drive to school. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance, purchase and display a parking permit, and adhere to all CTC student driver rules. We would ask that students not congregate in the parking lots. Rather, when exiting a vehicle, students should immediately enter the building in order to reduce their personal risk.
Q: Will bus transportation be provided to the LCCTC?
The CTC will continue to provide bus transportation to and from your student’s high school.
The latest directive from DOH and PDE requires that “students wear face coverings at all times while in school, even when six feet of social distancing can be achieved.” This “order applies to all students, staff and visitors age two and older.” According to the information from PDE, there are few exceptions and accommodations. The full text of the order can be reviewed here.
Questions on specific bus pick-up and drop-off times should be directed to your sending school.
Q: Must individuals wear masks or face shield during school?
The latest directive from DOH and PDE requires that “students wear face coverings at all times while in school, even when six feet of social distancing can be achieved.” This “order applies to all students, staff and visitors age two and older.” According to the information from PDE, there are few exceptions and accommodations. The full text of the order can be reviewed here.
At the start of the school year, students will be issued a cloth mask to use both on the bus and in our buildings. It will be up to the student to wash and maintain the mask. We will make a good-faith effort to put protections into practice. However, we cannot guarantee that riding buses or attending school will be completely without risk.
Q: If a student has a health condition limiting the use of a mask/shield will they be able to participate in their intended class?
Children two years and older are required to wear a face covering unless they have a medical or mental health condition or disability, documented in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or IDEA, that precludes the wearing of a face covering in school. Accommodations for such students should be made in partnership with the student’s health care provider, school nurse/first aid nurse, and IEP/504 team. Section 504 and IDEA permit school officials to ask for medical documentation to demonstrate a student’s need for an exemption from any face covering requirement.
Q: What steps will be taken if a staff member, student or visitor becomes sick or demonstrates a history of exposure?
The LCCTC will follow the guidelines from the PA Department of Education about isolation and quarantining including:
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- Work with school administrators, nurses, and other healthcare providers to identify an isolation room or area to separate anyone who exhibits COVID-19like symptoms.
- Establish procedures for safely transporting sick individuals home.
- Close off areas used by a sick person and do not use before cleaning and disinfection.
- Notify local health officials, staff, and families of exposure or confirmed case while maintaining confidentiality.
- Implement flexible sick leave policies and practices, if feasible.
- Create a communication system for staff and families for self-reporting of symptoms and notification of exposures and closures.
- Refer to most recent DOH Guidance on Home Isolation or Quarantine and Returning to Work.
Q: How can I get information on purchasing books and supplies and how to set up a lunch account?
Parents and students are encouraged to make lunch payments on account online at schoolcafe.com/lancastercountyCTC or submit payments at non-lunch times. Parents can create a new account at the same link.
Information on books, uniforms, and class supplies can be obtained by contacting the Guidance Secretary at the campus the student will be attending
Sandy Kralicek – Willow Street – SKralicek@lancasterctc.edu
Elizabeth Scott – Brownstown – escott@lancasterctc.edu
Caitlyn Borrell – Mount Joy – cborrell@lancasterctc.edu
Q: How is information on reopening being shared in the community?
Information regarding the LCCTC reopening in the fall is currently posted on the CTC’s Reopening Information webpage and will be updated when necessary. When a significant revision or addition is made to the Reopening Health and Safety Plan, we will send out an automated voice call to the incoming student call list. We will also make announcements on the CTC’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Q: How is the LCCTC making decisions regarding the reopening of school in the fall?
A: The LCCTC has been working on several plans since April that change or are discarded according to the changing circumstances. The LCCTC is working as closely as possible with all sending school districts to develop a plan that provides the greatest good for the most of our students. The plans being developed conform as best as possible to the recommendations from the CDC and PA Departments of Health and Education.
More FAQs will be posted here as the questions are posed from public feedback.