Hybrid Learning Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the district's Return to School Plans will be updated on a frequent basis. Simply click on a specific question to see its corresponding answer.

Information About Instruction (In-Person Learning, Remote "Zooming In)

Q: What is in-person hybrid instruction in PYLUSD?

A: Click here to view the district's comprehensive Return to School Plan for Hybrid Learning or visit www.pylusd.org/rtsplan. Hybrid instruction will involve a combination of in-person and online learning that may differ among grade levels. One example would involve students being divided into A and B cohorts in order to reduce the total number of students on campus. Students will attend in-person on their assigned cohort day (A or B), allowing for greater levels of physical distancing and modified social interaction. While the A group is in person, the B group will complete the day’s assignments and activities online, from home, and vice versa when the B group is in person. The schedule on Wednesdays will vary across grade spans; however, it will serve as a means to provide targeted student support and student check-in opportunities. Attention will be given to assigning similar cohorts to families with multiple students, making scheduling and childcare arrangements easier to coordinate and manage.

Q: What will the daily schedule be for elementary school students during Hybrid Learning?

A: Hybrid Instruction
The elementary hybrid model for the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District will reflect an AM/PM schedule with a modified Wednesday schedule. Within the school day, students will have daily, live interaction with their classroom teacher in core content areas as well as at home
assigned learning time. Students who can return to school will have the option to do so.
Students who are unable to return to school will have the option to continue fully remote
learning. Students will be assigned an AM cohort or a PM cohort and the learning will be
the same for both cohorts. Please note that, due to site logistics, transportation needs, and
program needs, we will be unable to accommodate parent AM/PM cohort requests.
The schedules provided in this document are sample elementary school schedules.
Each elementary school schedule is slightly different and accounts for the typical start
times and individual programs at each school. The actual hybrid schedule for each school
will be provided to families directly from the school.

Fully Remote Instruction
The hybrid schedule provides the opportunity for students to remain at their home school by opting for the fully remote learning option. Students who choose to continue to learn in the fully remote option can continue to “Zoom” into all their classes daily. Students and parents must be aware of the inherent differences between the hybrid option (combination of in class and at home learning) and the fully remote learning option, which will require a greater level of student independence, in order to make an informed choice. The district continues to collaborate on strategies for implementation in the remote learning portion of a hybrid learning model.

*The AM/PM schedule provided above is a sample school schedule. Each school’s times throughout the day can be slightly different and accounts for the typical start/end times and individual programs at each school. The actual hybrid schedule for each school will be provided to families directly from the school.

Q: What will the daily schedule be for middle school students during Hybrid Learning?

A: Hybrid Instruction

In the hybrid schedule, students will attend all classes every day, allowing teachers to follow their regular daily curriculum delivery. Students will access that content either in-person or via Zoom. In order to ensure physical distancing, students will be assigned to one of two cohorts: either A or B. Students in Cohort A will attend all classes in person on Monday and Tuesday, while on Thursday and Friday, they will “Zoom” into their classes remotely from home. Students in Cohort B will “Zoom” into all classes on Monday and Tuesday and attend in person on Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, all students (cohorts A and B combined) will learn remotely via Zoom at the same time, providing an opportunity for school custodians to thoroughly disinfect between cohorts in addition to the daily cleaning and disinfecting already occurring.

Fully Remote Instruction
The hybrid schedule provides the opportunity for students enrolled to remain at their home school by opting for the fully remote learning option. Students who choose to continue to learn in the fully remote option can continue to “Zoom” into all their classes daily. Students and parents must be aware of the inherent differences between the hybrid option (combination of in class and at home learning) and the fully remote learning option, which will require a greater level of student independence, in order to make an informed choice.

*The schedule provided in this document is a sample middle school schedule. Each middle school schedule is slightly different and accounts for the typical start times and individual programs at each school. The actual hybrid schedule for each school will be provided to families directly from the school. The district continues to collaborate on strategies for implementation in the remote learning portion of a hybrid learning model.

Middle school schedule.

Q: What will the daily schedule be for high school students during Hybrid Learning?

A: Hybrid Instruction

Fully Remote Instruction
The hybrid schedule provides the opportunity for students enrolled to remain at their home school by
opting for the fully remote learning option. Students who choose to continue to learn in the fully remote option can continue to “Zoom” into all their classes daily. Students and parents must be aware of the inherent differences between the hybrid option (combination of in class and at home learning) and the fully remote learning option, which will require a greater level of student independence, in order to make an informed choice.

The schedule provided in this document is a sample high school schedule. Each high school schedule is slightly different and accounts for the typical start times and individual programs at each school. The actual hybrid schedule for each school will be provided to families directly from the school. The district continues to collaborate on strategies for implementation in the remote learning portion of a hybrid learning model.

Cohort A schedule.

Q: Will a “Zoom in” option be available to students and families in addition to in-person instruction?

A: Yes, the district is collaborating on a plan to continue offering a remote learning option at each school for interested students and families who wish to remain with their teachers and specialized programs once the transition to in-person instruction is made. We continue our collaboration on this model and will share additional details next week about how it will look at both the elementary and secondary levels.

Q: For elementary schools, what will the difference be between the AM/PM cohort?

A: Besides the time of day that students will be attending school, nothing. Students will be assigned an AM cohort or a PM cohort and the learning will be the same for both cohorts.

Q: What will recess and lunch look like?

A: To reduce the number of students on campus during break and lunch, students will be assigned to one of two different breaks and lunches.

Q: When do performing arts classes/programs get to restart in-person instruction? Such as specialty classes on campus? Band, choir, etc.

A: The district is currently working on plans to continue activities meeting in person and adding performing arts.

Q: Can students who choose 100% remote learning participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities after school?

A: Yes, students who are in the fully remote learning model may participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities after school.

Q: Will students be sharing instructional materials?

A: The district will limit the uses of shared materials whenever possible. At the elementary level, individual bundles of supplies will be assigned to each student for their use. This would include books, scissors, art supplies, and other learning materials. At the secondary level, students will not share textbooks, papers, writing utensils, or other supplies. While there are current sets of textbooks in class for student use, teachers will be directing students to utilize the online versions (when available) of textbooks in lieu of the in-class books. Certain equipment, such as computers in labs, or other module-based technology or CTE classes that have designated equipment for the class will be sanitized between student use.

Q: If my student participates in hybrid learning but wishes to switch back to remote learning, or vice versa, can they?

A: Yes. Families may change instructional models from remote to hybrid learning or vice versa at the prescribed dates below. However, if your family circumstances necessitate an earlier change, your home/assigned school will work with your family to support the continued education of your student. Please contact your student’s school directly.

Elementary Schools: Monday, January 4, 2021 (End of Winter Break)
Middle Schools, High Schools, Adult Transition Program: February 1, 2021 (Beginning of New Semester)

Q: How will instruction via the Zoom-in model be delivered? Will students in class also be on Zoom?

A: The design of the Zoom-in lesson delivery will be determined around the content area and student needs, according to grade level. There will be times when students are asked to connect to Zoom in the classroom, allowing for collaboration with students learning remotely, while other times they may, instead, participate in more hands-on activities in the classroom, such as a worksheet, in-person collaborative discussion, or activity involving hands on materials. There will also be times that students in the classroom, whether connected to Zoom or not, will use their devices to complete an online lesson or activity (such as Nearpod) assigned to all students whether in person or remote. It is important to note that direct instruction via Zoom will look different to what students have come to expect during remote learning. Students zooming into the class will not necessarily see their teacher the entire time, as teachers will need to move around the classroom. During these times students will still hear their teacher’s voice and instruction and be able to see what is being projected on the teacher’s screen. Students “Zooming in” will be able to participate in the class discussion or ask questions by either using the Zoom chat or unmuting themselves to share their contribution/question with the teacher or class. This level of instruction, for students “Zooming in,'' will require a greater level of learner independence. We continue to work on the details, but want to provide parents and students with a better picture of what to expect.

Q: What is the benefit of the Zoom-in delivery model?

A: The benefit of having all students connected to Zoom lies in the ability for ALL students to connect with one another and continue with breakout sessions, when the lesson dictates this need. For students attending in-person, even when on Zoom, teachers remain right there to still connect with students personally. For our youngest elementary grade levels, the decision as to whether students in class will connect via zoom or not, will depend largely on the nature of the activity they are completing, We know that instruction at these younger levels depends so much more on hands-on activities, including the use of manipulatives and paper and pen activities, so please know that lesson activities will be adapted accordingly. The beauty of this overall approach lies in the benefit of the continued Zoom-in feature for students learning remotely and in-person, allowing lessons to be designed with a true hybrid approach in mind. This means that in the event a student (or even an entire class) has to quarantine, learning can continue seamlessly without interruption.

Q: How will the Zoom-in delivery model be different at the elementary and secondary (middle and high school) levels?

A: Elementary: Elementary students, whether learning in-person or remotely, will be assigned to either an AM or PM cohort. However, only students who select the “fully remote learning” option will be required to zoom in. This means that lessons taught to all AM students (cohort A) will be repeated to students in the PM cohort (cohort B). Lesson content taught directly by teachers will be dedicated to core content areas (reading, math, and writing). A combination of asynchronous (independent) and synchronous (teacher-led) activities will be assigned by the teacher in the afternoon (for AM cohort students), or in the morning (for PM cohort students) in order to meet the daily required instructional minutes for each grade level. Examples of activities might include: I-Ready math or reading, science or social studies activities (workbook or online), independent activities furthering in-class assignments (math, reading, writing), PE, reading/library time, technology tips and support (with computer instructors), and music (for 4th-6th graders). Teachers will be using the same curriculum for students on zoom and in the classroom.

Secondary (middle and high school): Secondary teachers will use the same curriculum for all students whether they are in class or Zooming in from home. Secondary teachers, however, will be moving the curriculum forward every day, but with half the students in class and half Zooming in. So, while cohort A students are in class on Mondays and Tuesdays, all cohort B students (hybrid and fully remote learners) will be zooming in from home. This means that new content will be taught daily, with ALL students present (either in-person or via Zoom).

Q: If only 50% of students are returning, why can we not design the cohorts to have students returning in-person to attend all day five days a week, while remote learners zoom in from home?

A: The current questionnaire asks parents to definitively select their intentions in moving forward: will your child continue learning 100% remotely or will your child shift to in-person learning? This data will provide us with an accurate number of how many students will return to in-person instruction, allowing us to create our final cohorts. While the survey results we sent out a few weeks back indicated that potentially 50% of students might opt to remain in distance learning, participation at individual schools and classes will vary at the time of transition to Hybrid learning in the months ahead. When designing the cohorts, we need to balance them and include an equal number of remote students in each, to accommodate students who shift to in-person instruction as the year progresses. We anticipate an increase in the number of in-person students when parents are allowed to make the shift in January, for which we have to plan.

Q: Why did we select an AM/PM model for elementary students?

A: The AM/PM schedule was designed with the intent of providing daily and consistent routine and instruction for our youngest learners, something we know they need and crave. The small cohort size will also allow for teachers to meet students' individual needs more accurately, providing targeted support for students requiring additional support or challenge. Teacher directed instruction, whether in person or remote, will be dedicated to core content areas (reading, math, writing), with synchronous (teacher-led) and asynchronous (independent) activities assigned by the teacher in the afternoon (if a student is assigned to the AM cohort, for example), in order to meet the daily required instructional minutes for each grade level.

Q: Why not follow the alternating day schedule for elementary that is being followed for secondary students?

A: An alternating day schedule was considered for elementary students, but given it only allows for 2 full days of in-person instruction, this would involve 2 fully independent learning days, which, for our youngest learners, would be extremely challenging. While we could choose to have all students Zoom-in on days they are not in attendance, effectively moving the curriculum forward and teaching new content areas every day (as we are doing for secondary) but we do not believe this is practical for our youngest learners. Additionally, the shift from five days of direct teacher instruction (which students are receiving now) to only two days, would be far too drastic, and simply not allow for the daily interaction that is required when teaching early skills in math and reading.

Q: Can we make requests for specific cohorts? If not, how can I make a decision on whether I want my children to return to in-person learning or remain fully remote until I know what cohort they are assigned?

A: While we are unable to honor or promise parent requests for one cohort over another (AM or PM) we do encourage you to reach out to your school site to make them aware of any particular circumstances or hardships. Sites will always try to work with families when we know of extenuating circumstances, at least allowing the option of taking those circumstances into consideration when designing each cohort. But again, we can make no promises.

Q: Why can’t all students choosing to continue with remote learning apply for BVVA?

A: Buena Vista Virtual Academy (BVVA) was designed for students whose parents are searching for an online instruction for the duration of the school year. We now know that possibly over 50% of our students could potentially choose to remain in remote learning, which BVVA can simply not accommodate. This would entail redesigning the makeup of classes and teaching assignments at every school site, bringing about even more change and further disrupting learning across grade spans. Our focus in transitioning to hybrid learning remains to provide continuity, routine, and consistency, while keeping students assigned to their current teacher, class, and school.

Q: How do I see information and frequently asked questions about the remote learning that is currently taking place?

A: Please visit www.pylusd.org/rtsfaqs to see Remote Learning FAQs or www.pylusd.org/rtsplan to see the Return to School Plan for Remote Learning.

Child Care Information

Q: When will child care transition to hybrid?

A: Hybrid Child Care will be offered from Monday, October 19, 2020 until full day in person resumes, or Thursday, June 17, 2021. Registration for Hybrid Child Care will open Monday, October 5, 2020 at 9:00 am. Visit www.pylusd.org/childcare to learn more.

Q: Will full day day child care be provided for elementary students during hybrid learning?

A: Yes. The district understands the short structure of the elementary hybrid schedule will make planning difficult for many working parents. We have made necessary adjustments to offer full day child care to accommodate working parents, available regardless of which cohort is assigned. We are also working with our ASES program to determine what, if any, accommodations can be provided to accommodate families.

Q: What is the cost for child care during hybrid learning?

A: Hybrid Learning Child Care will function on a new program fee price list that will take effect on Monday, October 19, 2020. Click here to see pricing. More information is available online at www.pylusd.org/childcare.

Health and Safety Information

Q: Will face coverings be required for students?

A: All students are required to wear face coverings unless they are exempt. They may be removed for meals, snacks, or outdoor recreation, or when it needs to be replaced. Face coverings should be kept on during recess and passing periods. Information about face covering exemptions are included in a question below.

Q: Will the district provide masks for students?

A: Yes. Students will be provided two reusable cloth face coverings; however, disposable face masks will be available, if their personal one is lost or not brought to school.

Q: Will a COVID-19 vaccination become mandatory for attendance on PYLUSD campuses when it is available?

A: It is not yet known whether the California Department of Public Health will require a COVID-19 vaccine for enrollment in school.

Q: Will students really be sent home with one low risk symptom of COVID-19?

A: The district will adhere to the Orange County Health Care Agency’s (OCHCA) Student Symptom Decision Tree when assessing student symptoms. The Student Symptom Decision Tree is a nationally recognized tool that has been endorsed by the OCHCA. Please review the document to better understand which symptoms will be assessed when students are sent to the health office. Click here to view it in English and Spanish.

Q: Can students remove their face coverings at their desk?

A: No, face coverings may be removed for meals, snacks, or outdoor recreation, or when it needs to be replaced.

Q: Will face coverings be required for adults?

A: Yes, all PYLUSD employees are required to wear face coverings unless they are exempt. All visitors to district or school campuses are also required to wear a face covering unless exempt. Information about face covering exemptions are included in a question below.

Q: How will the school determine student discipline related to not wearing a mask?

A: All students are required to wear face coverings while on PYLUSD campuses unless they are exempt. Student discipline for not wearing facial coverings: Disciplinary consequences will ensure as a result of students who do not wear a mask when they are supposed to. Elementary students will receive 3 warnings and then will be reassigned to 100 percent online after the fourth violation. Secondary students will receive 2 warnings and then will be reassigned to 100 percent online after the third violation.

Q: What do I do if my child is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms while at home?

A: If your child is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please keep him/her home and contact your child’s health care provider. Please contact your school to report the absence; a COVID-19 related absence is excused. If someone in your household tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in self-isolation, your child should remain home and follow the guidelines from the Orange County Health Care Agency (https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/if-you-have-covid-19-or-were-exposed) on how long to remain at home and when to return to school.

Q: What happens if a student demonstrates COVID-19 symptoms while at school?

A: If a student becomes ill during the school day, the following steps will be taken:

Students will be sent to an area where the health clerk will take his/her temperature and symptoms will be evaluated; if a student has symptoms consistent with Covid-19, the student will go to an specific area designated for sick students.
A determination of symptoms, return to school guidelines and follow up will be based on the Student Symptom Decision Tree. The parent will be called for immediate pick up. We ask that all parents maintain an updated phone number for contact with the school office, as well as a name of an emergency contact.

Q: What happens if a positive COVID-19 case occurs at a school site?

A: When a student or staff tests positive for COVID-19 and has exposed others at the school, the following steps may be implemented:

In consultation with OCHCA, the appropriate school official may decide whether school closure is warranted, including the length of time necessary, based on the risk level within the specific community as determined by the OCHCA public health officer.
Positive COVID-19 cases may lead to the closure of a classroom, multiple classrooms, or even a school.
Parents will be notified of COVID-19 positive cases if their child has been identified as a contact and decisions related to closure
Additional considerations:
- The students or staff in close contact with the positive individual may be quarantined at home for 14 days.
- Additional areas of the school visited by the COVID-19 positive individual may also need to be closed temporarily for cleaning and disinfection.
- Confidentiality will always be maintained.

Q: What specific safety measures will be in place for students with disabilities?

A: Students with disabilities will be encouraged and taught systematically to utilize a face covering while at school, as tolerated. Individual needs will be taken into consideration for the use of facial coverings. School personnel will work closely with families of students who are immunocompromised regarding specific needs when returning to school. Staff will be provided guidance on specific PPE to utilize when working with students. Staff will be provided the option of utilizing a face shield when working with students with disabilities to facilitate instruction. Instructional strategies will be implemented to encourage and teach students ways in which they can physically distance themselves to maintain safety.

Q: Are there exceptions to the face covering requirements?

A: CDPH's Guidance for Use of Face Coverings indicates that individuals with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a face covering are exempt from the face covering requirement. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a face covering could obstruct breathing and persons who are hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication. All requests for an exemption must be made in writing and submitted to the school Principal for review. A medical note may be required to support an exemption request. If approved, school administration, health office staff and the student’s teacher(s) will be made aware of the approved exemption.

Q: How long does a student or staff member need to stay home if they are positive for COVID-19?

A: They will need to stay home in isolation until the following requirements have been met:

With symptoms- remain home 10 days since symptoms first appeared and 24 hours with no fever, without use of fever-reducing medicine and symptoms have improved.
Without symptoms- remain home 10 days from the date of the positive COVID-19 test

Q: Who should staff and parents (for their student) tell when they have symptoms of COVID-19 and have been tested, and are waiting for results?

A: If a staff member or student has symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home. Staff should communicate with Human Resources and their immediate supervisor regarding a pending test result. Students should stay home and their parent/guardian should communicate with their school’s attendance line regarding a pending test result.

Q: How long does a student or staff member need to stay home if they live in the same household of a person that is positive for COVID-19 and they can quarantine from each other?

A: The student or staff member needs to stay home in quarantine for a full 14 days after the date of last exposure to the person with COVID-19. This means no contact, no time together in the same room, and no sharing of bathroom or bedroom. The person with COVID-19 must be in isolation and away from the rest of the household members.

Q: How long does a student or staff member need to stay home if they live in the same household of a person with Covid-19 and they are unable to quarantine from each other?

A: The student or staff member would need to stay home a full 24 days. This allows for the 14 days after the person with COVID-19 has completed their 10 days of isolation since the onset of symptoms.

Q: Who is considered a low risk contact and close contact with a person with COVID-19 and do they need to stay home?

A: A low risk contact is someone that has been more than 6 feet away and spent less than 15 minutes with a person that is positive for COVID-19, starting 48 hours before symptoms began. Low risk contacts can remain at work or school and should monitor their symptoms for 14 days. A close contact is someone that has been within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes to a person that is positive for COVID-19, starting 48 hours before symptoms began. Close contacts will need to quarantine at home for 14 days.

Q: What happens when a school site is notified of a confirmed COVID-19 case of a student or staff member?

A: When a student or staff member have a confirmed case of COVID-19 and have exposed others at the school, the following steps (contact tracing) will be implemented:

The PYLUSD Health Services team will first determine who is a close contact or low-risk contact of the staff/student who tested positive and will determine if the person that tested positive was on campus during the infectious period.
The PYLUSD Health Services team will complete the OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA) online reporting document and submit this report to the OCHCA School’s Response Team.
PYLUSD Health Services will work collaboratively with the OCHCA School’s Response Team on contact tracing and decisions made based on confidential reporting of the staff/student’s specific COVID-19 illness and infectious period.
In consultation with OCHCA, letters of notification for Confirmed COVID-19 cases will be sent to:

Low risk contacts-notification that the contact was low, that the staff/students may continue to come to work and school and to monitor symptoms for a 14-day period.
Close contacts- notification that the contact was considered close and the staff/students need to quarantine at home for a 14-day period.
All staff/families at the school- notification that there was a positive case reported at the school.

Additional cleaning and disinfecting will be provided to classrooms and primary spaces where the person with COVID-19 spent significant time. It may be necessary to close a classroom or school to provide for cleaning. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Q: What are the criteria for closing a school?

A: The California Department of Public Health recommends individual school closure based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the percentage of the teacher/students/staff that are COVID-19 positive, and in consultation with OCHCA.

Individual school closure may be appropriate when there are multiple cases in multiple cohorts at a school or when at least 5% of the total number of teachers/student/staff are cases within a 14-day period, depending on the size and physical layout of the school.

Q: What is a cohort?

A: A cohort is a stable group with fixed membership that stays together for all courses and activities (e.g., lunch, recess, etc.) and avoids contact with other persons or cohorts to the greatest extent practicable.

Q: If a school is closed for in-person learning due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, when may it reopen?

A: Schools may typically reopen after 14 days and the following have occurred:

Cleaning and disinfection
Consultation and collaboration with OCHCA

Q: What are the criteria for closing a school district?

A: The California Department of Public Health recommends that a superintendent should consider closure when 25% or more of schools in the district have previously closed due to COVID-19 within 14 days. This decision is always in consultation with the OCHCA.

Q: If a school district is closed, when may it reopen?

A: A school district may typically reopen after 14 days and the following have occurred:

Cleaning and disinfection
Consultation and collaboration with OCHCA

Q: Will PYLUSD have an online resource to provide the community with all confirmed COVID-19 cases within the school district community by school site?

A: Yes, PYLUSD will have an online dashboard showing the number of district students and staff with confirmed COVID-19 cases on our campuses (in-person instruction only). This data will be updated regularly as cases are confirmed. In the event of a positive case, school communities are notified directly by their principals or school staff.

Q: Are bandanas and gaiters an acceptable form of face covering for PYLUSD schools?

A: No, bandanas and gaiters are not an acceptable form of face covering or recommended per CDC guidelines. They are not allowed. Both do not properly tuck under the chin and are porous which minimizes their effectiveness.

Logistics Information

Q: What will a typical classroom set up look like?

A: Non-essential furniture will be removed from classrooms to help facilitate physical distancing between students, and all desks will be positioned facing the same direction. Teacher desks will be positioned at least 6 feet away from all student desks per CDPH guidelines. Each student and teacher desk will also have a clear desk shield installed before students return to school. Additionally, hand sanitizer dispensers and HEPA air purification units have been installed in each classroom.

Q: What disinfectant is the district using to clean classrooms/offices?

A: As recommended by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only chemicals approved for use in schools by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are effective against treating known and emerging pathogens, including COVID-19, are used by the district. As a reminder, disinfectants have been used safely in schools, hospitals and public spaces for many years. New protocols have been established and new technology deployed to ensure safe, effective, and efficient disinfection of all classrooms, common spaces, administrative offices and high touch surfaces.

Q: How did the district select disinfectants to be used?

A: To ensure product safety and effectiveness, the district established a two-pronged approach that includes review of product Safety Data Sheets, which are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and EPA efficacy data. The health and safety of students, staff and the community has been and will continue to be our top priority in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.

During the product review and selection process, our primary focus is to locate the safest and most effective solution for use in treating known and emerging pathogens, including COVID-19, with the shortest minimum contact time. This will help ensure safety from unnecessary chemical exposure and protection from disease causing viruses and bacteria.

Q: How is the district cleaning between classes at the elementary level? At the secondary level?

A: At the elementary level, interior cleaning of high touch surfaces will take place at the break between Cohorts A and B. At the secondary level, due to limited time between periods, students will have an opportunity to wipe their desk at the start of each period with an alcohol based wipe provided by the District. Secondary students will place used wipes in a trash receptacle located in the classroom. All classrooms will be disinfected nightly, and exterior high touch surfaces at each school will be disinfected throughout the day.

Q: Would this disinfectant be harmful to students/staff? Especially those who are asthmatic or have allergies?

A: Per established district protocols and CDC guidelines, disinfectants will not be used by students or while students are present. According to product instructions and required district protocols, the solution will be applied to surfaces, air dried for a minimum of 5 minutes, and become chemically inactive before students or staff will have access to treated spaces. During application, appropriate ventilation will be used to ensure that the air remains clear of any residual vapors. The district has also installed HEPA air purification units in each classroom to assist in this effort. This medical-grade filtration removes up to 99.99% of allergens, dust, pollutants, bacteria, aerosolized viruses, and other harmful particles down to 0.1 microns.

Q: What is the district doing regarding the residue left from electrostatic sprayers?

A: Disinfection is not a substitute for cleaning. Desks, counter tops, and other high touch surfaces will continue to be cleaned and wiped down regularly, which will remove disinfectant residue.

Q: How long does the spray stay in the air?

A: The District has purchased new electrostatic sprayers for all custodial staff to facilitate safe, effective, and efficient disinfection. The new sprayers facilitate targeted application of the product and the solution will remain airborne no longer than 2 to 3 seconds.

Q: When is it safe for students and staff to be in an area after electrostatic spraying has occurred?

A: Students and staff can safely enter a disinfected space once surface areas are dry, which will take no longer than 5 minutes from application.

Q: HEPA air purifier machines...are they on 24/7? How quickly do they purify all air in a given area?

A: The HEPA air purification units are designed to clean all air in a typical classroom space within approximately 1 hour at the lowest setting, and within roughly 30 minutes at the highest setting. Staff recommends that the units be turned off nightly to help conserve energy.

Q: What specific safety measures will be in place for students riding the bus to and from school?

A: Students will fill school buses from back to front and exit from front to back. Designated seats will be left empty to promote physical distancing. Vehicles will be cleaned and disinfected at the end of each route. Masks are required for applicable age groups at all times in PYLUSD buses. Bus drivers will be provided disinfectant wipes and disposable gloves to support cleaning of frequently touched surfaces between routes.

Wellness Information

Q: What wellness resources does the District offer for students?

A: CareSolace is available for use by PYLUSD students and families at no cost. CareSolace is an online resource meant to assist individuals in finding local counseling-related services. To use CareSolace, individuals answer ten basic questions in order to receive an extensive list of referrals to applicable care providers. CareSolace takes into account all types of private insurance, as well as Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare when generating a list of referrals. If uninsured, CareSolace will also identify nearby care providers that allow individuals to pay out-of-pocket for services. This service is an optional resource available by choice and is not mandatory in any way. CareSolace does not require a user’s name, address, phone number, or date of birth. If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time, please consider visiting www.caresolace.com/site/pylusd to begin.

Students that need to talk to a counselor may also call Outreach Concern’s Crisis hotline at 1-800-4-CONCERN 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Outreach Concern is a non-profit 501(c)(3) school-based counseling agency which currently provides support to PYLUSD schools.

To access other wellness resources provided by the district, families may contact their school administrators.

Q: What wellness resources does the District offer for staff?

A: CareSolace is available for use by PYLUSD employees at no cost. CareSolace is an online resource meant to assist individuals in finding local counseling-related services. To use CareSolace, individuals answer ten basic questions in order to receive an extensive list of referrals to applicable care providers. CareSolace takes into account all types of private insurance, as well as Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and Medicare when generating a list of referrals. If uninsured, CareSolace will also identify nearby care providers that allow individuals to pay out-of-pocket for services. This service is an optional resource available by choice and is not mandatory in any way. CareSolace does not require a user’s name, address, phone number, or date of birth. If you are interested in seeking counseling-related services at this time, please consider visiting www.caresolace.com/site/pylusd to begin.

Full and part time employees, regardless of if they are benefited or not, may also access resources for managing stress and grief/loss, elder and child care information, and much more through the district’s Employee Assistance Program. More information about this program is available online at www.pylusd.org/eap/.

To access other wellness resources provided by the district, employees may contact the district's Mental Health Coordinators.

Meal Service Information

*Information about meal service will be available in the near future.