Back to School FAQ
Reopening plans are fluid and could change rapidly based on the spread of virus in our schools. This page will be updated as new information is available. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we navigate this school year during these challenging times.
Use the + sign next to each heading to see frequently asked questions related to that topic. If you have additional questions, please email the Community Relations Specialist.
Last update: March 16, 2021 - 4:30 p.m.
- Fourth Quarter Instruction
- Back to School Basics
- Health & Safety Protocols
- Cleaning & Prevention Practices
- Technology
- Transportation
- Lunch & Recess
- Athletics
- Field Trips, Events & Extracurricular Activities
- Visitors & Volunteers
- Voyager AfterSchool Program
- Washington-Centerville Public Library Resources
- Communication
Fourth Quarter Instruction
- Will students participating in the in-person learning option continue to follow the same schedule?
- Will the middle and high schools continue to operate on a modified schedule?
- If students who are enrolled in in-person classes have to remain at home for an extended absence or quarantine, will they be able to participate in their classes?
- How will classrooms be set up to help with social distancing?
- How will teaching and learning look different because of all the new safety precautions?
- Will integrated arts classes, performing arts programs and PE classes be able to run as normal?
- Will students be using shared supplies in their classrooms?
- Will a fully remote learning option still be available?
- Will we be able to change between in-person and remote learning?
- What schedule will students participating in the remote learning option follow?
- How are you including students with special needs in your planning?
- Will you be able to deliver related services for students who are eligible?
Will students participating in the in-person learning option continue to follow the same schedule?
Yes, all PreK-12 students who participate in the in-person learning option will continue to attend school all day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. (Preschool and kindergarten will be AM/PM.)
On Wednesdays, K-12 students in the district will continue to learn remotely from home on the current abbreviated schedule. (Preschool will not meet on Wednesdays.) This schedule provides time on Wednesday afternoons for teacher collaboration, independent student work time, intervention and remediation, and additional cleaning in our facilities.
The one exception to this schedule will be Wednesday, June 2. Because we are only in session for three days the last week of the school year, we will have preschool through high school students come in-person on June 2.
Will the middle and high schools continue to operate on a modified schedule?
Yes, the middle schools and Centerville High School will continue to operate on a block schedule for both in-person and remote learners to reduce the number of class changes students have each day. Start and end times for schools will not change. These schedules are available on each schools’ website.
If students who are enrolled in in-person classes have to remain at home for an extended absence or quarantine, will they be able to participate in their classes?
In the event a student cannot report to school in-person (such as an extended absence or quarantine), the student may continue learning from home and will not be recorded as absent. Students in grades K-5 will be given work to complete remotely. Students in grades 6-12 will follow their normal class schedule on Zoom.
Google Classroom will continue to be the “hub” for students to stay connected to their teachers and classrooms. During an extended absence, students should continue to check into their Google Classrooms each day.
How will classrooms be set up to help with social distancing?
Students and staff members will practice social distancing whenever possible; however, with the number of students attending school in-person, maintaining six feet of distance is not possible in most situations. Please refer to the quarantine information under Health & Safety Protocols for more details.
How will teaching and learning look different because of all the new safety precautions?
Teaching and learning does look different in our classrooms. Movement within classrooms is limited to maximize social distancing, and typical instructional practices have been modified to incorporate health and safety protocols. At the middle and high school levels, teachers are facilitating in-person instruction as well as remote learning.
Will integrated arts classes, performing arts programs and PE classes be able to run as normal?
In our K-5 buildings, activities in integrated arts classes have been modified to adhere to safety protocols. PE, performing arts and other large classes may be reorganized, modified or held outside to allow for safe conditions. Specialty subject areas, such as band, PE, etc., have discussed considerations specific to their areas.
Will students be using shared supplies in their classrooms?
Will a fully remote learning option still be available?
Will we be able to change between in-person and remote learning?
If you need to change your middle or high school students’ learning option, please reach out to your child’s principal to discuss your options.
Because K-5 students who are participating in the remote learning option are placed with teachers who are only teaching remote students, those families had to make a final decision about remote or in-person instruction prior to the fourth quarter.
What schedule will students participating in the remote learning option follow?
Your child’s teacher or school will provide their weekly schedule. Grades K-12 will continue to follow an abbreviated schedule on Wednesdays, which will allow for independent work time, opportunities to provide targeted support and teacher collaboration. Daily attendance will be monitored.
Grades K-5: Learning activities and assignments will be posted in Google Classroom, and teachers will provide live instruction each day. We are asking students to follow these expectations:
- Check Google Classroom at the start of each day for the most up-to-date schedule, information and assignments.
- Be on time and attend all live sessions.
- Come prepared with your materials.
- During sessions using Zoom, turn on your camera, mute yourself when directed, be focused, pay attention and be an active participant.
- Complete assignments and submit them as directed
There were adjustments made to remote learning at grades 2-5 prior to the start of the second semester, so here are schedules for those grade levels:
- Second grade remote learning schedule with 2-hour delay schedule
- Third grade remote learning schedule with 2-hour delay schedule
- Fourth grade remote learning schedule with 2-hour delay schedule
- Fifth grade remote learning schedule with 2-hour delay schedule
- Remote learning expectations for students
Grades 6-12: Learning activities and assignments will be posted in Google Classroom, and teachers will use Zoom for live instruction. Students should have their cameras on during classroom Zoom sessions (any exceptions will need to be approved by your child’s building or unit principal). Our teachers are working very hard to keep learning moving forward in this environment, and visual feedback is very important to the learning process. Our teachers’ ability to see students and their nonverbal cues helps our teachers adjust to the needs of students and keep them engaged. Teachers will record whether students have their cameras on or off for each class, and parents will receive a message via email any time a student does not have their camera on. If your student needs a district-issued Chromebook with these capabilities or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school office.
How are you including students with special needs in your planning?
Our Director of Student Services and special education coordinators have met regularly throughout the school year to prepare for transitions between in-person and remote learning. They have also been meeting with our intervention specialists and therapists to determine how to continue to provide a continuum of education for all of our students who have a disability. Our students will continue to receive the services that are on their IEPs, whether that is in-person or remotely.
Will you be able to deliver related services for students who are eligible?
If your child receives related services (OT, PT, Speech), those services will continue to be provided using tele-therapy or in-person therapy. How therapy will be provided for each student will be determined by the individual needs of the students. Our therapists, intervention specialists and coordinators will continue to remain in close contact with families throughout the transition between in-person and remote learning.
Back to School Basics
- Our family is new to Centerville-Washington Township, or we have children who did not attend Centerville Schools this year. How can we enroll our children in Centerville Schools?
- What are my school’s hours?
- How can I print the 2020-21 district calendar?
- Is the 2021-22 district calendar available?
- How do I contact my child’s school?
- Are the Board of Education Office and/or school offices currently open?
- How do I find my student’s school supply list?
- Do I still need to pay student fees?
- We have decided to homeschool our children during the 2020-21 school year. Do we need to notify the school district?
Our family is new to Centerville-Washington Township, or we have children who did not attend Centerville Schools this year. How can we enroll our children in Centerville Schools?
Please visit our New Student Enrollment page for instructions about how to enroll your children. Enrollment for the 2021-22 school year is now open. Attendance zones for each grade level are available on the District Maps page. For additional information about attendance zones, please contact the Transportation Department at (937) 885-7776.
What are my school’s hours?
For students attending in person, the start and end times for our schools will not change. Click here to download a printable graphic.
AM Preschool: 8:10-10:50 a.m.
PM Preschool: 11:55 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
AM Kindergarten: 8:10-10:50 a.m.
PM Kindergarten: 11:55 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
Grade 1: 8:10 a.m.-2:35 p.m.
Grades 2-5: 8 a.m.-2:20 p.m.
Grades 6-8: 8:50 a.m.-3:35 p.m.
CHS Grades 9-12: 7:50 a.m.-2:50 p.m.
Morning SOP: 8:15-11:15 a.m.
Afternoon SOP: 12:45-3:45 p.m.
Evening SOP: 3:45-5:45 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday
How can I print the 2020-21 district calendar?
Click here to download the 2020-21 academic calendar. This calendar has been updated to include the change to in-person instruction on Wednesday, June 2.
Is the 2021-22 district calendar available?
Yes, the 2021-22 calendar can be downloaded from the district website. Our plan is to open school buildings in August with our normal school schedule in place.
How do I contact my child’s school?
Please see our Contact Us page for phone and fax numbers for each school as well as the Board of Education Office and Transportation Department.
Are the Board of Education Office and/or school offices currently open?
Yes, the Board of Education Office and individual school offices are currently open during their normal hours. Please see our Contact Us page for phone and fax numbers for each school as well as the Board of Education Office and Transportation Department.
How do I find my student’s school supply list?
Visit our website and then select your child’s school. School supply lists for preschool through middle school will be available on each school’s main page under Downloads. High school students will receive supply lists from their teachers.
Do I still need to pay student fees?
Centerville Schools maintain a uniform and consistent student fee schedule to cover part of the cost of necessary materials and supplies provided to students. Supplies include items such as journals and writing supplies, replacement paperback books, math workbooks, science and social studies materials such as periodicals, journals and experiment supplies, integrated arts consumables, technology-related hardware and software, online subscriptions and more. Student fees are also used for printing supplies such as toners, copy machine contracts and paper orders.
These materials have been purchased for the 2020-21 school year. Some have already been used (or will be used) by students during in-person learning, and others are being made available during remote learning when families pick up learning materials.
Families can pay school fees and fees for athletic and co-curricular activities online through the Home Access Center (HAC). There is no processing fee for online payments.
Parents should use their existing log-in information to view the fees for their children. Once logged into HAC, click on the Registration icon and then on the Fees tab. You should see your child’s fees listed there with prompts on paying with a credit card. Families must make separate payments for each child.
Those who do not wish to pay online may submit their payment to their child’s school office. If you have questions about fees, please contact your child’s school.
We have decided to homeschool our children during the 2020-21 school year. Do we need to notify the school district?
Information about homeschooling in Ohio is available on the Ohio Department of Education website. Parents interested in educating their children at home must complete the Home Education Notification Form found on that website and return it to Tom Castleman, Centerville’s enrollment coordinator at tom.castleman@centerville.k12.oh.us. A list of frequently asked questions about homeschooling is also available on the ODE website.
Health & Safety Protocols
Our district will have a number of safety protocols in place, but any student who attends school in-person will incur some level of risk. Please download this quick reference sheet for health and safety protocols. Detailed information about these protocols is included below.
- Will face masks be required?
- What if my student is unable to wear a mask?
- How will schools enforce the face mask policy?
- How will schools maintain proper physical distancing between people?
- Will school buildings provide hand sanitizer for students and staff members to use throughout the day?
- Will students still use lockers if they are available in their building?
- Should students and staff screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to school?
- When should I keep my child home from school?
- Will the district require daily temperature checks for students and/or staff members?
- Where can I get myself or my child tested for COVID-19?
- If my child has been tested for COVID-19 and is waiting for results, should he/she stay home?
- What should we do if our child tests positive for COVID-19?
- If one family member is waiting for test results, should all children in the family stay home from school?
- How will families be notified if a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
- When will students and staff need to quarantine?
- If an individual has been vaccinated, will they still need to quarantine if they are a close contact?
- Do students or staff members still need to quarantine if they’ve already had COVID-19?
- When can students or staff return to school following an illness?
- How long does a student have to stay home for other symptoms, like vomiting, coughing or congestion?
- If one child in our family is sick with COVID-19 symptoms, should all children in the family stay home from school?
- My child had close contact with an infected person, but my child’s COVID-19 test was negative. When can he/she return to school?
- Should a student stay home if someone in their household tests positive for COVID-19?
- Should a student quarantine after traveling outside of Ohio?
- If students who are enrolled in in-person classes have to remain at home for an extended absence or quarantine, will they be able to participate in their classes?
- Is there a specific number of illnesses that would trigger closing a school?
- Will there be separate clinic areas for students who need daily medication and those who are feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms?
- If my child must take medication at school, how should I deliver the medication and care plan to the school nurse?
- Do school nurses have access to personal protective equipment (PPE)?
- How else can I protect my family and the community?
- What vaccinations should my child have?
Will face masks be required?
Face coverings will be required for K-12 students and preferred for preschool students. A face covering is a piece of fabric, cloth or other material that covers the wearer’s nose, mouth and chin simultaneously and is secured to the wearer’s face by elastic, ties or other means. Bandanas and face shields are not permitted. Neck gaiters are not preferred but will be allowed as long as they meet the criteria outlined in the Face Covering Policy.
Students should plan to provide their own mask as part of their school supplies. We will have a limited number of masks available if a student forgets theirs.
Click here to read the district’s COVID-19 Face Covering Policy, which was approved by the Centerville Board of Education, and here to read the State of Ohio’s order requiring the use of facial coverings in education settings.
Use this link or see below to watch a video about wearing cloth face coverings.
What if my student is unable to wear a mask?
The CDC recommends all people 2 years of age and older wear a cloth face covering in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household. Cloth face coverings should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
There may be some exemptions for students who are unable to wear a mask due to documented health or developmental reasons.
Click here to read the district’s COVID-19 Face Covering Policy, which was approved by the Centerville Board of Education, and here to read the State of Ohio’s order requiring the use of facial coverings in education settings.
How will schools enforce the face mask policy?
Failure or refusal to wear a face covering will result in discipline in accordance with other district policies, handbooks and/or codes of conduct. Students who fail or refuse to wear a face covering may be assigned by the superintendent to remote learning.
Click here to read the district’s COVID-19 Face Covering Policy, which was approved by the Centerville Board of Education, and here to read the State of Ohio’s order requiring the use of facial coverings in education settings.
How will schools maintain proper physical distancing between people?
Students and staff members will practice social distancing whenever possible; however, with the number of students attending school in-person, maintaining six feet of distance is not possible in most situations. Please refer to the quarantine information below for more details.
Classrooms will be reconfigured and hallway travel will be modified to maximize distancing as much as possible. Schedules will be modified to reduce transitions, limit the number of students each person comes in contact with, and allow for sanitizing.
Will school buildings provide hand sanitizer for students and staff members to use throughout the day?
Will students still use lockers if they are available in their building?
Should students and staff screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to school?
Yes! Students should be screened by a parent/guardian at home each day before entering school or the bus. Staff will self-screen for symptoms prior to coming to school.
Monitor your child’s temperature daily (stay home for a minimum of 24 hours if temperature is 100.4 degrees) and screen for any COVID-19 symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Please download this quick reference sheet for health and safety protocols, which includes a daily home screening checklist.
When should I keep my child home from school?
Please keep your child home if they have any COVID-19 symptoms or symptoms of any other illness. Our school nurses shared that the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for exclusion from school are conditions that:
- Prevent the child from participating comfortably in activities and/or pose a significant risk to themselves or others
- Result in a need for care that is greater than staff members can provide without compromising the health and safety of other students
- Pose a risk of spread of harmful disease to others
- Some illnesses/injuries may justify exclusion from school until cleared by a healthcare provider (e.g. a student returning to school after surgery)
- A temperature 100.4 degrees or above is generally recognized as a fever. Normal body temperature varies throughout the day and with the person’s level of activity. The degree of temperature may not indicate how sick the student is. Whether or not the student should attend with a temperature less than 100.4 degrees should include the student’s overall health status and other symptoms.
Will the district require daily temperature checks for students and/or staff members?
Where can I get myself or my child tested for COVID-19?
Please contact your healthcare provider for more information about getting tested for COVID-19. If you do not have a regular healthcare provider, the Ohio Department of Health has a list of testing centers available on their website.
If my child has been tested for COVID-19 and is waiting for results, should he/she stay home?
What should we do if our child tests positive for COVID-19?
Families should notify the school district within 24 hours if their child tests positive for COVID-19 or has had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period). Please call your child’s school office or complete the online form at tinyurl.com/ccscovid19reporting to report a positive case or exposure. Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County provided these isolation instructions for people with COVID-19.
If one family member is waiting for test results, should all children in the family stay home from school?
How will families be notified if a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19?
District staff will notify Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County (PHDMC) when the school is made aware of a student or staff member who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The district will notify parents/guardians of children who have been in close contact with a positive case (within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period). There has been a change in quarantine guidance (see next question), and more information about quarantine requirements will be provided by your child’s school nurse.
The school district will notify all families of a positive case in their child’s school within 24 hours. In addition, total case numbers for the district and each school building will be updated on the district website, www.centerville.k12.oh.us/covid19-data, every Friday afternoon.
When will students and staff need to quarantine?
Centerville City Schools has updated our quarantine guidelines using the latest guidance from the Ohio Department of Health and Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County (PHDMC), along with our data regarding virus spread within our buildings.
Our goal is to keep students at school while still providing a safe environment for our students and staff. We are seeing increased spread across the district from student to student and student to staff. Because of this, we are adjusting our quarantining practices in an effort to reduce the spread within our schools.
The district will notify parents/guardians of children who have been in close contact with a positive case (within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period). Those individuals will be required to quarantine at home for a minimum of 10 days to help prevent the possible spread of the infection to others. We will no longer be using a tiered approach when quarantining within the schools.
PHDMC provided this self-quarantine guidance, which includes information about the following quarantine guidelines:
- Optimal duration quarantine: 14 days from your last exposure to the person who is COVID positive
- Reduced duration 1: 10 days from your last exposure to the person who is COVID positive as long as you remain symptom free
- Reduced duration 2 will no longer be an option for our students or staff members beginning Feb. 16, 2021
More information about any quarantine timelines will be provided by your child’s school nurse.
If an individual has been vaccinated, will they still need to quarantine if they are a close contact?
Vaccinated individuals who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:
- They have been fully vaccinated, which means it has been at least two weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or at least two weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine.
- They are within three months following receipt of the last dose in the series.
- They have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure. (After an exposure, you should watch for symptoms for 14 days and immediately isolate if you develop symptoms.)
Those who do not meet all three of the above criteria must follow the district’s current quarantine guidance after exposure to a positive case.
Even if you have been vaccinated, you are still required to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often, and continue to clean and disinfect surfaces.
Do students or staff members still need to quarantine if they’ve already had COVID-19?
A person who has had a test confirmed positive for COVID-19 is considered to have natural immunity for 90 days after the test date and will not need to quarantine. They should still monitor for symptoms after a known exposure to a COVID positive case. Those who have had “presumptive positive COVID” would need to quarantine using guidelines for close contacts.
When can students or staff return to school following an illness?
Students and staff members should follow these guidelines before returning to school. Please note that non-COVID-19 illness exclusions will be based on recommendations of the individual healthcare provider or nurse assessment.
Please keep your student at home if they are COVID positive, have been identified as a close contact or have COVID-19 symptoms. Follow the guidance of the public health department or your healthcare provider. Isolation and quarantine timelines may be extended depending on individual cases.
POSITIVE TEST WITH SYMPTOMS
- Fever-free without medicine for 24 hours; and
- Other symptoms have improved; and
- At least 10 calendar days have passed since the symptoms first appeared
POSITIVE TEST WITHOUT SYMPTOMS
- At least 10 calendar days have passed since positive test result
SUSPECTED COVID-19 ILLNESS WITHOUT TESTING
- Fever-free without medicine for 24 hours; and
- 10 days after symptoms onset, and the improvement of other symptoms
How long does a student have to stay home for other symptoms, like vomiting, coughing or congestion?
If one child in our family is sick with COVID-19 symptoms, should all children in the family stay home from school?
My child had close contact with an infected person, but my child’s COVID-19 test was negative. When can he/she return to school?
Students must complete their quarantine. The duration of the quarantine may be reduced if the child meets the requirements outlined by the health department. Please refer to page 3 of the self-quarantine guidelines and contact your child’s school nurse.
Should a student stay home if someone in their household tests positive for COVID-19?
Should a student quarantine after traveling outside of Ohio?
The Ohio Department of Health guidelines advises anyone traveling out of the country or domestically to states reporting positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15 percent or higher should quarantine before returning to school. Please visit the ODH website for a list of high risk locations.
If students who are enrolled in in-person classes have to remain at home for an extended absence or quarantine, will they be able to participate in their classes?
In the event a student cannot report to school in-person (such as an extended absence or quarantine), the student may continue learning from home and will not be recorded as absent. Students in grades K-5 will be given work to complete remotely. Students in grades 6-12 will follow their normal class schedule on Zoom.
Google Classroom will continue to be the “hub” for students to stay connected to their teachers and classrooms. During an extended absence, students should continue to check into their Google Classrooms each day.
Is there a specific number of illnesses that would trigger closing a school?
The Ohio Public Health Advisory Alert system and virus trends in our community will help guide our decisions, and other factors could include availability of teachers, student illnesses, possible calamity days, etc. We will give our school community as much notice as possible before switching between in-person learning and remote learning. Those decisions could be made at a district, building, grade or class level depending on virus outbreaks in our schools.
Will there be separate clinic areas for students who need daily medication and those who are feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms?
In order to minimize your student’s exposure to COVID-19 and other illnesses, parents are strongly encouraged to give daily medications at home. Our school nurses are working with district administrators on a plan that will best meet our students’ medical needs. An alternate space is available in all buildings for students who may be experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms while awaiting parent pick-up.
If my child must take medication at school, how should I deliver the medication and care plan to the school nurse?
Do school nurses have access to personal protective equipment (PPE)?
How else can I protect my family and the community?
Prevention is a key strategy with any illness, such as influenza or coronavirus, so it is important to both protect yourself and take measures against spread to others. The CDC recommends these everyday actions to help prevent the spread of viruses:
- Students and staff members should wear a mask per Centerville Schools’ Face Covering Policy.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Use this link or see below to watch a video about handwashing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick. Do not go to work or school. If someone in your household has tested positive for the coronavirus, keep the entire household at home. Use this link or see below to watch a video about staying home when you are sick.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, especially if you are an older person or someone with a serious underlying health condition.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
- Get a flu vaccine.
- Pick up your child promptly should they become ill during the school day.
Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, the Ohio Department of Health and the CDC all have many resources for families to help prevent the spread of illness, as well as information to help if you are ill.
What vaccinations should my child have?
All grade levels: Students in all grade levels are required by the Ohio Department of Health to have the required immunizations for school attendance.
For incoming seventh graders: If your son or daughter will be entering seventh grade this school year, the Ohio Department of Health requires two vaccinations in addition to those your child received prior to school entry: 1) Tdap booster vaccine within the past five years (August 2015 or later), BEFORE the first day of school; and 2) Meningococcal vaccine BEFORE the first day of school. If your student has had one dose of this vaccine at any time AFTER age 10 and prior to this school year, this requirement has been met. If you have questions, please contact the school nurse at your child’s middle school. Click here for more information about seventh grade vaccinations.
For incoming 12th graders: Students now must be vaccinated against meningococcal disease (MCV4) prior to entering their 12th grade school year. If you have questions, please contact the school nurse at CHS. Click here for more information about 12th grade vaccinations.
The state of Ohio does allow for a parental waiver for those who choose to not vaccinate their children, and a medical waiver for those children who cannot safely be vaccinated due to medical conditions. Click here to download the waiver form.
Cleaning & Prevention Practices
- How are buildings being cleaned and disinfected?
- What preventative cleaning and sanitation measures are being taken?
- Will teachers and other staff members be assisting custodians in keeping classrooms cleaned?
- Will water fountain use be permitted?
- How often will restrooms be cleaned?
- Will common areas in schools be sanitized in between uses?
- Can you explain how the ventilation systems work in school buildings?
- Is the district using specific cleaning supplies and/or disinfectants?
- Have maintenance or custodial work schedules been revised based on new cleaning and sanitization guidelines?
How are buildings being cleaned and disinfected?
Our custodial and maintenance staff are working hard to clean and disinfect buildings to maintain a safe learning environment. We continue to restock supplies, and prior to the return to school buildings in October, we increased bathroom cleaning equipment and added 18 Clorox Total 360 machines. During the day, custodians are concentrating on disinfecting touch points, handrails, door knobs and restrooms. After school hours, custodians are working to deep clean restrooms as well as additional surface cleaning of tables, desks and chairs.
What preventative cleaning and sanitation measures are being taken?
We have enhanced cleaning procedures in all of our buildings. Custodial and maintenance staff will continue to clean and disinfect classrooms, restrooms, common areas, high-touch surfaces, etc. Cleaning supplies and disinfectants will be available to clean work spaces as needed. Spray mists and electrostatic cleaning machines will also be used to disinfect spaces. Barriers and signage will be used in high traffic areas.
Will teachers and other staff members be assisting custodians in keeping classrooms cleaned?
Will water fountain use be permitted?
How often will restrooms be cleaned?
Will common areas in schools be sanitized in between uses?
Can you explain how the ventilation systems work in school buildings?
HVAC systems are different per building, but all the units have the same basic functions and controls, including outside air dampers and Co2 sensors. During the heating and cooling seasons, unit fans are constantly running to circulate air flow. The outside dampers are controlled to maximize the amount of fresh air during early morning start-up times. Start-up times have been set to come on early and stay on later in the day to keep fresh air cycling through buildings. When it’s really hot, the unit controls the amount of outside air to reduce humidity levels. The units have Co2 sensors that monitor the carbon dioxide levels and will open outside dampers to draw fresh air. Filters are changed three times per year, and we are planning to use the highest MERV rating for 1-inch and 2-inch box filters.
Is the district using specific cleaning supplies and/or disinfectants?
Have maintenance or custodial work schedules been revised based on new cleaning and sanitization guidelines?
Technology
- Will every student receive a district-owned laptop device?
- My child has special needs and cannot use a Chromebook. Is there a different device available?
- My family does not have access to the Internet. Can we still request a hotspot from the district?
- If we received a hotspot from the district and our children are now returning to school, should we return the hotspot?
- Does my child need to sign a Student User Agreement?
- Are there technology resources available to help families with access to Google Classroom, Zoom and other technology issues?
Will every student receive a district-owned laptop device?
We now have enough district-owned devices available to assign one to all students in grades K-12. Students who were attending school in-person during the second quarter have already received their device. If your child was enrolled in the remote learning option and has been using a personal device, please reach out to your building principal as soon as possible if you decide your child needs a district-owned device.
My child has special needs and cannot use a Chromebook. Is there a different device available?
My family does not have access to the Internet. Can we still request a hotspot from the district?
If your family does not have Internet access, you can still request a district-owned hotspot for remote instruction. Families must meet basic eligibility requirements. Please complete an eligibility form and return your completed form to your child’s principal. Only one form needs to be submitted per family.
If we received a hotspot from the district and our children are now returning to school, should we return the hotspot?
Does my child need to sign a Student User Agreement?
Students must have a signed Student User Agreement on file to maintain an active account. If you and your child have not signed the Student User Agreement for the 2020-21 school year, please visit https://student.centerville.k12.oh.us to sign the electronic version.
Are there technology resources available to help families with access to Google Classroom, Zoom and other technology issues?
Yes, our Technology Department has created a website with a variety of resources, troubleshooting tips and a form to request technology support. Click here to view the Parent Resources website.
Transportation
- Will transportation be available?
- What information does the Transportation Department need from my family to ensure we have bus services?
- How do I look up my student’s bus route information?
- What is Home Access Center and how do I access it?
- Will face masks be required on the school bus?
- Will hand sanitizer be available on each bus?
- How often will buses be cleaned and disinfected?
- Will social distancing be incorporated into arrival and dismissal procedures?
- If we are dropping off or picking up our child at school, will arrival and dismissal be different from in the past?
- Will students be permitted to walk, ride bikes and/or drive themselves to school?
- How do I update my home address?
Will transportation be available?
What information does the Transportation Department need from my family to ensure we have bus services?
If you already submitted a form earlier this school year and the information has not changed, you do not need to resubmit.
When completing any transportation form, please include information for all five days of the week. To help with contact tracing during the 2020-21 school year, all students may only have one bus stop location in the morning and one bus stop location in the afternoon, every day. All students will have an assigned seat while on the school bus. Temporary transportation change forms will not be honored at this time.
Grades PreK-1: All students must have a Transportation Form on file with their school, whether they are riding a school bus or using alternate transportation.
Grades 2-8: All students will automatically be routed to and from their home address. If your child is opting out of bus services or will be served by a childcare provider at an address other than your home, you must complete a Transportation Form and return it to your child’s school. You do not need to complete this form if your child rides the bus to and from your home address.
Grades 9-12: Students MUST complete the Opt to Ride survey to receive school bus transportation. If you do not complete this form, your child will not receive bus services. (Note: If you do not opt in for your student now, you may do so at a later time. Please be aware the Transportation Department may need additional time to route your student.)
How do I look up my student’s bus route information?
Bus route information will be available by Tuesday, Jan. 12 on the Home Access Center (HAC) by clicking on the Registration icon once you’ve logged in. If the information on HAC is incorrect, please notify the Transportation Department by calling (937) 885-7776 or emailing a team member.
What is Home Access Center and how do I access it?
The Home Access Center (HAC) is an online portal for parents and students to access information that includes demographic data (emergency info and contacts), transportation (bus routes), attendance (absence and tardies), fees (balance and fee history), classes (scheduled courses and teachers), grades and report cards (grades 6-12 only).
Teacher assignments, bus route information and the option to pay student fees online will be available on HAC. Parents should use their existing log-in information to view the information.
If you have never accessed HAC, use the Register link to create your account. This link can be found in the Login box. In order for this process to work, you must have a valid email address on record. You also will need to confirm the parent or guardian name and the ZIP code on file. If you have trouble completing the registration process, please send an email to hac@centerville.k12.oh.us.
Will face masks be required on the school bus?
Will hand sanitizer be available on each bus?
How often will buses be cleaned and disinfected?
Will social distancing be incorporated into arrival and dismissal procedures?
If we are dropping off or picking up our child at school, will arrival and dismissal be different from in the past?
Will students be permitted to walk, ride bikes and/or drive themselves to school?
How do I update my home address?
Prior to the start of school, you can download the Change of Address form and return your complete form to the Board of Education Office at 111 Virginia Ave., Centerville, OH 45458. Once school begins, please work with your child’s school office on address changes.
Lunch & Recess
- When school buildings are open, will students be able to purchase meals at school?
- How do I add money to my student’s meal account?
- How do we apply for free/reduced meals?
- Are free meals available to all students?
- Will all students eat in the cafeteria, or will they be spread out in alternate locations?
- What safety precautions will be taken in the food lines?
- What will be the cleaning procedures for areas where food is eaten by students and/or staff?
- Will students be permitted to leave CHS for lunch as they have in the past?
- Will students who are attending school remotely during the fourth quarter be able to pick up meals?
- How will recess be modified to help with social distancing?
When school buildings are open, will students be able to purchase meals at school?
Yes, when school buildings are open for in-person instruction, our cafeterias will be serving lunch to students at each of our schools, or students can choose to bring their own lunch from home. Breakfast will continue to be available at PVN, PVS, Cline, Driscoll, Normandy and CHS.
Breakfast and lunch menus will be available on the Student Nutrition Services website. The site includes interactive menus that have nutrition and allergen information as well as information about applying for free and reduced price school meals. You can also add money or check the balance of your student’s meal account.
How do I add money to my student’s meal account?
The district has started utilizing a new system where you can make online payments for your student’s meals. We are no longer using the former MyPayments Plus system, so you are unable to make payments with your old account. However, any funds that remained on your student’s account in the MyPayments Plus system have been transferred to the new system.
You must go to https://family.titank12.com and make a new account in order to continue making payments towards your students' meals. You may also submit a meal assistance application through TITAN School Solutions for the current school year. Click on "Sign up today!" to begin the process of making a new account and be sure to have the following information to successfully link your student(s) to your account: First Name, Last Name, Grade, School and Date of Birth.
For further questions, please call our Student Nutrition Services Department at (937) 433-8841 or the support line for TITAN School Solutions at (916) 467-4700 option 2.
How do we apply for free/reduced meals?
Please submit a meal assistance application before Oct. 6 through TITAN School Solutions for the current school year. Click on the “Apply For Meals Today” button and follow the instructions. Paper applications are available on the Student Nutrition Services website or at your child’s school. This form is also used for school fee waivers.
Are free meals available to all students?
Due to the increased need for access to healthy meals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government (through the USDA) has implemented waivers to schools across Ohio that participated in the meal distribution program during the spring remote closure/shutdown. Please note that this waiver has been extended.
What that means is that Centerville City Schools will be able to serve meals to all students FREE OF CHARGE until the end of the school year. Families do not need to complete any additional paperwork to receive this benefit. This waiver applies regardless of whether a student participates in remote or in-person learning.
Families who qualify for free or reduced meals should still submit updated meal assistance applications for the 2020-21 school year since these forms are also used for school fee waivers.
Will all students eat in the cafeteria, or will they be spread out in alternate locations?
For students who are learning in-person, our schools are using a variety of spaces, such as the cafeteria, gym and outdoor areas, so students can spread out at lunch time. Plexiglas barriers have been installed to provide separation at K-5 cafeteria tables. Students will practice social distancing as much as possible during lunch.
What safety precautions will be taken in the food lines?
What will be the cleaning procedures for areas where food is eaten by students and/or staff?
Will students be permitted to leave CHS for lunch as they have in the past?
Will students who are attending school remotely during the fourth quarter be able to pick up meals?
Students who are continuing with the remote learning option for the fourth quarter are eligible to pick up school meals. If you have not already done so during the second semester, please notify our Student Nutrition Services Department at olivia.stone@centerville.k12.oh.us if you would like to begin picking up meals for your child. Meals will be provided between 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. each Wednesday at the school building you choose. Anyone may pick up the meals as long as they have the student’s name and ID number. Please note that meal pick-up will follow the school calendar, and meals will only be provided for days when school is in session.
For students who have been learning remotely and are now returning to school for the fourth quarter, please notify our Student Nutrition Services Department at olivia.stone@centerville.k12.oh.us that you will no longer be picking up meals on Wednesdays.
How will recess be modified to help with social distancing?
When school buildings are open, recess will be modified to incorporate health and safety protocols. During recess at the K-5 level, specific portions of the playground will be designated for each class on a rotating basis. At our middle schools, students will have an opportunity to go outside during their lunch period.
Athletics
- Will athletics continue through the spring?
- What precautions do you currently have in place for athletics?
- Can students who choose to continue with remote learning still participate in athletics or extracurricular activities?
- If my child tests positive for COVID-19, does he/she need cleared by a physician to return to school sports?
- Will spectators be permitted at athletic events?
Will athletics continue through the spring?
What precautions do you currently have in place for athletics?
Centerville Schools is following guidelines and recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA), including wearing masks and social distancing when possible, putting team members in smaller groups that remain together when possible, having sanitation stations available at each training session, and cleaning and sanitizing equipment and facilities. All athletes check-in using a QR code to help with contract tracing and quarantining individuals who may have been exposed to an illness.
Can students who choose to continue with remote learning still participate in athletics or extracurricular activities?
If my child tests positive for COVID-19, does he/she need cleared by a physician to return to school sports?
Yes. Per Ohio High School Athletic Association guidance posted on Nov. 10, 2020, any student-athlete who tests positive for COVID-19, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, shall not return to sports activities until a documented medical exam is performed clearing the individual prior to that individual returning to contests or practices. Click here to download the OHSAA COVID-19 Return to Play Form.
Will spectators be permitted at athletic events?
Field Trips, Events & Extracurricular Activities
- Will field trips or large group gatherings be permitted?
- Are schools continuing to offer co-curricular and extracurricular groups for students?
- Can students who choose to continue with remote learning still participate in athletics or extracurricular activities?
- UPDATED: Are schools planning to hold their traditional end-of-the-year activities and celebrations?
- How do I check my school’s calendar?
Will field trips or large group gatherings be permitted?
Are schools continuing to offer co-curricular and extracurricular groups for students?
Can students who choose to continue with remote learning still participate in athletics or extracurricular activities?
UPDATED: Are schools planning to hold their traditional end-of-the-year activities and celebrations?
The end of a school year includes many traditions, such as graduation, prom, field days and other recognition programs. Staff at each of our buildings are making adjustments to hold as many of these programs as possible, while following safety precautions. Each school will share details as their activities are finalized.
How do I check my school’s calendar?
Visit our Calendars page to access the district’s academic calendar as well as school and athletic calendars. A filter tool is available to select which calendars you’d like to view. Each school is responsible for inputting their own events.
Visitors & Volunteers
- Will visitors be permitted in school buildings during the school day?
- Will meetings with parents be held in person or virtually?
- Will outside groups be permitted to use/rent school buildings or athletic facilities?
Will visitors be permitted in school buildings during the school day?
Will meetings with parents be held in person or virtually?
Will outside groups be permitted to use/rent school buildings or athletic facilities?
Voyager AfterSchool Program
- Will the Voyager AfterSchool Program be offered during the 2020-21 school year?
- How does my family register for Voyager?
- What cleaning and prevention protocols will Voyager have in place?
Will the Voyager AfterSchool Program be offered during the 2020-21 school year?
How does my family register for Voyager?
Please see the Voyager AfterSchool Program website for information about registering for this program.
What cleaning and prevention protocols will Voyager have in place?
Washington-Centerville Public Library Resources
Does the public library have resources available to support families during remote learning?
Librarians at the Washington-Centerville Public Library have created several resources to support teachers, students and parents.
Communication
- How will families be kept informed of plans for the 2020-21 school year?
- What is the best way to contact the district or my child’s school if I have a question?
- I am not receiving the phone calls from The Education Connection (TEC). How can I make sure my phone number is on the list?
- Calls from The Education Connection (TEC) are being marked as “spam.” How can I correct this?
- I am not receiving email announcements from my child’s school and/or the district. How can I make sure my email address is on the list?
- How is the district supporting families that speak a language other than English?
How will families be kept informed of plans for the 2020-21 school year?
What is the best way to contact the district or my child’s school if I have a question?
Please see our Contact Us page for phone and fax numbers for each school as well as the Board of Education Office and Transportation Department. You are encouraged to continue contacting staff members through email or by calling the Board of Education office or your child's school office. If you leave a voicemail, it will be forwarded to the secretary’s email account.
I am not receiving the phone calls from The Education Connection (TEC). How can I make sure my phone number is on the list?
Prior to the start of school, you can update your telephone number on the Home Access Center (HAC). Each guardian must log in to update their own contact information. At the beginning of the school year, a Student Information Sheet will be sent home with each child, and you also can update your contact information on that.
Calls from The Education Connection (TEC) are being marked as “spam.” How can I correct this?
I am not receiving email announcements from my child’s school and/or the district. How can I make sure my email address is on the list?
Please email the Community Relations Specialist and include your name, your email address and which school list(s) you would like to receive announcements from.
How is the district supporting families that speak a language other than English?
We have a translation service available for frequently asked questions and phone calls from the school district. Please complete this form if you need this service. In addition, here is a list of multilingual resources on COVID-19.
لدينا خدمة ترجمة متاحة للأسئلة الشائعة والمكالمات الهاتفية من منطقة المدرسة. يرجى إكمال هذا النموذج إذا كنتم بحاجة إلى هذه الخدمة.
我们针对常见问题和学区打来的电话提供翻译服务。 如果您需要此项服务,请填写此表格。
저희는 자주 묻는 질문들과 저희 센터빌 학교지역에서 오는 전화들을 통역해주는 서비스가 제공됩니다. 통역/번역이 필요하시다면 이 서류를 작성해주시기 바랍니다.
Tenemos un servicio de traducción disponible para preguntas frecuentes y llamadas telefónicas del distrito escolar. Complete este formulario si necesita este servicio.