{"id":49244,"date":"2021-09-21T04:00:39","date_gmt":"2021-09-21T11:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"\/us\/en\/blog\/?p=49244"},"modified":"2025-06-27T00:19:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T07:19:56","slug":"safety-first-7-pandemic-back-to-school-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/us\/en\/blog\/safety-first-7-pandemic-back-to-school-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety first: 7 pandemic back-to-school tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This school year presents significant health and safety challenges<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A unified communications platform helps schools protect students, teachers, and staff<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schools can prioritize safety by choosing their communication carefully<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The 2021-2 academic school year will heavily feature masks, hand sanitizer, and other safety precautions to keep students and teachers safe. And, as with last year, there will be plenty of trepidation on the part of parents and students to go back to school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"rc-bottom-cta rc-bottom-cta__landscape\" style=\"background-color:#FF8800;flex-direction: row-reverse;\">\n<div class=\"bottom-cta-img\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1384\" height=\"926\" src=\"\/us\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/age-appropriate-covid-communication-classroom.png\" class=\"responsive-image\" alt=\"AGE-APPROPRIATE ...\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"bottom-cta-copy\">\n<div class=\"rc-bottom-cta__text\" style=\"color:ffffff;\">\n<h3\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"rc-bottom-cta__title headline-copy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t><\/span><b>AGE-APPROPRIATE COVID COMMUNICATION FOR THE CLASSROOM<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This free downloadable resource explains how to talk to children in grades K-6 about the pandemic.<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"rc-bottom-cta__btn-wrapper\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"btn btn-primary btn-lg rc-bottom-cta__link\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Get guide now\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/netstorage.ringcentral.com\/documents\/age_appropriate_covid_communication_classroom.pdf\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-dl-name=\"Get guide now\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-dl-element=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-dl-additional-info=\"bottom cta banner\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-no-auto-dl=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonmouseover=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tonmouseout=\"this.style.backgroundColor='';this.style.borderColor='';this.style.color='';\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>Get guide now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What steps can schools take to protect students and teachers? This article explores the actions schools can take to ensure everyone\u2019s safety and wellbeing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How schools can prioritize safety<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are the following steps schools can take to make sure everyone is safe:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer hybrid learning models<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the right technology for hybrid learning and communication<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share accurate information when you have it<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Share information internally<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connect with families<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer behavioral and mental health support<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protect digital information<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Offer hybrid learning models<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/us\/en\/blog\/hybrid-learning-vs-blended-learning-whats-the-difference\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hybrid learning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to a situation in which students attend class virtually and in person.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are a few reasons why hybrid learning models keep students and teachers safe:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students who are immunocompromised, or living with an immunocompromised family member, can still maintain educational continuity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Students who contract any kind of illness (even something as mild as a cold) can learn from home and prevent the spread of sickness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For parents who are concerned about the inability to maintain distance in classrooms, learning at home is a safe way for kids to stay in school<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Use the right technology for hybrid learning and communication<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what administrators must understand about hybrid learning models: they require a reliable, secure platform. That\u2019s why a unified communications platform is an excellent fit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/us\/en\/blog\/what-is-ucaas\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">unified communications platform <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is a set of communication tools in a single cloud-based platform, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telephony<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Video conference<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">File sharing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Screen sharing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There\u2019s also <a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/contact-center.html\">contact center<\/a> functionality; calls can be routed to a dedicated hotline to answer questions.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, a unified communications platform is an excellent choice for communicating updates about changing health guidelines and restrictions. It offers flexible communication channels, so the school can push out updates, and parents and caregivers can view them through the channel of their choice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, video conferencing comes in handy when the school wants to hold a town hall to share updates with the community. It allows a large number of participants to attend, so you don\u2019t have to worry about missing anything. You can even record the town hall and post it online later so that those who couldn\u2019t make it can still stay in the information loop.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Share accurate information when you have it<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, the coronavirus has led to another pandemic\u2013one of incorrect information. In an interview in February 2021,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hsph.harvard.edu\/news\/features\/fighting-the-spread-of-covid-19-misinformation\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Professor Vish Viswanath<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a professor at Harvard\u2019s school of public health, noted that the pandemic has led to the spread of misinformation (not having the correct facts) and disinformation (false information that\u2019s spread with the intent of deceiving people). While misinformation isn\u2019t shared with the intent to harm, it has the same negative effect as disinformation, which is deliberately damaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-49250\" src=\"\/us\/en\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/back-to-school-tips.png\" alt=\"RingCentral for education\" width=\"930\" height=\"620\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schools have the responsibility to share accurate information with students, parents and caregivers, teachers, and staff. Educational communication tools such as a unified communications platform make it easy to share information through text message, telephony, and video conference.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Share information internally<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aap.org\/en\/pages\/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections\/clinical-guidance\/covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-person-education-in-schools\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (AAP) recommends strongly monitoring attendance and acting quickly once a negative pattern is noticed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s say Samantha is in fifth grade, and she doesn\u2019t go to school one day because she has a fever. Samantha has a younger brother in second grade who did go to school. Her teacher notifies the office by texting them through the educational communication tools, and the staff there sends a message to the second-grade teacher, telling her to monitor Samantha\u2019s younger brother.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through fast action and the right educational tools, the teachers and staff can prevent a potential outbreak at their school.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Connect with families<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The AAP also noted in its guidance document from July 2021 that some students (especially those from low-income families or those facing physical or mental health challenges) are at high risk of not returning. Connecting with these families and caregivers of vulnerable students allows students to get the support they need to come back to school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Educational communication tools offer a number of channels and work on a variety of devices, so it\u2019s easy to keep in touch with families who might only own cell phones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Offer behavioral and mental health support<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0In March 2020, the world changed for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychiatryadvisor.com\/home\/topics\/child-adolescent-psychiatry\/adolescent-mental-health-issues-are-further-exacerbated-by-the-covid-19-pandemic\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">students in the US<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They could no longer attend school in person. Districts scrambled to put distance learning plans into effect.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At home, students of all ages had to cope with parents or caregivers who were under intense pressure. Some people lost their jobs or took pay cuts. It was a stressful, isolating situation for families across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health is just as important as physical health. For some students, the counseling they received through their schools was the only support for their problems. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to continue to offer mental health services virtually. School communication tools enable virtual counseling sessions for students so they can take care of their minds as well as their bodies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Protect digital information<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part of staying safe during the pandemic also means protecting digital information. During the 2020-1 school year, there were<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zdnet.com\/article\/2020-was-a-record-breaking-year-in-us-school-hacks-security-failures\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">408 publicly disclosed cybersecurity incidents<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at K-12 schools throughout the US. Those incidents include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staff and student data breaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ransomware attacks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Phishing and social engineering<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Denial-of-service attacks<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a number of disturbing cases, hackers infiltrated distance learning classes and disrupted them with repulsive images.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Market-leading educational communication platforms have<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/technology\/security.html\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">multiple levels of built-in security<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to keep digital information safe. Moreover, they\u2019re monitored around the clock, and they offer a 99.999 percent uptime guarantee.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>RingCentral\u2019s school communication tools help you share information effectively<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">RingCentral\u2019s school communication tools offer flexible communication options so you can quickly and easily share accurate information to protect students, teachers, and staff. To learn more,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ringcentral.com\/office\/industry-solutions\/education-cloud-phone-systems.html#SFForm\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get a demo.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights: This school year presents significant health and safety challenges A unified communications platform helps schools protect students, teachers, and staff Schools can prioritize safety by choosing their communication carefully The 2021-2 academic school year will heavily feature masks, hand sanitizer, and other safety precautions to keep students and teachers safe. And, as with last &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1020,"featured_media":49249,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18755],"tags":[5119,41823,7534],"class_list":["post-49244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","tag-education","tag-school-communication-tools","tag-unified-communications-platform"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v19.3 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Safety first: 7 pandemic back-to-school tips | RingCentral Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about seven ways a unified communications platform can protect students, staff, and teachers this school year.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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