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HomeMy WebLinkAboutInterlocal Agreements - 2020.11.19 - 34049 January 11, 2021 Michigan Department of State Office of the Great Seal Richard H. Austin Building, 1st Floor 430 W. Allegan Lansing, MI 48918 Dear Office of the Great Seal: On November 19, 2020 the Board of Commissioners for Oakland County entered into an agreement per MR #20587 – Board of Commissioners – Oakland Together School COVID-19 Support Fund Program - Agreement with Walled Lake Consolidated School District for Distribution of CARES Act Funding. As required by Urban Cooperation Act 7 of 1967 - MCL 124.510(4), a copy of the signed agreement with the County of Oakland and the Walled Lake Consolidated School District, and the authorizing Board of Commissioners Resolution are enclosed for filing by your office. Send confirmation of receipt of this agreement to: Mr. Joseph Rozell, Director of Elections Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds County Service Center, Building #14 East 1200 N. Telegraph Rd. Pontiac, MI 48341 (Please include our Miscellaneous Resolution number on the con firmation of receipt letter for filing purposes.) Contact our office at (248) 858-0564 if you have any questions regarding this matter. Sincerely, COUNTY OF OAKLAND Joseph J. Rozell, CERA Director of Elections Cc: Pat Davis, Corporation Counsel, Oakland County Donna Dyer, Corporation Counsel, Oakland County Liza Sovel, Executive Assistant, Walled Lake Consolidated School District Hilarie Chambers, Chief Deputy Executive, Oakland County Enclosures WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT Walled Lake, Michigan Official Minutes Special Meeting of the Board of Education October 22, 2020 BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. P. Casagrande Mrs. D. Dunn Mr. G. Janicki Mrs. S. Kaplan Mr. M. Siegler Mr. C. Titus Ms. N. van Leuwen ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Mr. W. Chatfield Dr. C. Delgado Mrs. J. Evola Mr. K. Gutman Mrs. C. Kochanski Mrs. T. Les Dr. M. Lonze OTHERS PRESENT: Kristie Rust Kelly Staron Matt Weber Liza Sovel, Recording Secretary 236 Live Stream Viewers 1. CALL TO ORDER The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by Board President Janicki at 6:00 p.m. This virtual meeting was held online and streamed live in accordance with the Executive Order No. 2020-154 (COVID-19) issued by Governor Whitmer on July 17, 2020. All Board members were present. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Superintendent Evaluation) Motion: It was moved by Ms. van Leuwen, supported by Mr. Titus, that the Board of Education move into closed session under section 8(a) of the Open Meetings Act, to consider the Superintendent's evaluation. Roll call vote: Ayes-7 Nays-0 Carried Mrs. P. Casagrande Mrs. D. Dunn Mr. G. Janicki Mrs. S. Kaplan Mr. M. Siegler Mr. C. Titus Ms. N. van Leuwen 4. RETURN TO SPECIAL MEETING The Board returned virtually to the Special Meeting, which resumed at 7:00 p.m. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTARY (Attachment) Mr. Greg Janicki shared that citizens who were interested in participating through public commentary were asked to complete the Public Comment Request Form by visiting www.wlcsd.org/publiccomment, prior to the start of the meeting. All requests for public commentary received prior to the start of the meeting had the opportunity to speak during the virtual meeting or choose to have their comments reflected in the meeting minutes. The below public comments were submitted via the Public Comment Request Form. The Board received six public comments submitted via the Public Comment Request Form, which can be viewed at October 22, 2020, Public Commentary. Official Minutes 137 October 22, 2020 137 6. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTARY Mr. Wiliam Chatfield, Director of Operations, shared that the Early Childhood Center Education Groundbreaking Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 10 a.m. Mrs. Catherine Kochanski, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, shared that due to the recent cyber attack, the IT Department continues to investigate and work around the clock resolving issues and working to restore the District’s internet, email, network drives, and Skyward Family Access services. Mrs. Kochanski shared that this week the District’s Outlook email is being restored, and the IT Department is installing new software monitoring tools on staff devices across the District for an additional layer of protection. Mr. Kenneth Gutman, Superintendent, recognized that the recent cyber attack is upsetting and assured the Board and the public that the District is working closely with federal authorities, cybersecurity experts, attorneys, and others, who specialize in these situations. There are many questions, and unfortunately, the District does not have the answers at this time. The people investigating are doing the very best they can to ascertain the situation. At this time, our systems are getting back up and running, and most importantly, information will be shared with the Board and the public as we are informed. 7. BOARD COMMENTARY Mrs. Peggy Casagrande gave a shout out to her son’s teacher, who recently had an emergency and could not attend class, yet provided an instructional video for that day and uploaded assignments, all reflective of the benefits of being online. Mrs. Casagrande applauded the teacher for reporting to school and providing instruction, even though there was a personal family emergency. The innovativeness and the way that our teachers are using online tools are working, and Mrs. Casagrande expressed her sincere appreciation to all of our dedicated staff. Ms. Nancy van Leuwen expressed her gratitude for the hard work of the IT Department and teachers during this stressful time. She shared her concern for the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and is hopeful that with all the protocols that are put in place, our students and staff will be protected. When our students return to school, it is important that they are aware that school will be different. Mr. Christopher Titus shared his admiration for our staff, who continue to dedicate themselves to educating our students. Mrs. Denise Dunn recognized the organizations and resources that support our District. She encouraged the public to visit the District website at www.wlcsd.org and view the resources available to support our families, including the Walled Lake PTSA Council and PTA’s at each of our buildings, the Foundation for Excellence, Lakes Area Youth Assistance, and the Special Services Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). Mr. Marc Siegler shared his concern about the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and is hopeful that with all the protocols that are put in place, our students and staff will be protected. Mr. Siegler also shared that his personal experience with COVID-19 has made him very sensitive to the issues surrounding this pandemic and apologized for any offense that may have been taken with his past comments. Additionally, Mr. Siegler shared that as a grandparent who works with his grandchildren three afternoons per week, he understands the frustrations of virtual learning. Mr. Greg Janicki shared that the Board of Education establishes high-level goals that each Board member is reminded of and works towards. These Board’s goals are shared with the Superintendent, who keeps these goals in mind when working with our Administration. Mr. Janicki shared the importance of safety and the health of our students is a goal the Board continues to recognize and discuss what they can do and how the current situation is impacting not just the safety of our students and our community, but the mental health of our community and our students as well. Official Minutes 138 October 22, 2020 138 7. BOARD COMMENTARY (Continued) The Board is committed to making the best decisions they can and considers changing decisions as circumstances warrant. Additionally, Mr. Janicki shared with the Board the suggestion of utilizing the Special Meeting dates designated in the Board calendar, for it is important the Board continues to meet twice per month and share information and continue open discussion and dialogue. 8. SUPERINTENDENT UPDATE ON DISTRICT GOALS (Presentation) Mr. Kenneth Gutman, Superintendent, shared that as part of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) performance evaluation system, with regard to the superintendent, requires the presentation of a high level goal update from the superintendent, including District goals which include Positive District Culture, Fiscal Responsibility, Community Outreach, and Student Success. Positive district culture continues to be an area of emphasis. Mr. Gutman shared that the current virtual remote platform we are experiencing creates obstacles to creating a healthy culture. The District will continue to focus on the need for social-emotional learning and recognizes that it is an especially challenging environment in which to address social and emotional learning needs. Additional safety measures are being implemented throughout our District in conjunction with bond work. We are installing Plexiglas, signage, etc. as part of our COVID-19 response. The District will continue to re-visit and discuss the safety measures implemented, especially during this pandemic. Fiscal responsibility continues, and the District receives awards based upon competence and leadership in budgeting. The District has not borrowed money to make payroll and continues to put a high percentage of our financial resources in the classroom. It is our goal to maintain or increase the percentage of dollars directed to the classroom as a percentage of total expenses. Community Outreach focus includes our annual District Open House, which we hope to have this year; the continuation of seeking parent input and involvement through surveys, parent meetings, interview committees, etc.; engagement with the Clergy Association, local Chambers of Commerce, local municipalities, Optimist, Rotary, Libraries, and other local entities to ensure we are collaborating and communicating. Weekly communication is sent to our retirees, staff, and parents, the Learning newsletter is sent to the entire community quarterly, and our District social media is active. The District continues to hold parent and staff events (virtually). We will focus on the communication regarding ongoing bond projects, the District’s response to COVID-19, and soliciting input on the District’s response to COVID-19. Student Success continues as we plan to maintain or increase our graduation rate and will support innovative approaches to student engagement. The planning for a Young 5’s Program continues and will be implemented once our Early Childhood Center is open. Board members shared comments and appreciation related to the continuation of the District’s Goal process, partnership, and open communication. 9. RESOLUTION: CARES ACT - INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT Mrs. Teri Les, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, shared that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has allocated a portion of its CARES Act funds to Oakland County School Districts, including the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. In order to receive the funds, Oakland County requires that the District enter into an Interlocal Governmental Agreement. The Interlocal Governmental Agreement sets forth the terms required to receive the funds, spelling out responsibilities of the county and the District. Walled Lake Consolidated School District will receive $1,844,916 in reimbursements for expenses related to COVID-19. It is the recommendation of the Administration that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent to enter into the Interlocal Governmental Agreement on behalf of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Official Minutes 139 October 22, 2020 139 9. RESOLUTION: CARES ACT - INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT (Continued) Motion: It was moved by Mr. Titus, supported by Ms. van Leuwen that the Board of Education approve the Interlocal Governmental Agreement with Oakland County and authorize the Superintendent to enter into said agreement on behalf of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Board members shared questions and comments related to the uses of the CARES Act fund. Roll call vote: Ayes-7 Nays-0 Carried Mrs. P. Casagrande Mrs. D. Dunn Mr. G. Janicki Mrs. S. Kaplan Mr. M. Siegler Mr. C. Titus Ms. N. van Leuwen 10. WORK STUDY SESSION Mr. Janicki shared that the Board would be following a general agenda during the work-study session that would consist of a dialogue of discussion and questions relative to students return to school. The Board will receive an update on returning students to in-person learning at the elementary schools and special education students; the future return of secondary students and timing options; an update on COVID-19 cases in Walled Lake Schools; and end with discussion and questions. Mr. Kenneth Gutman, Superintendent, will guide the Board with information that administration will provide. Transportation Update Mr. William Chatfield, Director of Operations, shared an update on transportation services. Bus route schedules will be posted online next week. The recent network outage disrupted the bus route transportation program, although the routes will mostly stay the same with some fine-tuning. Dean Transportation has been actively hiring drivers and, much like other industries, has staffing challenges with finding new drivers, although this will not disrupt any of the transportation services. Enviro-Clean has increased its wages and has been working to hire the 24 additional custodians to prepare for additional cleaning and disinfecting needs when school resumes. Custodial staff continues to be trained on the use of the Clorox Total 360 Electrostatic Sprayers at each of our buildings. The personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased for our schools, including Plexi-glass, masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, etc. does continue to grow as staff recognizes new needs, although all schools are stocked. Staffing Update Dr. Michael Lonze, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, shared an update on staffing. Human Resources is close to completing their staffing timelines, although it has been a challenge due to the recent system outage. During this period, our Building Principals have assisted with providing the information needed towards returning to in-person learning. Additionally, the majority of our general education teachers who requested to remain on Our Path requests will be honored. Student class size, at this time, point to the low twenties, allowing for new student enrollments, although these numbers may fluctuate. Human Resources will begin notifying staff next week of their placement and ensure staff are comfortable with the placement. Dr. Lonze recognized the Walled Lake Education Association (WLEA) for their collaboration during this pandemic. It is important to note that everyone, at this time, is focusing on keeping our students and our staff safe and, at the same time, prioritizing students learning and academic success. Securing substitute teachers is a challenge, and Human Resources is proactive by expanding the number of building substitute teachers by hiring approximately 60 new building substitutes. Permanent building substitutes will also be expanded with the requirement of an active teaching certificate being waived and individuals trained to follow District policies and procedures. Official Minutes 140 October 22, 2020 140 10. WORK STUDY SESSION (Continued) Professional development requirements may be offered during the school day, and Human Resources is actively working with the Learning Services team. Mr. Gutman shared the percentages of elementary families who chose a return to in-person learning were approximately 70%, with 27% of families choosing Our Path and 3% of families choosing My Path. PPE/Mask Update Dr. Christopher Delgado, Deputy Superintendent, shared that he conducts daily meetings with Cabinet members and individual elementary principals. As a result of many questions regarding the types of masks available to the public, a virtual meeting was held with the three Oakland County nurses who service our District. The Oakland County school nurses clarified that gaiters, face shields, vented face masks, and bandanas are not approved face masks. Additionally, after further discussion and research, the District has updated the policy on “mask breaks” via the FAQ document. The new policy allows periodic mask breaks that would occur at the discretion of teachers during the school day. They may occur inside the classroom with partitioned dividers or outside of the building, weather permitting, with social distancing. Foodservice protocols are being finalized with clarification on how foodservice will deliver lunch to the classrooms or provide lunch in the lunchroom, cafeteria, or gymnasiums. Additionally, meetings have been conducted with each individual special education classroom teacher and our transportation department to ensure the needs of our teachers are addressed. Our Path, My Path, and In-person Learning Update Mrs. Catherine Kochanski, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, shared that we continue to support the three path options, in-person learning, Our Path, and My Path while continuing to plan for the professional learning needs of our teachers as they are preparing to come back to the classroom, and continue Our Path instruction. The continuity of our curriculum planning continues to be a top priority. Our curriculum team continues to support teachers by ensuring there is consistent instructional pacing and that resources are readily available for our teachers. Weekly meetings occur with Dr. Lora Stout, who leads the My Path teachers with the recent discussion around students who will be transitioning back to in-person learning from My Path and the support mechanisms that will be needed. From a curriculum standpoint, pacing and the planning of our instruction delivery continues at both the elementary and secondary level. We will continue to support our teachers and work to get them ready to bring our students back to in-person learning. Mr. Gutman shared that it is important to note that the current situation is new to all of us. We may never experience another pandemic, but if we do, we will all be educated and prepared. Mr. Gutman thanked our administrators, our teachers, and our support staff for stepping up and providing the very best education for our students while keeping them safe as well. Board members shared questions, discussions, and comments related to a return to the in-person learning plan. Mr. Gutman shared that we would like nothing more than to have a redo on the school year with our typical welcome back. How can other schools do it, and we cannot? This is a question that is continually asked. Mr. Gutman clarified that other districts have not offered the number of options that we have provided, including My Path, Our Path, and, most recently, in-person learning. The time- consuming process of staffing My Path, Our Path, and in-person learning is arduous. We plan to return our secondary students to in-person learning in January. It is important to recognize that if we were to return students prior to January, we would be transitioning our secondary students mid-semester, which would result in students experiencing a change with their current teacher(s) and potentially a different schedule with classes that may no longer be available. High school graduation requirements are also a matter of importance. Official Minutes 141 October 22, 2020 141 10. WORK STUDY SESSION (Continued) High School Transition Update Dr. Christopher Delgado, Deputy Superintendent, shared that transitioning high school students at the end of the semester in January is recommended. The potential discontinuity of learning is real, If we were to return high school students to in-person previous to the end of the semester. High school student schedules would be disrupted. There would be no guarantee that students would receive a continuation of their current class schedule, including advanced placement classes. The Michigan Merit Curriculum requires many electives for graduation in the state of Michigan. Senior student's GPA could be impacted during a time when they are applying to colleges and working to maintain a solid first semester of their senior year. The risk of changing student schedules mid-semester would significantly impact not just seniors but all high school grade levels, which could result in considerable credit deficiencies and GPA implications. Our high school administrators have had lengthy discussions with their teachers and department heads who have touched base with parents and students in this virtual world and have given their perspective, which is being shared this evening. The risk of discontinuity, of learning with our high school students, could be severely detrimental to all high school students. Transitioning our high school students at the end of the semester in January would alleviate much of the discontinuity of learning that will affect our students if they were to return mid-semester. Dr. Michael Lonze, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, shared that transitioning high school students to in-person learning mid-semester creates a staffing concern. For example, at the elementary level, students have four electives that are considered as FAPES. At the high school level, we offer up to 150 different types of electives between our three schools. We would not be able to replicate offering the current electives with a mid-semester shift. It is important to note that the District has chosen to provide students with educational choices. The offering of these many learning choices results in disruption and delay when transitioning back to in-person learning. Additionally, at this time, we have approximately 20 staff that are shared between the high school and middle school virtual learning environment. Most importantly, it is the risk of discontinuity of learning that will affect our high school students if we transition to in-person learning previous to the end of the semester. Additionally, Dr. Lonze shared that to have instituted a secondary plan, which would have been easily transferable in mid-semester, would have dramatically increased our staffing costs and reduced the choices that we would have been able to offer our students. Mr. Gutman shared, transitioning middle school students at the end of the semester in January is also recommended. Middle School Transition Update Dr. Delgado shared that the decision to transition middle school students at the end of the semester in January is supported by collaborative discussions with middle school principals, counselors, teachers, parents, and students. Our middle school teachers and students have adapted well to the Our Path curriculum. Teachers are successfully covering the curriculum, and students are demonstrating good learning through metrics like quizzes and tests. Making a change mid-semester would have a detrimental effect on student learning. There would be massive schedule changes, and students would experience a change in teachers and encore classes. Middle school students are learning, and a change mid-semester would diminish the amount of learning that is taking place. It is important to note that school is not going to look the same when we return to in-person learning. Social interaction would be limited, and all student’s social-emotional well-being is a concern. Middle schoolers would not have the ability to socially interact, specifically at their lockers, because we may not utilize lockers for hallway interaction would be eliminated. Face masks' requirements would prohibit the simple comfort of a smile that would be lost to these students. At this time, our middle school connections are being found in their Zoom's classroom community, that teachers have done an incredible job of developing and creating. Official Minutes 142 October 22, 2020 142 10. WORK STUDY SESSION (Continued) The effort to keep middle school students compliant with all of the necessary protocols that will be put in place with in-person learning will be a challenge. Middle school students are social beings, and they want to be together and tend to congregate. Middle school class schedules will be affected. An example given was that at this time, we have approximately 200 students that are taking advanced high school classes and earning Michigan Merit Curriculum credits towards their future graduation requirements. A switch mid-semester would alter their schedule, and there is no guarantee that they will be able to continue these classes. The collaborative consensus is that transitioning middle school students at the end of the semester in January is also recommended. Dr. Lonze outlined the challenges of returning middle school students to in-person learning mid- semester. Much like our high school students transitioning middle school to in-person learning in November would cause a significant increase in staffing costs. It is important to note that the District has chosen to provide students with educational choices. The offering of the many learning choices results in disruption and delay when transitioning back to in-person learning. At this time, we have approximately 20 staff that are shared between the high school and middle school virtual learning environment and would remain teaching at the high school level. Staffing would be greatly affected. Board members shared questions, discussions, and comments related to the high and middle school return to in-person learning plan. Mr. Gutman shared that administration will be prepared to return our middle and high school students back to in-person learning in January. The January return will allow for a smooth transition to a second-semester schedule and allow for time to familiarize secondary students with established compliance expectations. Return to Learn Legislation - Assessment Mrs. Catherine Kochanski, Assistant Superintendent of Learning Services, shared with the Board that in August, the Governor and the legislature signed the Return to Learn legislation, which requires within the first nine weeks of school, under a COVID-19 learning plan, we assess our K-8 population. This assessment work has been ongoing during remote learning. This assessment is a requirement and is one of the key components in the Governor's Michigan Safe Schools Return to School Roadmap that was published at the end of June. It is important that we are aware of learning gaps, for we do not want any student slipping through the cracks, nor do we want students waiting in the wings until January rolls around. We are currently in the process of completing the iReady assessment with the K-8 students. After the assessment is complete, our Learning Services team will study the information, identify learning gaps, and assist teachers by offering instructional recommendations. Parents have been asked to assist their lower elementary level students login online to complete their assessment, and for some, this has been a challenge. This assessment data will be reviewed diligently to identify learning gaps and to ensure we are providing instruction that's appropriate for all learners. WLCSD COVID-19 Update Mr. Gutman shared the continued changing information on COVID-19, and the lack of information and guidance from the Oakland County Health Department has been one of the more frustrating parts of the pandemic. Mr. Gutman recently met with the Oakland County Health Department, who announced that they would be publishing a number of new forms and guidance related to the pandemic. Oakland County COVID-19 K-12 Education information is published on their website, and additionally, their information is linked to the District website. Each week Oakland County sends a Weekly COVID-19 Report to Superintendents in Oakland County. While we are receiving information from the Oakland County Health Department, most recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed its definition of close contact to aggregate minutes over the course of the day. Official Minutes 143 October 22, 2020 143 10. WORK STUDY SESSION (Continued) At this time, it is being reported that cases and hospitalizations are increasing, and there is a justifiable fear that we are discussing returning students to school in the midst of what people are calling the third wave. Currently, the state of Michigan is in phase 4, with a threat level of C, allowing schools to return to in-person learning. It is important to note that the health department, the state, and the nation, measure data based on different numbers, time periods, and percentages. Oakland County Health Department measures data and cases over a two-week period of time, and it is anticipated that next week we may be increased to a threat level of D. This does not mean that schools would be closing, for it is the opinion of the Oakland County Health Department that even if we are at a higher threat level, currently the COVID-19 cases are not occurring in schools and there would be no advisement as to if schools should close at this time. We will be closely monitoring this data. Dr. Delgado shared that Oakland County Schools October 21, 2020, weekly COVID-19 report refects that total cases are increasing for all age groups other than 10-13-year-olds, which remain at a plateau. Oakland County Current Cases by School District reflects, as of today, that Walled Lake Schools stands at around fifth in the county at 197 cases, in comparison to 150 cases that were reported on September 9, 2020. Dr. Delgado clarified that the cases reported are within our school community but not transmitted in our schools, for we do not have students in schools at this time. Oakland County measures positive cases, and potential exposure cases reported using a metric over the past two weeks. Walled Lake Schools continues to report to Oakland County Health Department exposure cases of our athletes, coaches, and marching band participants each week as required. Dr. Delgado shared parents are reporting cases of COVID-19 in our District by self-reporting to their building principals. Dr. Lonze shared that if and when there are COVID-19 cases when we return to school, we have policies, procedures, established and thresholds, and matrices in place to assist us with how to handle positive cases. Additionally, we will work closely with the Oakland County Health Department who will guide us through the process. Dr. Lonze noted that the District did have a situation where a teacher tested positive and was in close contact with four other teachers, resulting in quarantine measures. If this situation had happened during in-person learning, it would have potentially resulted in a building shut down and quarantine for a period of time. Our teachers have worked in conjunction with us to ensure we can continue our students' continuity of learning if we experience a building closure. The advantage of our current re-staffing process is that we are staffed for both the virtual and in-person learning environment. Mr. Gutman shared that the District has a COVID-19 dashboard that will be put in place when we return to in person learning and will be available on the District website. Board members shared questions, discussions, and comments related to COVID-19 data, process and guidelines. 11. ADJOURNMENT The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was adjourned at 9:38 p.m. ___________________________ Stephanie Kaplan, Secretary Board of Education Notice of Nondiscrimination In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, it is the policy of the Walled Lake Consolidated School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, disability, height, weight, political belief, military service or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination during any program or activity or in employment. For information contact the District Compliance Officer, at 248-956-2023. Official Minutes 144 October 22, 2020 144 5. PUBLIC COMMENTARY (Attachment)