Preparing for the Return to School Schools, parents, and students face so much uncertainty as everyone faces a return to school. While information seems to change daily (and sometimes hourly), many decisions are being made as to how that return will occur with a normal schedule, more online learning, or a delayed start for this upcoming year. Educators, healthcare experts and government officials are all working towards the best solutions for all for a safe return to school. Below we share some of what those plans look like. Here are the plans that Schools and districts are working towards in these three categories:
On-campus learning: This option provides complete on-campus instruction for the school year
Remote learning: This option allows for students to complete coursework remotely for the school year
Hybrid : For participation in a mix of on-campus and remote learning
The availability for the three options will vary by district and may be combined with a delayed start to the year. Educators are actively working on plans for what individual campuses will offer. For on-campus learning, here are a few of the practices that you can expect going into the new school year that are used to minimize the spread of any illness:
Faculty and staff will be asked to pre-screen for COVID-19 symptoms before entering the campus and parents will be asked to do the same for their child.
Visitors to campus will also be screened before entry.
On campus, students who display COVID-19 symptoms will be immediately separated until they can be picked up by a parent or guardian.
Hand sanitizer and handwashing stations will be prevalent throughout the school campus, with all on campus being encouraged to wash hands frequently.
Campuses will clean and disinfect surfaces more frequently and are encouraged to open windows when possible for air circulation.
Masks will be required through the governor’s executive order, with exception during activities that cause interference.
Social Distancing of six feet means in the classroom as well. Desks will be placed with the distancing guidelines and faculty and staff will maintain social distancing with colleagues as well.
Students with special needs will be given consideration with specific plans to adapt to those needs.
When possible, parents or guardians are encouraged to drop their students off to school to limit exposure. Buses will be cleaned and disinfected with hand sanitizer use encouraged.
For lunches, students might enjoy lunch at their desk or in a cafeteria equipped with shields for separation.
Extracurricular activities will be at the discretion of the school district.
Regular evaluation will occur to determine the best methods for meeting the needs of the students, faculty, and staff