After the Lamar County School District received 77 percent support by parents for traditional education with precautions, 22 percent wanted their students to receive an online school.
Superintendent Tess Smith said the district surveyed parents and staff, worked with teacher, parent and school committees, and gathered input and guidance from area healthcare professionals.
“Our recommendation is a traditional return to school,” she said in the report to open classes for the 2020-21 school year. “We believe it to be the best educational option for students. We will, however, offer an online option. Online registration began on Tuesday, July 14. Upon registering, parents/guardians will indicate how each student in their household will receive their education for the school year.”
Smith said the parents could choose either form.
“If parents/guardians choose virtual, they will complete an Academic Agreement form,” she said. “This agreement is to ensure that parents/guardians understand the responsibilities related to this choice. Parents will also complete a Consent and Release for Video/Audio Conferencing.
“Changes to your educational choice can be made at the end of a nine-week period by contacting the school administration. Parents should complete registration by Friday, July 24 to allow the schools time to plan based on in person numbers.”
With continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, exceptions and requirements are being written up to prepare parents and students for school. Particularly important for health consideration are sanitation work, social distancing, masks, and recognizing symptoms.
This school year’s weekly schedule will change by having two hours less class time and an early release. Staff and teachers will remain for professional development and training.
SCHOOL BUSES
It will not be possible to social distance on school buses. However, the buses will be sanitized between routes and windows will be cracked to increase airflow.
AT HOME, BEFORE SCHOOL SCREENING
Parents/guardians are expected to screen their students for COVID-19 symptoms each day prior to sending them to school. Parents should not send children to school who exhibit COVID symptoms, especially if they are running a fever. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
TEMPERATURE CHECKS
Staff members will have their temperature checked each morning upon arrival, but due to student numbers, methods of arrival, etc., students will not be checked each morning. All staff will aid in monitoring them for symptoms throughout the day. Those with symptoms will be sent to the nurse immediately for a medical evaluation. There will also be continual discussion and training for students regarding symptoms, the importance of masks, and hand health.
Parents cannot leave their cars when they drop off students, and early drop-offs will hinder social distancing. Staggered dismissal groups can decrease the risk of potential crowding outside at dismissal time.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer will be available at the main entrance to the campus, in classrooms, in the cafeteria and in common areas throughout the school. Daily visits to homeroom or first class will include discussion of health, wellness, and prevention along with focus on masks and hand cleaning
No masks can be political, offensive or potentially disruptive. Guidelines are recommendations only. However, students should wear masks when they move from place to place within the school, and when in close contact with others.
Bus drivers and students must wear masks on the bus. After two reported issues of defiance with a mask, the student will be removed from the bus for five days.
Each building for sixth- to 12th-grade students will create and mark traffic flows for buildings and hallways. Students will be encouraged to keep moving and wear masks.
Teachers and staff will have access to disinfectant wipes to sanitize high-touch and working surfaces and regularly-shared objects. Internal classroom doors that open to hallways may be propped open, and classroom space will be arranged to maximize social distancing as much as possible.
Between classes, staggered releases from each class may be organized to limit the number of students in the hallway. Students will walk corridors as far to the right as possible unless it is a one-way hallway.
To provide water, students need to bring water bottles from home. They can fill their water bottles at water fill stations, which are being added to replace water fountains.
For online learners, some parents or guardians may decide that they want to use an educational format that does not involve traditional classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, parents will be responsible for all cost and expenses necessary to provide sufficient Internet service and computer equipment for those in home classes.