During the July 8 meeting of the Plymouth School Board Superintendent Andy Hartley presented an overview of what systems will be in place for the start of the school year on August 12.
Hartley said they will be following the same school calendar that was approved in previous meetings; however, there will no longer be a late start on Monday mornings. There will be an early release on Fridays. The purpose of the early release will be to allow for professional development for teachers. Hartley said the Monday late start resulted in groups of students congregating as they were dropped off early.
The schools are working with local day care programs as well as after school for children who may need care.
The bus pick-up and drop-off times may be altered from what families were used to in the past, but the transportation department is working to avoid having to run double routes. Those students riding the bus will be required to wear a mask and will be assigned a regular seat.
Students will have only one alternate to accommodate child care or parental custody needs.
The bus shuttle that has been in place for several years will be eliminated. According to Hartley, the shuttle meant having some 1,500-2,000 students in one area.
Students will also be asked to wear masks when social distancing is not possible such as passing periods. Hartley said they are preparing to have masks available for students who are unable to obtain one. The school staff members will be provided with masks or will be allowed to use their own.
The cafeteria staff will take meals to students and all tableware will be disposable.
Drinking fountains will be turned off or altered to allow filling water bottles that each student will bring from home. Paper cups will be provided for drinking water.
Hartley said they will be rolling out registration for parents/guardians who want to have their child/children receive instruction virtually due to medical conditions or other considerations. Students will be expected to complete the same class work as those in on-site instruction. Students who are being instructed virtually will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities.
There will be restrictions for any visitors to the schools.
Staff is expected to receive training as to the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus. School nurses will have separate areas for students who may be displaying COVID symptoms.
Carol Anders Correspondent
