Howland, Poland & South Range schools talk COVID precautions
Valley schools are now updating their plans for fall instruction as the governor is now mandating masks for all students.
Many school boards are still deciding how they will deal with in classroom learning during this pandemic.
It's a lot to think about for school boards and administrators, how to have class and keep students safe.
Tuesday night, three school districts held meetings unveiling their new plans to parents.
The South Range school board had already mailed their plans to parents weeks ago but they made some adjustments.
Instead of a planned 5 days a week in school they will move to 2 to 3 days.
South Range and Howland will start September 8th.
Howland met Tuesday night to talk about safety procedures. They will take temperatures as students get to school.
And since masks can't be worn while eating, they will need to spread out.
"In the cafeterias it might be we are eating in the classrooms, it might be we are eating in the gym. There are many different scenarios that we are looking at to make sure we are keeping the kids as safe as we possibly can," said Howland Superintendent, Kevin Spicher.
In Poland, the board chose to eliminate pre-school for the year because they need those 3 classrooms for social distancing for other grades.
"It's a great program we've had it for a long time and I anticipate it coming back but with this uncertainty and 8 weeks for parents to find an alternative, I think it's a good recommendation at this point in time to suspend it," said Poland Superintendent, David Janofa.
Poland had to cancel all activities at the school starting today because a student tested positive for COVID.
The superintendent says contact tracing began immediately.
And it's something he expects to inevitably have to do again as the school year progresses.
"How close were the closest people? Were they within 6 feet? Were they wearing masks? Was it 15 minutes? What were the symptoms? How many were there? How many days was this going on," added Janofa.
And administrators admit any plan could change as the virus changes.
