In an update to the release of the John Glenn School Corporation Reopening plan, Superintendent Christopher Winchell told the school board members Tuesday night that students will need to wear masks throughout the school day when school returns to in-person instruction on Aug. 11.
Winchell said the requirement is being made following the guidance of health department officials.
Winchell explained, “Your child and all of the staff will have to be in face coverings while on the bus and transitioning in and out of classes. There was a notion that when social distancing was possible that the kids could remove their mask, but now that’s been updated and changed in the last 24 hours by our two main health departments that service us. They are now recommending that even when social distancing is possible that children and staff should really remain in their masks.”
Winchell stated that the requirement may not be ideal for families, which is why a robust online curriculum will be available through the JG Online Academy.
Other details in the plan outline the screening and procedures for a COVID-19 case, frequent hand washing and sanitizing efforts, keeping many of the lower grade levels in a homeroom and rotating teachers, and a block scheduling format for high school students. Meal service, transportation, extra-curricular activities and more are addressed in the plan.
Additional maintenance workers will be hired to help maintain a sanitized school throughout the day, according to Winchell.
The entire plan can be found on the John Glenn School Corporation’s website.
Winchell stressed that the plan changes as the health environment changes.
“There is still the possibility of a delayed start or a virtual start. We will follow the guidance of the health department and we will make decisions that are in the best interest of the safety and the well-being of kids and staff, even if that means we have to make a change right before the start of the school year.”
Winchell commended the partnership with the Teacher’s Union and a subcommittee to come up with the plan, keeping in mind the health and safety of the students and staff members as they return to school. School officials are also aware of the social and emotional wellbeing status of the students and their opportunity to come to school or not come to school.
He asks that parents keep an eye on communication from the school corporation with any changes that may be made to the reopening plan.
