ELGIN – Plans for the fall semester at Elgin Public Schools include virtual classes and heavy social distancing practices for traditional schooling.
In a report posted recently on the Elgin High School Facebook page, plans for opening the 2020-21 school year were announced. Aug. 19 is designated as the first day of the fall semester.
In the report, Supt. Nate Meraz wrote that practices of reducing the spread of COVID-19 are constantly changing, and he vowed that Elgin Public Schools will adapt as necessary.
ELGIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS LEARNING OPTIONS
Traditional schooling refers to in-person and on-site instruction, which is what Elgin Public Schools will attempt to produce for students and parents. However, social distancing practices will be in effect, as well as other practices required for the safety of the faculty and students.
Parents also will have the option of educating their children at home via a virtual program paid for by Elgin Public Schools. Parents who choose virtual learning for their children must provide their own connectivity tools. The deadline to enroll in this virtual learning option is Aug. 7.
BASIC SCHOOL OPERATIONS
Along with standard safety procedures, Elgin Public Schools will conduct temperature checks for students when deemed necessary. Other procedures in place include safety drills, hygiene practices and social distancing, and discouraging nonessential guests.
While face masks will not be provided by the school, it is recommended that students in grades Pre-K to 4 have a mask available. Students in grades 5-12 are required to have a mask available at all times. Masks will be worn in times when social distancing is not obtainable.
ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY SCHOOL DAY
Students will be discouraged from gathering in large groups before the school day begins and parents will no longer be able to walk their children into the building. To ensure social distancing, students will be kept in their homeroom class groups.
Any materials checked out from the school library will be sanitized before being placed back on the shelves. Additionally, schoolwide assem- blies will be held virtually to avoid large group gatherings, and all music and school performances will be canceled.
“The obvious statement is that this is all new to school kids and school staff,” Meraz said in the report. “The balance is this: Take guidance from the CDC and use it in a practical setting to the best of our abilities. That is what we are striving for.”
The report said practices are subject to change as more information surfaces about the coronavirus. The full version of the report can be found on the Elgin High School “Home of the Owls” Facebook page.