“Return to Learn” plans for area schools
August 5, 2020
Mary Hagens
COVID-19 wellness guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and our state and local health departments change almost daily and area schools have been challenged to develop plans for the return to school this month. Area school administrators have collaborated with parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and community members through surveys and committee meetings to find the best ideas for keeping students, staff, and families safe while resuming the education process in classrooms.
The Cassville Chamber of Commerce conducted a Facebook Live interview with Dr. Richard Asbill, superintendent of Cassville schools, on Tuesday night, August 3rd. Dr. Asbill addressed concerns from parents and community members about Cassville’s Return to Learn plan and the safety and well-being of students in the upcoming school year, which begins August 25th.
Dr. Asbill stated, “We want our families, our students, our faculty and staff to experience school again. It’s just going to be the ‘next normal.’ We just have to be open to some adjustments and some changes.” Those adjustments may include wearing masks or face shields when social distancing is not possible, changing the way lunch is served at school, adapting classroom seating arrangements, or offering online instruction.
Most of the schools in Barry County have already produced “Return to Learn” documents or letters on their Facebook pages or district websites. Dr. Asbill’s interview is posted on the Cassville Schools Facebook page as well as the Chamber of Commerce page. Mindi Gates, Superintendent at Purdy, has posted an informative video on Facebook explaining the school’s re-opening plan. The schools in Cassville, Monett, Purdy, Wheaton, and Shell Knob have posted either a copy of their re-opening plans or a link that will direct parents and guardians to the documents. Administrators at both Southwest and Exeter School Districts have conducted parent/guardian surveys, and full re-opening plans will be available soon. Southwest parents can access a letter on the school website from Superintendent Tosha Tilford regarding re-entry plans.
All of the districts in Barry County are requiring the use of masks or face shields for faculty and staff. Some districts require the use of masks or face shields in the classroom when personal distancing is not possible, and all districts require students to wear masks or shields on buses. School staff members are adapting recess arrangements, class seating assignments, meal schedules, and passing procedures in order to provide a safe environment for the children of Barry County.
Since the Return to Learn guidelines will go into effect when school starts this month, parents and guardians should familiarize themselves with the documents by visiting the website or Facebook page of their child’s school district.
COVID-19 wellness guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and our state and local health departments change almost daily and area schools have been challenged to develop plans for the return to school this month. Area school administrators have collaborated with parents, guardians, faculty, staff, and community members through surveys and committee meetings to find the best ideas for keeping students, staff, and families safe while resuming the education process in classrooms.
The Cassville Chamber of Commerce conducted a Facebook Live interview with Dr. Richard Asbill, superintendent of Cassville schools, on Tuesday night, August 3rd. Dr. Asbill addressed concerns from parents and community members about Cassville’s Return to Learn plan and the safety and well-being of students in the upcoming school year, which begins August 25th.
Dr. Asbill stated, “We want our families, our students, our faculty and staff to experience school again. It’s just going to be the ‘next normal.’ We just have to be open to some adjustments and some changes.” Those adjustments may include wearing masks or face shields when social distancing is not possible, changing the way lunch is served at school, adapting classroom seating arrangements, or offering online instruction.
Most of the schools in Barry County have already produced “Return to Learn” documents or letters on their Facebook pages or district websites. Dr. Asbill’s interview is posted on the Cassville Schools Facebook page as well as the Chamber of Commerce page. Mindi Gates, Superintendent at Purdy, has posted an informative video on Facebook explaining the school’s re-opening plan. The schools in Cassville, Monett, Purdy, Wheaton, and Shell Knob have posted either a copy of their re-opening plans or a link that will direct parents and guardians to the documents. Administrators at both Southwest and Exeter School Districts have conducted parent/guardian surveys, and full re-opening plans will be available soon. Southwest parents can access a letter on the school website from Superintendent Tosha Tilford regarding re-entry plans.
All of the districts in Barry County are requiring the use of masks or face shields for faculty and staff. Some districts require the use of masks or face shields in the classroom when personal distancing is not possible, and all districts require students to wear masks or shields on buses. School staff members are adapting recess arrangements, class seating assignments, meal schedules, and passing procedures in order to provide a safe environment for the children of Barry County.
Since the Return to Learn guidelines will go into effect when school starts this month, parents and guardians should familiarize themselves with the documents by visiting the website or Facebook page of their child’s school district.