(MITCHELL) – Mitchell Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Wilcox provided the following update on re-opening schools for the upcoming school year.
A letter posted to the school corporation website reads as follows.
In recent weeks, I have met with Mitchell Community Schools Administrators and Lawrence County health officials to gather information regarding back to school plans for the 2020-2021 school year.
Vital to the preparation of these plans was the information I have received from the parent/guardian surveys. I would like to thank all who completed these surveys which provided valuable data.
In preparing these plans, the goal was to maintain the best learning environment possible and at the same time maintains the safest possible environment for both students and staff.
Below you will find initial guidelines which will be implemented and a more detailed plan will be presented to the school board and approved during the July 13 meeting.
Naturally, all plans will be fluid and adjusted if necessary based upon guidance from multiple sources including CDC, ISDH, and Lawrence County health officials.
The approved 2020-2021 school calendar will be followed.All schools will open on time with the first student day being August 5, and there will not be a 1-hour delay on Wednesdays.
School will be in session 5 days a week.
District-wide safety measures will be in place.Mitchell Community Schools will offer an on-line “virtual” option for families who may have concerns with their student returning to school due to COVID-19.
This option will be teacher-led and the district will provide textbooks and/or devices if needed.
We will offer K-12 course offerings in this virtual option.
Initial return to school plans will include the following.Parents/guardians will be asked to self-monitor their students and keep them home if they display symptoms or are running a fever.
The district will provide a checklist of symptoms.Each school will have a specified area for students who display COVID-19 symptoms separate from the nurse’s station.
Staff and students will be asked to have a facemask with them at all times during the school day.
We will not require masks to be worn all day, but we will encourage. There may be circumstances where wearing a mask would be necessary.
Examples include while on the bus and walking to the classroom/first class, during passing periods, or during emergency drills.
Masks will be provided for any student or staff if needed.
Parents will be encouraged to provide transportation to and from school to help limit the number of students on buses.
Bus transportation will be provided with students adhering to assigned seats.
Visitors to the building and class field trips will be limited.
Extra-curricular activities may begin the week of July 6 and would include athletics.
All extra-curricular activities will follow IDOE, IHSAA, NIFS, ISSMA, and IHSDA guidelines.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and support as we navigate this unique experience.
Loyal to the Royal, Dr. Mike Wilcox Superintendent of Mitchell Community Schools.
WBIW will update with any information on any changes to both school corporation’s re-opening plans.
