SMETHPORT — The Smethport Area School Board approved the district’s Health and Safety Plan Monday and also approved the administration’s recommendation supporting the full return to school Aug. 26.
The district’s schools will be open Monday through Friday for education and will operate according to the established 2020-21 district’s school calendar.
Under this plan, which is in response to COVID-19, parents and/or guardians would be responsible for symptom screening of the children at home each morning prior to the school day. No children with symptoms will be sent on a bus or brought to school. All district staff will perform a symptom screening on themselves prior to leaving for work and will stay home if ill.
Students and staff will be required to wear face coverings, masks or face shields at school and on buses.
The district will have face coverings and face shields available for students who need them or request them.
Face covering breaks will be provided when social distancing and circumstances permit students to take a break from wearing the face cover. Superintendent David London said, “We hope families will support and comply with face coverings so we can be safe and have our schools open for our students.”
Those students who are unable to wear face coverings during the school day for medical reasons should provide documentation of the medical reason to the building principal.
Parent letters, which include a survey, will be posted today. This survey asks parents to answer questions about the return to school, cyber options with Smethport Area School District teachers or other providers, meals and transportation.
