The first day of school for local districts is looming, and plans for Coudersport Area School District include social distancing and minimizing contact wherever possible.
The first day of school is Aug. 26 for Coudersport students, per the academic calendar approved in January 2020. The reopening plan does not specifically mention the first day of school.
The plan, which is labeled Draft 1, outlines various cleaning and social distancing protocols. These include reducing options in the cafeteria if necessary to minimize student contact with common surfaces and having cafeteria staff handle cutlery and trays before meals. Breakfast will be a grab-and-go option or will be served in the cafeteria with social distancing protocols in place. Lunch will be served with students seated six feet apart, and other areas will be utilized to facilitate the seating to make this possible.
In terms of movement throughout district buildings, student movement will be staggered whenever possible. This includes dismissal. Teachers will move between classrooms if possible to reduce student movement. Also, students will be seated at individual desks or in cohorts (groups) and social distancing of three to six feet will be maintained between cohorts.
Signs will be posted, announcements will be made and students will be taught proper hygiene techniques to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
For physical education, students will not be required to change in the locker rooms prior to class, and activities will be low or zero contact when possible. They will also be held outdoors whenever the weather permits.
For elementary students, interaction at recess between different classes or groups will be reduced as much as possible. Different areas will be used for recess locations to make this possible.
Students will be provided their own supplies, which will be kept separate in cubbies, containers or lockers whenever possible.
District transportation to and from school for students will require face coverings. Also, students will be seated in family groups when possible and as far apart as possible on the bus to and from school.
Staff and parents are asked to conduct self-monitoring checks, and students with a fever of 100.4 or higher are to be kept home. Parents are to report any symptoms of COVID-19 to the school. Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be permitted to return to school after 72 hours with no medication and no symptoms and also after two negative tests for COVID-19, conducted by a physician and 24 hours apart. A note from a medical professional clearing their return to school will also be required.
