COVID-19 precautions for safe return to school
The Thomas-Fay-Custer School Board discussed different ideas and precautions for the return to school plan Tuesday night during its regular board meeting.
After nearly 2 hours of discussion on the topic, the board agreed to let TFC Superintendent Rob Friesen write up the back-to-school plan, which would then be sent to school board for final approval before being posted on the TFC website.
While no final decisions were reached during this meeting, the board discussed several different topics including masks, online learning and school parties. The final plan was not available as of press time Friday, but some of the ideas discussed can be found below.
Masks
The board generally was against the idea of mandatory masks for students in the school. Some even disagreed with making visitors wear masks while in the building, as it could make reading people’s facial expression more difficult.
That being said, they did not want people to feel uncomfortable wearing a mask if it made them feel more comfortable.
Elementary Principal Aimee Rainwater expressed some concerns about the constant need to keep children’s masks on or younger children swapping/ sharing masks.
The board discussed the idea of requiring masks on buses due to close proximity, but a firm decision was not made.
Online Learning Option The district is planning for an online learning option.
The district is planning for an online learning option. Principal Rainwater and Junior/Senior High School Principal Ray Oakes expressed concern regarding a loss of students to homeschooling and other online programs such as Epic Charter Schools. It also is an important option for those who have health concerns.
The district is looking into platform options for the online learning. In addition, TFC teachers are training with Google Classroom to be prepared for distance learning.
Like other area school districts, the online options will require an application process and a full semester of commitment from the families.
Class Parties
While many schools have cancelled all class parties, field trips and other large gatherings for the year, TFC 1st grade teacher Alicia Bailey was not in favor of the district following this example.
“The kids already have so much taken from them this school year,” Bailey said. “I would hate for them to lose this as well.”
Principal Rainwater agreed, saying she knew children while teaching who would not have their birthdays celebrated if it wasn’t for the school parities.
As part of the discussion, the board discussed ways to make the small celebrations safer. Homemade goods generally are not allowed anyway, so that would not be a great concern. In addition, Rainwater said she knew teachers who would happily arrange a small treat for these birthday celebrations.
The board decided not to make a final decision on this area because the first real class party would not be until Halloween, which is several months away.
Other areas of concern discussed were allowing online students to participate in extra-curricular activities, response to positive tests and classroom safety guidelines.
More information will be available when the official back-to-school plan has been released.