MARTINSVILLE — The state is giving school districts wide latitude in how they approach the reopening of schools for the fall semester.
In Morgan County, the four public school districts decided on a unified plan for dealing with COVID-19 while still keeping schools open.
Here is a look at the plan that will be in place for Martinsville, Mooresville, Eminence and Monroe-Gregg (Monrovia).
- It will be critical that families monitor the health of students and only send them to school if they are well and symptom free. In addition, school staff will receive professional development on the signs and symptoms to look for in students.
- All Morgan County public schools will begin on their scheduled date and utilize their previously planned school calendars.
- All students and staff required to have a mask with them at all times. There will be situations when social distancing cannot be observed; therefore, masks will be required.
- Require students and staff to be fever free for 72 hours without the use of fever reducing medication before returning to school.
- Maximize instructional space, scheduling flexibility, and limit movement as appropriate to provide greater social distancing opportunities as often as possible.
- Adhere to IHSAA guidelines for the return to athletic activities.
- Employ enhanced cleaning procedures throughout school buildings, buses and facilities.
- Provide additional hand sanitizer stations and increased opportunities for hand sanitizer use and hand washing throughout the school day.
- Open playgrounds with separate zones for sanitation purposes.
- Allow the use of water fountains for bottle or cup refills only.
- Adjust lunches to meet IDOE and CDC recommendations.
- Identify and create separate space in schools for students displaying symptoms.
- Suspend all field trips during the school day.
- Restrict visitors and guests in the building.
- Discontinue the use of perfect attendance incentives.
