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In classrooms throughout Osceola county, desks will be spaced at least four feet apart and students will face one direction, said Dana Schafer, public information officer for the School District.
As local schools try to decipher the best way to safely return to school, the Osceola County School District has put some procedures together for social distancing and cleanliness.
The classrooms will have specific rules and criteria in place to keep staff and students safe.
In classrooms throughout Osceola county, desks will be spaced at least four feet apart and students will face one direction, said Dana Schafer, public information officer for the School District.
“We expect fewer students in each classroom at the start of school because many students will be taking advantage of digital learning. In middle and high schools, that might mean we have to take some desks out of the room allowing for fewer students,” she said.
When students move about the classroom and hallways, they will be required to wear a face covering. The Osceola School District will be providing each student with five washable face masks. Students will also be required to bring a water bottle and personal headphones to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
A local sixth grade teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, had concerns about being able to social distance in her classroom.
“Some of our classes were full last year. Spacing 4 feet apart isn’t realistic when we go back to school,” she said. “We still have to help our kids by going to their desks. We are at a large school and people are bumping into each other. How does social distancing work in the hallway?”
Schafer said there will be signage and staff members in the school hallways designating the flow of traffic.
“Students will be reminded to social distance as much as possible, and everyone will be wearing masks as they move around our campuses,” she said.
Another precaution to reduce spreading of the virus is electives and special classes will travel to the classrooms when feasible. Also, VPK through fifth grade will remain with their classmates all day.
Sanitizing the school is another challenge to overcome during this pandemic. The district is installing hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campuses for students and staff.
“Once school starts, an increased cycle of wiping down surfaces with disinfectant will continue as long as COVID-19 or any issue is still present,” said Schafer. “This includes daily disinfecting of all classrooms and school areas and sanitizing and disinfecting all desks and chairs, all high-touch surfaces and hard-surface furniture and equipment to prepare for the next day.”
But the middle school teacher isn’t sure she’ll have time to clean desks and other surfaces after each of her classes.
“I only have four minutes in betwee classes. Will teachers be getting extr cleaning products and will there be enough custodians?” she wondered.
Electrostatic sprayers will be used on every campus and each classroom will be supplied with approved disinfectant that is able to be used on all touch points. Right before students and staff return, all surfaces will be sprayed down with a disinfectant that provides a 90-day barrier to viruses. This disinfectant will be reapply every 90 days, explains Schafer, also reassuring that there will be enough custodians to be sure the plans are followed.
“The district has put into place clear and reasonable safety protocols for all schools that will be implemented to protect the health and safety of both students and staff members as our schools reopen on Aug. 24,” Schafer said.
