It’s the first day of school for students at the Knox Community School Corporation. They’re the first local students to return to the classroom since March.
“The best thing is tomorrow morning at eight o’clock, when you see those kids come onto campus with smiling faces and there’s that excitement again,” Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart told the school board Tuesday, “and we’ve missed that for the last four-and-a-half months on this campus. And that’s what we’re here for. That’s why everybody’s sitting in this room is for all those K-to-12 and preschool children to come back.”
But amid that excitement, students and staff will also have to get used to several new COVID-19 precautions. Principals discussed the social distancing markers, divided foot traffic in hallways, and even a few one-way stairwells. Elementary School Principal Michelle Tarnow said her school has taken steps to make the new social distancing protocols understandable but not too scary for younger kids.
Dr. Reichhart noted that the corporation’s reopening plan has been updated to require the use of masks for students in grades three through 12, as ordered by Governor Holcomb and the Starke County Health Department. “So once they get settled and they’re distanced three to six feet and the desks are all facing one direction, they may remove their masks,” Reichhart added. “And we need to give them breaks during the day, both the teachers and us. Just as we sit here tonight, as long as we’re six feet apart, we can remove the masks if we’re not moving around.”
In addition to bringing students back into the classroom physically, teachers are also trying to make sure they’re on track academically. Tarnow said elementary school teachers met Tuesday to discuss where gaps might be and how to assess them going forward.
Reichhart reported that 437 students have opted to use virtual learning, and they’ll be able to watch classes live or on-demand. School Board President Kirk Bennett said parents are happy to have the options. “I can tell you, I have had nothing but positive information from people I spoke with or have reached out to me so thankful that their kids are going to get to go to school,” Bennett said. “They are so thankful that their kids get the opportunity to go to school and/or have the choice.”
He thanked administrators, staff, and everyone involved with the reopening effort.
