EACS unveils initial reopening plans for schools

The East Allen County Schools school board on Tuesday night took up for discussion the plans for reopening for the 2020-2021 school year.

The 18-page document provides guidance on how a number of different scenarios will be handled.

Students in east allen county school district have a clearer image of what their school year might look like moving forward.fox 55's caleb saylor is live in new haven to discuss the opening plans for the district.caleb?the east allen school board took up for discussion the plans for reopening this year and while all of the fine details are not worked out, and nothing was finalzied tonight, district officials believe they have a good plan in place to help get students back on track east allen county schools released proposed plans to teach students this year.

The plan, as it stands, provides two options for families, either in class attendence or all elearning, and families are being asked to commit to that option for at least the semester.district superintendent mariliyn hissong says "as we developed our plan, we considered a variety of options, but i will tell you when we landed on what we thought would be best for the learning progression of our students, the two plans are what we put forth."that part of the plan is fluid.

They have a flow chart that outlines different hybrid options or all elearning if covid spread in the district gets out of hand.the district has been working with the allen county health department on their plans.

Mindy waldron with the health department says a mixed sort of plan, such as east allen's is a good idea "that probably is a good, real good approach.

Not only does it give the choice to the parent, it also then allows for more spacing if some not return, and it allows some flexibility as well so that they are ready if there would be a closure for some reason, they have the ability to do elearning or online."the plan also says students and staff in district buildings will be required to wear a mask at all times when social distancing isn't possible, that also includes while they're on school buses.high touch surfaces will be cleaned on a regular basis by staff.if a student tests positive for covid-19, the district will work with the health department to do contact tracing.

They'll notify all who have been in contact with that person and suggest self- quaranting to all involved.a positive case could mean closing of individual classes, any parts of the school, whole schools, or the entire district, depending on the spread of the disease.the full plan is 18 pages long and includes how lunches will be handled, how in class and elearning will be handled for both elementary and secondary students, all in a comprehensive effort to get the school year started on the right foot.

"we are going to do everything we can to keeo our kids safe and healthy, and then do the very best we can at educating them and contining the growth that they need to progress to the next level."

3 obviously these are just a few of the details and hissong warns the plan is fluid in the run up to the first day of school on august 10th.

The full district plan is on eacs's website.

This plan is not finalzied, the district wants a chance for parents to see it and provide feedback, but if all works out, the plan is expected to be approved at the august 4th board meeting reporting live in new haven, caleb saylor, fox 55 news.

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