The new school year could see students and staff in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. no longer required to wear masks in most situations.
On Thursday, Superintendent Jim Roberts released a statement about BCSC’s COVID-19 recommendations for the 2021-22 school year and a link to a reopening plan draft. In the release, Roberts said that school officials are recommending that the use of face coverings be optional for all students and staff. He added that masks are "highly encouraged for those at risk and/or not vaccinated."
However, masks will still be required on buses due to a federal mandate on public transportation, the draft plan states. The mandate is set to expire on Sept. 13, 2021, at which point masking on buses will become optional.
Roberts added that there will be a presentation on reopening at the school board’s July 19 meeting.
He also included a link to a Google Form for feedback and expressed a desire to hear the public’s thoughts on the reopening plan draft.
"Feedback from our stakeholders will be used to determine what revisions, if any, are necessary for the plan prior to its being formally recommended to our school board members for approval," he said.
In addition to the optional masking policy, BCSC’s reopening plan draft also states that for social distancing, classroom spacing of three feet is "encouraged" and locker use is "discouraged to minimize large group gatherings."
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will report their results to the school nurse. Contact tracing will be implemented with a 10-day quarantine.
However, the draft plan adds that "A quarantine is not necessary for those providing proof of being fully vaccinated and free of COVID symptoms."
Visitors, parents and caregivers will be allowed to enter school buildings but not permitted to join students for lunch.
In regards to athletics and extracurriculars, IHSAA and Indiana State School Music Association guidelines will be followed. Seating capacity at events will be determined at a later date using county guidelines.
Roberts’ statement also includes a link to current guidelines for BCSC summer athletics, extracurriculars and activities.
The drafted reopening plan states that BCSC may adjust guidelines, if necessary, based on community spread.
"Hopefully, this next school year will feel a lot more normal than the last," Roberts wrote.
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To view the official statement, go to bcscschools.org. The statement also contains links to the reopening plan, a Google Form for feedback and a document with the protocols for BCSC summer activities.
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What: A BCSC school board meeting, which will include a presentation on the reopening plan.
When: July 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Terrace Room in the BCSC administration building. The meeting can also be livestreamed on BCSC’s YouTube channel.
Public comments: Individuals who wish to speak must sign up on the blue sheet.
According to BCSC policy, speakers should:
- Limit their remarks to three minutes.
- Pass if their point has already been made by someone else.
- Refrain from using the names of students and staff.
- Defer to a spokesperson if there is one for a defined group.
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Roberts said at a June board meeting that BCSC’s timeline for announcements is as follows:
Week of July 5: An "initial recommendation" will be shared with the public.
Week of July 12: The school corp. will communicate with the public again.
July 19: A recommendation will be presented to the school board for formal approval.
According to BCSC’s official online calendar, the first day of school for students will be Aug. 6.
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