Safety top priority for reopening schools this fall

Kids and parents are on pins and needles waiting for school districts like Mars to release their reopening plan.

But it’s not just them that want answers.

“It’s a waiting game. We wait every day you know — it’s hard to plan because you don’t know what you are planning for,” said Mars Area School District special education teacher Ashley Campbell.

Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.

Campbell misses her students more than anything and many kids feel the same way.

But the top priority this fall is to keep everyone safe.

“It’s coming so fast and I know I can say it myself. I want answers. I want to know what I’m doing but I understand we have to take the time to have the right protocols, right plans, so if we don’t it’s not going to work,” Campbell said.

Right now, school districts are crafting reopening plans whether that’s in-person or virtual instruction.

Campbell said she’s comfortable to teach in person but some are concerned about returning.

The Pennsylvania State Education Association, which has hundreds of members including school nurses and bus drivers, is talking with some who may be over the age of 60 or have health issues, advising them to seek accommodations.

“To see if there are options of telework or just accommodations that can be made in the school building to make sure they are comfortable and feel safe,” Chris Lilienthal, assistant director of communications for the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Lilienthal said there’s no evidence of an uptick in early retirement in Pennsylvania.

Right now, many school districts are working on multiple plans of action.

Due to COVID-19, new training for staff will vary school by school.

Social distance and cleaning protocols are being put in place and masks will be required for everyone -- with exceptions.

When it comes to handling a possible COVID-19 case and keeping records of who is sick, Lilienthal said school nurses will play a crucial role working with local and state health officials.

Lilienthal said he expects all schools will release their reopening plan by the end of July before the first day of school in August or September.

Pittsburgh Public Schools considering three plans for fall reopening Pittsburgh Public Schools considering three plans for fall reopening

Cox Media Group