BEREA, Ohio — If we’ve learned anything during this pandemic it’s that planning for the future is pretty much impossible. That’s the tough task facing every single school district in Northeast Ohio as some are now just weeks away from welcoming students back to class.
Several large school districts have released their preliminary plans for what the new school year will look like.
Many are basing their options on where Ohio counties rank on the state's coronavirusPublic Health Advisory System.
Depending on what color we find ourselves in will determine whether children are learning among their peers five days a week, attending on split days or practicing their ABCs remotely.
In the Berea City School District however, it will be an all or nothing approach.
For now, students and teachers are slated to open for in-person learning five days a week.
“We have a lot of kids that are at risk and we have a lot of kids who are disadvantaged," said Tracy Wheeler, Superintendent of BCSD.
While some districts are splitting up in-class instruction for students each week, Berea passed on the option.
“A hybrid schedule just is not sustainable for working families," Wheeler said.
Both parents and teachers spoke out against it.
“They had a lots of concerns with their effectiveness, their ability to reach kids," Wheeler said.
When school starts back up in the district, teachers will be required to wear masks, students will be at least three feet apart and plans are in the works to make face coverings a requirement for all students K-12.
“We are looking at purchasing face shields for all of our K-2 students," Wheeler said.
Classrooms will only be shuttered once Cuyahoga County reaches purple, which is the highest alert level.
So far, 25% of the parents in the district plan on having their children learn remotely starting on day one.
“With the numbers of students and families choosing the virtual learning we will be able to reduce class sizes even more which will increase the amount of physical distancing we have for our students," said Tracy Wheeler, Superintendent BCSD.
Tiffany Salay, who plans on sending her two sons back to Berea City Schools said with so many students staying home it makes her even more comfortable with her decision.
“With people staying home that actually encourages me to send my children more because there will be less people in the school," Salay said.
Right now, the Berea City School District is working on a plan to bring students back in September in waves. The return will last between four and nine days to stagger their return.
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