Amherst Schools: Strict fall rules aim to avoid another shutdown

AMHERST — Masks, outdoor classes and a clamp-down on roaming the halls will completely change the Amherst Schools experience this fall. The district released its plan Tuesday for teaching kids during the COVID-19 pandemic, with about 2,600 students expected to attend in person and 900 learning online. "We must be able to balance personal choices with safety to ensure we keep our doors open for our students to learn and try to avoid further shutdowns," the plan said. It starts with a warning that the course the pandemic will take is uncertain, and the plan is subject to change. This year, students can choose to attend either "onCampus" in-person classes or "eCampus" over the internet from home. Both will run Monday through Friday and follow the same hours. Online learners will be expected to log in when the bell rings or be marked tardy, and check in with each teacher every day. Those who attend in person will be required to wear face coverings throughout the day, including on the school bus. "We reserve the right to require student face coverings be worn in any situation in order to keep our schools open and safe, or if required by local or state officials," the district's plan said. "Students and staff will be provided breaks from face coverings whenever possible." Amherst educators are asking parents to share positive takes on masks with their children, have them try on different styles and plan to have three to five masks to wear through the week. Students will be assigned bus seats, with no more than two per seat. Buses will run with the windows open to allow for air circulation, weather permitting. Building schedules have been arranged to minimize the contact students have with each other. Classroom doors will be kept open to promote airflow, students will have assigned seats and access to common areas will be limited. When possible, teachers are being asked to take classes outside. Hallways will be marked for one-way traffic where possible. Lockers won't be used at Steele High School, Amherst Junior High or Nord Middle School. Hall passes will be significantly limited and water fountains won't be used. Students will be reminded to wash their hands during the day — before and after eating, going to recess, changing classes and using the bathroom. At the end of each day, kids will be released in smaller groups, using a number of exits and at staggered times to keep them apart from each other. Schools will be largely locked down. Parents can enter for some reasons, but they will be encouraged to schedule meetings virtually or by phone. With the exception of police, firefighters, utility workers and a few others, visitors won't be allowed. Buildings will get daily deep cleanings. Desks, chairs, doors and other high-touch surfaces will be sanitized on a regular basis. Workers and students alike will be expected to stay home if they show symptoms of COVID-19. Before heading to school, they must check for fever, cough, shortness of breath and be sure they haven't had contact with anyone who has the virus or is quarantined. If a student or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19, a 14-day quarantine will be required for anyone who spent more than 10 minutes in close contact. While under quarantine, students will be expected to keep up with their work remotely — all students in third through 12 grades will get a Chromebook at the start of the year. The plan said it's possible that an entire classroom, team, grade level or school could be required to quarantine if there is an outbreak. Steele is at an especially high risk because classes are populated by teens across grade levels, who take part in a number of teams and clubs. A jump in cases or hospitalizations in Lorain County could change the entire process and require schools to close for extended periods. If that happens, Amherst would "seamlessly" transition to online learning, the plan said. "We appreciate the flexibility and patience of our families and students and are very excited to see them on Aug. 27," Superintendent Steve Sayers said. The fall semester had been set to start Aug. 20 but has been pushed back by a week for most students. Kindergarten will now begin Sept. 1 and preschool will start Sept. 8. Contact Jason Hawk at (440) 329-7122 or news@lcnewspapers.com.