Harrison County schools to require students to attend on-campus classes. Here’s the district’s reopening plan.

Harrison County School District says classes will start on August 6, 2020, in a modified traditional manner. Until further notice, all students will follow the 2020-2021 academic calendar and students will be required to attend on-campus classes daily.

Transportation to and from school will continue to be provided by HCSD buses. The HCSD says they will follow federal, state, and local guidance to ensure a safe, sanitary, and secure learning environment (Mississippi Department of Education & local guidelines are evolving. HCSD will notify families as adjustments are made.)

On Monday, the Harrison County School District announced the following reopening procedures:

TRANSPORTATION

• Students and bus drivers will wear masks or face coverings that follow dress code while inside the bus (Mandatory).
• Hand sanitizer will be available on each school bus.
• Drivers will sanitize the bus at the conclusion of all bus routes with spray sanitizer.
• Parents will be informed of the precautionary measures being implemented by HCSD.
• Parents will be informed of their expectations: Ex. Sick students should not ride the bus, etc.
• Efforts will be made to implement social distancing where possible.
• HCSD recommends parents transport students to and from school when possible.
• No field trips.

MASKS

• Students and staff will be required to wear a mask at school that follows dress code unless social distancing can be maintained.
• The issue of masks will be revisited frequently in order to comply with updated health recommendations.

STUDENT ARRIVAL

Walkers

• Staff will supervise social distancing considerations provided by CDC.
• Students will enter through a designated entrance.
• Students may have their temperature checked upon entry of the building each day.
• Multiple hand sanitizer stations will be available upon entry of building.
• Students will report to a designated area as assigned by the principal.
• Anyone showing symptoms or having a temperature of 100 degrees or more will be retained in a designated area and parents will be contacted.

Car & Bus Rider

• Staff will supervise social distancing considerations provided by CDC.
• Students will enter through multiple drop-off locations or entrances.
• Number of students exiting at one time will be limited.
• Students may have their temperature checked upon entry of the building each day.
• Multiple hand sanitizer stations will be available upon entry of building.
• Students will report to a designated area as assigned by the principal.
• Anyone showing symptoms or having a temperature of 100 degrees or more will be retained in a designated area and parents will be contacted.

STUDENT DISMISSAL

Car Riders & Walkers

• Staff will supervise social distancing considerations provided by CDC.
• Staff will monitor the gradual, controlled release of students.

Bus Riders

• Staff will supervise social distancing considerations provided by CDC.
• Staff will monitor the gradual, controlled release of students.
• Schools may provide multiple loading locations or limit the number of buses loading.

CHECK IN/CHECK OUT

• Signs will be posted with protocols for check in and check out.
• Schools will establish a designated time and location for checkouts.

VISITORS

• All visitors will be required to wear a mask.
• Visitors will not be allowed in areas where students are involved in activities.
• Parent/teacher meetings shall be held via video conference or phone to the extent possible.
• Visitors on campus are discouraged, for the protection of our employees and students.

CLASSROOMS

• Teachers will arrange their classrooms to maximize social distancing.
• Students will not share materials or supplies to the greatest extent possible.
• Strict seating charts will be maintained.
• Staff will ensure all classrooms, restrooms, and all high-traffic areas are routinely cleaned and sanitized throughout the school day.

CLASS TRANSITIONS

• Each school will design a traffic flow plan for class changes to maximize social distancing.
• The plan will depend on the layout of each building.

RECESS

• Elementary students will have recess and be encouraged to social distance.
• The number of students on the playground may be limited.

GYMS

• Current executive order allows no more than 50-percent building capacity.
• Classes or group exercise activities are permitted.
• Participants shall maintain a minimum of six feet between each individual at all times.
• Shared equipment will be sanitized by a coach before and after each practice or class.
• Gym floors shall be deep cleaned daily.

CAFETERIA FACILITIES

• Hand washing sink and sneeze guards
• Floor taped in congregate areas/lines
• Sanitized between serving periods
• Restricted to school meal service only (No facility requests)
• Restricted to HCSD students & staff only (No visitors)
• Student touchless hand sanitization stations at each serving line
• Cashiers will remain behind serving line sneeze guards.
• Daily rosters will be provided to the cashier by teachers
• Additional lunch periods may be scheduled by the principal.
• Classes may alternate between eating in the cafeteria and the classroom.
• Single-sided seating, social distancing and classroom dining to decrease occupancy

SANITIZATION

• Touchless hand sanitizers will be placed at all school entrances.
• Touchless hand sanitizers will be placed in all cafeterias.
• Hand sanitizers will be available in all classrooms.
• Additional disinfectant wipes have been ordered for each classroom.
• HCSD has purchased spray sanitizing equipment to spray large spaces.
• HCSD has hired additional custodians to assist with cleaning & sanitizing school facilities as often as possible.
• Classrooms will be cleaned and sanitized daily.
• Every effort will be made to wipe down surfaces and materials during class change

HEALTH RESPONSE

• Each student may have his/her temperature checked daily by school staff.
• Students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 will be quarantined from school and school-related activities for at least 14 calendar days.
• Individuals previously diagnosed with COVID must be fever or symptom free for 72 hours before they can return to school.
• Parents will be notified of students/staff who have been in close contact with the positive COVID-19 individual and their child will also be quarantined from school and school-related activities for 14 calendar days, as per current Mississippi Health Department Guidelines.
• Parents must notify the school principal immediately upon their child receiving a positive COVID-19 test result.
• HCSD will follow guidance of the Mississippi Department of Health.
• Each campus will have access to a school nurse and social worker/counselor.

ATHLETICS

HCSD will follow all Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) guidelines and recommendations as it pertains to athletic events and activities. Those activities include band, choir, and cheer-leading. School districts must abide by MHSAA rules and regulations as a member of the organization.