Social Distancing, masks and improved ventilation cited as school needs
Humboldt School Superintendent Jim Murray outlined the district's Return to Learn plan at Monday's Humboldt Board of Education meeting. The Board then adopted the plan. Murray said the district will follow protocols provided by the Iowa Department of Public Health and Humboldt County Public Health. Murray said the school will work hand in hand with HCMH and Humboldt County Public Health.
By Phil Monson
After a report from school administrators Monday night, the Humboldt School Board gave its final approval to the district’s Return To Learn plan in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
Final action came in the board’s regular monthly meeting Aug. 17.
“Social distancing will be practiced to the fullest level possible,” Humboldt School Superintendent Jim Murray said, noting general mitigation strategies have been sent out to parents of students enrolled for the new school year, which begins next week.
“When we can’t social distance, we will be requiring masks to be worn by students and staff. We will be limiting student groupings whenever possible with assigned seats possible on buses,” Murray said.
“We will reduce the amount of shared items and regular hand washing will take place with a greater availability of hand sanitizer on hand,” Murray said. “Even with air conditioning, we will increase building ventilation to allow a fresh air mixture to the greatest extent possible.”
“Classroom doors will be kept open during the school day as much as possible to increase ventilation. Windows will be open when weather permits. Extra seating at lunchtime will be available to provide for social distancing,” Murray said. “There will be enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of buildings and buses, along with desks, chairs, door knobs, sink handles, handrails, water fountains and other surfaces when appropriate during the day.”
“We will require parents to do symptom checking at home. Students are required to bring a 16 or 20-ounce water bottle. We will provide that for students who don’t have them,” Murray said.
Center principals outlined specific actions that will be taken to ensure student and staff safety as school resumes next week. Read the full report in this week's Humboldt Independent. Subscribe to print or digital editions by clicking on the link at the top of this page.
