HUMBOLDT — At this stage, Superintendent Kay Lewis suggested there are more questions than answers regarding what the fall term will look like in USD 258.
However, a number of meetings and plans are coming together in order to solidify how things will proceed in Humboldt and elsewhere across the state.
This week, for instance, Lewis and others will be meeting with the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department to “try to get us all on the same page,” and to create a blueprint “if incidences [of COVID-19] happen.”
“We’re in charge of student learning,” she said, “but we’re also in charge of their safety.”
Lewis said she ordered masks, face shields and other protective supplies, though it is not certain which equipment will be worn and by whom.
Along these lines, Lewis said she was aware that many policies the school would have to enact would not be popular, for instance, not allowing most visitors inside schools.
“We’re going to have to keep out as many visitors out as we can,” she said.
She also noted changes such as not having students all meet together in the lunchroom for meals, and instead eating in their classrooms.
Another possible change was that “the only kids able to ride the bus are literally the bus kids,” with their city friends off limits.
And if the district is compelled to reenact virtual distance learning, students and/or parents “will have to fill out a log,” in order to ensure that learning is taking place, so that the district can continue to receive funds.
USD 258 is also currently surveying both parents and staff in order to generate feedback.
For example, at this stage, over 60% answered “No” when asked about preferring their child to wear a mask or engage in social distancing, and about 67% advocated for a return to traditional classroom structures.
Most employed by the district (about 76%) said they’d be comfortable returning to work, and about 70% said they were in favor of a traditionally structured classroom.
Regardless of whatever policies the school system starts out the year with, suggested Lewis, “You’re going to have to be on the fly. … That’s what this whole year’s going to be.”
“We thought last year was crazy. This year coming up is the one I worry about.”
