How Back to School Will Look Different This Year

What to Expect this School Year:

Schools

Depending on where you are, this could look different but for us here in the Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas, we are looking at a reopening of schools but in sectors. Our governor and officials are also giving us more details on what to expect, which include:

• School districts are given the option to close school buildings in the event of the spreading of the virus.
• School districts are participating in contact tracing with health officials
• School districts are to place educational signs on good hygiene in the schools
• School districts will decide how to handle students and teachers who show symptoms of the virus
• Some districts could be implementing a Distance Learning Plan.

Students

There are some recommendations that have been put out for the students this school year too. This is also determined by the location of community spread: substantial, minimal/moderate, and low/no as discussed in Georgia’s Path to Recovery for K-12 Schools.

• Face coverings: these are being recommended based on the level of community spread. Students, teachers, and families will also need to be provided on information regarding how to properly use, remove, and wash their face masks. The CDC has some more information on recommendations here.
• Hygiene: back to school 2020: back to school 2020: students will be taught measures such as handwashing, covering coughs, and face coverings.
• Supplies: schools will be equipped with proper hand soap and sanitizer for the student’s continual good hygiene.
• Meals: could see meals being served in the classrooms or in spaced seating in the cafeteria with disposable plates, utensils, etc., or staggered meal times.
• Large Group Gatherings: students will have to follow distancing and parge groups where students gather is discouraged like paring lot, gymnasiums, etc.
• Schedules: some students depending on their locations could see Distance Learning Plans, or even A/B schedules where groups of students alternate between days of attendance.

What does all this mean?

Students this year may have to continue practicing all the social distancing and not able to enjoy their friends, activities, etc. like they were used to doing prior to COVID-19. We understand this is a big adjustment for children and something we have not seen before. Be considerate of all these changes and some emotions that your children show when it comes to back to school. Let us be there to support and encourage our students during such a hard and unique experience of possibly returning to school.

Your Options for the School Year:

• Flexibility- whether your child is behind schedule or ahead, you have the choice to work ahead or get caught up
• Family’s choice of pace and approach- you are able to pick the daily/weekly schedule, approach, curriculum, and more
• Community involvement- more time for serving the community
• Low student-teacher ratio- very low ratio depending on the number of children in the home
• Meaningful learning- no more busy/wasted work, or concentration jus ton testing

There are also other benefits besides academics like benefits in mental health, social development, and physical health (less likely to be exposed to sickness).