On July 30, the Superior School District released a newsletter to students and their families about ongoing preparation to bring children back to campus for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

After weeks of planning and deliberating with state and local officials, as well as district staff, the Superior Board of Trustees will decide on its final plan at the August 10 board meeting.

The Superior Public Schools wanted to reassure that regardless of which phase the state may be in, and in conjunction with Governor Bullock’s most recent orders, the district will continue to offer online remote learning for students as well as reinstating in classroom instruction.

As the school makes arrangements for the students’ return, the normal daily schedule may look different with a possible earlier release time. This depends upon how many students take the option of The Family Onsite Instruction Opt-Out.

This option allows families to continue to use remote online learning for their children, this agreement would be in place through the end of the first quarter. At which time families can reevaluate their learning situation and make possible changes.

The Opt-Out proposal includes a form that parents need to sign and return to the district no later than Aug. 7. It is important to give staff and administration time to plan and build class schedules.

Superintendent of Superior Public Schools, Scott Kinney, has worked much of the summer on navigating the district’s return to school this fall.

In regards to the number of students in the school as well as learning remotely he said, “We just need to know how many kids will be participating in a distance learning model from home to be able to plan for on-site instruction. Distance learning will be happening whether kids are on campus or learning from home. That is our new reality.”

Following an online survey from families in anticipation of the upcoming school year the district found parents were in favor of both learning options.

Kinney explained, “We heard parents loud and clear in that some want on-site learning, and some want their child to learn from home. We are building as much flexibility into our plan as possible to accommodate these very divergent wants. We also need to be nimble enough to change up at a moment’s notice as plans hinge on guidance from the Governor’s office and our County Health Department,”

The Superior School District has a clear set of guidelines for reopening in compliance with the Mineral County Health Department’s directives. It is a four phased structure with phase zero being a stay at home order, all schools closed to the public.

Phase three would look closer to “back to normal” for group sizes and scheduling, the biggest differences will be continued diligence in hand washing and building sanitization practices. It is anticipated that the Superior School District will be reopening Aug. 26 under Phase two of the directives.

This phase recommends groups sizes of 50 or less. Health screenings and sanitizing upon entering school buildings when possible. Face coverings may be required depending on state and local health guidelines.

Masks are a main concern for Kim Gordon, a mother of three students ranging from first grade through ninth grade.

She shared, “I believe it’s important for kids to be back in school in the fall and I think since our community is COVID free they should not have to wear masks at school. If masks are a requirement, I will be reluctant to send my kids to school.”

As for the remote learning alternative Gordon said “The distance learning did not go well for my younger two. Also having to commit to a quarter of distance learning if parents don’t want to send them is tough on working parents and caregivers.”

Kinney reassured that mask use will be dependent on the situation. He stated, “Masks will be required for students moving in the halls during classes and while using school transportation. At this time, face masks are not required but strongly recommended in classrooms and we will provide them to students and staff that do not already have their own as we are following the guidance provided by Governor Bullock’s office as well as the Mineral County Health Department.”

Superior School District currently has just under 3,000 masks in stock and they are scheduled to receive more from the state in the coming weeks.

For families who struggled in the springtime with remote learning the school is working to provide more support to the parents.

Kinney said, “The early release model affords the opportunity for teachers to work with remote learners and their parents every day after on-site classes end as well as face-to-face if a student needs it. Giving remote learners and their parents the ability to request time for additional teacher guidance will help close the gap.”

Further aspects that will be new this fall are modifications to transportation to and from school. Additional staff will be on board buses to take temperatures. A new town route will be integrated to decrease the number of children on each bus. To ensure distancing students will ride one per seat and physical barriers will be added for bus drivers.

Customarily the time between bells is when friends catch up for a few minutes and grab their books for the next class. This is also when the numbers are highest of students being in one confined space, therefore staggered release times may ultimately become part of the school day as well.

Students will eat grab-and-go breakfast and lunch in their classrooms or outside, which is weather permitting for those in the elementary. The food service staff will operate closely with the county sanitarian to create safe practices for in classrooms meals.

Kinney addressed, “Should we move back into either Phase 0 or 1, with students at home, we will start up our home service delivery model that ran last spring and summer. It will be important for parents & guardians to communicate their wishes for breakfast and lunch orders daily with our food service staff.”

Superior Public Schools kitchen has delivered over 11,000 meals since March and they have also donated over 5,000 pounds of food and supplies to families through their school pantry.

In the event that a student or staff member were to test positive the district has protocols in place.

Kinney explained, “Per CDC guidance, we would most likely dismiss students and most staff for 2-5 days. This initial short-term dismissal allows time for the local health officials to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 situation impacting the school and for custodial staff to clean and disinfect the affected facilities.”

With just weeks to go before the school doors open and kids don their new outfits and shoes to class, most families are eager to see their students return. On the other hand, many are worried. Kinney shared, “As I have said before, we know how frustrated and anxious the uncertainty of COVID-19 makes everyone.”

But he added, “All this being said, these are things we know for sure: Guidance from the Governor’s office and the Mineral County Health Department drives our thinking every moment of every day. We honor our parents’ voices and have used them to help drive our planning. Online, remote instruction is challenging. We learned this spring that this is true for parents, kids, and staff. Learning on a computer is far less effective than learning face-to-face with a teacher. Kids belong in schools as relationships formed at school are lifelong and one of the most important reasons for all of us being here.”

Lastly, Kinney wanted to recognize the district’s personnel. “I am immensely proud of and grateful to our staff who worked hard over the summer to prepare for reopening, whether it has been staff going online to get more training or coming to our schools everyday cleaning, building, painting, and fixing our grounds and facilities getting ready to do what we do best.”

Any questions or concerns regarding the school districts reopening plans should be directed to Superintendent Scott Kinney. He can be reached at 406-822-3600 extension 201. Or by email at srkinney@ssd3.us