Spencer Schools Ready For Resumption Of In-Person Learning

(Spencer)– The Superintendent of the Spencer Community School District says they’re ready for the resumption of in-person learning. Terry Hemann says he’s confident they have the necessary precautions in place for the start of classes Monday…Hemann01 

“So as we’re aware the COVID-19 pandemic, you know, has changed a lot of things for us and it’s going to change how school feels a little bit. But I will say and I’ve been telling people this, much of what we do in school will look the same, but honestly there’s going to be more things that are going to feel the same than are going to feel different. But we are putting some things in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 in our schools.”

Hemann says the use of masks and social distancing will be key…Hemann02 

“We’re requiring face coverings for all students and staff when they cannot social distance. These two areas are paramount for us to keep everyone safe. So wearing a face covering especially when you can’t social distance. So social distancing, face coverings, these two things work hand in hand. These are two of the big things we can do keep people safe and healthy and keep our schools open.”

He says that’s in addition to some other procedures that will be in place…Hemann03 

“Less people are going to be allowed in. We have additional cleaning and disinfecting that will happen in our school facilities and our buses and other vehicles; additional staff and hours that we have added. We are also bringing in an outside agency to do some additional cleaning. We also have an online option for families who want to have that for this year. We’ve got about 130 students who will be participating in online school. That’s about between six and seven percent of our student body.”

And Hemann says everyone needs to be flexible and be prepared for the possibility of last minute changes…Hemann04 

“If there’s an increase in cases in our region or in our county, our school model may need to change. We may have to move to a hybrid model or we may have to move back to the full online remote learning model. It’s not what we want to do, but if we have to, we all have to be ready to adapt.”

Hemann also encourages everyone to be patient and considerate.