School will begin today, August 20, with several changes in place in order to help curb any potential spread of Sars-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The start of school has been a contentious subject, with many school districts having to weigh the social and economic benefits of having in-person classes to the potential spread of the disease, which so far has continued to increase in the United States while other countries have seen significant decreases. As of this writing, Reuters confirmed that in the US, 170,000 people had died, and over 5 million people had been confirmed infected, leaving the United States with a 3.4% rate of death and emerging evidence of an increasing number of “long haulers,” those people who are considered recovered from the virus but who have lingering health issues stemming from the effects of the infection.
However, South Dakota has been fortunate so far, with an infection rate that is lower than 41 states. It has averaged just over 100 new cases per day in August, and has only seen just over 10,000 total cases in the state since confirmation that the first person had succumbed to the virus in March.
Despite Minnehaha County leading the state in the number of infections, these overall low rates have encouraged local communities, including Garretson, to open their doors to in-person learning.
However, many changes will be in place, and Superintendent Guy Johnson expects changes to occur regularly. He and the administration of the Garretson School District are stressing that the most important qualities for the 2020-21 school year will be patience and flexibility. The administration noted, too, that they are working hard toward helping students feel excited and safe when it comes to this upcoming school year.
The school released a letter to parents on Tuesday, outlining what the first day of school would look like.
The full letter states:
WELCOME BACK!
Hello GHS and GMS Students! We are looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday. This information is just to provide you with an idea of what to expect when you arrive at school. I know we are all a little uncertain of what school will look like, it’s been a long time since you’ve been here. Things are different, but that’s OK, we’re going to make this work TOGETHER!
Just remember, we want to you be excited for school, feel safe and know that your teachers and other school personnel are here to help you. We will do whatever we can to make sure your experience is a good one! Please read this info, it’s a good preview of what to expect. See you all on Thursday!
PATIENCE & FLEXIBILITY
These are key words that we will all be keeping in the front of our minds. As students please realize that things are different and will change in the future. REMEMBER: We’re doing our best, we will make mistakes, we will do our best to fix them. Thanks for your help!
Here we go!
PS – “Don’t forget your face coverings!- put them on prior to entering the school! Thank you!”
Schedule
o HS: Periods 1-4, 8
o MS: Periods 1-4, 6-7
o Lunch is normal time
Beginning of the Day
Welcome back – we’re glad you are here!
Please arrive around 8:05am at the earliest MS, 8:15am HS.
***6th grade (and new students) – we know you’re nervous. Just come to the MS hallway, teachers will be there to help you! We can’t wait for you to join Garretson Middle School!
Schedules & Lockers
Schedules posted on your locker – Find your locker, grab your schedule!
NEW: Lockers are randomized, not by grade this year. This helps with social distancing and keeping hallways less congested
Check out your schedule and head to your 1st period class! SCHEDULE IS INCORRECT – No Worries! Class change request forms will be available in your 1st period class
1st Period
o Your class change request forms are available (if you need)
o iPads are ready for you in the classroom. You will need to/want to clean your iPad
o Your teacher will discuss expectations and necessary paperwork that was not able to be given out during the traditional open house.
Masks/Face Coverings
o On when social distancing of 6ft or more is not possible- This includes in the hallways, lunchroom, and classroom
o On when you are on the move
o Please cover nose and mouth
o Mask breaks will be available throughout the day
Lunch
o Only four to a circle table (one seat in between each person), three to a rectangular
o Masks are needed at all times (other than when you are eating)
o Table Assignments: You will sit at the same table with the same students each day.
o You will be dismissed by table to go through the lunch line.
o Sit (w/mask), Line (w/mask), Eat (w/o mask), Dump (w/mask), Chat (w/mask)
SENIORS – We will be eating separate to discuss some items: Senior Privs. – Starts Friday with returned forms; Schedules; Other Misc. items
End of the Day
o Dismissing from lunch – will be staggered beginning at 1:25pm
School Building and Necessities
o When in the hallways and on the stairs, right is right (think like driving on the road). Walk next to the wall.
o Have your iPad and your charger with you. You will be expected to have a charged iPad ready at the beginning of all of your classes.
o Also have a pair of headphones with you. You may be expected to watch videos, contribute to video discussions, etc
Thanks for taking a look at these items, we hope it helps you prepare just a little bit more for the first day of the 2020-21 school year for GMS and GHS. Remember, we’re all here to help. If you have a question – ASK! We can’t wait for Thursday, let’s have a great year.
-GMS and GHS Staff
UPDATE: Further communication was sent to e-learners regarding their expectations, as well. To read, click here. For more information, visit the Garretson School District website.
