(Tuscarawas Township, Ohio) – Both traditional classes and online learning will be offered for the upcoming school year.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Melissa Marconi explained that staff believes a traditional format is the best learning model for most students. However, officials will be offering online options to those who are not ready to return to traditional face-to-face instruction.

“Tuslaw Local Schools are committed to decreasing the likelihood of infection and keeping our community safe through additional hygiene and cleaning and safety procedures,” she said. “Please understand that being in a school environment is a public place and a certain level of risk cannot be eliminated.”

For online learning, students will be required to meet attendance and seat-time requirements. The district also indicated it will supply a device to students who do not have a personal device, but families must provide their own internet access. Additionally, students may be required to return to buildings for required state and local testing. Those who choose the online learning option must commit to that format for nine weeks before having the option to change to traditional instruction for the second 9 weeks of the school year.

 

 

New guidelines as part of the plan include:

• High-use and high-touch areas such as buses, cafeterias, restrooms, and classrooms will have a daily cleaning protocol.
• Parents will be advised to perform health checks each morning before students leave for school. Students with a temperature of 100 degrees or more or who have COVID-19 symptoms should remain home.
• Frequent hand washing will be part of the daily routine. One-way hallways and social distancing will also be in place.
• Staff and students from pre-K to seniors will be required to wear face-coverings including on the bus. Face covering breaks will be given throughout the day and waivers will be available on a case-by-case basis and will require medical documentation.
• Field trips have been canceled.
• Visitors and volunteers will not be permitted.
• Sharing of student supplies will not be permitted.
• Drinking fountains will be closed and students will be encouraged to bring their own water bottles.
• Arrival and dismissal procedures may be altered in addition to recess.