District 2 Plans for schools to be open for fall semester

Sheridan County School District 2 is hopeful that when classes resume in the fall, students will be able to return to their regular classrooms in the school buildings.

But the district has, in fact, prepared two models for resumption of classes – one in the school buildings and another for use if instruction remains virtual.

District 2 Superintendent Craig Dougherty presented both plans to the district’s trustees in a recent meeting, starting with a traditional school model, meaning all students will be in the school buildings, with modifications for sanitization, technology and student attendance.

The plan includes technology so that instruction can be provided even for students who cannot physically be in the classrooms.

Dougherty said the district will also have enough devices to send home with students who cannot attend the schools. He said the district will utilize only district-certified websites and information.

Under the school model, Dougherty said, the district will conduct health screening, sanitation and social distancing according to guidelines from county health officers.

If students are allowed to return to school, he said the district will operate standard bus routes following directives from county health officials. County health officials would dictate all sanitation and distancing protocols for the buses.

Dougherty said the district’s standard attendance policy would be in place and the district would increase communication with families regarding student attendance in the schools.