June 25, 2020
The Adair County Board of Education was excited to approve Aug. 24 as the first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year.
In Thursday night’s meeting, Dean of Students Robbie Harmon said the first day of school is being pushed from Aug. 6 to Aug. 24 to give leeway on instructional days and also for the district to see how things go for other districts that start earlier in August.
The calendar still includes fall and spring breaks, Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks as well as school closure for several other holidays. The calendar sets the last day of school on May 21, 2021.
The calendar excludes parent teacher conference closures and early release Fridays for this school year to allow students to get full days of learning as much as they possibly can.
Superintendent Dr. Pamela Stephens said the Adair County Youth Development Center’s calendar will be different than the school campus calendar, with classes starting there on Aug. 6.
Board member Troy Grider inquired about safety guidelines that will be followed at all of the schools, to which Stephens said that they request for students to wear masks and if they don’t, they should follow social distancing.
School bus riders will be required to wear a mask and will have temperature checks before getting on the bus. If students have a fever, they may still ride to school but will be sent home as soon as possible.
Parents may also sign their children up for virtual learning, but Stephens said that she hoped most children would be at school.
The board agreed that all this needs to be done, but without making students feel like they’re in jail.
School guidelines and plans will be communicated to families in time for school, specifically on the district’s website.
A survey for Adair County parents will soon be available on the school district’s website that will allow parents to give feedback about if they plan to send their children to school. Stephens said that Green County did this survey and found that 88 percent of parents plan to send their children to school.
School registration can be completed online this year and next year, said Stephens, and more information for that will be available soon.
The board approved an NTI plan for school closures should they arise and also accepted an athletic plan for all Adair County sports that follows the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s guidelines. Some of the specific guidelines are that masks and social distancing are essential for practicing. Stephens added that the band would be following these guidelines, too.
The board also approved the annual bond depository and the bond of treasurer and finance officer to be sent to Frankfort.
The board and public will meet face-to-face once again for the July board meeting.
By Anna Buckman
Assistant Editor
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