FRHC releases guidelines for August reopening

On behalf of the Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation we appreciate your continued understanding and patience as we move to finalize reopening plans for the 2020-2021 school year. I also would like to thank those that completed the reopening survey, providing our advisory team with very helpful information.

Our corporation is working closely with the Bartholomew County Health Department, representatives from Columbus Regional Hospital, and members of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation leadership team to develop our plan to safely resume classes.

At this time, Flat Rock-Hawcreek Schools plans to return to in-person teaching and learning this Fall. We also plan to maintain our current school calendar with the first day of school on Tuesday, August 4. Virtual learning options will continue to be made available for students that are not able to attend here on campus due to extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19. Please look for additional information regarding enrollment, including instructions for online registration no later than July 17th

The safety of our students, staff, and community is always our first priority. All employees of the Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corporation will receive training on COVID-19 symptoms and protocols as we prepare for students in the Fall. While more detailed information will be released prior to August 4, some changes to expect include:

• Daily Screenings of all Students and Staff with anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and/or a fever over 100 being sent home until they are free of symptoms and have not had a fever for 72 hours (absent of fever reducing meds).
• Students should expect assigned seating where possible (school bus, cafeteria, classroom) to aid in contact tracing.
• Enhanced cleaning procedures throughout the building and grounds, including classrooms, playgrounds and locker rooms. Additional hand sanitizer stations will be installed as we promote frequent handwashing,
• Practicing social distancing when possible using flexible scheduling to limit class sizes as well as using larger spaces, including outdoor spaces as much as possible.
• Visitors and guests will not be permitted in the building for any reason not deemed essential
• Suspension of all attendance awards for the 2020-21 school year
• Masks (2) will be provided to all students and staff. They will be required to have them accessible each day. While they will not be required at all times, there may be specific situations that require them such as when riding the school bus.
• Lockers will not be issued to Junior/Senior High Students in order to promote social distancing. Small backpacks will be allowed in the classrooms for the 2020-21 school year.

As in the spring, this is a very fluid situation and may require changes as new challenges emerge. We will continue to monitor guidance from the Indiana Department of Education, Indiana State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and make adjustments as needed.

Thank you again for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to seeing you again in August!