Clovis schools release 2020-21 guidelines

CLOVIS - Public school officials in Clovis have released guidelines for the 2020-21 school year, with numerous state-mandated directives and a note to parents that change is inevitable.

"We have all learned in past months that the challenges of COVID-19 create uncertainty in our world," a letter from the Clovis Municipal Schools leadership team states. "Therefore, as of the time this document was prepared, it is in line with state expectations and public health orders. However, the District is preparing for the upcoming school year with the understanding that flexibility and adaptation will be required, a sentiment we also encourage our families and community to adopt."

The school year is set to begin Aug. 17 for elementary and secondary schools, and Aug. 24 for preschool and kindergarten classes. The final day of school is slated for May 27.

The plan summarized is posted in full at clovis-schools.org.

The directives include numerous references to the requirement of social distancing, mandatory face coverings and daily staff screenings.

The school plans to reopen in hybrid guidelines outlined by the New Mexico Public Education Department with three different cohorts. Cohort A will attend in-person classes Monday and Tuesday, then go online the rest of the week. Cohort B will begin the week online, then attend in-person classes Thursday and Friday. Cohort C will be entirely online learning. Wednesday is a virtual day for all, and a cleaning day for campuses.

Cohort applications will be included with mandatory "Returning Student Verification" and "New Student Enrollment" processes on the district's Skyward program.

Areas of a building or an entire campus may be temporarily closed due to positive COVID-19 tests or possible exposures. Any student or staff with close contact to a positive COVID-19 case will be advised to stay home and follow state quarantine guidance, and any staff or students testing positive may not return until meeting New Mexico Department of Health criteria.

The district included the following re-entry guidelines:

• Before leaving home: Students should be checked for any COVID-19 symptoms and have a temperature check, wash their hands before leaving home, come to school with a full water bottle, face covering and any school supplies they will need for the day. If a student's temperature is over 100, the school office should be notified of the absence and the child should be kept home until symptoms subside for 48 hours.

• On a school bus: Students should stay at least 6 feet apart while waiting for buses to arrive, wear face coverings and use hand sanitizer when boarding and exiting the bus. Students showing signs of sickness will not be allowed on the bus, and students who fail to follow COVID-safe procedures may have transportation privileges suspended or revoked. Students will be limited to one per seat whenever possible.

• In the morning: School buildings will be open at 7:30 a.m., and each site will determine when students are allowed inside. Face coverings will be required for all students and staff. Anybody with medical exceptions must contact either the school nurse (students) or employee services (district employees). Anybody with a temperature of 100 or greater will be isolated and sent home. Essential visitors must call the school office before entering, and access by nonessential visitors and volunteers will be restricted. Any student or staffer who feels ill after arriving on campus will be isolated until they can return home.

• During the day: Staggered class changes and recesses, along with designated hallway lanes, will help keep students separate outside of classrooms, and groups of students will be kept with the same staff as much as possible.

• Meals: Elementary students will have breakfast and lunch delivered to their classrooms, while secondary schools will have designated eating locations throughout each campus. Cafeteria and serving lines will have designated entrance and flow paths. Remote learners can pick up breakfast and lunch at the same time at a designated time and location. Any lunches brought from home will be left in a student pick-up area, and food delivery services are discouraged.

• Electives and extracurricular activities: Elementary art, physical education, library and music and secondary elective courses are considered vital to student success and will continue. Athletics and activities will follow New Mexico Activities Association guidelines, and preseason COVID-19 testing will be administered for all coaches and student-athletes.