FSDB Reopening Plan – Social Distancing

Social Distancing

Students will be educated on social distancing etiquette – maintaining six feet or more distance from each other, including use of face coverings. This includes avoidance of hugs, handshakes and other forms of close physical contact.

Students shall refrain from congregating in large groups (the state’s phase 2 plan specifies no more than 50 people). Smaller groups shall also adhere to the above social distancing etiquette. Students and staff will use Microsoft Teams, Google Classrooms and related applications for communications via text, video and audio.

Common areas that are used by students and staff members including shared spaces (e.g., storage areas and file rooms) will be evaluated to ensure occupancy limits and social distancing. Some areas may be put into regular use by new groups if their original spaces do not meet social distancing guidelines.

Designated water fountains in each building are being retrofitted as automatic no-touch stations where students may fill their individual containers with filtered water.

Physical barriers (i.e., sneeze guards and partitions) are being installed in areas where social distancing is difficult, such as reception areas and point of sale stations. Installation of lavatory sink partitions is currently being explored. Directional floor markings will be installed in areas that have a high frequency of use and volume of foot traffic.

Social distancing protocols specific to the schools include but are not limited to the following:
Arrival:
• Blind Department: Bus students are walked/escorted to Copeland lobby. Car rider students walk to Cary White. Dormitory students go directly to their classrooms.
• Deaf Department: Car rider ELC students go to a specific bench at the bus loop. All other bus and car rider students—DES: The Pond, DMS: The Mall and DHS: Pope-Settles area. Dormitory students go directly to their classrooms; this also applies to older students who live nearby.

Recess:
• Recess will be at regularly scheduled times, staggered to the extent possible and taking advantage of large, open campus spaces for play and exercise.
• Students will take breaks from recess for bathroom, hand washing and water refill purposes.
• Playground equipment usage will occur on a scheduled basis.

Transition:
• Face coverings will be used when social distancing is not possible, including transitioning between classes, safety drills and evacuation events.
• Scheduling and flow will include wall signage and directional markings for floors and stairwells.

Dismissal:
• Elementary and middle school staff will walk with students on their route.
• High school students will be released by bus number or parent pick up; staff members will be positioned along the route.