Lyon County schools are preparing for possibly rapid changes in guidance from the state or federal government as the COVID-19 pandemic picks up speed again.
School administrators were part of separate interviews on KVOE the past few days to update their situations. Recently, USD 253 Emporia approved a plan where masks will be mandatory for students ages 11 and under and optional for older students. Masks will also be needed on school transportation but not outdoors or during athletics. On KVOE’s Talk of Emporia on Friday, Superintendent Allison Anderson-Harder acknowledged just how controversial masks have become.
Also on Talk of Emporia, USD 252 Southern Lyon County Superintendent and USD 386 Madison-Virgil Interim Superintendent Mike Argabright said he is seeing the same thing when it comes to masks. He says both districts will take a similar approach when it comes to masks and social distancing.
Parochial schools are also closely monitoring COVID-related developments. During KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Friday, Sacred Heart Principal Darby O’Neill said the school is leaning towards some mask use when classes begin.
Sacred Heart will also have students in-person with three-foot social distancing bubbles.
One of the things that will likely be different from last school year to this deals with remote learning. USD 253 Emporia Allison Anderson-Harder explained:
Argabright said quarantines could well upset the apple cart on remote or virtual learning, but he also says teachers have found ways to make remote learning a positive experience, even though it may not be to the same level as in-person learning.
USD 251 North Lyon County Superintendent Bob Blair and Emporia Christian School Administrator Sally Kaiser have been unavailable for comment.
Anderson-Harder and Argabright encouraged parents to stay in regular communication with teachers and to develop good relationships with school staff.
