Dr. Mike Robinson: How can schools practice social distancing when kids return?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: Due to the detrimental effects of COVID-19, social distancing is our new norm. For schools to open in September, policy-makers need to plan a consistent approach that includes a variety of safety measures that include routine testing. Social distancing needs to be taught in classrooms daily. Students need to understand that having good hygiene is essential to promoting good health.
The number of students in each classroom needs to be reduced to 15. Also, desks need to be 6 feet apart. Large gatherings should be discouraged. Face masks should be mandatory (except students with breathing problems). Additional teachers and resources are necessary to navigate the social distancing process.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is Schooling with social distancing even possible?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: Schooling with social distancing can work if policy-makers follow the preventative guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) when implementing any plan of action. The plan has to be executed safely so that students do not infect members of their family. Moreover, there has to be regular communication between administrators, teachers, and parents about the new norm. The PTA can assist with any additional information or support parents might need.
Dr. Mike Robinson: To what extent do you believe staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; and remote learning until further notice be an effective social distancing strategy?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: School start times should remain the same. An effective social distancing strategy would be splitting the students into cohorts. One group would attend in-person classes Mondays and Wednesdays. The other group would attend classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both groups would do distance learning on Fridays. Furthermore, creating cohorts will solve the problem of overcrowded classrooms and minimize the risk of infection.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE in the classroom?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: I believe that wearing a mask in the classroom is a good idea. I plan to wear one. Also, I plan to protect my students by practicing and promoting healthy habits, such as proper hand washing, during the school year. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be readily available.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This question comes from a parent. "When schools are open, what signs would be visible that would suggest social distancing is working?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: When schools open in September, parents need assurance that the school is prepared to handle a COVID-19 crisis. The school nurse, teachers, and other staff members should be informed about safety procedures. Most importantly, regular parent communications should emphasize the infectious disease policy, daily health checks, new cases of COVID-19, and isolation practices. The primary goal is to promote a safe program environment.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Can children social distance on school buses?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: Social distancing on school buses is possible if the bus staff follows the extensive cleaning precautions the CDC recommends. Safety masks and gloves should be worn by all staff members and encouraged for students. Frequently touched surfaces on school buses should be cleaned after every route or at least daily. School bus drivers could use a forehead scanner to check each child’s temperature before getting on the bus. Unfortunately, boarding the bus would take longer. Seating should adhere to the social distance guidelines. Meeting the guidelines might require additional buses.
Bio: Dr. Jo Ann Neal, Ed.D. has a strong commitment to student development and the learning experience. She has held different educator positions throughout her 22-year career. Dr. Neal worked as a HOPE Elementary Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Elementary English Teacher, and Language Arts Extension Teacher. Presently, she is teaching middle school history (grades 6-8) with the integration of language arts.
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: Due to the detrimental effects of COVID-19, social distancing is our new norm. For schools to open in September, policy-makers need to plan a consistent approach that includes a variety of safety measures that include routine testing. Social distancing needs to be taught in classrooms daily. Students need to understand that having good hygiene is essential to promoting good health.
The number of students in each classroom needs to be reduced to 15. Also, desks need to be 6 feet apart. Large gatherings should be discouraged. Face masks should be mandatory (except students with breathing problems). Additional teachers and resources are necessary to navigate the social distancing process.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Is Schooling with social distancing even possible?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: Schooling with social distancing can work if policy-makers follow the preventative guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) when implementing any plan of action. The plan has to be executed safely so that students do not infect members of their family. Moreover, there has to be regular communication between administrators, teachers, and parents about the new norm. The PTA can assist with any additional information or support parents might need.
Dr. Mike Robinson: To what extent do you believe staggered start times; alternate weeks of attendance; and remote learning until further notice be an effective social distancing strategy?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: School start times should remain the same. An effective social distancing strategy would be splitting the students into cohorts. One group would attend in-person classes Mondays and Wednesdays. The other group would attend classes Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both groups would do distance learning on Fridays. Furthermore, creating cohorts will solve the problem of overcrowded classrooms and minimize the risk of infection.
Dr. Mike Robinson: What are your thoughts about teachers wearing masks and other PPE in the classroom?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: I believe that wearing a mask in the classroom is a good idea. I plan to wear one. Also, I plan to protect my students by practicing and promoting healthy habits, such as proper hand washing, during the school year. Hand sanitizer and wipes will be readily available.
Dr. Mike Robinson: This question comes from a parent. "When schools are open, what signs would be visible that would suggest social distancing is working?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: When schools open in September, parents need assurance that the school is prepared to handle a COVID-19 crisis. The school nurse, teachers, and other staff members should be informed about safety procedures. Most importantly, regular parent communications should emphasize the infectious disease policy, daily health checks, new cases of COVID-19, and isolation practices. The primary goal is to promote a safe program environment.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Can children social distance on school buses?
Dr. Jo Ann Neal: Social distancing on school buses is possible if the bus staff follows the extensive cleaning precautions the CDC recommends. Safety masks and gloves should be worn by all staff members and encouraged for students. Frequently touched surfaces on school buses should be cleaned after every route or at least daily. School bus drivers could use a forehead scanner to check each child’s temperature before getting on the bus. Unfortunately, boarding the bus would take longer. Seating should adhere to the social distance guidelines. Meeting the guidelines might require additional buses.
Bio: Dr. Jo Ann Neal, Ed.D. has a strong commitment to student development and the learning experience. She has held different educator positions throughout her 22-year career. Dr. Neal worked as a HOPE Elementary Teacher, Elementary Teacher, Elementary English Teacher, and Language Arts Extension Teacher. Presently, she is teaching middle school history (grades 6-8) with the integration of language arts.