Sloan-Hendrix first day of school will begin on August 16th, 2021. With the resurgence of COVID-19, schools in the area are making decisions on what precautions their district will be taking for students and staff. Yesterday in the Governor’s address it was released that the Arkansas Department of Education recommended that students wear masks in schools to limit the spread, based off of the CDC guidelines. Governor Hutchison also stated that he does not support pushing back the start of the school year. Schools will be provided with masks by the state and he urged vaccinations for those eligible.
In a brief overview from Superintendent Cliffford Rorex, masks will be optional for both students and staff at Sloan-Hendrix and the following precautions will be taken in regards to COVID-19.
“Masks will be optional for both students and staff. We will have masks available for those who would like one. Social distancing will also be observed in settings that will allow for distancing to take place. We are currently in the process of having plasma air ionizers installed on HVAC units to provide increased air filtration. The morning drop off and afternoon pick up will remain the same as last year, parents will be asked to remain in their vehicles and not enter the buildings for both drop off and pick up. Breakfast will be provided in the classroom for students in K-6. Elementary students will be eating lunch in the cafeteria, but we will have the ability to transition to lunch in the classroom for K-6 if the need arises.â€
‘We will be asking parents to screen their child each morning prior to sending them to school and if they answer yes to any of the screening questions they should not send their child to school. Contact tracing will be conducted once again this year and close contacts will be required to quarantine.â€
“The nurse will have a designated “well area†for students who need daily medications or may have minor physical injuries. There will be a separate area for students who become sick during the school day. Water bottle filling stations are available in each building for students to fill water bottles and facilities will be sanitized frequently throughout the day.â€
Sloan-Hendrix will be posting their ready for learning plan which will contain additional information on the district website: https://www.sloan-hendrix.com/
Lawrence Healthcare will be on campus at Sloan-Hendrix tonight, Thursday, August 12th, during Open House (5:00-7:00) to offer the Pfizer vaccine to students ages 12 or older, parents, or employees who wish to receive it. This is not mandatory but being offered for those who wish to receive the vaccination.