Deciding whether to send kids or stay virtual in Fort Mill? Schools update details.
Fort Mill students who go into schools this fall will have to wear masks.
On Monday night the Fort Mill School District sent an email to parents outlining changes from a back-to-school guide sent out Friday. Among them, students who attend in-person school will have to wear face coverings. That previously had only been recommended. Shields between seats are part of the new plan too.
The message to parents reads, in part:
“At this time the district will require the use of face coverings by students and staff for in-person learning when we return to school in August. The district is providing face coverings to all staff and will provide face coverings for any student who cannot provide their own. The district will also install Plexiglas shields at student seating in elementary school classes were class sizes may limit social distancing options. These measures are being implemented in an effort to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff.”
Changes were made based on updated COVID-19 data from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. Feedback from staff and parents influenced the changes too. Staff already had a mask requirement, per the earlier back to school announcement.
Fort Mill, like districts in Rock Hill, Clover and elsewhere, also set up an all virtual K-12 option for the coming school year to promote social distancing. Coronavirus abruptly ended in-person education in March. For parents who choose the virtual option in Fort Mill this fall, high school students will work remotely for at least half the year. Elementary and middle school students will be virtual the entire school year.
Parents had until Wednesday to sign up for the virtual option, which would give the district time to allocate teachers between in-person and virtual classes. With the recent changes, that deadline extended to July 17.
As has been the case throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the district information to parents notes plans could change further. It reads:
“We understand that these changes may cause stress for some of our families. We hope our families and staff will know the district is working hard to provide the best options we can for all families while ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff. As with all plans related to the pandemic, the district will continue to monitor the situation and guidelines available. Any further changes to the plans will be announced as they are determined.”
The mask requirement for students as well as teachers follows a trend in the region.
Fort Mill, Rock Hill and Chester all have mandatory mask rules for people in retail stores, restaurants and similar indoor places. York is likely to pass one for that city next week. York County has one up for discussion next week.
Yet not all areas have requirements. Tega Cay strongly suggests people wear masks, but hasn’t passed a mandate. Gov. Henry McMaster repeatedly stated there won’t be a state mandate, as local municipalities are better equipped to set and enforce their own rules. On Monday night, Clover Town Council voted down a mandatory mask requirement.
Fort Mill schools already announced bus routes and other changes will happen, from a limit on visitors in schools to breakfast and lunch service in classrooms, keeping elementary school classes together throughout the day and breaks for hand washing and sanitization.
