We have all successfully completed our first week back together. Our students have been amazing! They showed us that they had not forgotten how to show that ROAR behavior.
Thank you all for your patience and support during dismissal. Monday took two hours to get all students off campus, and we heard reports of how much longer than that it took for some of our students to arrive safely home. But each day, the process has gotten faster, smoother, and more efficient. That is due to some dedicated staff members, cooperative students, and supportive community. Now, on Monday we welcome all of our kindergarten students, so there may be a slight delay again. We know it won’t take long for them to catch on, however.
As you know, our district also came out this week with an immediate action item that "schools should immediately look for ways to reduce the density of students during meal times." The next morning, our leadership team met and completely revised our master schedule so that after recess there are 10 minutes to wash hands, and then a grade level has 25 minutes in the cafeteria to eat lunch with no other grade level overlapping time. During lunch, this is what students can expect:
- The same 3-4 students that sit together in the classroom, and in specials, are also the only ones sitting together at the lunch table.
- Students are seated diagonally from each other.
- The lunch tables are spaced out to allow maximum space between tables.
- Students keep face coverings on until they are seated with their food. When done eating, they put their face covering back on.
- Students remain fully seated with their legs under their table throughout lunch.
- Students only interact with the students sitting at their table.
- Students using the main aisle in the center of the cafeteria are approximately 6 feet from the tables they are passing.
- Visitors to the building are limited to essential visitors only.
- Parents have graciously purchased two air purifiers in the cafeteria.
What we have put into place at Swift Creek is both within our district guidance and in line with practices at other schools. SCES continues to review our procedures every day for ways that we can make improvements. With that being said, I always welcome your suggestions and ask for your patience and understanding as we, too, are navigating through these times.
Have wonderful weekend. Thank you for all you do to support Swift Creek.
Yours,
Darrell Propst, Principal