Athletic, Band Practices To Resume At Great Valley Schools

MALVERN, PA — Student athletes and band members will be able to return to practice thanks to a plan from the Great Valley School District board.

The board at the June 29 meeting shared a plan that will allow the district to welcome students and staff back for off-season voluntary athletic practice and marching band practice.

Pre-season athletics may begin at Great Valley High School the week of July 13. Each team is responsible for setting up its own off-season schedule.

Additionally, a three-day mini band camp at the high school will begin July 14.

Details of the plan include precautions to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and outlines guidelines for facility care and cleaning, as well as considerations for both students and staff in the red, yellow, and green phases of Gov. Tom Wolf's plan to reopen the state.

In accordance with the plan, all staff and students must complete the Great Valley School District COVID-19 Awareness Training prior to returning to Great Valley High School program activities.

All off-season programs will be voluntary and will take place on district property.

To avoid the overlap of student groups, all student arrival and departure will be scheduled.

Students will be responsible for cleaning their own individual school-issued equipment/instruments, but shared equipment and instruments will be cleaned by the district before each practice.

"It is important that everyone who participates in the athletic and band programs actively works to minimize the risk of COVID-19," Athletic Director Michael Semar said. "While we look forward to welcoming back our students and staff, the safety of our community remains our number one goal."

According to the plan, staff will design activities that stress social distancing and hygiene. Locker rooms will not be available to students, and students are required to bring their own hydration as shared water bottles, coolers, and the use of water fountains will not be allowed. All participants must complete a health screening, including a temperature check prior to practice.

See full details of the plan online here.

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