Reopening RI Schools: What To Expect Day-To-Day

PROVIDENCE, RI — The 2020-21 school year will look a lot different from years past when schools when students return to classrooms Sept. 14. A lot more structure is needed, Gov. Gina Raimondo said, to help keep groups steady and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"I know this will be an inconvenience," Raimondo said, adding that these measures are needed to keep students and staff safe.

Raimondo outlined an average day, listed below.

Morning

First thing, before heading to school, students and staff will have to self-check for symptoms. Rhode Island's Crush COVID app is a good day to keep a daily symptom diary and track when symptoms appear, Raimondo said. To date, approximately 8,500 Rhode Islanders have downloaded the app, she said.

Transportation

Buses will run, though they will have reduced capacity to allow for physical distancing between students. Students will also be required to maintain social distancing when waiting at bus stops. Many districts will have symptom checks, such as a temperature check, before students board.

Pickup and drop-off procedures will look different, as well, with different locations to prevent crowding. Check with your local school district to find out your school's drop-off policies.

There will also be symptom checks at entrances as students arrive, with some districts, such as Cranston, which will offer grab-and-go breakfasts as students enter to be eaten in classrooms.

Classrooms

Once in the classroom, students will be required to sit in their assigned seat and wear a mask. While the weather is warm, windows will be open, and many will have fans to help increase airflow.

Many students will eat their lunch in the classroom to avoid breaking pods and gathering in large groups. While the weather is nice, students will eat and learn outside as much as possible, with some districts putting tents outside for this purpose.

Some districts are working now to prepare for colder weather, ordering air filtration systems that will be ready to help clean the air when windows can't be open.

Getting ready

Dr. James McDonald with the Rhode Island Department of Health encouraged parents to take steps now to get their kids ready to go back to school. This means talking about the importance of leaving the mask on all day, explaining the importance of not hugging friends and helping kids conceptualize 6-foot distances. He recommended marking 6 feet with tape or yarn at home, and telling kids to stay "two jumps" away from others.

Parents are asked to have their child keep an extra mask at school, in case they forget theirs at home, and encourage their child to find a pattern or style that they really enjoy and reflects their personal style. Talk to kids about the importance of avoiding high-touch items and surfaces and not sharing food and school supplies with their classmates.

At home, teach the importance of frequent handwashing or sanitizing, and send the child to school with a small hand sanitizer in their pocket, so they're always prepared. Frequently clean high-touch surfaces at home, and throw away disposable masks at the end of the day.

"If we're not willing to learn to live differently during this pandemic, we're doomed to repeat it," McDonald said.