"Recommended but not required"

Maggi Feit and Yashvita Kanuganti

Colder air and redder leaves mark the start of a new change for students. Most of us are gearing up for another edition of back to school season, marked by fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a sense of existential dread. But this year, back to school doesn’t just mean the start of a new semester and new classes, but instead, a restart on all that we’ve missed in the past 18 months. This August marks the arrival of a return to normal, however that might look different for us as we move into this autumn.

One of the most pressing issues of our year is the topic of Covid-19 protocols. This subject has been widely discussed over both the spring and summer, namely concerning Avon Lake’s mask practices. At the end of the school year last June, Avon Lake High School repealed its mandate requiring all students (with certain exceptions) to wear facial coverings.

However, at the Board of Education meeting on August 10th, board members and administrators debuted this year’s Covid-19 regulations (among other important information, but most were only here for the self-proclaimed “main event”). Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dibee noted that “there are usually less than 10 people” at the typical monthly gatherings, as opposed to the around 45 citizens present at the meeting.

Along with Dr. Dibee and Avon Lake’s Board of Education, those in attendance included Superintendent Bob Scott, and a large number of community members, the latter who were eager to bestow their opinions upon the district’s leaders and attending community members.

That Tuesday night, Dr. Dibee broke the now long-repeated verdict: “Face masks will be recommended but they will not be required in all school buildings.” Although the district’s mask protocol was the most anticipated announcement, other changes were also reported, such as reduced social distancing measures (six feet to three), a brand new online component known as Shoremen Academy, and an abbreviated quarantine time for those exposed to the virus. However, for most attendees, masking and quarantining details seemed to mark themselves as the most important matters, making up about two hours of the entire meeting. These two hours weren’t solely carried by the board members or district, however. After policy was read out, community members—parents, students and staff alike— provided the majority of the input. The discussion at the Tuesday meeting truly showcased the strong emotions this particular conversation inspires here at Avon Lake and pretty much everywhere. This atmosphere was only strengthened by the rampant applause after each attendee presented their opinion to the board.

As for the other Covid protocols, we know that Avon Lake will continue to rely on and abide by CDC guidelines throughout this ever changing situation. Desk shields will be made available to those who are interested; whether it be students or staff. Students will once again be able to participate in group work—a fundamental element of learning and engagement—so long as they are cautious not to come too close to one another. In addition to this, Dibee announced the long-awaited return of assemblies to this school year, where students will be required to sit in every other spot on the bleachers in consideration of social distancing. As for outside events, such as football games, seating and attendance policy will be standard, as for any year prior.

As for the commons, there will now be a maximum of 5 people per table, as opposed to the mere 3 people that were allowed last year. A big concern for students last year was the study hall situation. We’re glad to report that normal study halls will be back in classrooms, complete with chairs and tables! Lunch study halls, however, will remain on the bleachers, so you’ll only be hunching over in the gym for 20 minutes. But in any case, we are making great strides to return back to a normal we once knew.

Even the quarantine situation looks a little bit different this year. An individual who has tested positive for Covid will be required to 10 days in quarantine - even if they are vaccinated. Those who have come in contact with such an individual will be required to quarantine for less time: 7 days, or 5 days with negative testing. Unlike last year, though, if an individual is masked or vaccinated during the time of contact - they do not need to quarantine. Thus, the school board anticipates “far less” kids having to be quarantined this year.

“We can’t completely eliminate the risk,” says Mr. Scott, “but we can do our best.” He noted that a great way to do this is through the act of getting vaccinated, as this proves to be the “best barrier”, though this comment evoked a few laughs from the audience.

The main difference between this year and last year is the number of options available to prevent the spread of this virus. Not only do we now have the knowledge and experience of last year to learn from, but with both masks and a vaccine, in addition to the number of simple steps we can take, the school board is confident that we can have a smooth, safe school year.

Physical changes aren’t the only amendment to this new school year, however. Curriculum directors and board members announced Shoremen Academy, an online plan for students who may be in need of remedial courses or just a little extra help. Rather than last year’s virtual learning set up, where students would phone in to their classes, Avon Lake plans to use an online portal for fundamental classes. As Dr. Dibee describes, Shoremen Academy will offer both “basic graduation courses” as well as “credit recovery.” Courses will consist of some live instruction, but the majority of it will be in the form of “on demand” assignments, where students can work at their own pace. More information is to come as school begins, but Shoremen Academy is just another way the district is implementing supportive changes for the year.

It is clear that we as a school community are taking great steps to return to a normal we once knew. One thing is for certain: the school board and administration will continue to prioritize the safety and well being of students and staff alike. And at the high school, as Principal Mr. May articulates, the goal is normalcy He puts it best, saying “My hope is that the new normal gradually becomes the old normal.”