Copley High School reopens for in-person instruction

After Copley students were released in March due to COVID-19, many did not expect to return to school in the fall. In September, Copley-Fairlawn City Schools Superintendent Brian Poe made a final recommendation to the Copley-Fairlawn Board of Education, which signed off on the decision to bring students back into the building for the 2020-21 school year. The administrative team worked together to consider the safety and interests of students and staff during the decision making process.

Before the district reopened, the administrative team reviewed the most recent information from the Summit County Health Department. There was a two week downward trend in the data, providing a gateway for Copley-Fairlawn schools to reopen. However, before the reopening, a comprehensive plan had to be made for the five school buildings in the district. Each building adjusted policies and procedures to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19.

“The biggest thing [helping to prevent the spread] is spacing—having six feet between students,” Principal Eric Smith said. “The other huge one is having masks on.”

Along with these safety measures, hand sanitizing stations were installed in every restroom, classroom and throughout the hallways. Custodians can be seen spraying frequently touched surfaces with hospital-grade atomizer, a disinfectant that cleans the areas that students have previously been near.

The procedures that have been incorporated into Copley’s regular routine have brought several benefits to the facility. Not only is the building more sanitary, but students and staff now have a chance to participate in face-to-face instruction.

“I think we did it the right way,” Smith said. “I think it’s good for the overall health of our students. Not just thinking physically, but also the mental, social and emotional health of our students.”

Smith is not the only one who acknowledges the benefits of returning to in-person instruction. Social studies teacher Heather Estright believes that teaching in person is easier and more beneficial for students and fellow teachers.

“I think that it's helpful to see students in person and I think it’s helpful for them to see teachers,” Estright said. “I can physically see what the issues are and work through those with the students.”

Although the district has established safety regulations with the students and families in mind, there have still been some challenges associated with the opening. According to Smith, one of the hardest tasks is to monitor everyone to make sure they are following the plan when entering the building. The administration has tried its best to respond to uncertainty and changes in public understanding of COVID-19 with the most recent information and best practices.

“A big thank you to our families and students for following the protocols that we established for communicating their concerns so we knew how to address what’s going on in the building,” Smith said. “Especially for the students, since they are the ones here every day, I would just have to say thank you for following the procedures that are in place."