Central Bucks To Offer 5-Day, In-Person Option For Elementary

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Central Bucks School District on Tuesday approved its reopening health and safety plan by a 6-3 vote. The plan now offers a traditional five-day, in-person option at the elementary level only, officials confirmed.

Last week, Superintendent John Kopicki announced there would be two options for families: a hybrid model or an online-only option.

The plan passed Tuesday now includes traditional, five-day, in-person for elementary students only, Central Bucks Communications Administrator Angela Linch confirmed to Patch.

Linch said more information would be forthcoming to families on Wednesday.

The plan was created after six action plan committees made up of teachers and staff collaborated. In addition to committee work, surveys were sent to parents and staff to gather feedback on safety and the different options for opening buildings.

Some plan highlights:

• Seating: The minimum three-feet distance or six-feet distance for the hybrid model, will be imposed to the greatest extent feasible. All desks will face the instructor. Large group instructional spaces will be utilized when class size exceeds the maximum number of desks. At the elementary level, students will be seated at a minimum of six feet apart in the cafeteria where feasible. Students will be assigned to seats within their homerooms at a minimum of six feet apart, where feasible, facing the same direction. Where possible, additional open spaces will be utilized to allow for distancing. If the use of the cafeteria and other open spaces is not feasible, students will eat in classrooms.
• Bathroom use: A schedule limiting the amount of restroom use should be implemented, where classrooms are assigned to use specific restrooms. Restroom use between periods will be discouraged.
• Lunch: The number of lunch periods should also be increased to promote social distancing. At the secondary level, students will receive a grab-and-go lunch at dismissal.
• Schedules: Bell schedules may be staggered at the secondary level and strict traffic patterns will be enforced in the hallways. Visuals may include a middle divider, arrows directing traffic, and one-way hallways where possible.
• Lockers: Locker use will be prohibited. The use of the locker rooms will be prohibited.
• Busing: Standard buses will allow for two students per seat, with students required to wear masks. Buses and vans will be disinfected weekly and high-touch areas will be cleaned with wipes between each run.
• Visitors: No visitors or volunteers will be allowed to enter the school building unless considered essential. A list of essential visitors should be maintained and updated to reflect those who are granted access. All essential visitors will be required to follow the same safety guidelines as all other school personnel.

You can view the full plan here.