Masks will be optional for Elizabeth Forward students, staff

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com

The 2021-22 school year will be as normal as possible in the Elizabeth Forward School District under the Health and Safety plan adopted by the school board Wednesday.
“Our goal is to get back to normal as much as we can: in school five days a week, no early dismissals like we’ve been having and EF Cyber Academy,” said Superintendent Dr. Todd Keruskin during Wednesday’s board meeting.
Keruskin said masks or face shields will be optional for students and staff members. “We will keep the 3-foot social distancing where possible. We’ll be removing unused desks and furniture. As for hygiene, every room will be equipped with the supplies we had last year.”
Keruskin said water fountains will remain closed for now, though water bottle filling stations will be available. Schools will be cleaned on a daily basis, with teachers asked to keep their desktops cleared off to facilitate cleaning.
“Our goal is to get back to normal, to what it was before March 2020,” Keruskin said.
Keruskin said the district will be holding open houses at each school and will be reviewing start and dismissal times with parents.
The district will reinstate the swimming program and students will be able to use their lockers again. Most regular everyday school activities will resume, Keruskin said.
He said the one aspect that the district has no control over is the requirement for students to wear masks while on school buses.
“It’s still mandated because it’s public transportation,” Keruskin said. “We have to follow any mandates. That’s not a local decision.”
Keruskin said that when it comes to sports, activities will be in line with the health and safety plan. The concession stand will be open during football games and fans will be back in the stands.

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