Reopening Schools Safely

 Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) gave guidance to reopening schools safely.  This guidance was intended to complement previous toolkits and resources that have been provided.  Over the next couple of weeks, I will share information from the CDC as well as Team Selma’s plan to Return to Excellence by reopening our schools safely.

As I reviewed the new guidelines from the CDC, I feel a true sense of optimism.  I appreciate that part of the guidance focuses on health equity.  Team Selma’s scholars are predominantly Black and we live in a high poverty community.  Communities like Selma, have been disproportionately impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.  The CDC encourages that this be a consideration in reopening safely and we are committed to doing so.

Right now we know that our scholars need face-to-face learning and engagement.  Of particular concern is the social and emotional well-being and their overall health especially if they are not getting our grab and go meals.

Operating schools safely requires that we pay close attention to the CDC’s Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Schools. Regardless of community spread, there are five mitigations recommended.  They are 1) Universal and correct use of masks; 2) Physical distancing; 3) Handwashing and respiratory etiquette; 4) Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities; and 5) Contact tracing.  This article will address the first two.

Wearing face coverings, masks, and doing so properly has been emphasized by the CDC, the Alabama Department of Public Health and local leaders for months.  Team Selma will provide every team member and all scholars with masks.  We will also ensure that mouths and noses are covered.  Desks have plexi-glass barriers will be used that may allow for some mask breaks.

Covid-19 is transmitted through respiratory droplets.  This can occur from coughing, sneezing, singing and even talking. According to the CDC, “these droplets can cause infection when they are inhaled or deposited on mucous membranes, such as those that line the inside of the nose and mouth”. Wearing masks properly helps to mitigate this spread.

Secondly, physical distancing is recommended.  Physical or social distancing means spacing individuals out by at least six feet.  Podding and cohorting scholars are suggested strategies to help with physical distancing.  Team Selma is committed to this and will communicate specifics to families as we move forward.

Let me close by reminding everyone that we must continue to Do Our Part Everyday.  Join our DOPE campaign and let’s stop the spread of Covid-19.  Thanks so much to the dedicated professionals of Vaughn Regional Medical Center, Rural Health, Wallace Community College of Selma, the City of Selma, our own nursing staff and all others who are supporting vaccination clinics. 

I received my first shot two weeks ago at Bloch Park and it was a smooth, organized process.  We can see the light at the end of the tunnel but must remain vigilant in the meantime by continuing to follow CDC guidelines.  Stay safe and be DOPE!

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org