Paris, Tenn.–The Henry County Schools board members and school officials had the safe opening of school on their minds when the board met Thursday evening.
County Director of Schools Dr. Leah Watkins said, “Barring significant changes in Henry County’s Covid-19 cases, we are still planning on returning to school in face-to-face format (with planned precautions in place) on August 3rd.”
School officials have developed a four-tiered plan for how schools will open. The school opening plan “is an evolving document,” Dr. Watkins said, subject to change.
Under the green tier, there would be no COVID-19 cases in the county and schools would open at usual.
Under the yellow tier, under which the school district is operating now, there is a low spread of COVID-19 in the community. Dr. Watkins said the school district is expected to begin under the yellow tier under which students would attend school as usual, but with several safety precautions in place.
Among other precautions, there will be hand sanitizer stations set up at school entrances and exits, on buses and high traffic areas within the school buildings. Enhanced distancing will be implemented. Face masks may be required of bus drivers and food service workers. No assemblies will be held. Only local field trips would be taken.
Under the yellow tier as currently drawn out, students would not be required to wear masks. Temperatures may be taken and athletic programs will follow TSSAA guidelines.
In other business, the board honored staff and faculty who are retiring, including Amy Veazey, Mo Boyd, Patsy Barrow, Robin Dawson, Charlotte King, Chris Lewis, and Mary Ann Pugh.
Photo: Harrelson Principal Maria Cox and teachers Alayna Russell and Colby Prosser discuss reopening schools at Thursday night’s meeting. (HC Schools photo).
