By Jerry Bellune

JerryBellune@yahoo.com

State and Lexington County officials are planning how to open public schools in August.
State Superintendent Molly Spearman said their priorities are to protect the health, safety and wellness of everyone while giving students the best possible learning experience.
Spearman's AccelerateED task force of educators and administrators drafted a document with in-depth recommendations. 
These include hand wshing and sanitizing, face masks, where to eat lunch, how many children on school buses, nursing care at schools and other considerations.
The detailed step-by-step plan and its phases cis at http://dedicationtoeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/SCDeptEd_20_21_Reopening_KeyExcerpts.pdf
The task force:
• Worked closely with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and referred to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Examined the science and research related to the corona-virus.
• Sought advice from external experts an applied their collective expertise.
In determining how to execute a re-opening plan, we understand that these are not perfect solutions for every student, family, teacher or school district, the task force report says.
In a pandemic, perfect solutions don’t exist.
School is not going to look the same regardless of what shape and form of in-class or distance learning model is adopted. Contingencies will need to be made. 
Acceptance and understanding will need to be universal. 
The discipline and habits of people will need to change.
From rural and urban communities, to working parents and families needing childcare, every district in our state is different. Each represents unique challenges.
Knowing routines will be disrupted, AccelerateED designed recommendations to provide flexibility for school and district decisions that help get students back to school safely.