INDIANAPOLIS — All 11 Marion County public school systems are reopening and starting the new school year as scheduled. Superintendents made the announcement Wednesday morning. Each school system has its own plan to keep students and staff safe from the coronavirus.
13News found the Wayne Township School superintendent helping hand out free lunches to parents who were just finding out that school will open on schedule.
Nichelle Miles has five kids and one question.
"How will they keep themselves safe if they are back in the classroom?" she asked.
Lots of ways, according to superintendent Dr. Jeff Butts.
"Our schools will be safer than many of the events I've been too in recent weeks," he said. "We will be conscientious about disinfectant and following protocols."
Safety protocols include face masks. Students won't have to have to wear them. Masks will be recommended and only in some situations required.
"Especially when we can't socially distance or have one-on-one situations occur," Butts said.
Keeping kids socially distant, at least 6 feet from each other, will be nearly impossible.
Extra furniture will be moved from classrooms to give students at least some additional space.
Schedules will change so students spend less time in the hallways mingling with kids from other classes. To make the cafeteria less crowded, prepackaged lunches may be delivered to some classrooms.
Transportation is another concern.
School buses have seats for 60 or 70 students but under the rules of social distancing, they should carry only 12 or 13.
Wayne Township buses will carry their typical number children. Instead of sitting 6 feet apart, they will sit in assigned seats.
"We will know where children are sitting every single day and who is sitting by them, so if we do have a case, we will be able to contact trace more easily," Butts said.
Parents will have the option of keeping their children out of school. Wayne Township is offering them an improved eLearning program, so students can learn at home.
"We'd love to have all our children back at school." Butts said. "We also know there are some students who physically are not able to because of medical considerations they have and quite frankly, there are parents who aren't ready to send their kids back."
The plan is waiting the approval of the Marion County Public Health Department. The new school year begins in 5 weeks.