LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Pulaski County Special School District is leaving the decision to go back to in-person classes up to parents.
Parents will have three options to choose from:
- Traditional, five days week in a classroom
- A blended option, with two days in school and three days at home online
- One-hundred percent virtual
"Everything is changing every day so we needed to know that having options for our parents would be so important," PCSSD Spokesperson Jessica Duff said.
Duff said face masks will be required for staff and expected for students. Students will not be disciplined for not wearing one. But if they choose not to, Duff recommends parents choose the virtual option.
Face masks are considered a health issue and vital.
"Hopefully parents have been working with their kids during this time to explain to them about face coverings and the importance of it that it won't become such an issue," she said.
"If they do not want to wear a face covering, then the virtual learning is an option for them.”
The Arkansas Department of Education will be providing school employee screening kits for every school in the state per 50 employees.
Each kit will include a thermometer, masks and gloves. One disinfecting fogger machine will also be provided.
"What’s great about these school-based wellness teams is they'll kind of be the lead to help with the screening process and temperature checks in the beginning of each school day," Duff said.
Cafeterias will also only operate at 50 to 60 percent capacity. Duff asks parents to be patient with the district as they continue to sort out plans.
"Everyone wants answers but unfortunately we don't have all the answer right now but we're working diligently to get the information out to parents," she said.
Parents will have until Friday, July 24 to decide how they want to send their kids back to school this year. To take the survey, click here.