Getting Prepared for the New School Year

Olney ISD is planning to open schools Aug. 3. Olney ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Roach said the Aug. 3 start date may change.

“All of this can change at a moment’s notice and will depend on many constantly changing variables (executive orders from the Governor, state health department guidelines, Texas Education Agency guidelines and/or mandates, the County Judge and County health officials, as well as University Interscholastic League scheduling,” Dr. Roach stated.

The Olney Enterprise Facebook poll indicates 44 percent of respondents are for students returning Aug. 3 and 56 percent are against the return to school.

Patricia Contreras said, “How [are] they going to maintain 6 feet apart? They expect us to do that in the stores, how will that happen in a school setting. I think it will be really hard for younger kids to keep masks on.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines for schools reopening. Monitoring the use of facial masks is one of the concerns among some of the local parents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, “Face coverings may be challenging for students (especially younger students) to wear in all-day settings such as school. Face coverings should be worn by staff and students (particularly older students) as feasible, and are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult.”

Katie McPhie said, “I don’t think we give our kids enough credit. I just knew my almost 6 and 3-years-old wouldn’t wear masks while we were on vacation in Galveston and they were mandatory, but they did surprisingly well with them. They actually wanted to wear them and they left them alone for the most part.”

In addition to the concern about the use of face masks during school, social distancing is another mandate that some parents are concerned about with the COVID-19 resurgence. Olney ISD comprises 654 students, and school administrators are not concerned with overcrowded classrooms.

“You’ll see an elementary class with 10 students, which is a little less than I’d like to see; but the next year that same class may have 15 students. I don’t like to see a class with over 15 students.” said Dr. Roach.

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said in a press release, “Both as Commissioner and as a public-school parent, my No. 1 priority is the health and safety of our students, teachers and staff. That is why the guidance laid out [July 7] will provide flexibility to both parents and districts to make decisions based on the ever-changing conditions of this public health crisis. The state is and remains committed to providing a high-quality education to all Texas students, while ensuring the health and safety of students, teachers, staff and families.”

While Olney ISD plans to consider all COVID-19 compliance guidelines, Dr. Roach said he plans to do what is best for Olney ISD specifically.

“We’re trying to do stuff that fits us. We can’t care about what they’re doing in Archer City or what they’re doing in Austin, Texas. We have to care about what works and fits here, the kids we have here and the business and industry we have here. This is a good spot to be,” Roach stated.

In an effort to set reopening standards, Olney ISD wants to get feedback from parents.

“Parents of Olney ISD students have an opportunity to express their opinions on a survey regarding the reopening of school. Responses will be strongly considered as administrators plan for the 2020-2021 school year. The survey has been (or very soon will be) posted on the Olney ISD, Olney Junior High School, Olney Elementary and Olney High School Facebook pages. Parents should respond as soon as possible as results will be compiled July 14,” Jennie Harris Walker said.

“As of July 13, students under 10 are not required to wear masks. Teachers will wear masks or face shields.

Ongoing meetings will result in any changes to school start dates and a complete set of health protocol guidelines,” Dr. Roach said. He emphasized that all information regarding the reopening of schools is subject to change at a moment’s notice and will continue to change. Continue to check for updates on Facebook, Olney ISD website and the next issue of Olney Enterprise.