West Virginia Catholic schools craft ambitious re-entry plans

While many school districts are leaning toward hybrid re-entry plans for students, Catholics schools in West Virginia are going all in.

Superintendent Mary Ann Deschaine announced the decision earlier this week saying studies strongly support children returning to the classroom.

“Kids need to be in a loving environment and excited to be with their peers,” she said. “All the studies are showing kids should be with kids.”

Kids will be required to wear masks while moving around the schools.

In the actual classroom, desks will be facing forward and spaced out to adhere to social distancing.

Kids will have temperatures taken every day prior to classes.

And people coming into the building will be kept at a minimum.

“If you're sick then stay home,” Deschaine advised. “We're testing the kids when they come in. We will be taking temperatures, parents will be required to fill out documentation, we're not allowing visitors in. We're really keeping it focused on the kids this year.”

If a student or teacher tests positive for COVID-19, Deschaine said they will follow the guidelines set forth by the West Virginia Department of Education.

Everything could change at a moment's notice, but Deschaine said they're ready to adjust when needed.

But to prevent the spread of germs, electrostatic guns will be used every day, and each classroom will be equipped with cleaning materials.

“Our schools will be cleaned on a daily basis using this new tool we have," she said. “It gets into the nooks and crannies. We're also going to have the normal procedures like hand sanitizer and wipes and everything within the classroom.”

The Catholic schools are scheduled to be back in class on September 8.