With students returning to classes on Wednesday, August 12, there were concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and safety measures that have been taken to ensure a safe return. Choctaw County School District Glen Beard, reported a good start to the new school year, and stated how much he appreciates the efforts of teachers and parents. One of the major concerns is social distancing and how that would be achieved on the buses. Beard said that any parents who could had been asked to bring their children to school, and they have done an outstanding job, although it might be inconvenient. Due to their effort Beard said, ìWe don’t have full buses, but we can spread them out. We have a 70-75 capacity bus with about 30, and that helps a lot.î Complying with the statewide mask mandate, Beard said their students are ìdoing a phenomenal job.î There had been questions about how to get younger students to wear a mask, but even down to Pre-K, they are doing an excellent job. At Choctaw County High School, there are no classes with more than 20 students so social distancing has not been a problem. In addition, about 190 of the district’s 1,250 students have opted for distance-learning. Beard said that helps with class sizes, but nothing takes the place of having the students in the classroom. However, they do understand the need for some students to distance-learn. He added that even though there have been no COVID related issues, flu season is just around the corner and preparations must be made to deal with it. He said, “We never anticipated a time that with every sore throat we pray that it is strep.” Beard stated they are taking things one day at a time, and trying to prepare for whatever comes.
