Dear Parents, Guardians, Students, and Community Members,

As we quickly approach the end of summer and the beginning of the fall school semester, I wanted to reach out and let you know about where we are with our preliminary plans for starting school in August. As I am sure you understand, this is a fluid and changing situation in which we are waiting for a definitive direction from the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the Prowers County Department of Public Health. These directives will be instrumental in our specific plans and procedures for returning to school in August. It is our intention and current plan to return to in-person at the beginning of the school year. How this may look in policy and procedure is what we are trying to determine for all our stakeholders.

Due to Governor Polis' orders dated July 17, 2020, that everyone, ages 11 and up, must wear a mask while in public indoor spaces, we must assume that masks will be required, at least for a short period, in the school. This order is set to expire in 30 days, but it is unclear if it will be extended statewide at the end of the order, mandated for schools beyond the 30 days, or how this order will affect how we return to school in August. It is our desire that masks will soon be optional for students and staff. However, if the mandate is extended that masks must be worn by part or all of the staff and student body, we will need to comply. We will work closely with the state and local public health agencies to insure that all students and staff are able to comply with the regulations, while still protecting the individual beliefs, safety and needs of everyone involved.

I realize that you have many questions and uncertainties in such areas as busing, entering and exiting the school, student protective equipment, health screening of students, athletics, school meals, and other areas of the school day that will need to be answered. I am reluctant to issue our final procedures until we have more definitive answers from the regulatory agencies. By waiting, I am hoping to avoid having to have to rescind or reissue if more information becomes available or mandates are issued.

It is our intention to make sure we have health screenings (temperature check and health questions), for all students prior to getting on a bus or entering the school. Granada Schools intends to have specific entrance and exit doors to the building, minimize outside visitors in the hallways and classrooms, and have designated traffic patterns to assist in social distancing where possible. The specific procedures are still being developed for a smooth and effective implementation.

Increased and expanded cleaning and sanitization will be implemented throughout the school, classrooms, and playground areas. Students and staff will be encouraged to use hand sanitizer and to wash their hands frequently.

Hand sanitizer dispensers will be located throughout the school and students/staff will be allowed to bring their own.

Friday's will be used to further implement deep cleaning to classrooms and student areas.

Again, I will release our specific plan and procedures as soon as we have the information available. I appreciate your patience as we endeavor to create a safe return to school and learning environments for our students.

Respectfully,

Ty Jay Kemp

Superintendent

Granada School District RE-1