On July 2, the El Paso County Colorado School District 49 administration announced their plan to bring students and teachers back into the classroom for the 2020-2021 school year following a semester of electronic learning because of the coronavirus.However, with changing mandates from both the state and federal government, those plans have been evolving on a near-constant basis.David Nancarrow, D 49 director of communications, in an email to ìThe New Falcon Herald,î wrote, ìThe environment is so dynamic that a hereís-whatís-going-to-happen statement is really difficult to make.îIn mid-March, the D 49 administration announced the suspension of all schools and programs for two weeks because of COVID-19, and they would begin an e-learning schedule at that time through April 30. However on April 26, the district announced e-learning would continue through the remainder of the school year.Nancarrow wrote that the district is preparing for an in-person return based around a safety system that includes physical distancing, cleaning and masks, which would be required for staff and students in grades one through 12. But as regulations and recommendations change, so too will the planned safety system.ìOur teams of planners, made up of educators, leadership and support staff, along with the board of education, are listening intently to feedback from staff and families, while simultaneously considering the very latest expert guidance from the El Paso County Public Health department, including the new recommendation to delay opening until Aug. 17 as our planning continues,î Nancarrow wrote. ìOur reopen will be like no other that we can remember, but we are committed to serving the entire D 49 family by providing our brand of excellent education in the safest way possible.îNancarrow wrote that the district will continue to update their website and other relevant pages with the latest information as they receive it and as plans are made.Stay tuned through https://d49.org
