When the second quarter opens Monday for the Rock Island schools, students will do something they haven't done for 2 1/2 months - physically go to school. Classes have been held remotely for the district's 6,300 students since early August.
Superintendent Reginald Lawrence says, with some modifications, the classrooms and buildings are ready for students and teachers again.
"We've been looking at data and even though we hear a lot about more individuals going to hospitals and cases, our positivity rates are still lower than that peak we had about 7.7 per cent several weeks ago, and our schools are prepared."
Under the "blended learning plan," half the students will attend Monday and Tuesday, with the other half on Thursday and Friday. Each Wednesday will be a remote day for all.
"We're going to do everything possible to keep our doors open and we want to stay open for the year - we don't want to do two days or two weeks and then have to revert back to remote learning. We're going to hope that our parents will work with us by insuring their kids are wearing their masks and if students have symptoms of covid, we would strongly encourage our parents not to send them to school."
Doctor Lawrence says students must wear masks and have their temperatures checked every morning. They'll eat breakfast in their classrooms, and be handed a "grab and go lunch" when classes end at 12:30.
