Bauxite Schools FALL 2021 COVID-19 Update
During the 2020-2021 school year, Bauxite Schools implemented many protocols to encourage its students, faculty, and staff to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and commitment, we were able to continue onsite instruction all year and host important events, including a high school prom and traditional graduation. In this year’s ever-changing COVID-19 environment, including widespread access to vaccines for students aged 12 and up, as well as rapidly increasing cases in Arkansas, we look forward to fewer mandates while still offering options for those who do not feel onsite instruction is best for their family at this time.
Free COVID Vaccine Clinic:
August 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bauxite Schools will be hosting a FREE COVID vaccination clinic in the BHS cafeteria for all students aged 12 and up, staff, parents, and community members. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered to those who participate. Insurance is not required. There will be a follow-up clinic scheduled in approximately 3 weeks for the second dosage.
Masks:
At this time, masks and other face coverings are encouraged and recommended, but not required at school and on buses for students and staff.
Virtual Learning:
Although we firmly believe onsite instruction is best for students academically, socially, and emotionally, we allowed families to apply for virtual learning this March for the 2021-2022 school year. However, we understand that cases have increased over the summer, and parents who may have felt comfortable with their children returning to onsite instruction in March may no longer feel comfortable with onsite instruction. Therefore, we are going to reopen our application for virtual learning. Students who apply for virtual learning may not be accepted if they were not successful with virtual learning last year. K-6 virtual students will be in online classes with a teacher from the Dawson Co-op who will be teaching other students throughout the co-op. Virtual students in grades 7-12 will be receiving online instruction via Edgenuity, monitored by a Miner Academy teacher. Parents who wish to apply for their student to be virtual must fill out the following Google Form by Thursday, August 5 at 3 p.m. If you are uncertain if you were accepted into virtual learning, please contact your school’s office. You will be notified of our decision by Monday, Aug. 9. If you are accepted into virtual learning, there will be a mandatory zoom to attend Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m. For elementary students, the decision to be virtual will be for the entire school year, and for secondary students, success with virtual learning will be evaluated at the end of the first semester. Students who are not successful will be required to return to school in January 2022. Virtual learning will not be an option for students who have not applied by Thursday, Aug. 5.
Physical Distancing:
Athletic events will return to pre-pandemic capacities. Individuals who are not vaccinated are encouraged to maintain at least three feet of distance from others as much as possible. Students will be spaced as far apart as possible in the classrooms.
Sanitation: Hand sanitizers and water bottle-filling stations are located throughout all campuses. Students and staff are encouraged to wash their hands frequently.
Feeling Sick? Students, faculty, and staff should each continue to monitor their own health for symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Those who are experiencing symptoms should use the CDC self-check screening or check with their doctor before returning to class or work. Masks are encouraged if you are experiencing cold symptoms or other respiratory issues.
Future Restrictions: District leaders will continue to monitor the local COVID-19 situation and adjust as needed throughout the semester, whether that’s increasing or decreasing precautions. Changes to these protocols are possible with future guidance from the Arkansas Department of Health.
Open House: Open House will be held Aug. 12 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. It is an onsite Open House. Virtual students will receive a link to a mandatory zoom meeting on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m.