Cardinal

Learning: In-person

Masks: Optional

Cardinal Community School District students and staff will be highly encouraged but not required to wear masks when classes begin Aug. 26. The district has discussed various scenarios incorporating virtual learning but thus far is planning on holding in-person classes.

According to information on the school district's website, students will eat breakfast and lunch in their classroom as opposed to the cafeteria, to avoid large gathers where physical distancing and wearing masks is difficult. Middle school students can pick up a grab-and-go lunch by the middle school gym and return to their first-hour class, while high school students can pick up a grab-and-go lunch in the lounge.

Each classroom will go through the food service line socially distanced. The younger grades may have their food delivered to the classroom. Certain special classes will be different this year. For instance, art and music classes at the elementary level will be held in the classrooms, and the students will use their own supplies and not share materials.

Items that have to be shared will be disinfected after each use. Physical education classes will be held with no equipment and focus on agility and aerobic activity.

Cardinal is asking parents to drive their child to school if possible to reduce the number of children riding the bus. Upon entering the school, students must either wash their hands or use the hand sanitizer located in the entrance of the building or in their classroom. Students will be expected to wash their hands frequently throughout the day.

Parents have the option of keeping their children home for the school year and do their coursework online. Attendance and grades will be taken each day, and the required online learning will include recorded lectures, classroom discussions and opportunities for online assessments.

– Andy Hallman