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Gov. Kay Ivey announced July 29 an extension of the amended safer-at-home order.
The extension lasts until Aug. 31, 2020, and requires masks to be worn in schools and colleges, where possible, and for employees and students in second grade and above, according to the order.
Escambia County Schools Superintendent John Knott said the order takes away any question about what is going to be required in schools at least through the end of August.
“This is really nothing new that what is already in place,” Knott said. “And it’s nothing new to what children were already being adapted to in the community. When they go to stores, they have to wear a mask in the store. We’re seeing students, for the most part, are not having any problem complying with the mask requirement. That is a part of our plan, where our students are wearing masks second grade and up.”
Knott said students are required to wear masks throughout the day, except for breakfast and lunch, and during physical education and outside activities all the while observing social-distancing guidelines.
“If we have any students that have a documented disability or documented healthcare concerns, then we’ll address those as outlined in the governor’s order,” Knott said.
Recently, the ECSS released its back-to-school plan, which includes traditional, virtual or temporary remote learning options.
Knott said he was quite encouraged by Ivey’s support for schools during her address last week.
“That’s something we feel like it’s important that we get as much normalcy as much as possible back into these kids,” he said.
Knott said countywide, the percentage of parents choosing the virtual option is something around the mid 40s.
“That may change because the first day we start virtual is Aug. 17,” he said.
Traditional, face-to-face instruction for students with last names that begin A-G begins this Fri., Aug. 7. All students with last names beginning with H-M, school begins on Aug. 10.
Those students with last names beginning with N-Z, school begins on Aug. 11.
On Aug. 12, all students will return to school for regularly-scheduled classes.
According to Atmore Advance archives, Knott said for example if a student attends school on Aug. 7, their next date for return is Aug. 10.
Atmore Christian School Headmaster Tim Battles said Monday that the school will comply with the governor’s most-recent order, requiring all students in second grade and above to wear a mask.
To read the full order, visit www.brewtonstandard.com.