BVSD announces phase 2 of return-to-school plan

The Brandon Valley School District announced the next phase of its return-to-school plan last week.

The three-part plan, which was developed in response to concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, is a flexible document published on the district’s website that spans the three months leading up to the start of the school year in August.

Phase 2 covers July and limits participation in district-sponsored activities to 50 percent occupancy. 

In June, the district limited spaces to 10 people or less. With a 30-student capacity in most classrooms, that number has been increased to around 15, said Supt. Dr. Jarod Larson.

Graduation, which is set for July 19 at the high school, will also have limited attendance.

The ceremony is set for 2 p.m. that Sunday, said Dr. Jarod Larson, but the administration is still determining where it will be held, depending on what space is best suited for the ceremony and the number of people allowed to attend.

“A lot is still to be determined,” he said.

The official announcement, he said, will be shared with BVSD constituents soon.  

Summer school and driver’s ed will be held in July as usual, with all school facilities routinely sanitized when in use.

Phase 2 also specifies that cloth masks are recommended for drivers and riders regarding transportation services for mandatory programs. 

The plan also prohibits outside organizations from using the BVSD indoor facilities with the exception of essential childcare services.  

These stipulations apply to the month of July. A decision regarding summer programming and outside organization facility use for August will be made on July 17.

For more information, visit brandonvalley.k12.sd.us/covid/Summer2020.