In the summer of 2020, then Superintendent Don DeWeese of the Community Schools of Frankfort and Assistant Superintendent Joel McKinney would have what they termed “clear path” conversations. Was there a clear path to having in-person school on time in August for CSF schools despite the COVID-19 virus? While both could not see a clear path, there was a commitment to making it happen.
As the 2019-2020 school year came to a virtual close, DeWeese and McKinney began developing the Safe Return to School Plan. Throughout the summer months, individuals from various departments within the school system worked collaboratively in order to provide that “clear path” for students to return in August. This 15-page document covered as many possibilities as were known to us at the time.
Through the commitment of the staff of each school, who returned two days early for Safe Return to School training, this plan was implemented before the first day of school. As a result of this commitment, Blue Ridge Primary, Green Meadows Intermediate, and Suncrest Elementary Schools did not miss a single day of in-person instruction due to COVID-19. Frankfort Middle School and High School transitioned to e-learning for brief periods of time, but returned to in-person as quickly as possible.
All of the elementary principals in the district praised the plan. Blue Ridge Primary School Principal Karie Cloe said of the plan, “Our SRTS Plan ensured students were able to attend school in-person! This allowed students to grow not only academically, but also socially.”
Brian Johnson, Principal at Green Meadows Intermediate added, “The CSF Safe Return to School Plan was well thought out and detailed. By implementing the plan and following it closely, Green Meadows was able to limit the number of students and staff out of school due to COVID-related absences. The Green Meadows school community, students, staff, and families, did a great job of following the plan allowing us to have a successful school year during difficult circumstances.”
Having finished the 2019-2020 school year virtually, it was of utmost importance to have students in the classroom as much as possible. The uncertainty of COVID-19 and its impact on the community played a tremendous role in the planning for 2020-2021. Careful planning and attention to detail, however, provided that “clear path” for which DeWeese and McKinney had been searching.
FHS Principal Cindy Long said of the plan, “The SRTS plan clearly outlined to all (students, families, and employees) the required protocols for keeping all of us as safe as possible. With clear direction, we were able to confidently move forward with having a successful school year. All involved knew what safety protocols to expect, which made participating within those confines easier.”
On Saturday, May 29, Frankfort High School had an in-person graduation ceremony for the class of 2021. In August, 2020, not many people could foresee such an event occurring. Here’s to “clear paths” and committed staff and students!