Orange cones and plexiglass: Hoke County explain what 'schools will look like'

It's a question on many parents’ minds: What will my child's classroom look like in the age of physical distancing?

On Wednesday, Hoke County parents got an opportunity to view a middle school in the district to help them understand their children's new school day.

Hoke County is one of several public school districts in central North Carolina that will offer families a phased, in-classroom learning option. In this option, smaller groups of students will alternate between coming to school and learning at home.

As the video shows, strict social distancing measures will be in place for students who do return to classrooms.

The scene at East Hoke Middle School will be echoed in all Hoke public schools, according to the district. Orange traffic cones inside and outside the school will create one-way travel lanes in the hallways, and signs will be posted throughout the campus to encourage social distancing.

Face coverings will be required for everyone who enters the school, and teachers will be stationed outside to perform temperature checks and symptom screenings.

A piece of plexiglass shields the front desk from visitors, who will not be allowed past the front office.

Classrooms will be stocked with wipes, sanitizer and other disinfectants, and Hoke County Schools ordered a surplus, so they won't run out during the school year.

According to the district, custodians and maintenance workers were trained over the summer on how to properly disinfect the school. The school will be disinfected each afternoon after everyone leaves.

Half of the usual number of desks have been removed from each classroom, and remaining desks are spaced six feet apart. The extra desks have been moved to makeshift classrooms in the media center, gymnasium and cafeteria.

At East Hoke, breakfast and lunch will be served in classrooms, and no food will be served in the cafeteria. Instead, a temporary wall has been set up in the cafeteria, creating two "classrooms," allowing two classes to learn there.

Water fountains will remain open but should only be used to refill cups or bottles. No one should drink directly from the fountain.

Additional sanitizing stations have been placed in hallways and outside restrooms, which have touch-less soap and paper towel dispensers and hand dryers.

COVID-19 numbers show Hoke County reported close to 600 cases so far. About 15% of those are 17 or younger. Hoke County school officials feel those are manageable statistics.

Students who opt in will come to school twice a week for in-person instruction, get homework for two days, then go online on Fridays.

"If a family is not comfortable sending their child to school they can choose to do 100% online learning," explained Bryant.

Compared to the spring, though, virtual learning will be more structured with accountability.

Parent Angela Jennings decided she'll send her daughter to school.

"They've been stuck in the house the whole summer, so just to be able to get out of the house. But it's also important that the school follow the regulations," said Jennings.

Leaders here said if there's an outbreak, they are prepared to pivot immediately to virtual only.