Construction, crowding and COVID-19

As the number of COVID-19 cases decrease, questions around the safety of returning to campus are growing

BY MAYA SHAH, STAFF WRITER

Miami-Dade County (MDC) entered Phase II of the reopening plan on Sept. 14, leading MiamiDade County Public Schools (MDCPS) to announce the physical return of students to schools. This information has prompted concerns from parents, students and faculty about overcrowding given the on-going construction happening at school. With approximately 3,600 students and an inoperative building still in the process of remodeling, the question of how students could effectively social-distance to ensure safety still arises.

While many feel apprehensive towards the possibility of sending thousands to school in the midst of contruction, the school’s principal, Tony Ullivarri, expects construction of the new building to be completed by Oct. 26 and available for use once the final inspection is cleared. Other renovations such as updated stairwells and hallways have already been completed.

Along with these renewals will be directional signs for hallways and staircases, and signs reminding students of hygiene protocols and immediately reporting any symptoms. Additional cleaning protocols will be enforced and the number of students allowed in each classroom will also be limited.

There will also be new protocols for safe bus transportation of students. Face coverings will be required, seating will be limited to one person per row, there will be an installation of hand sanitizing stations at the entrance of school buses and increased sanitation between morning and afternoon routes.

“I am hopeful for a safe return to school and an opportunity to interact with the students and staff once it is safe to do so,” Ullivari said. “I want to continue to build on the traditions and excellence at the school.”

MDCPS Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced the staggered reopening plan via MDCPS social media, website and the televised school board meeting that occurred Tuesday, Sept. 29.

The first grades to return will be the youngest MDCPS students which includes Pre-K through first grade and all ESE modified curriculum students on Oct. 5. The remaining elementary grades will return along with sixth graders and high school grades nine and 10 return on Oct. 7. On Oct. 9 grades seven, eight, 11 and 12 will join physically. Students who chose to attend physically will go on campus five days a week, while the remainder of students will continue with virtual instruction.

“I personally believe the school board was impatient when voting to reopen schools so soon and that in this decision the students and teachers’ health were not prioritized,” freshman Alessandro Moran said.

In July, a survey was sent out through the MDCPS parent portal on whether families preferred for their children to return to the campus or stay virtual during Phase II of the next school year until it is safe for everyone to return once again.

Those who have since changed their minds about returning to school physically have the option to switch to virtual learning. As for the students who wish to convert from online to physical school, they will be placed on a waiting list and will be allowed to return to school based on the current capacity. If the July survey was not submitted, the student will continue learning from home. The MDCPS Student Portal and mobile app can be used to check which enrollment status a student currently has.

“Since I live with my grandparents I will not be returning to school in person to limit my chances of catching the virus, since we have such a densely populated school,” junior Princesa Madriz said. “I am glad I still have the option to continue my studies from home.”

After the drastic changes that have followed the COVID-19 pandemic, many hope the return dates are a stride towards normalcy.