Back to School in Uncommon Times

The district's goal is to keep school open but proper protection is required to keep eveyrone safe!

BY RYAN SPELTS

With schools preparing to reopen later this month, we checked in with the school district to find out what the plans and precautions are during this unprecedented time. First and foremost, schools will be following state and local health department guidelines at schools.

The goal is to open Weber School District in a safe way. While the district shares the desire we all have to see a safe and effective vaccine that can defeat the virus, it hasn’t happened yet. It becomes imperative that the schools use proper protections to the extent possible to protect students, faculty, staff, and families at home. The district’s goal it to keep schools open, make sporting events available, allow extracurricular activities to be accessible, as well as field trips, dances, and graduation. The only way any of this will remain possible is for everyone to take personal responsibility to protect themselves and those around them. First and foremost, if anyone experiences flu like symptoms, (e.g., fever, cough, chills, nausea, etc.) STAY HOME! The high school attendance credit has been suspended this year, so stay home and stop the spread. It is the same in all schools: there is no attendance awards this year. A higher emphasis will be placed on facility sanitation, including the regular cleaning of touch points and horizontal surface areas. There will also be hand sanitation stations throughout the schools, and students will be encouraged to wash their hands regularly. Face coverings will be required and provided by the school district. Every student will receive one, and it will be in school colors with a logo on it. They will be reusable and washable. Teachers will have face shields so that students can still see their faces. The district is also willing to support those who choose to keep their children home with at-home learning support. Teachers have worked all summer, building online coursework and learning management systems. Students will be able to stay connected to their teachers while learning from home.

*information in this article was taken from a letter written by Jeff M Stephens, Superintendent: Weber School District.

Local Author Finalist for President’s Book Award 2020

BY ANN (A.J.) PARK

In just a few more days, the Florida Authors and Publishers Association will be announcing the results of their prestigious annual President’s Book Award Contest. I’m so excited to be one of the finalists. It’s a great honor just to make the top three. But gold, silver or bronze—? I’ll just have to wait and see. My family and I have lived in Pleasant View for twelve years, and we love this area. Our friends and neighbors are wonderful, and everyone has been very supportive as I’ve dived into this new venture. I truly appreciate everyone who’s read and reviewed my book, as well as so many who have offered encouragement. Thanks! Writing and publishing books has been my dream for over thirty years. It’s been a goal that I kept working toward no matter what else happened in my life. It’s been a long road, and I’ve had to learn each step as I go. But my itch to keep writing is always there. I want to create stories that capture the imagination, stories that are fun, adventurous, and exciting; a journey that readers can enjoy taking, over and over again. I worked with Tara Alemany of Emerald Lake Books in Connecticut, and she and her team did an amazing job helping me get War’s Ending ready for publication. Brian Halley of Bookcreatives.com designed the cover. I love his work.

Just to tell you a little about the story...

A courageous noblewoman. A mysterious stranger. A war that may destroy them both… As the king’s niece, Shalyrie can’t wait to explore her kingdom’s colonies with her uncle. But when she’s badly injured in a savage raid and abducted by mysterious masked horsemen, she’s stunned when her captors heal her wounds. As she adjusts her preconceptions, a terrifying attempt on her life reveals that her own people are trying to kill her. Kalleck expects to die fighting a hopeless war like his father before him. While he helps Shalyrie piece together clues behind the assassination attempt, her very presence escalates tension between the kingdom and the colony. With time running out, Kalleck knows he must act quickly to prevent innocent bloodshed, yet Shalyrie might be the only one who can end the war. Can two enemies join forces to put an end to a devastating war?

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REVIEWS:

I read this book in 4 days. I would have called in sick to my primary job of being a mom if I could have, and it would have taken less time to finish it. I laughed, I cried, and my heart raced during the intense parts. Seriously, such a good book!! I have my favorite books that are like a good movie to me, I read them once or twice a year. This book made the list. Can’t wait for the next book A. J. Park writes. -Melissa Spelts

War’s Ending by A.J. Park is a wellwritten novel that will delight fans of fantasy, with a powerful plot, an exciting setting, and memorable characters.

- Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

Enthralling YA fantasy novel

Get your copy!

Available on

Amazon or https://emeraldlakebooks.com/wars-ending/

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