FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
CHANGES IN THE SCHOOL DAY ARE ANTICIPATED
The first day of school is right around the corner. For Orange and Seminole counties, the first day of the school year is Aug. 10!
SO YOU CAN KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD 3 ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOUR KIDS BUSY IN THE CAR
As of June 11, public schools are scheduled to reopen at full capacity for the traditional school year. The Orange County Public Schools 2020–21 school year survey results showed that 37% of parents and 33% of school employees want children to return to school as long as there are safety measures in place. What are those safety measures? The schools are continuing to work on developing risk mitigation strategies for their reopening, which could include redesigning the school day to reduce risks. The Florida Department of Education has suggested the following:
Your family might not be taking many road trips this summer, but keeping your kiddos occupied even on short trips in the car can sometimes feel impossible. Few vehicles have built-in entertainment systems, and truth be told, using a smartphone or iPad to address your kids’ boredom and antics might not be the best option, especially if you’re trying to cut down on their screen time. Fortunately, some of the activities that keep kids occupied on long road trips also work for quick trips around town. Before you reach for the nearest screen to keep your kids from picking on one another or finding unsafe ways of entertaining themselves, try some of these constructive car activities.
• Explore allowing students to eat meals in traditional classroom space or outdoors
• Maximize distance between desks as much as possible
• Where feasible, convert cafeterias, libraries, gymnasiums, auditoriums, and/or outdoor areas into classroom spaces
ROAD TRIP BINGO
• At a minimum, schools should be supportive of students, teachers, and staff who voluntarily wear cloth face coverings
This is a tried-and-true, classic car game that still entertains kids today. You can easily make your own bingo boards with squares to mark off for road signs, construction vehicles, and other roadside sights. Plus, this activity helps kids hone their observation skills. Having some treats ready as a prize for the first kid to get a bingo will ensure everyone wants to play along!
• Consider having hand hygiene stations set up at or near school entrances and exits
• Consider staggering arrival and drop-off times to limit direct contact
DRY-ERASE ART
• Clean and disinfect surfaces using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines
Having art supplies in the car might keep your kids busy, but it can also mean dozens of crayons and colored pencils getting lost between the seat cushions. Instead, keep dry-erase boards and markers on hand for a safe art project without the clutter and mess. Plus, old plastic CD cases work as dry-erase boards!
• Educate everyone on the premises (staff and children) about when they should stay home
• Teach and reinforce hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
TOY AND BOOK BOX
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Consider the use of cloth face coverings
When the games and art projects don’t work, a box of picture books, toy cars, dolls, and other toys might prove to be the best defense against your kids’ boredom. While this fix might seem too easy, sometimes the simplest ideas work the best. Instead of having your kids play the quiet game the next time they’re acting up in the back, try some of these ideas to keep them entertained so you can keep your eyes safely on the road.
Additionally, the Florida Department of Education has encouraged all medically vulnerable students, staff, and those who live with medically vulnerable individuals to consult with their family doctor and develop a plan for their safe participation in face-to-face school settings. Schools have asked for parental input and ideas related to the face-to-face learning model. To learn more about school protocols, visit FLDOE.org. To get the latest information on staying safe during COVID-19 from the CDC, visit bit.ly/3iGIbDN.
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