Columbia County school closures, coronavirus concerns

DAYTON—On Monday, March 16, Dayton Schools Superintendent Doug Johnson announced Dayton schools, athletics, activities, and clubs are closed to student participation beginning on Tuesday, Mar. 17 through Friday, April 24.

In his statement to the community Johnson said, “We know this mandated closure may create hardships for many families, and we plan to do our best to serve you during these challenging times.”

Johnson said parent teacher conferences will most likely take place remotely, via phone, email, or through video conferencing.

The state assessment program has been cancelled for this year and the school year is likely to be extended until June 19. Other attendance requirements will likely be waived and there will be no other “make-up” days, he said.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has announced graduation dates for seniors will be honored. Dayton Seniors will graduate on June 6, he said.

“It is important for seniors to hit the ground running when we return to school, and make sure they keep up with their studies from April 27, until graduation. Credits will be earned based on the work done thus far, and pick up again on April 27,” he said.

The food service team is continuing to make breakfast and lunch meals available to students.

“At this time, we are looking to do some deliveries using bus stop locations, as well as possible pick up from school. We encourage students to eat at home to encourage social distancing,” Johnson said.

Sending assignments home to students is challenging because not all families have access to a computer and Johnson said school staff are looking into paper and pencil activities.

“At this time, the best guidance we can provide is to have children of all ages engaged in reading and writing activities appropriate to their age. Writing letters to relatives, reading the newspaper, or books are excellent opportunities to extend their learning. Whenever possible, have the child to share with a parent or sibling what they have read about and discuss any questions they might have.

Johnson said the District is working with the Columbia County Health System, the Sheriff’s Department, and the Fire District to organize child-care for employees.

“These are very, very strange times,” said Jim Pearson, Director of the afterschool program at The Club, Pearson said the decision has been made to close The Club for six weeks, or until the County Health Department determines it is safe to re-open.

Pearson said when the Dayton School District announced school closures on Friday, March 13, because of concerns about COVID-19, it quickly became clear The Club would be closing, too.

Pearson cited a lack of funds to run an all-day program, transportation issues, staff health concerns, and the need to send the right message, one of civic responsibility, as factors in the decision to close the facility.

Pearson said, “This was an extremely difficult decision to make. The Club is a safe gathering place for kids in our community, especially those that need us most.”

“To close our doors to them is nothing short of heartbreaking. But given the current requirements on group sizes and social distancing, there is little other choice at this time,” he said.

Pearson said he expected students attending The Club to be upset at the school and afterschool program closures.

“On the contrary, it felt like to them like the last day of school,” he said.

Pearson said he thought the students will be more than happy when the rosy glow of freedom wears off and they get to return to their regular schedule.