The following letter was provided by Dr. Greg Denecker, Superintendent of Bluffton Exempted Village Schools.

Dear Parents and Students-

First, I want to thank you for your understanding and patience as we have been preparing for this school year. While we are looking forward to returning to a sense of normalcy this year, we are also continuing to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation. Below is a list of precautions we will be taking to help ensure the wellbeing of students and staff. Please keep in mind that this plan could change at any time based on the changing nature of the pandemic.

• School will begin on August 30, 2021, with in-person instruction five days a week.
• Staff and students are to self-monitor their health symptoms. Anyone with the following symptoms must stay home: temperature over 100 degrees, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea/vomiting or diarrhea. Perfect attendance awards will not be given out this year.
• We will continue to promote handwashing, the appropriate use of hand sanitizer, and good hygiene practices.
• The Ohio Department of Health has recommended masking in school settings for all individuals. With that said, masks are not required, except on school busses.
• It is a federal mandate that all students wear a mask when riding on the school bus. Masks will be provided if needed.
• Per ODH guidelines, anyone who has a positive COVID-19 test result will need to isolate. Close contacts are recommended to quarantine.
• Seating in the cafeteria will be distanced as much as possible. We will continue to utilize classrooms and cafeteria for breakfast/lunch to provide more distancing.
• Students will be permitted to carry a water bottle, since the drinking fountains are disabled. However, there are water fill stations in each building. ● Visitors will be kept to a minimum with approval needed from each office.
• We will continue to sanitize the building each night.
• Proper ventilation will be maintained to allow maximum air exchanges from outside air into the buildings to help prevent the spread of the virus.
• It is important that we all continue to work together as we navigate the on-going challenges presented by the pandemic. Please contact me if you have specific questions or need more clarification on Bluffton Schools’ plan for re-opening.

Sincerely,
Greg Denecker