PALATKA, Fla. – Putnam County students headed back to school Tuesday morning and, like most districts, masks are optional for students and staff.
School Superintendent Richard Surrency said a majority of the same coronavirus protocols from last school year are still in place. That includes
- A COVID-19 triage room at every school in the district
- Enhanced cleaning measures
- Limitations and screenings for visitors
It’s top of mind for school leaders that the delta variant could bring potential changes especially when it comes to masking, but for now, the choice is personal.
“We believe that staff, students, and parents can make decisions that best meet the child’s needs. If a staff member or student is not vaccinated, they have the choice to wear a mask. But again, for those who are vaccinated and who feel safe, we want them to feel like they have the option to not wear a mask at this time. But again things can change on a dime from one day to the next,” Surrency said.
Surrency added if that were to happen, the district is prepared to make changes as needed.
Parents taking their children to school Tuesday felt it was safe.
“He was very happy to go to school. He was masked up,” James Hendrigh said. “I’m concerned, but I pretty much (think) that they got the safety measures up to par. I trust in the school system.”
″They take the right preparation and stuff and making sure everybody is staying clean, wearing masks and, as long as they’re taking care of things on their end, I’m comfortable with schools doing what they need to do,” Carlos Rivera said.
For more information on Putnam County School District’s COVID-19 protocols, click here.