By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Local school corporations are continuing to observe COVID-19 protocols. Masks are optional for all students and staff during the school day but are required on buses.

Listed are the protocols school corporations in Kosciusko County are following to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Tippecanoe Valley

Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation will observe the following COVID-19 protocols at the start of the school year unless state or federal mandates change:

• Masks are optional for students, staff and visitors.
• Remote learning is an option for middle and high school students. Questions and concerns can be directed to the student’s principal.
• Buses will be sanitized after each route.
• Instructional space and daily schedules will be maximized in order to promote social distancing.
• Hand-washing and the repeated use of hand sanitizer will be expected throughout the school day.
• Traditional water fountains will not be available as per the CDC guidelines.

Valley’s first student day of the school year is Friday, Aug. 13.

Warsaw

Warsaw Community Schools will observe the following COVID-19 protocols at the start of the school year unless state or federal mandates change:

• Face masks are recommended in classrooms but not required.
• Masks are required on all buses, per the Federal Department of Transportation.
• Schools will have traditional activities physically open to parents, guardians and the community.
• Professional development will be provided for staff on hygiene and sanitizing procedures as well as screening measures.
• Healthy habits such as hand washing will continue to be reinforced. Hand sanitizer stations will be available.
• Please ensure contact information with school nurses is updated. Symptomatic students waiting for pickup will be provided a separate space and a mask until leaving the building.
• Parents can partner with WCS by monitoring their child’s health, reinforcing hygiene practices, and ensuring sick students remain home.

Warsaw’s first student day of the school year is Friday, Aug. 13.

Wawasee

Wawasee Community Schools will observe the following COVID-19 protocols at the start of the school year unless state or federal mandates change:

• Face masks are optional in classrooms.
• Masks are required on all buses, per the Federal Department of Transportation.
• Schools will have traditional activities physically open to parents, guardians and the community.
• Enhanced sanitation protocols remain in effect.

Wawasee’s first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 12

Whitko

Whitko Community Schools will observe the following COVID-19 protocols at the start of the school year unless state or federal mandates change:

• Face masks are optional for students and staff during the school day.
• Masks are required on the buses.
• Water bottle fill stations will be available to students.
• Enhanced sanitation protocols remain in effect.
• Social distancing is set for three feet between individuals.

Whitko’s first student day of the school year is Thursday, Aug. 12.