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Buckeye Elementary Schools’ success vs. COVID-19 not same on all campuses

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BUCKEYE — Buckeye Elementary School District 33 is experiencing slightly more COVID-19 cases at some of its nine campuses.

There were six confirmed COVID-19 cases reported last week at Inca Elementary, along with five each at both Buckeye and Marionneaeux elementaries. There were four at WestPark Elementary; no other campus had more than one new case.

Since the school year began Aug. 4, Jasinski Elementary has had 18 cases of COVID-19, but none within the past week. Inca Elementary has had 17 total cases so far this year, while Marionneaeux has had 10.

There were no cases under investigation at the end of last week on any of the district’s eight K-8 campuses or at its preschool. There were two cases under investigation at the district’s central office.

None of the data on the district’s dashboard distinguishes which are student cases or staff.

The district is home to eight K-8 schools and a preschool, with more than 5,200 students and about 650 staff, according to its website, besd3.org.

The Independent was directed to email follow-up questions to Dr. Chad Lanese, the district’s executive director of student services. However, as of this writing. Lanese has yet to respond.

In a letter, district Superintendent Kristi Wilson asked parents to be patient with all the new obstacles presented by COVID-19.

“The challenges associated with the opening of our schools are complex, and many are challenges we have not faced before,” Wilson wrote. “We will certainly adjust our plans accordingly so that they are reflective of the most current circumstances and guidance around COVID-19 and our schools.”

The district’s COVID-19 data dashboard, which is updated every Monday, can be found here:
sites.google.com/besd33.org/besd2020-2021/besd-data-dashboard?authuser=0

Data in the dashboard reflects the previous weeks’ number of lab-confirmed positive cases by school as well as total cases for the year by school. The district issued the disclaimer that data is based upon what is shared with the district and data is current as of the time it is published.

The district’s mitigation plan includes these student “musts”:

-Complete a daily health screening that includes temperature and symptom check.

-Wear a mask while on campus.

-Maintain social distancing standards.

-Wash or sanitize hands frequently.

-Bring their digital devices.

-Maintain appropriate behavioral expectations.

The parents’ “musts” include:

-Be available (or have arrangements) for timely pick up if child is ill.

-Sign the BESD waiver form.

-Have updated registration information completed at the site their child is currently attending.

-Provide at least two emergency contacts available for student pick up within an hour.

-Wear a mask at all times when on campus.