PRINT ARTICLE

Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,

We have just completed the second quarter of the 2020-21 school year, marking a turning point for all Hancock teachers, staff and students. With an eye on the future and warmer weather on the horizon, HCS has declared that it’s now time to bring our students back to full (PreK-6) and increased in-person learning (Grades 7-12). As educators we know there’s no replacement for the special bond that forms between teachers and their students. We also recognize the unique challenges we face during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured, Hancock’s ’Cat Resurgence planning team has prepared a way for students to return to full and increased in-person learning while keeping the health, safety and welfare of everyone at the forefront.

In paving the way, Hancock has purchased additional PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including but not limited to masks, hand sanitizer and gloves. There will be desk shields placed on student desks in classrooms and in the cafeteria. This allows for an increased number of students in classrooms and common areas throughout the school day. Our nursing staff will be increased for the first week and possibly beyond, depending on needs in both buildings. Additional nurses will be on-site and ready to assist with the transition process. Furthermore, Hancock has the capacity to conduct on-site COVID testing in the event COVID data indicates Delaware County Public Health must designate Hancock as a Yellow, Orange or Red Zone. 

Transportation will utilize one run for both elementary and secondary students. Students from the same household will sit together, and there will be as much distance in seating between students as possible. PPE will be readily available on each bus, and students will continue to provide the driver with a COVID Student Survey Entry Ticket upon boarding. Masks must be worn on buses and whenever social distancing cannot be maintained.  

In the buildings, administrators, teachers and staff will be visible in the hallways as students transition between class periods, and during arrival and dismissal. Two-way traffic pattern and social distancing signage will remain in place. Staggered voice announcements also will continue as a means of minimizing the number of students transitioning between class periods at any given time.

Hancock is confident in its ability to return to full and increased in-person learning during the month of February. The protocols and procedures HCS implemented during the pandemic have proven to be highly effective. Thus, we are prepared to bring our students back more fully yet safely during the ’Cat Resurgence.

Sincerely,