Canton Public School District returns to in-person learning

By Courtney Warren

After many months of virtual learning, CPSD returned to in-person learning.

Superintendent Gary Hannah shares important updates after the district’s first week of in-person instruction.

“We’ve had a few hiccups this week, some that are to be expected with the start of a new school year, and some are new to us as we experience in-person learning under the cloud of COVID,” said Hannah.

Dr. Sharon Brown was recently named COVID Coordinator for the district.

After the first week of school, CPSD had 14 students who had tested positive for the virus and five teachers who tested positive. Forty students were quarantined.

“We are working diligently to keep our students safe. Parents, we beg you - if your student is showing symptoms or has been around someone that has tested positive, please keep them quarantined until you can have them tested,” said Hannah.

He stressed to parents that the district is cleaning and disinfecting all areas of the schools, as well as mandating mask usage.

“We need your help in ensuring symptomatic students are not in the classrooms,” said Hannah.

“Your children are our number one priority, and their health and comfort is of the utmost importance to us. Our doors and phone lines are always open. Our strength is in unity; and, with that unity, our district will continue to thrive,” he said.

With controversy all over the country regarding mask mandates in the public school system, many districts have been victim to verbal abuse from parents and even protests and assaults after board meetings.

However, CPSD continues to focus on positivity, unity, and the health and safety of their students. All students returned to the CPSD wearing masks.

According to the schools’ Plan for Safe Return, “Our district has also employed a Lead Nurse, who will be available daily to assist in health screening, evaluating symptoms, and helping schools implement safety measures. Staff and students will undergo temperature checks daily at each site. All students and staff of the Canton Public School District are required to always wear masks, and masks will be provided for all students.”

In regards to athletic events, a concern due to large crowds, the district wrote, “The Canton Public School District’s Athletic Department will provide temperature scanning stations and sanitizing products for usage to ensure that all participating athletes wear masks during the designated times. During indoor activities, masks will be mandatory. After all indoor athletic contest/practice sessions, sanitizing will occur by using a Backpack Electrostatic Sprayer once the areas have been vacated.”