OBSERVER Photo by Jo Ward Northern Chautauqua Catholic School said it plans to reopen Sept. 8 for all in-person instruction.

Northern Chautauqua Catholic School will reopen Sept. 8 for all-day, on site classes.

In a post on Facebook by Principal Andy Ludwig NCCS’ reopening plan was submitted to the state Department of Education and state Department of Health last week and approved.

In the post Ludwig stated that all students will wear masks or faceshields upon entry to our school.

“All students will have their temperatures taken upon entry to our school,” Ludwig went on to write. “Students with a 100.4 temperature will be sent home. After school building entry, students will wear masks until they are able to socially distance and/or until they are taken to their classrooms. Masks may be removed when students are able to socially distance. Dividers will be available in classrooms for extra protection and as necessary. Masks will be worn when students are moving from class to class and in situations when social distancing is not possible.”

As for lunch time extra tables will be placed in the gym providing more space for students to spread out while eating. The school will also be providing washable dividers for any students who wish to use them. The school has also placed hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrance to every room in the school building and individual 4 ounce hand sanitizer spray bottles are available upon request.

“NCCS faculty and staff will be cleaning and sanitizing the building throughout the day,” Ludwig also pointed out. “The school building will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every evening.”

As for transportation to the school that was also addressed.

“Students using public school transportation will have to abide by the busing rules set forth by their home school districts,” Ludwig wrote. “I have reached out to every local school district regarding transportation. The few superintendents who have responded to my outreach have indicated that masks and social distancing will be in play during bus rides. Please reach out to your local public school for transportation information.”

Ludwig added “school is the safest and best place for kids to learn and grow physically, intellectually and spiritually. Kids need to be in school all day every day. It is time to get back to what NCCS does best. There are calculated risks in all of life. All we can do is be on guard and do our best to be safe and to minimize those risks.”