Return to school includes self-screen app for virus symptoms
In-person classes start March 1
Students and staff returning to in-person learning at Royal Oak Schools next month will use a health app to stay within state health recommendations against the spread of COVID-19.
The school district is using an app from Clear to Go!, a Rochester-based software firm.
Oakland County also has a contract with Clear to Go!, for use by hundreds of restaurants and other businesses.
In Royal Oak, in-person classes start March 1. About 50 percent of the district’s students in grades 6 to 12 are choosing to return to in-person hybrid learning, which combines classes with remote learning on alternate days, said Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick.
Participation for in-person learning for students at the district’s six elementary schools is from 65 percent to 75 percent, depending on the individual school.
“I think our high school and middle school students are more independent and have found a routine with remote learning they are comfortable with,” Fitzpatrick said. “The elementary students are craving that in-person interaction and being back at school with hands-on learning, and in class with their friends and teachers.”
Lindsay Warren, a Royal Oak mother, said her 9-year-old son is returning to hybrid in-person learning at Northwood Elementary when classes start.
“Since it’s only two days a week and I know most teachers are getting vaccinated, I think it’s a win-win,” Warren said. “The teachers will be safe and my thought for the students is this will be good for their mental health and their physical health where they will have recess again and see their friends … and as a single mom I’m excited for a little break.”
The vast majority of teachers at Royal Oak Schools seeking COVID-19 vaccine shots have already gotten their first shots, Fitzpatrick said.
The district has asked families to set up Clear to Go! Apps when they are notified by email. Students in clubs, athletics or other school group activities also have to use the app.
Preschool and elementary students have to have their daily screenings for COVID-19 symptoms or possible exposure completed by their families.
Middle and high school students may complete their own screenings each day if they are enabled to do so, school officials said.
Information from the app offers families and school officials guidelines to follow in addition to keeping everyone aware of the potential exposure everyone faces, Fitzpatrick said.
“The data will be useful for our building administrators as we return to inperson learning,” she said. “Screening is really meant to keep those who are ill at home, and keep us up to date on who could not pass screening. That will be tracked by the district.”
School officials anticipate that the return to school will be exciting for staff and students.
“But it’s going to be very different,” Fitzpatrick said. “This will be our students’ first chance to be in school in a year. I think when students get to see their friends and teachers in person it will be reassuring and seem more normal.”