Buckeye Career Center to return to full in-person learning week of March 15

By Mitch Spinell

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio - Buckeye Career Center announced on Wednesday that students would return to full, in-person learning on Wednesday, March 17.

The students will initially be split into two groups, with Group A juniors and seniors reporting on Monday, March 15 and Group B juniors and senors reporting on Tuesday, March 16.

The initial set-up, according to B.C.C., will allow the school to return to a regular nine-hour schedule, allowing students to participate in lab for four periods each day, while completing academics and lunch during other periods.

Students were currently in lab for the etirety of two or three days each week, while completing academics remotely away from the school.

"We feel it is very important to return all students to our standard learning environment after several months of a hybrid, remote and in-person model," said B.C.C. Superintendent Bob Alsept. "Research shows that the student population is the least susceptible group when it comes to contracting COVID-19. It also shows that our numbers locally have decreased significantly and cases at BCC have also fallen."

According to the Tuscarawas County Health Department's latest situational report from March 5, total active COVID cases in Tuscarawas County were checked at 202, down from 399 back on February 12.

Parents and families of students have received an all-call with information regarding the plan. Students will be in session for two weeks until the school's spring break period the week of March 29, which would allow administrators review and potential re-evaluation procedures, if necessary.

Face coverings will be rquired and social distancing will be observd, while public service operations will remain closed for now.