Expectation for school year “like normal”

The national organization of baby doctors is recommending that, in the upcoming school year, all children wear masks. But that is not the plan next month when Oconee public schools open a new year.  Dr. Michael Thorsland, district superintendent, announced last night that the public schools are expecting a new year to be “like normal”. Which means the children and teachers are expected to report for in-class instruction for which masks will be optional.  Thorsland says the district encourages vaccinations for those children eligible.  He concedes there may be times during the year for that’ll require quarantines.  Once again, to keep down virus spread, water foundations will remain closed.  In their place will be what Thorsland describes as water bottle-filling stations, paid for by outside grants.