Collier County — Collier County Public Schools (CCPS) is excited to welcome back students on Monday, August 31! Whether in person or virtual, our teachers and school administrators are thrilled to be able to see their students—masks and all! And while most are looking forward to getting back to some type of normalcy, we understand that there is a bit of anxiety due to the pandemic. To ease those concerns, let’s take a moment to address just some of the many things we are doing to keep our #CCPSFamily safe.

Students and staff will be expected to wear face coverings while on campus. Face coverings provide one of the greatest protections against the spread of COVID-19. Students will receive two (2) washable face coverings from CCPS, along with one pair of safety glasses (which are highly recommended, but not required). Staff will receive three (3) washable face coverings, along with one pair of safety glasses.

Upon arrival to school, students will report directly to their classrooms. Students will no longer be permitted to gather in common areas such as courtyards or hallways. Designated stairwells and hallways will now utilize one-way traffic patterns. When walking through a designated traffic pattern, students should remain to the right side of the hallway.

We are asking everyone on campus to maintain social distancing whenever possible. In our classrooms, for example, desks will be distanced to the greatest extent possible, and all students will face the same direction. Keep in mind, everyone will be wearing a face mask, which is necessary when social distancing is not possible.

Water fountains will be turned off at all schools; however personal water bottles and the use of water bottle filling stations will be permitted. For our middle and high school students, there will be no student locker use.

To provide enhanced volume, clarity, and projection of a teacher’s voice and computer sound, every CCPS classroom will be equipped with an Audio Enhancement microphone and sound system. With students and teachers wearing masks, a microphone/sound system is especially important to ensure students can clearly hear their teacher.

Hand-sanitizing stations will be placed in high traffic areas (building entrances, cafeterias, media centers), and preventative supplies (hand soap, sanitizer, general-purpose cleaner) will be provided in each classroom, educational space, and common areas. Handwashing and hand-sanitizing time will be built into the schedule during transitions.

At dismissal, students will utilize designated exits to leave campus.

Keep in mind, this is just a brief snapshot of what you can expect as you return to campus. For more detailed information, including Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.collierschools.com/reopening. We are so happy to be welcoming back our #CCPSFamily!

Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we navigate through these uncertain times.