As parents all around the country gear up to send their kids back into the classrooms, here in Erie County districts are figuring out the same thing. Earlier in the week, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper said it will be up to school districts whether or not they require masks inside the classroom. 

For the Erie Catholic School System, they put their plan of action up on their website. Students are going to have their temperatures taken and COVID symptoms monitored at home by parents. When you put your child on the school bus remember the masks. Those are required while riding the physical bus. Every time students or staff enter a building they're going to need to sanitize. Jane Wagner is the Principal at Blessed Sacrament. She explains how last year really helped prepare her students and staff for what they need to expect this year. 

"I don't think it's going to be as challenging this school year only because all of the preparation we did last school year. Like I said earlier, it seems like there was no end to the school year last year and it's been the same way this year, no end," explains Wagner. 

According the Wagner, Erie Catholic School System is committed to one hundred percent in person classes and ensuring the safety for all students and staff. As for masks, it'll be up to parents whether or not they want their child to wear a mask all day long. 

"A layered approach is the best approach and that's exactly what we're doing," says Wagner. 

A multi-layered approach to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the Erie Catholic School Systems website.  According to Wagner, this worked for her school last year. They plan on implementing three feet of spacing between other desks and those walking around in the hallway. Other things, like hand sanitizing and encouraging students and staff to wear mask is what Wagner feels will help slow the spread the best.

"Last year, we were in the classroom making sure everyone is socially distanced, the desks were spaced. We did the same thing in the hall, with 'Pause on the Paws' so the students knew where six feet apart was. Those are all still in place. The cafeteria is going to be socially distanced, too," says Wagner. 

Wagner says she's proud that her school had very low COVID cases. She thinks these protocols they followed last year will help in keeping students and staff safe from the virus.

"It worked last year. All the things we did worked in keeping any kind of COVID spread from happening in our building. It's not that we didn't have students or faculty that had COVID, we did have that. But it didn't spread in the classroom," says Wagner. 

You can find all information on the Erie Catholic School Systems website by clicking here.