Classrooms in the Horry County (S.C.) school district are getting plexiglass around their desks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
WBTW-TV reports that Aynor Elementary School in Aynor, S.C., is the first location where the district has finished the plexiglass installation. Horry County is spending $5.2 million in state and federal funds to install the plexiglass at all its schools.
When teacher Ashley Poston’s first grade students returned to class after Thanksgiving, their desks were surrounded by tall plexiglass barriers.
“When I first walked in, it was different, but of course I’m excited that our children are going to be as safe as they can be,” said Poston. “A little bit of glass is not going to separate me from my students.”
It took about two weeks to install all the barriers at Aynor.
The district says the plexiglass will help schools safely resume in-person classes five days a week. Youngest students would likely be the first to return.
Like other elementary schools, Aynor students stay in the same classroom during the school day.
Students still have to wear masks in class. The state Department of Health and Enviromental Control advises that they sit three feet apart.
Horry County schools are using a hybrid schedule, which means students go to school twice a week and the classroom is only half full.
Green Sea, Loris and South Conway elementary schools will be the next campuses in the district to complete their plexiglass installation. The district’s goal is to finish all elementary schools by Dec. 23.
VIDEO from WBTW-TV:
