New policies from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the N.C. Department of Public Instruction recommend all elementary schools open for in-person learning under Plan A, which does not require 6-foot social distancing between students and teachers. Middle and high schools are encouraged to reopen in-person under Plan B, which requires 6-foot social distancing at all times.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 5, elementary schools will have the option to return to the classroom at full capacity. According to the state’s Plan A guidelines, classrooms will have no restrictions on the number of K-5 students allowed, but safety measures including mandatory face coverings, COVID-19 symptom screening and social distancing will still be required.
Statistics show that American schools throw away more than $1 billion worth of food every year. Asheville-area schools and organizations are taking some steps toward alleviating the problem.
Food access can be a huge challenge for families in WNC’s hard-to-reach rural areas — especially during summer break when children are not receiving school lunch assistance.
In two ceremonies this week, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated a specialized rescue trailer to Asheville Fire and Rescue and automatic defibrillators to Henderson County Schools.
(L – R: David Flores, Laurel Bowen, Monte Sims, Chief Scott Burnette, Donna Sims, Stacy Bowen, Barry Hendren, Jay Bettencourt Photo courtesy of Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation)
