The district is offering summer strength and conditioning training and sport-specific skill instruction on a voluntary basis, Superintendent Jeannie Stone said in a June 3 video to parents. This will be the first time students have been on campus in an official capacity since transitioning to remote learning in March, she added.
“This is our first step in regards to reentry into our schools,” Stone said in the video.
The programs will look different from past summers, Athletic Director Leslie Slovak said.
“RISD wants you to feel confident and comfortable during these uncertain times if you elect to allow your student to attend our summer strength-and-conditioning program,” Slovak said in the video.
Participating students must complete daily health screenings. The district is also limiting sessions to 25% capacity and is requiring students and staff to maintain a 10-foot distance while exercising and a 6-foot distance at all other times.
For sport-specific outdoor activities, groups may not exceed 15 students and one staff member. For indoor activities, groups may not exceed a 10-to-1 ratio. As much as possible, students will not switch workout groups, Slovak said.
In order to ensure the safety of students and employees, hand sanitizer will be available throughout the facility. All equipment will be disinfected before, during and after workouts, Slovak said, and only one student may use workout machines at a time.
High school athletes can begin June 8 and junior high athletes start June 15. Sports team practices are currently not under consideration for any schools, Executive Director of Communications Tim Clark said.
The district will also continue to offer online workouts, Slovak said.
“I am pleased that we are taking this step because many of the protocols that Leslie and her team are implementing will allow us to test out some of the recommendations that may be in place when school resumes this fall,” Stone said.
