By Linda Kor During the June 11 meeting of the Snowflake Unified School District Governing Board, the board approved what the district is calling the COVED-19 Athletic Phase Openings for summer athletics. It was noted that regardless of the phase in opening, students are to stay home if they feel sick, at risk individuals, youth or adult, should stay home. There were no dates determined for each phase as of press time. It was noted that a parent or guardian must turn in a signed waiver to the coach before being able to participate in summer activities. Each player must have their own ball and equipment and no one is to share water, towels, or any personal equipment. There will be no centralized hydration or refreshment stations. Spectators should be limited and must maintain minimum social distancing, as defined by the CDC. Phase I includes a pre-workout screening, where all coaches and students will be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 prior to a workout. If possible, the screening will include a temperature check. There will also be no gatherings exceeding 30 participants per gym or field. But teams will be divided into groups of 10 athletes or less, so if 30 show up to an open field or gym they will be divided up into three groups of 10. Every participant, including coaches, must maintain a distance of six feet from one another during all activities and there is to be no physical contact or passing the ball between athletes. Locker rooms will also not be used during Phase 1. Phase II is similar to Phase I and continues with the pre-screening for symptoms. The changes include that gatherings are not to exceed 50 participants per gym or field with teams divided into groups of 10 athletes or less. If locker rooms or meeting rooms are used, there must be a minimum distance of six feet between each individual at all times. Physical contact to be minimized with each sport to have a list of interaction allowances for participation. In Phase III there will be no pre-screening. Gatherings will continue to be limited to no more than 50 participants per gym or field. Locker rooms or meeting rooms must maintain a distance of three to six feet apart from one another. Every participant, including coaches, must maintain a distance of three to six feet from one another during all activities. Hydration stations may be utilized but must be cleaned after every practice. There will be an expansion on the team activity interaction for participation. Summer tournaments and games will be allowed if the athletes travel to and from the games or tournaments on the same day. There will be no overnight stays. Phase IV expands upon Phase III with full return to play and no restrictions on training seasons. Games and tournaments may be played but it is recommended that teams not play more than one game per day. There will be no limitation on participants per field or gym although social distancing should be maximized as appropriate and available, especially for spectators. In other business, the board: * Approved the employment of Cheryl Byrd, district physical therapist; Britney Haught, Taylor Intermediate School health tech/attendance clerk; Karen Hargrove, Snowflake High School varsity girls volleyball coach; Nathan Hall, Highland Primary third grade teacher; Madison Schmidt, SHS self-contained special education teacher. * Accepted the resignations of Mike Quimby, district maintenance; and Rachel Clonts, Taylor Elementary School paraprofessional. * Approved meeting dates for fiscal year 2020-2021 and fiscal year 2021-2022, with the meetings to continue at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month. * Approved the SHS volleyball fundraiser invitational and concessions. * Approved the law enforcement stipend for Kevin Claridge in the amount of $3,000 per semester to act as a Student Resource Officer. * Approved out of state travel for girls’ volleyball, and boys and girls basketball to attend the Dixie State volleyball team camps in July. * Approved the purchase of playground equipment for Taylor Intermediate School in the amount of $100,298. * Approved changes to the district leave policy. * Approved the General Statement of Assurance for the acceptance and use of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds. * Approved the Snowflake Junior High part time math position. * Approved a revision to the 2019-20 budget.
