Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School principal Tracy Downing notified parents, guardians, families and members of the Brighton community that third through eighth grade students will attend school in person for standardized state testing starting April 6.

In an email sent March 30, Downing wrote, “A person’s character is defined, in part, by their ability to face adversity and challenges and overcome them. This school year, as we maneuvered through a global pandemic, we certainly faced many challenges. However, we overcame them with grit, determination, and a spirit unique to our community.”

In the reopening, known as Phase II, students will take the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA), Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) Science and End of Course (EOC) testing by appointment beginning April 6.

Parents and guardians will receive each student’s testing schedule from their homeroom teachers. Students typically test from four to seven days, but this year when a student is not at school for testing, he or she will attend PECS’ distance learning instruction.

Students will be required to wear masks at school. PECS will supply one for those who don’t bring a mask. Students will be seated at desks equipped with Plexiglas barriers and will be socially distanced from one another during testing.
PECS will provide transportation to and from school for testing, but drop off and pick up of students will also be allowed during specific times.

Parents or guardians must conduct a screening of the child for Covid-19-like symptoms or a fever exceeding 100.4. If either of these are present, the student may not attend school. Downing suggests parents or guardians should contact their health care provider for further advice.

Downing is not sure how long Phase II will last, but she will announce additional phased reopening plans as they are scheduled.

“As family members, students, faculty and staff, and as a community, we have shown how adaptable and resilient we are during this unprecedented time in our lives and in our history. As we move through the phases of our ‘Phased Reopening Plan,’ we will be sure to keep you up to date and fully informed,” Downing wrote.