Science camp on the calendar

By Sandy Morris

Two more Nancy Smith Elementary School events have fallen victim to COVID, but Camp Grady Spruce is moving forward with safety precautions. 

NSES principal John Gallagher stated that plans are still in place for local fifth graders to travel to the Possum Kingdom science camp Nov. 16-18. 

“With COVID-19, the camp has changed its attendance to only allow one school district at the camp at a time,” said Gallagher. 

“The camp will also check the temperatures of all students and staff upon arrival, as well as each morning,” Gallagher added. 

Camp Grady Spruce also has changed its meal procedures to ensure students are not exposed to any unnecessary risks. 

“Camp Grady Spruce has increased its cleaning and sanitization practices and has assured us that our students will be taken care of,” said Gallagher. 

Grandparents Week

It has become a yearly tradition to celebrate grandparents and “substitute” grandparents of NSES students. 

Typically, grandparents are invited to join students for a special lunch, classroom visits, and entertainment during the week. 

This year, as with many traditional events, the Grandparents Week has been cancelled. 

“Our hope is to host parents and grandparents back in our cafeteria during the spring semester, if possible,” said Gallagher. 

Plans will be announced later in the year if the campus will be able to host a spring Grandparents Week. 

Kids on the Land

The yearly “Kids on the Land” program also has been cancelled due to the majority of volunteers being older and at a higher risk for COVID-19. 

“At this time, there are no set plans for a land program this semester,” said Gallagher.