Above: Listen to a version of this story that aired on WUFT-FM.
Santa Fe High School in Alachua has taken on a number of challenges this year.
In response to the threat of COVID-19, school officials say they are doing what they can to ensure a clean and safe environment for the students. That means making adjustments across campus — in classrooms and on athletic fields.
According to Principal Dr. Timothy Wright, Santa Fe High School has the largest number of students of any county public school returning to the campus’s brick and mortar classrooms, with another 274 students attending school online through the Digital Academy.
"They’re still accessing the curriculum," Wright said, "but that’s almost a full class of students that aren’t physically on campus.”
Face masks are required by the students, teachers and staff administration for everyone’s safety. Wright said the students are mostly following procedures.
“Feedback from the teachers is that by and large, everyone is doing what’s expected in regards to having a facemask,” he said.
Santa Fe High School athletic director, Michele Faulk said this has been one of her most challenging years. She explained how concessions and cleaning procedures will be different this year during the athletic events. Products offered at the concession stand will include “grab-and-go” and prepackaged items instead of cooked food. Also, bathroom facilities will be cleaned between quarters.
“It is a very, very different year, for sure,” Faulk said.
The Santa Fe High School football team will host Gainesville High School Friday night. Additional bleachers will be in place to allow fans and families to socially distance.