I
n fall 2019, it's estimated that about 56.6 million
students attended elementary, middle and high
schools and about 19.9 million attended colleges
and universities in the U.S., according to the National
Center for Educational Statistics. When the COVID-19
pandemic hit in March, almost all schools closed,
and classes moved online for the remainder of the
academic year.
The debate is now raging across the U.S. about
reopening schools in the fall, offering online educa-
tion or some hybrid of these options. Recognizing
that schools are fundamental to child and adolescent
development, the American Academy of Pediatrics
has strongly advocated that "all policy considerations
for the coming school year should start with a goal of
having students physically present in school." For the
most up-to-date guidance from the AAP on this top-
ic, see https://services.aap.org/en/pages/2019-nov-
el-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/clinical-guidance/
covid-19-planning-considerations-return-to-in-per-
son-education-in-schools.
When schools do reopen, it's most likely that
they will include noticeable changes throughout
the campus from frequent sanitization routines and
lunch in the classroom instead of a cafeteria to stag-
gered class times and limited attendance to maintain
social distancing.
PRODUCT CHECKLIST
FOR SCHOOLS & CLASSROOMS
●
Adhesive wall decals
with safety reminders
●
Antibacterial
mouse pads
●
Antimicrobial pens
●
Antimicrobial styluses
●
Backpacks
●
Barricade tape
for unused chairs
in auditoriums
●
Bumper stickers
to show support
●
Buttons printed with
teacher and school
employees' picture
since mask hides it
●
Chair-Not-In-Use
chair covers
●
Chargers
●
Directional and
custom-imprinted floor
and carpet decals
●
Disposable paper
placemats
●
Disposable or
promotional face
masks for students
and teachers
●
Flash drives
●
Handwash reminder
signs for restrooms
●
ID badges
●
Journals
●
No-contact tools for
students and teachers
●
Non-contact digital
thermometers
●
Pencil pouches
●
Phone wallets
●
Power banks
●
Protective acrylic
desk barriers for
classroom desks and
in reception areas
●
Retractable badge
holders for ID's
●
Silicone bands/
lanyards to denote
comfort level with
others (for example,
hugs and touching
are OK, it's OK to
talk but not touch,
or stay away)
●
Spirit wear
●
Vinyl banners
●
Wall and standing
signs
●
Wall calendars
for classrooms
and offices
THE PLAYBOOK TO RESTART BUSINESSES 17
Schools &
Classrooms
