BRIDGEPORT, NE - Bridgeport Public Schools has unveiled its plan for getting back to school next month. 

Bridgeport Superintendent Chuck Lambert sent a letter to students and parents in a Q and A format to explain what the district will do. 

The Bulldogs will be back in school on August 24th. The plan is for school to be in person unless a directive is issued by Governor Pete Ricketts or the Nebraska Department of Education. 

If a parent or guardian believes their student should not come back to school for a medical reason or otherwise, they are asked to get in contact with Lambert. 

Students will not be required to wear masks, unless a directed health measure that requires it is issued. Students and staff can wear a mask if they would like.

The district will observe social distancing in the classrooms and hallways when possible.

As for buses, Lambert says the district believes they can keep six feet of distance between non-family members or students that are not already around each other for a large part of the day. 

Seating charts will be in use on buses to help this work. 

If a student or staff member were to test positive for COVID-19, Lambert says it is up to Panhandle Public Health District officials to determine who is a close contact and therefore needs to quarantine. 

"That is why it is important for us to keep that six feet distance when possible," Lambert said. "That way the student may not have to be quarantined."

Elementary students will still get recess as well as PE, art and music classes. 

Elementary classroom assignments will come out August 3rd.

The schedules for secondary school students will be announced in the near future. 

The school will be offering its free meal program again. Salad bar items will be available, but not in the typical buffet-style format. 

The district will test out temperature taking for elementary Summer school and if it goes well, they will most like take student's temperatures prior to entering the building this fall, according to Lambert. 

Lambert says the district has ordered hand sanitizer and masks and has a "heavy supply" on hand. 

Should remote learning be needed, Lambert says Bridgeport is already working on a system to be prepared. 

If any one has any concerns, you're asked to reach out to Bridgeport Public Schools.