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Seminole County school leaders discuss protocols that could be put in place when students return

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Seminole County school leaders are discussing protocols that could be put in place if students return to school this fall.

Leaders are focusing on how lunchrooms and buses will operate when students return.

Come fall, the lunch lines inside Seminole County school cafeterias may not even exist anymore.

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Jamie De Vivo is assistant director for Red Apple Dining, the company in charge of food service for the district. De Vivo said the company has been coming up with ways to minimize contact between students and staff. He said they are tossing around ideas such as online ordering.

Leaders are also figuring out how students will practice social distance distancing in the cafeteria. One board member suggested making space for outside dining.

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“I would suggest asking for donations for tents so students can eat outside, where they can get that fresh air outside,” said Amy Sanchez of Seminole County Schools.

District transportation officials are brainstorming how students can social distance while riding the bus.

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School board members suggested having touchless hand sanitizer dispensers for students as they get on the bus and loading kids from the back to the front to eliminate cross contact