Madison Central starting phased plan for summer activities and workouts this week

The Madison Central School District is moving forward with the first phase of a plan for summer workouts and activities for student athletes.  Schools in the state have been closed to students since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The South Dakota High School Activities Association recently approved guidelines for school districts that allow for three phases.  Superintendent Joel Jorgenson told Madison Central board members Monday that Activities Director Mike Ricke used these guidelines, along with consulting with CDC guidelines and information from Madison Regional Health System, to put together a plan for the district.  Jorgenson said the first phase will start this week.

Jorgenson said that students will enter the building through designated doors and will have their temperatures taken, as well as answer questions regarding if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or if they’ve had contact with someone who has tested positive.  He said if they meet any of the criteria, they will not be allowed to participate.

Ricke told board members that the first phase of the plan is very limited.

Ricke said that the plan for the school district closely models the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s, who modeled theirs after the National Federation of High Schools.  

Superintendent Jorgenson said the plan is a first step.

Jorgenson said the document outlining the phases of the summer workouts will be sent out to students and parents.  He said it’s a working document that they can make changes to as necessary going forward.