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As Davie students begin school on Monday, Davie residents are urged to use caution on the roads.

Because of the COVID pandemic, buses will be on the road more than ever as only one child will be allowed per seat.

Social distancing, masks and temperature checks will be the normal at schools.

Students will still be greeted and taught by “warm and kind” people, said Superintendent Jeff Wallace.

“All of us, students, families, teachers and school staff – can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Working together, we will keep our schools and communities strong.”

The school will send home any student or staff member who: has tested positive or been in close contact with someone who tested positive; or has a fever, chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell or a new cough.

Visitors will be limited to those directly involved in the education process. For instance, a parent will not be allowed to visit their child at school for lunch.

Face coverings will be mandatory, and the schools have those for students who do not have them already. Students will be required to regularly use hand sanitizer or wash their hands. Students will also be asked to maintain six feet between each other.

Teachers will ask each child how they feel during the day. Parents are encouraged to tell their children to tell an adult if they are not feeling well.

Temperature checks will be taken before children enter school. Those who drive their children to school are reminded that the loading and unloading processes will take longer.

Even the buses will take longer, in addition to more routes. Each child’s temperature will be taken before boarding the bus, and everyone on the bus must wear a face mask. These routes and routines may change, so Wallace urges parents to be patient.

Wallace and Davie Health Director Suzanne Wright, who has reviewed the schools opening plans, said they would have no problem sending their own children to a school in Davie County.