FAMU DRS reopens with plexiglass barriers, increased social distancing

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — After being completely virtual for two weeks, FAMU DRS resumed in-person learning on October 5.

There are definitely fewer students on campus now than a normal school year and new protocols were put in place in hopes to prevent another two-week shutdown of the school.

On a normal day there around 632 students on campus, but as of Wednesday about 60 percent of them are distance learning.

For the students who are on campus, safety measures have been put in place.

For example, desks spaced six feet apart with plexiglass barriers surrounding students.

Lockers and playgrounds are out of commission, and masks must be worn at all times.

The cafeteria, which normally holds 150 students in a normal year, only holds at max 35 with three students spaced six feet apart per table.

The school is hopeful that these extra steps, and more, will help prevent another shutdown.

"We were blessed that we were able to outfit every desk for our teachers and for our students so we could continue to abide by the CDC guidelines," said Michael Johnson, the superintendent at FAMU DRS.

Most of the quarantined faculty have returned back to the classroom.

Students who are learning remotely are still eligible for meals provided by the schools.

Administrators say the transition to remote learning was smooth, similar to the switch in Sprint.