From P.A.C.E.S Facebook page.

While last year looked vastly different due to the height of the coronavirus pandemic, one Perry-based organization is hoping for more normalcy.  

Perry’s Academic, Cultural, and Enrichment Services (PACES) Director Mary Hillman says this year there will still be some measures in place to make sure people are being safe. Hillman points out, some measures are actually a benefit to the programming. 

“I think we are still going to be, I think, wise in terms of some safety measures. We will still keep the classes separated and actually that’s worked out really well. It’s made it more calm and also age appropriate grade levels will still be eating our meals in the classrooms so we aren’t have that huge congregation of students together.”

Hillman tells Raccoon Valley Radio some of the changes, including the meals, have worked out for the better where it isn’t as loud, and they can work on things like manners. Hillman notes that kids will no longer be required to wear masks on the buses as well. 

Hillman says the changes have not only kept students and staff safe but it has reduced the number of other illnesses such as strep throat and influenza in the past year.