In-person classes have resumed for some kindergarten through second grade students in Jefferson County (Ky.) Public Schools, the first time kids in the state's largest district entered classrooms since the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted life last March.
WAVE-TV reports the hybrid schedule for students now includes some in-person instruction days that require temperature checks, masks and social distancing--three things that weren’t part of any school’s daily routine the last time students roamed the hallways.
“It’s going to be different,” Superintendent Marty Pollio said. ”There’s going to be social distancing. Hybrid makes it different, but what we’re really focusing on is let’s reengage the kids, let’s welcome them back, let’s do community building, just like you would at the beginning of the year. Because some of these kids haven’t even met their teachers in person yet.”
At Bowen Elementary School on Wednesday, teachers were excited to see faces in the building and not on their computer screens.
One teacher said while academics remain a priority, perhaps it’s not the top one right now.
“I think the main priority is that we love kids,” second-grade teacher Sara Hayden said. “So to be here to interact with children and to just be told, ‘Hey, today’s priority is build relationships?’ Awesome. I’m all for that. That’s what we’re made for.”
The back-to-school plan is broken up into groups based on last name. It includes only elementary schools right now.
About 65% of students chose to return to the in-person instruction. The rest will remain in non-traditional instruction.
