Educators, Parents and Students Optimistic as In-Person Learning Returns

Despite the COVID-19 protocols, there were still a lot of normal things about the first day of in-person classes for public school Pre-K though third graders, including the excitement of the students, the obligatory parent photos at the gate and the determination of teachers and staff to make each classroom the happiest space possible.

Also in-person were students from the public schools’ Special Education self-contained classes, and Career and Technical Education students enrolled in a specific career pathway who have been learning virtually since May.

St. Thomas-St. John District Superintendent Stephan Jurgen was joined by his team early Tuesday at Ulla F. Muller Elementary, where they participated in temperature checks and answered questions from parents who were curious about the safety measures the school had implemented. Because of the heightened concern around the virus, some parents opted to continue with virtual, at least for the first few days, but some came to the campus gate, watched the check-in, then left and returned with their children, satisfied that the protocols were tight.

Along with socially distanced desks and plexiglass barriers, Muller and other campuses were filled with signs reminding students to wear their masks and space out when moving around. Water fountains were closed, replaced by new individual bottle fillers, while sanitization stations were installed outside every few classrooms. Big tubs of sanitizer stood near doorways, with students making use of them when entering, and individual cubbies contained books and personal supplies.

“With our first order, we tried to bring in supplies for a year and a half to two years, so even though some may be slow in coming, we have also received a lot of stock that we can use,” Deputy District Superintendent Symra Dee Brown said Tuesday. Jurgen added that the Education Department had, in anticipation of all students returning to school in-person, ramped up its maintenance efforts over the summer to ensure that campuses were also painted, the lawns mowed and the floors washed, while air conditioners were repaired and air purifiers were installed.

“We’ve done a lot to prepare,” he said.

At Jane E. Tuitt in Savan, Principal Thelca Bedminster said several families opted to have students eat breakfast at home, but lunch was still served on campus, outside the classrooms. As is common now, food is pre-packaged, but students are able to eat four to a picnic table outside and spend time together.

“In-person is always better for students,” she said. “There is a better handle on the engagement and the management of the classroom, and while our teachers have done a lot of awesome work to keep their classes stimulated online, it’s hard for both families and educators because there’s a lot going on at home, whether it’s mealtime, or work time, and really, it’s hard to have to separate the two.”

Principals agreed that students have adjusted to masking and social distancing well, it’s just a matter of continuing to remind and reinforce throughout the day. At Sprauve, paraprofessional Neshell Lewis made it easier for her third graders by arranging the classroom into pods of four, with a book rack in the middle that students can quickly grab from, and supply kits in different corners of the room.

“I really think that they like having their own space,” she said. “Having them feel comfortable is important, especially this year, where we’re working to build the skills that will have them performing at or above grade level, and it’s my hope that we can have all students return and feel just as happy and productive in the classroom.”