MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For the first time in nearly a year, some students in pre-K through fifth grades returned to school in Shelby County Schools on Monday.
“This is a very exciting day as we return in person, stronger,” Superintendent Joris Ray said.
After delaying their return to in-person multiple times, SCS re-opened at about 30 percent capacity, with the remainder of students still learning digitally.
Ray says the district wanted to make sure they had proper safety measures and materials in place, and classrooms we visited followed CDC guidelines and had access to plenty of sanitation supplies.
“We have a lot of safety precautions. We have dividers in the rooms, the kids are spaced out, we have tape boxes so they can even get up and stand and move around. So, I feel safe,” second-grade teacher Shelby Swindell said.
The district has been working and will continue to work with the Shelby County Health Department to monitor case rates and the viruses reproductive rates in each school to avoid mass transmission.
Ray did concede that some schools could be shuttered in a worst-case scenario, but the district will remain committed to the in-person approach.
Governor Bill Lee has been pushing for a while for the district to make an in-person option for students available. While many did return to the classroom on Monday, many were still learning from home.
Many parents cited health concerns while other with small children said SCS’ prohibiting parents and guardians from entering school buildings was a deterant from returning to school. At this point parents were not even allowed to get out of their vehicles due to the pandemic.
Only 24 percent of families said they preferred in-person classes during a school survey back in November.
WREG’s Jerrita Patterson was at Vollintin Elementary and said parents there were full of emotions Monday. There was excitement for the return to school but also concern for their child’s wellbeing and safety.
Students who did return found a lot of changes. Everyone had to wear a face mask and stay socially distanced. All students and staff also had their temperatures checked. Students were told to wash their hands frequently. Crews have also shut down the water fountains in schools to prevent the spread of germs. The district is providing bottled water.
The teachers union said educators have mixed emotions about returning to the classroom. Thousands of teachers have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, but none have received the second. Unlike students, teachers do not have the option to teach from home.
The United Education Association said despite the challenges, many teachers are looking forward to getting back to the classroom.
