Education

After planning on back-to-normal, Person County Schools transition back to some pandemic precautions

This summer, most parents and teachers thought back to school would be back to normal. However, with COVID-19 case numbers spiking and masks returning, many precautions are back in place.

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By
Rick Armstrong
, WRAL photojournalist
HURDLE MILLS, N.C. — This summer, most parents and teachers thought back to school would be back to normal. However, with COVID-19 case numbers spiking and masks returning, many precautions are back in place.

In August 2020 at Oak Lane Elementary in Person County, the school’s safety measures required WRAL News to pay a virtual visit. Using FaceTime on her phone, K-5 teacher Jenn Hurdle gave a tour of all the precautions taken in her classroom. It all boiled down to masks, sanitation stations and strict social distancing.

The large classroom seemed even bigger with just a few desks carefully spaced. "The student desks are six feet apart in each direction," explained Hurdle in the 2020 interview.

A year later, six feet is reduced to inches, with students able to sit side by side. "This is how kindergartners typically sit," said Hurdle, displaying classroom desks, each with four chairs. "And we’re excited about getting back to that."

Last year, students at Oak Lane Elementary attended in-person classes two days a week, either on a Monday/Tuesday schedule or on Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, remote online learning linked teachers to their students.

"After the first quarter, we transitioned to Plan A which we had all of our students in the building five days a week," explained principal Heather Bowling. She said the school never had a trace of COVID-19 within the building.

On Aug. 17, the school held an open house for K-5 families. Even when every classroom is full, the staff is determined not to let down their guard even if it means stricter infection control measures. "We are willing to do whatever we have to do to keep these kids in the building," said Hurdle.

Chris Odom brought his 5-year-old daughter Harmony Smith to Hurdle’s classroom. Typically, he has to wake her up in the morning, but this day, she couldn’t wait to get to the school. "She woke me up this morning," said Odom.

Mother Amber Scott believes a closer-to-normal environment will help her youngest son Benjamin get off to a good start. Her oldest son Aaron is entering 4th grade.

Scott tried to get Benjamin to perk up for the camera interview. She asked him, "What are you most excited about starting school?" Benjamin said, "I can learn better?" His mom agreed and added, "and making new friends?" Benjamin nodded in agreement.

Masks remain the most visible and awkward reminder that life is not yet back to normal for most school children and their teachers.

"It’s hard to talk all day in a mask, but I’m just excited to be able to have all the kids here," said Hurdle.

Bowling expressed confidence in her staff. "I know our teachers are going to continue to do everything they can to ensure that they (students) are learning and growing and staying healthy as well," she said.

The Person County School System still offers families the option for virtual learning. Oak Lane Elementary only had four families choose that option.

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