80% of Person County students returning to classrooms

After six months away, students at Oak Lane Elementary will notice a lot of changes as they return to school.

School staff have worked hard to maintain a clean environment before students arrive. Stacey Scruggs of the Person County School System gave WRAL News a virtual tour by way of FaceTime.

WRAL's complete back-to-school coverage

Kindergarten teacher Jenny Hurdle demonstrated the most visible changes.

"So the student desks are 6 feet apart in each direction. It’s very spacious," said Hurdle, acknowledging increased floor space.

Hurdle refuses to focus on the less-than-ideal circumstances. "I’m actually very excited. I miss my students, and I think it’s going to be great for them," she said.

Lowering COVID-19 infection risk comes with a new school schedule. According to Hurdle, half the class will learn in-person Monday/Tuesday, and the other half will learn Thursday/Friday. Everyone will learn virtually on Wednesday.

Parents also have the choice of entirely virtual learning, so they can choose the option that fits their need.

"80% returning to the classroom and 20% are choosing remote learning," said Oak Lane Principal Heather Bowling.

Bowling said before staff or students enter the building, they will undergo temperature checks.

"You can see we have reminders to remain six feet apart," said Bowling, referring to the array of colorful, round, social-distancing stickers on hallway floors and other areas throughout the school.

There are also many hand sanitization stations throughout the school.

"Every time we leave the classroom, we sanitize our hands, and every time we enter back into the classroom, we clean our hands," said Hurdle.

Crowding students into the cafeteria presents to big of a risk of infection, so children will now remain in their classroom to eat lunch.

Students can take "mask breaks" outdoors. They can even run around a bit, with safe distancing still enforced. However, the playground equipment is off limits.

Hurdle and Bowling focus on the positive.

"I foresee a lot of smiles and laughs on the first day. We haven’t seen these kids in like six months," said Bowling.

Hurdle added, "We’ve worked hard. We’ve prepared. Our whole district has prepared all summer for this, and we’re ready."