Redshirting trend: Some Durham parents delaying kindergarten this year

Durham Public Schools stated there’s an increase in families who have ‘redshirted’ their kids from kindergarten.

Empty classrooms and desks are now the norm in the largest elementary school in Durham.

“We we’re anticipating having about 160 to 170 kindergartners. We currently have about 130," said Victoria Creamer, the principal for Creekside Elementary School.

Creamer has noticed that same empty presence online, due to a decline in enrollment for kindergartners.

“We understand that many are probably a little bit hesitant right now to have their children experience kindergarten virtually," she added.

According to DPS, across the district its finding an increase of parents ‘redshirting’ their children. That means holding them back another year.

“What really made my decision final was actually seeing the schedule of being on zoom from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.," said Katie Stokes.

She kept her daughter and began homeschooling this year. The mother of three said it was just the best move for her family.

“We want her to love school, when it’s time to be at school. And I don’t want them to dread what schools looks like if it has to be sitting in this chair," said Stokes.

Over at Creekside, Creamer said they've implemented guidelines to address some of these concerns, such as offering more flexible schedules, cutting back on screen time and implementing more activities and resources to help support everyone.

“We are trying really hard to address the academic and social emotional needs of our kids. We have worked deliberately and tirelessly to plan," said Creamer.

Whenever the school is able to return to in-person learning, a slight increase in enrollment is expected. Educators said they will plan for that when the time comes.