Johnston County teachers, parents petition for in-person classes

They said they believe the school district should be given the option to bring children back into the classroom.

“They are social kids. They are funny kids. They need interaction besides me. Even though I’m funny and awesome, they need someone their own age," said Sue Ann Hallinger, a teacher and parent.

Parents, teachers and students in Johnston County are passionate about having a choice for face-to-face interactions at school this year.

"I think it’s better face-to-face because, when you’re talking physically, it makes more sense to me. I don’t know how, but also when you’re in contact with each other in person, I think it’s easier to learn," said sixth-grader Ava Hallinger.

The petition is called "Educate Today – It's the JoCo Way."

“The petition is not for solely going back to school on Plan B, face to face. It’s for keeping that option alive and for giving families in Johnston County a choice," said Jen Medlin, a parent and teacher.

As of Friday night, the petition had received more than 1,000 signatures.

"To me, that’s validation that there are many residents of our county who feel the same as a lot of us. They want their kids to be back in the classroom with the safety measures in place," said Medlin.

Those who signed it said they were passionate about having the choice to get their kids back in school and not just in front of a computer screen.

"That doesn’t happen when it’s a Zoom call for five seconds. Our dinner conversation suffered because they had no excitement in them. We need this. We need this more than anything," said Hallinger.

The next Johnston County Board of Education meeting will be July 21.