Teachers react to reopening plan

HAMLET — As Richmond County Schools staff members prepare to begin the fall 2020 semester, many elementary school teachers say they are happy to be able to reunite with their students for face-to-face learning — and several of them are weary about the district’s plan to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The school system’s reopening plan calls for pre-K-12 and Exceptional Children students to attend in-person classes every day, while 6-12 students take remote classes as they did for most of the spring 2020 semester. Those 6-12 students will be able to schedule face-to-face meetings with staff members as needed. Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kate Smith revealed on Aug. 4 that the district plans to “gradually” phase 6-12 students back into classroom learning.

Elementary school students were able to enroll in the district’s virtual learning program if they weren’t comfortable returning to the classroom. As of last Tuesday, approximately 900 elementary students had confirmed spots in the virtual learning program, and many more were expected to lock in their spots within the next week.

Twenty-six Richmond County Schools teachers responded to a short survey posted by the Daily Journal about the district’s reopening plan. Respondents answered six questions asking about their thoughts about the reopening plan. For privacy purposes, all answers will remain anonymous. All respondents were verified as Richmond County Schools teachers.

When asked what they liked and disliked about the reopening plans, the respondents shared mixed emotions. Some respondents said they like that the plan gives elementary school parents the choice of enrolling their student(s) in virtual learning. Others said they like they fact that class sizes might be smaller due to social distancing restrictions. Several others said they’re glad some students at least have the opportunity to return for in-person instruction.

On the other end of the spectrum, several respondents listed concerns and uncertainties they have about the plan. One respondent listed several cons about the plan, claiming it doesn’t account for teacher safety, limited resources, protocols for positive COVID-19 tests, among other things. Another respondent mentioned that many school districts throughout the state — including local districts such as Scotland County and Robeson County — are starting the year with a virtual learning format for all grade levels. The respondent said Richmond County should follow that trend.

Many respondents mentioned that they are most looking forward to seeing their students again.

“When all is safe and productive, I long to see my students and teach in-person based on a sensible curriculum.” one respondent said. “We are all better served with in-person teaching.”

Enough resources?

Teachers, staff members and students are required to follow strict sanitation and social distancing requirements when classes begin. Everyone entering the district’s school buildings will be screened for COVID-19 before they gain access. And once they’re inside, 6-foot social distancing restrictions will be enforced throughout the facilities.

Certain restrictions are in place to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19 in high-traffic areas. Water fountains, for instance, will be inaccessible. Bottled water will be provided to students, and they’ll also be allowed to bring their own water bottles from home.

Each teacher with an in-person class will be given a caddy full of sanitation supplies to be used for cleaning their classrooms intermittently throughout the day. Maintenance workers will also be sanitizing the school buildings frequently.

Many of the respondents to the Daily Journal’s survey were unsure about what resources are available help them comply with coronavirus-related restrictions and guidelines.

“I hope so,” one respondent said when asked if they had enough of those resources. “Some of those resources are hard to get in stores, like Clorox wipes, which parents normally donate to classrooms.”