Despite school reopening changes, Warrick families look to return to 'normalcy'
NEWBURGH, Ind. – Amid a whirlwind of changes with the reopening of Warrick County School Corp. schools on Wednesday, Jamie Nunn said she's looking forward to a return to normalcy
As Nunn dropped off her daughter Alex Nunn, 10, at Newburgh Elementary School, she felt a sense of relief knowing the fifth-grade student will be learning in-person this school year.
"I just think students learn better in-person," she said. "Well, at least she does."
Although Alex looks forward to seeing her friends again, she said she's afraid to return to school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm very scared," the fifth-grader said.
But after Nunn watched a video from Alex's teachers, which explained the safety practices and expectations for the year, she was certain the decision to send her back to school was the right move.
With Newburgh Elementary and other Warrick schools reopening for the first day of classes, school buses and cars lined up in various areas as teachers and staff waited in anticipation. Once each student arrived at the school's doors, they were welcomed with hidden smiles and distant embraces.
While Principal Holly Arnold said she was excited for students' return, she wanted to ensure the school's safety measures were firmly in place. This year's guidelines, which included first day procedures, were sent to families last week.
On Wednesday, students were dropped off in the front and back entrances of the school, buses were unloaded in order of grade and teachers did random temperature checks as students entered the building in separate areas.
In addition to first day procedures, families were informed about the elementary school's other safety protocols. To remain within social distancing guidelines, there will only be one grade at lunch and recess at a time along with limited cafeteria entrances and different dismissals for certain grades.
Newburgh Elementary students may have difficulties with the new procedures, Arnold said, but teachers and staff will help them adjust.
"Of course there will be some glitches and some problems," she said. "There may be some kids that break down after a while, but it will work out. We have plenty of staff members to help those kiddos."
While the first day of school looked a lot different this year, for many, their enthusiasm remained the same.
"I'm a little nervous, but I'm excited," parent Morgan Mayes said. "I think everything is going to go well, Newburgh is usually good about everything going smoothly."
Implementing safety measures outlined by state and local health professionals is a part of a corporation-wide effort, Arnold said. The safety of students and faculty will remain a top priority among all schools across Warrick County.
"I think everyone had that same mindset," Arnold said. "We need to get these kids back to school, and we need to do it safely. So, whatever we need to do, we will because we know kids learn best when they're in school.