by Matt Wright
Everyone was smiling but you wouldn’t know it. Since facemask coverings are mandatory for staff and students, you had to depend on the well wishes coming from behind the mask as the administrative staff and teachers enthusiastically greeted students this morning (August 10) at Lakeland Prep and Lakeland Elementary. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, students never returned to school after spring break in March. Emerging as a leader in the West Tennessee area, Lakeland is the first public school system in the county to open with a five day a week in-person instruction schedule. Millington also opened today but with a hybrid schedule of some days in person and the rest remote learning from home.
After weeks-long research by the school system, parents were given the option for the 5 days per week, in-person option that includes wearing masks, social distancing, and a unique system where the teachers rotate to classrooms instead of the students rotating to them. Parents were also given the option to choose remote learning for the first 9 weeks if they were not comfortable sending their child full time. According to Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland Superintendent, about 80% choose to do in-person schooling, while 20% choose remote learning.
Heather Reynolds, mother of two students in the Lakeland School System said she wanted her boys back in school. Mrs. Reynolds said, “Because we both work full time and don’t have a support system to help educate them during the day, they would be alone all day.” Asked if she was concerned about the COVID-19 virus she said, “Working in healthcare I understand the precautions that need to be taken. But we can’t stop living life based on the fear of a virus.”
Emily Spiceland said she was very grateful to the Lakeland school administration but said, “Choosing remote learning was a multifaceted decision that was not taken lightly, but in the end we chose the option we felt would work best for our two children and our family.”
As with most days of any new school year, there were delays in the car rider line. This year makes the first day even harder because only 100 students were allowed to be dropped off early. Bus transportation is also limited this semester so students can properly space out on buses. This added even more to the car rider lines at both schools. Parents and students patiently waited in the long car lines but could not go in until 15 minutes before school started. School board member Laura Harrison said she anticipates the administrative staff ironing that out and making the process smoother and quicker.
Dr. Horrell thought the day started well but he sees room for improvement adding, “With the exception of some long drop-off lines in the car rider line this morning, the day has been incredibly smooth. Our teachers, principals, and staff worked so hard to prepare for today, and it really paid off.” He continued saying, “we’ll spend this week working through the kinks, but it is obvious this is a plan that will help kids learn and, hopefully, keep kids as safe and healthy as possible. We are grateful for the support of the Lakeland community.”
Parents this morning agreed with Dr. Horrell’s optimism. As Dan Brennan walked his son Cannon to the crossing guard station at the Elementary school he said, “It’s busy but we’re happy to get back in a schedule.” In typical Lakeland enthusiasm he exclaimed, “It’s going to be a good year!”
