GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. (WSIL) -- Students are returning to the classroom in Graves County, Kentucky, after weeks of only virtual learning. The district announced last week it will begin the spring semester with both virtual and in-person learning.
The rise in COVID-19 cases resulted to two months of all-virtual learning for hundreds of students in the district. Principal Stephen Queen says the start of school year prepared students and staff for these type of changes.
"We feel the best place for our kids is in-person in our building. That's the best way for them to learn. And so our teachers want them in the building and it's been a pretty easy transition coming back to school because we did have those 10 weeks at the beginning of the year," he said.
Queen says the first day went well. One parent says she's glad to bring her children back to school because it was a challenge doing virtual learning.
"I really at times struggled with the fact that I felt like I was failing her because I couldn't give her the same thing her teacher could give her here," said Kendra Mason.
She told News 3 it was difficult juggling school work at home with her four kids, but she's hopeful they'll be safe in the classroom.
"I've just had to pray for a hedge of protection around them every morning that God will keep them safe and he'll keep the teachers and staff safe," she said.
News 3 spoke to one 4th grade teacher who says he doesn't like virtual learning so much because he enjoys giving students hands-on experience and enjoys seeing their faces every day.
"Personally I would much rather be in the building, in my classroom, with my students working with them. That is a benefit to them overall and I think that time that time we were away it was really difficult because the level of engagement with our kids just wasn't the same," said Rodney Clinton.
Queen says the school is taking extra precautions and even implementing masks for kindergartners. He says the last few months have taught him how to navigate the rest of the year.
"Just having the flexibility to make changes to make it more successful for our students and to make sure the experience we're giving students and parents is the absolute best,"
For now, the plan is to be in person as long as possible but the school is prepared for any changes.
Both McCracken County and Paducah Public Schools started yesterday with a full week of virtual learning. Those districts will then transition to hybrid schedules to allow for days of in-person and all-virtual instruction each week.
