As Scurry County’s schools continue to make plans for the fall semester, teachers have mixed feelings about what reopening could mean.
Hermleigh fourth and fifth grade reading teacher Tiffanie Hildebrand said she is excited to have students in the classroom, but is anxious about the upcoming year.
“I can’t wait to be back with my students but we have to make sure that they are safe,” she said. “There are just so many unknowns. We may go to school one day and find out that we have to take a break for a week to disinfect. Routine is so important with students that this would definitely cause setbacks.”
Hildebrand said that she is less concerned about the virus than of the setbacks that could occur from opening and closing school repeatedly.
“The other side of this is that, even if we do everything right, there is nothing we can do about where our students and families go after school hours and what they may be exposed to,” she said.
Even so, Hildebrand said that she and her fellow teachers at Hermleigh are prepared to make this year a success.
“I feel like when we went to distant learning, my students and parents did an amazing job,” she said. “I have complete confidence in my fellow teachers that we will do what needs to be done to deliver the education that the students deserve.”
Ira ISD teacher Walt Burt said that despite having some apprehension, he is looking forward to being back in the classroom and has faith that the school’s administration and board of trustees will plan well to ensure safety.
“During past flu outbreaks, they were proactive and have been sure students followed good protocols to stop the spread of the flu,” he said. “Our students are really good about complying, and Ira has had much better results than many schools in controlling infections year after year.”
Burt acknowledged that there are some risks to returning to in-person classes, yet he believes that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
“Students need the social interaction,” he said. “Social isolation is seldom a good thing. Many parents are struggling in this economy and few are wealthy enough to just stop all activity for an extended period of time. Any return to a more normal life will benefit all involved. Also, teaching is much more effective in person.”
Burt noted that at the age of 68, he is one of Ira’s oldest teachers, but he still plans to return. His daughter will return to campus as well rather than be instructed remotely.
“It comes down to what the parents feel is best for their student and family,” he said. “But I have every confidence that our school will do what-ever is needed to ensure the safety of the Ira school family.”