Following lots of controversy and debate, the Rockbridge County Public Schools and Lexington City Schools systems have come up with plans to return to in-person instruction. Both systems made decisions during the week of Oct. 11 at school board meetings.

Rockbridge County Public Schools has decided that, on Nov. 10, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and first graders will continue to be offered in-person four days a week. Grades two, three, six, and nine will be offered a hybrid program where one group goes on Monday and Tuesday, and the other goes on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday will be a virtual learning day for all students. On Nov. 30, all of the remaining grades will use this hybrid model using two groups (with Friday again being a virtual learning day). However, if students do not want to return to in-person instruction, they are not required to do so. 

Senior Molly McCabe is continuing with virtual learning for her final year at RCHS. She cites safety as her primary reason why. 

“I personally will not be returning to in-person instruction,” said McCabe. “I know a lot of people were really bummed about virtual learning, but I think it’s our safest option right now. I’ve actually kind of gotten into the groove of it too.”

Lexington City Schools has decided to implement a four day in-person week for students, with Friday again being a virtual learning day. On Oct. 26, Kindergarten and first grade students will return. On Nov. 9, second, third, and sixth grade students will return. On Nov. 16, fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth grade students will return. Students may also elect to do all virtual learning if they want to do so.

Eighth grader Ava Crocker will be returning to in-person learning at LDMS on Nov. 16. 

“Homeschooling is very stressful to parents and children. It’s hard to learn new things while in a Zoom meeting,” said Crocker. “Parents have work, and teachers and staff expect children to be able to work on the computer and do school by themselves. My mom has not had time to do much work because my little sister needs help on the computer. Also, children have trouble focusing at home.”

In addition to the new, hybrid programs, both school systems have implemented policies for students and staff to follow. These include wearing masks, following social distancing, and using the designated entry and exit paths. Those in the school building will also be enforced to regularly wash and sanitize hands. 

Furthermore, the schedules of students will be changed. The Lexington City Schools system has already stated that they will have teachers, not students, move from class to class. This will help to avoid many people walking through the halls at the same time. In addition, students will eat lunch with their class or cohort either outside or inside of the classroom. 

As for the Rockbridge County Public School system, it will probably enforce similar measures. It will also likely continue with the breaks throughout the day that it has now. During these breaks, students are allowed outside. 

“I think school will look very different. There are a lot of things students may not have access to,” said Crocker. “For example, kids are always sharing pencils and supplies. It’s going to take some getting used to. However, if we all try our best to follow safety measures, we will do fine.”