Yadkin Early College students return to school.
Back to school this year looks much different than ever before. While Monday marked the first official day of the 2020-21 school year, county schools were not full of students on the first day back. The first week of school involved a soft opening, with students and parents arriving at various times for personalized open house sessions to be introduced to the “new normal” that is going to school during a pandemic.
Despite the unusual nature of the start to this school year, West Yadkin Principal Cody Hemric said parents and students were happy to be back.
“One parent told me their child had never been this excited for school to start,” said Hemric. “She stated they would do whatever was asked and follow whatever guidelines, he just wants to be in school.”
“I quoted the author Roy T. Bennett to many people today and asked for their patience and understanding. ‘Patience is not the ability to wait. Patience is the ability to remain calm no matter what happens, to constantly take action to turn it into positive growth opportunities, and to have the faith that it will all work out,’” Hemric continued. “Our parents, students, and staff have demonstrated wonderful patience and understanding. It has been an outstanding day having students in our building once again!”
One West Yadkin student took the lack of access to a hair salon during the pandemic as a way to raise money for this school.
Over the summer, Grady Clyburn’s uncle had teased him about growing a mullet and told Grady that he would give him $50 to do it, Hemric explained.
“Grady turned it into a fundraiser to see if others would donate to have him grow a mullet. He raised $150 dollars! Grady and his mother brought a check for $150 to donate to the school and the lunch program if needed. What an awesome, kind act for a student to do,” said Hemric.
Beginning next week students will begin the A/B cohort system with some students in their classrooms on Monday and Tuesday and another group of students on campus Thursday and Friday. All students will do at-home learning on Wednesdays and the days they are not scheduled for in-person learning.
For some of the youngest students starting school for the first time, the excitement was inspiring to teachers.
A Jonesville kindergartner said, “I’m five, and I’m excited to come to school! This place is beautiful!”
Ida Weisner, Jonesville principal, said “I loved his excitement! He didn’t know anything was different — he was just excited to be coming to school at JES! If we could all view this from the eyes of a five year old and not focus on what is different, but focus on the exciting opportunity we have to attend school.”
More than 900 students will do all virtual learning through the Yadkin Virtual Academy this year. The Virtual Academy previously offered high school level courses only but has been expanded this year to provide options for more grade levels to learn at home. YVA Coordinator Abby Salas said a program called Canvas will be used to facilitate the online learning platform.
“Teachers will be using Canvas to post videos, assignments and other items that students/families need daily for instruction. There will be a mix of virtual whole group instruction, virtual small group instruction, virtual one-on-one instruction and pre-recorded videos for families/students throughout the week,” said Salas. “Teachers of YVA will be using the same resources and curriculum components as their grade level peers in the traditional setting.”
There are more than 200 students taking part in the Virtual Academy in each grade K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. There are nearly 250 students at the both the middle school and high school levels taking part in YVA.
Kitsey Burns Harrison may be reached at 336-679-2341 or on Twitter and Instagram @RippleReporterK.