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As the first week of the most unusual school year in recent memory comes to a close, with students alternating between in-person and remote learning amid the coronavirus pandemic, several principals and Acting Superintendent Vicki Calvert spoke about how the week went.

Central Elementary School

Principal Melissa Smith said getting ready for the school year was “probably one of the most challenging undertakings educators and families faced. However, we have been pleasantly surprised that things are as well as they are. My staff has worked miracles, literally, despite the unforeseeable circumstances presented.”

The school received support from the community.

First Presbyterian Church of Albemarle provided lunch to the staff on Monday, Main Street United Methodist of Albemarle donated boxes of paper to every teacher and the Albemarle Police Department organized a safe, two-lane car rider process. Central Office staff were also on the campus to help with car rider lines and bus duty.

Smith said the teachers assigned to virtual classrooms are “rolling with it” and students and their families are embracing it. The students that opted for in-person instruction “seem excited about returning to school and feel comfortable learning.”

She said staff, students and their families have been supportive with practicing social distancing and wearing masks in a positive manner.

Even though the year has already presented several unique challenges, she said “one thing that hasn’t changed is that we are educating the whole child, whether they are (face to face) or remote, and every teacher is planning and preparing to meet all students where they are at.”

South Stanly Middle School

Principal Kristen Sides said the new school year “is off to a productive, exciting and rewarding start.”

“The positivity within the school’s culture and climate, the eagerness to learn from the teachers and students, and everyone’s flexibility and understanding during a nontraditional start of the school year are the things that have allowed us to have a successful first week of school,” she said. “Stanly County Schools has worked diligently during the past couple of months to establish proper safety protocols, policies and procedures to ensure that the return of SCS students and employees is a seamless transition and that employees and students feel safe and protected during face-to-face instruction.”

Her students and staff were “excited to return to school” and she said they look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead for the school year.

 

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