Local schools welcome students back safely

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- The sun rises on a new school year, one that is quite different from years past. At local schools like Jody Richards Elementary, Aug. 24 was day 1.

Cars and buses lined up dropping students off as the faculty guided them in. It’s a big day for local parents too.

“I’m feeling a little nervous, but we decided to send our little one back to school. He does a little better with the school structure versus home,” said parent Miljan Blagojevic.

Before students are led in, they receive temperature checks, and must wear masks while being dropped off. Even with a vastly different first day experience, school staff are ready to make the most of it.

“We’re so excited to finally see the students again. It was quite a breath of fresh air for open house, but now that they’re here for full days, it’s absolutely wonderful to see the students again,” said Jody Richards principal Leslie Shultz.

Local schools like Jody Richards Elementary are keeping buildings limited to school staff and students, to further reduce potential spread.

While school personnel had some adjusting to do this year because of the COVID pandemic, staff say students were very adaptable in this fluid situation.

“I think the kids are pretty resilient, and they adapt quite well to anything that’s thrown at them. I think they’re just happy to see their friends and teachers, so they seem to be doing great,” Shultz said.

While parents say the pandemic worry is still there, they’re overall comfortable sending their kids to school, knowing that the district is doing everything possible to make a positive impact during a tough time.

“We do feel safe sending them back. Even during the open house, I wasn’t present, but my wife was. She did say they were following the guidelines,” Blagojevic said.