NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public School parents and teachers have some questions as families are asked to pick in-person or virtual learning before the district's expected reopening after fall break.
Amanda Garner has her hands full with Pax, Asher, and Jude. They go to Shayne Elementary School and Oliver Middle School.
"We really love our teachers, and even through a screen they’ve been able to make connections with them," said Garner.
That's why Garner said they're leaning toward picking the virtual option on the survey.
"I’m curious how all the guidelines are going to be implemented, the safety guidelines," said Garner.
According to Metro School officials, elementary-age students will be the first to be phased in following fall break. Social distancing will not be possible, but everyone will be required to wear masks.
"The reality is, we don’t have extra teachers in order to have small class sizes, so you know put we’re going to have to put in the distance as best we can," Amanda Kail said.
Kail is a teacher and the president of the union, Metropolitan Nashville Education Association. She said when parents are deciding,they need to realize that classrooms will look different this year.
"I'm thinking of our little ones you know, they’re all needing to see their teachers smile, even a hug, wanting to play with their friends, and that’s going to be very difficult. That’s not something we can really do right now," said Kail.
Depending on how many students sign up for virtual learning, some may have new teachers as they shuffle schedules. Garner is hoping her kids get to keep the same ones.
Parents have until September 15 to fill out the survey.
The survey will also available in the following languages: Spanish, Arabic, Kurdish, Somali, Nepali, Burmese and Amharic.
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