Concerned parents speak out over NHCS’ plan to fully reopen for K-5 grades

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover County elementary school students are set to return to the classroom full-time next Tuesday, Jan. 19. However, some parents are hoping the school board changes their minds.

During a Zoom meeting Tuesday morning, parents with elementary school-aged children voiced concerns about returning to class under Plan A, which is 100% in-person learning, during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“Elementary school students can’t remember not to hug each other, can’t remember not to put their hands in their mouth,” Mother of High-Risk Children Elizabeth Bunting said.

The parents say they want their kids in school but are worried about the safety of students and educators. They add that it’s unrealistic for teachers to teach a full class while also making sure the young kids are abiding by the COVID-19 guidelines.

“I want my children in school. I want my children to have access to teacher-led instruction in-person,” Concerned Mother Sandy Eyles said. “I want it to be done safely and I want the district to show us that they will do it safely, and can do it safely.”

The big ask these parents addressed, reassurance that safety guidelines will be followed in the classroom, including 6-feet social distancing in the classroom, and full transparency when the district reports virus transmission, especially if it is happening inside the schools.

The parents hope the school board will reconsider their decision to move into Plan A and to stay in their current plan which is a mix of virtual and in-person learning.

Not all parents are advocating for the reconsideration. Mother of three Tosh Longo says her concerns with covid are similar to mono and meningitis.

“It’s really not more concerning to me with all the safety precautions that are put in place like the sanitizing and the mask-wearing,” Longo said. “The others were just as concerning.”‘

Not only is the quality of learning a concern for Longo, but the quality of life. She says not all children are safer at home.

“Some of these children live in abusive homes,” Longo said. “They are abused, they are neglected, they are hungry, they are cold and school sometimes for these kids is their only safe place.”

Noting also the impact on the community, referencing violent crimes involving those under the age of 18.

“These kids aren’t in school. Idle hands build the devil’s workshop,” Longo said.

Though these parents have different opinions and concerns, one statement appears to be true for them all.

“Everybody on both sides, what they really want is what is best for kids,” Longo said.

WWAY will live stream Wednesday’s 10 a.m. meeting here.