HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — It's back to school this time in person for thousands of students in Madison County. We have a look at what the first day was like for students and teachers at both Madison County Schools and Huntsville City Schools.
School leaders say they're excited to have kids back in class. Madison County School students with last names A-K returned, and Huntsville City Schools in grades K-8 returned.
Monrovia Middle School Principal Travis Schrimsher with Madison County Schools says today was smooth. "School folks get their energy from the kids in the building, so this is like Christmas to us. First day of school was like big time," he says.
"While we have always enjoyed the opportunity to engage with our students remotely, nothing beats face to face instruction and that's exactly what we've been fortunately to be able to do," says Huntsville City Schools Chief Communications Officer, Craig Williams.
Madison County Schools Director of Public Relations, Tim Hall, says there's a system in place for students receiving school lunch. "The students will walk down long corridor lines, in one direction, pick up their food, be able to get their drink and then walk back to the classroom where they'll also socially distance."
Huntsville City Schools has a similar plan. "What we are doing is we have meals on wheels distribution carts, and meals are being actually served in classrooms. And so that way students aren't congregating in one area," says Williams.
School leaders have established social distancing guidelines on school buses too."It's assigned seating inside these school buses. So we know, where these students are sitting. We know if they're supposed to be in this seat, or not supposed to be," says Hall.
"Our schools have really come alive in this day in 2020. This is what we have been working toward," he added.
Madison County Schools students with last names A-K will return tomorrow. Wednesday will be closed for cleaning. Students with letters L-Z will return Thursday and Friday. Huntsville City Schools' high school students will return next Monday.