Everyone collectively held their breath when students began the 2020-21 North Carolina school year Aug. 17.
In the world of a “new normal,” students statewide were subjected to temperature checks and a quick questionnaire, before entering the doors of their respective schools. However, for all the worry surrounding sending children back to school, Graham County’s first week went off without a hitch.
“It went great,” Graham County Schools Superintendent Angie Knight said. “Everybody had prepared well, and students and families were compliant. Everybody did what they said they were going to do.”
Students are given breaks throughout the day to pull off their masks. Both hand-sanitizer and water-bottle stations have been installed at each school, while Plexiglass barriers are on order for faculty and staff.
Knight also made note of the expected camaraderie from the return, as students were thrilled to be back around their classmates and teachers for the first time in five months.
“They’ve done real well,” Knight said. “Everybody seems very happy to be back.”