Return to the classroom during the pandemic

Open from 7 to 7.

New information tonight -- reaction from parents and teachers after athens city students returned to the class room for the first time in about seven months.

For middle and high school students...it's a return two weeks ahead of schedule.

The district made the decision after parents requested the return... that's despite the fact the county is ranked as a high-risk area for coronavirus cases.

Waay 31's casey albritton joins us live outside of athens high school... casey, what sort of feedback did you get from parents tonight?

Many parents i spoke to told me they wanted their children back in the classroom... even though limestone county is considered at high risk for the coronavirus... the district says 82 percent of students are officially back in the classroom-- something one parent says could be a health issue.

Heather kiel/ parent "the schools have taken so many precautions that we have been good the whole time."

Heather kiel has one child at athens middle and one at athens high school-- and while her kids have been in traditional school since the school year started, monday brought a new experience.

Heather kiel/ parent "i asked my daughter today; she was so excited that she got to see some of her friends who have not been there all of this time and they were there today."

Kiel says while she's glad students are getting in- person education again, she's a little nervous about coronavirus spreading more.

Heather kiel/ parent "it concerns me having more students there because it increases your risk."

But she says she trusts teachers to keep students safe.

Heather kiel/ parent "i believe the teachers are going above and beyond this year..."

Superintendent/ beth patton "teachers had to start over a little bit with the why we are doing this and the importance of wearing a mask and the importance of social distancing but no issues at all today."

One teacher says she's trying her best to help students adjust to the new normal.

Deb ezell/ teacher "computers are good aids, but they cannot replace a good teacher in a classroom."

Deb ezell teaches students who are at high risk -- and says she was excited to see so many new faces in her classroom today.

Deb ezell/ teacher "i saw some happy faces and i was really thrilled in my heart that they were happy to be back."

Ezell says the priority is making sure students get a good education in-person.

Deb ezell/ teacher "if you're sick, stay home, but i feel very confident that the building is safe."

Acting superintendent patton says students and teachers are following the new guidelines... and the district will continue to monitor coronavirus cases in the area.

Live in athens, casey albritton, waay 31 news.

Limestone county is currently ranked as a high-risk area with 284 coronavirus cases.

The district says it is doing all it can to keep students socially distanced