Protecting Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Waay-31's Bridget Divers discusses the state of Lincoln County schools and the impact that COVID-19.

Still investigating how it got there.

Just like in north alabama, our neighbors to the north in lincoln county, tennessee are seeing a spike in coronavirus cases.

Waay-31's bridget divers spoke to an administrator from fayetteville city schools.

She learned what they're doing to protect their students and staff from the coronavirus.

In lincoln county there is no mask mandate and schools in fayetteville are not requiring students to wear masks in the classroom.

But class sizes are smaller than previous years, with some students taking part in virtual school.

Bill hopkins/ director of schools for fayetteville city schools "we've encouraged any students that could do virtual, we want them to stay at home and do virtual."

Bill hopkins is the director of schools for fayetteville city schools.

And he says that while some students can take advantage of remote options, he knows some students need to be in traditional learning.

Bill hopkins/ director of schools for fayetteville city schools "we have about, i'd say we have about 30 percent of our population at this time, especially our middle school and high school that are doing virtual.

This allows us to be able to social distance."

All fayetteville city school students are doing virtual learning on wednesdays.

Bill hopkins/ director of schools for fayetteville city schools "so, we thought that if we could give a break in the middle of the week, teachers could concentrate on the virtual students it would benefit us."

John hathcock/ pastor at first baptist church "for our students i think it's healthy for 'em to try and understand how to navigate this virtual world that they might one day have to deal with" pastor john hathcock has two sons in fayetteville city schools.

And he says the school system is keeping parents informed about covid-19's impact on the schools.

John hathcock/ pastor at first baptist church "i would say they've been very transparent.

Every time there's been a case that's taken place, within 24- hours we as parents have gotten word from them whether it be online on facebook, on our different social media platforms."

And pastor hathcock has opened up first baptist church to students who don't have internet access or parental supervision at home.

John hathcock/ pastor at first baptist church "to date we've usually had around twenty or so students that come from primarily the elementary age school here to utilize that service.

Bill hopkins told me that after thanksgiving break it is very possible they will have to make adjustments to the school schedule.

And he said they might have to go to all virtual learning depending on coronavirus numbers.

In lincoln county, bridget divers, waay-31 news.

We reached out to the lincoln county director of schools to hear how that school distrct is keeping students safe.

We'll let you know what he has to say as soon as we hear back.

We reached out to the lincoln county director of schools to hear how that school distrct is keeping students safe.

We'll let you know what he has