First day of school brings
excitement, apprehension
August 26, 2020
Sheila Harris
First day of classes began at most Barry County schools Tuesday, an experience students looked forward to and teachers looked forward to, and some area parents were a bit anxious about.
Sherry Lotufo, of Exeter, whose son Nate Tucker is a senior at Exeter High School this year, admitted to some qualms in light of the status of COVID-19 in the county, but also realizes that life must go on, and kids need the benefits associated with school.
According to Purdy Public Relations Coordinator and District Registrar, Susan Funkhouser, the first day at Purdy Schools was fantastic.
“The staff was all a little nervous going into this,” she said, “in part because of all of the changes required, but the excitement of just having kids back in the building overcame any jitters or concerns.”
Funkhouser credits part of the smooth transition with the re-opening of school to Purdy Superintendent, Mindi Gates, who is beginning her second school year in the position.
“We are so incredibly thankful to have Mindi at the helm as we navigate these new waters,” Funkhouser said. “Since she spent years as a classroom teacher herself, she’s aware of the challenges our teachers will be facing with some of the changes required.
“We also really appreciate the cooperation of all of the students’ families,” Funkhouser added. “Without them backing us, it would make things more complicated.”
Dr. Richard Asbill, Superintendent of Cassville R-IV Schools, said Cassville’s first day back in classes was great.
“It was outstanding to see students and staff back at school and ready to engage in learning,” he said. “Things went very well and we greatly appreciate all of our parents for being so supportive and helpful. The students were great and our staff was excited to kick off a great school year.
“We are focused on one day at a time,” he added.
Southwest High School began classes Thursday, August 13, a bit ahead of other Barry County Schools. Superintendent, Dr.(?) Tosha Tilford, is extremely pleased with how school in Southwest has started.
“Other than a few minor tweaks, our re-entry plan has gone just as it was published,” she said.
David Compton, director of Barry County’s Office of Emergency Management, believes the benefits of sending children back to school far outweighs the risk of doing so, in light of COVID-19.
“Yes, it’s likely COVID-19 will become a factor, simply because kids are social creatures,” he said. “But my office and the Barry County Health Department are working closely with school superintendents for mitigation plans. We are asking principals and classroom teachers to make lists of the names of students in various clubs and team sports - and even make lists of names in classroom seating arrangements - so if we need to quarantine students due to a positive case of COVID-19, we’ll know who has had the closest contact with that student.
“Although children are susceptible to contracting COVID-19,” he added, “based on statistics, they are not vulnerable to having a negative reaction to it.”
First day of classes began at most Barry County schools Tuesday, an experience students looked forward to and teachers looked forward to, and some area parents were a bit anxious about.
Sherry Lotufo, of Exeter, whose son Nate Tucker is a senior at Exeter High School this year, admitted to some qualms in light of the status of COVID-19 in the county, but also realizes that life must go on, and kids need the benefits associated with school.
According to Purdy Public Relations Coordinator and District Registrar, Susan Funkhouser, the first day at Purdy Schools was fantastic.
“The staff was all a little nervous going into this,” she said, “in part because of all of the changes required, but the excitement of just having kids back in the building overcame any jitters or concerns.”
Funkhouser credits part of the smooth transition with the re-opening of school to Purdy Superintendent, Mindi Gates, who is beginning her second school year in the position.
“We are so incredibly thankful to have Mindi at the helm as we navigate these new waters,” Funkhouser said. “Since she spent years as a classroom teacher herself, she’s aware of the challenges our teachers will be facing with some of the changes required.
“We also really appreciate the cooperation of all of the students’ families,” Funkhouser added. “Without them backing us, it would make things more complicated.”
Dr. Richard Asbill, Superintendent of Cassville R-IV Schools, said Cassville’s first day back in classes was great.
“It was outstanding to see students and staff back at school and ready to engage in learning,” he said. “Things went very well and we greatly appreciate all of our parents for being so supportive and helpful. The students were great and our staff was excited to kick off a great school year.
“We are focused on one day at a time,” he added.
Southwest High School began classes Thursday, August 13, a bit ahead of other Barry County Schools. Superintendent, Dr.(?) Tosha Tilford, is extremely pleased with how school in Southwest has started.
“Other than a few minor tweaks, our re-entry plan has gone just as it was published,” she said.
David Compton, director of Barry County’s Office of Emergency Management, believes the benefits of sending children back to school far outweighs the risk of doing so, in light of COVID-19.
“Yes, it’s likely COVID-19 will become a factor, simply because kids are social creatures,” he said. “But my office and the Barry County Health Department are working closely with school superintendents for mitigation plans. We are asking principals and classroom teachers to make lists of the names of students in various clubs and team sports - and even make lists of names in classroom seating arrangements - so if we need to quarantine students due to a positive case of COVID-19, we’ll know who has had the closest contact with that student.
“Although children are susceptible to contracting COVID-19,” he added, “based on statistics, they are not vulnerable to having a negative reaction to it.”