ESTILL COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — We are just two weeks away from the start of school for many central Kentucky students.
Some school districts were even planning to welcome some students back inside the building before Gov. Andy Beshear announced his recommendation to postpone in-person classes until September 28.
Madison, Estill, and Scott County Schools are among the districts now making adjustments to 100 percent remote learning.
When we visited Estill Springs Elementary last week, only a mask could hide the smiles on teachers' faces as they prepared their classrooms.
"My building, Monday through Friday, starting out on the 24th will look how it looks like every day, but it will be missing our favorite people in our building," said Principal Jessica Mullins.
That is because all students will now begin the year remote learning.
Mullins says she and her staff members are reaching out to the families of each of her 500 students to find out what they need.
Whether it's a computer, internet access, a learning packet, or even just a check-in, she says they are working hard.
"You better believe we're going to gear up our home visits very quickly. It's time for us to see those kids," said Mullins.
Scott County is also adjusting to 100 percent remote learning.
That was disappointing news to Hannah Trent. She says she has no work-from-home option because she's a general manager at a local restaurant, and planned to send her three kids to school five days a week.
"I work 50 hours a week, so doing three kids through school and working 50 hours a week is going to be a hard one to figure out," said Trent.
Trent has only one computer at home right now, but is relieved that Scott County is pushing back the start of school until September 8 to give teachers and parents a chance to adjust.
"I'm not excited school's being pushed back, but it also gives me more time to be able to come up with a plan as to what I'm going to do for the virtual (learning)," said Trent.
But in Estill County, they're still planning to be ready for school on August 24.
Despite the changes, Mullins says carrying a positive attitude is the most important thing of all.
"I feel like through these difficult times we will all be better, and I think we need to take time to reflect on that through the journey. And I hope it's over very quick," said Mullins.
Scott County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hub says the district is working to make sure every family has their technological needs met.
Hub says they have about 6,800 Chromebooks, and hundreds of desktop computers on hand that can go home to students. He says families should contact their school's principal if there's a concern about computer, or even internet, access.
