Superintendent Says Students Enjoying Return To Classroom

Students in the Crawford County R-1 School District returned to the classroom on July 13 for summer school, and Superintendent Dr. Kyle Gibbs said they have made the most of it.

“It’s going fine,” Gibbs said Tuesday as summer school entered its second week, but added that a flu bug led to some early sickness. 

The average daily attendance has been 198, hovering right around the mark Gibbs told the Independent News in June they were hoping for. The flu bug has led to some fluctuating numbers.

All three campuses are in session. 

The novel coronavirus shut down districts across the state back in March. Many districts around the United States are still pondering how they will approach the 2020-21 year, whether that means in-person instruction, virtual learning, or a blend of both.

Summer school has allowed Bourbon to prepare for either option. And at least for the first couple weeks, “it’s gone smoothly,” Gibbs said.

“Students are enjoying being with their friends,” he said. While they aren’t social distancing, Gibbs feels constantly reprimanding them to stay apart would be counterproductive. 

“They’re just relieved to have some structure,” Gibbs said. 

A four-month absence from the classroom amid a pandemic could lead to some mental health issues for some students. Gibbs reported there is an onsite therapist to assist them. 

The district is heavily sanitizing classrooms and common areas and when they can, spreading students out.

Masks remain optional for students and teachers, similar to other districts. 

“It is challenging, but the kids are doing well, they’re excited and having fun,” he said.

Summer school wraps up Aug. 7.