Lauderdale County and Meridian Schools begin classes, parents inform students on safety precautions

Today began a new school year for Lauderdale County Schools and Meridian Public Schools. Lauderdale County students began their day entering physical classrooms while Meridian students entered virtually.

As temperatures were taken this morning at Northeast Elementary School, parents made sure their kids were aware of things they needed to keep in mind while at school.

“We’ve already been wearing our masks and she’s been getting used to wearing her mask so it’s not such a big shock when she has to wear it at school,” says parent Jamie Ainsworth. “She has little hand sanitizer on her backpack and her own water bottles. We’ve been talking a lot about don’t touch this, don’t touch your mouth and make sure that you give your friends personal space.”

As of now, Meridian Public School District plans to resume face-to-face learning in September while Lauderdale County Schools will do both traditional and virtual throughout the week.

“I think there are pros and cons to online-both ways. I think she did really well when we were working online, but I also think there’s something to be said about school in person with her peers. She’s an only child so it’s good for her to be with her peers."

Overall, Ainsworth is satisfied with the decision the district made.

“It’s all been so new and you really don’t know what’s best and we’ve done a lot of thinking and praying about it, but I respect the decision that the school has made and we know that she does really well here and they have her best interest at heart.”