Arab City Schools releases back to school plan

Arab City Schools releases back to school plan

To choose their learning option.

Now to sand mountain where arab city schools announced its plans for back to school.

Waay 31's sophia borrelli asked the school superintendent about changes and options.

She took his answers to one parent trying to decide what to do with her child.

Chelcie cryer, parent: "the hardest part is, is that she is ready to go back, but we do know that it's not going to be the way she thinks it's going to be."

Chelcie cryer - told me - her family made the decision to have her daughter attend school virtually this coming school year.

Chelcie cryer, parent: "definitely wasn't an easy decision, knowing that she does want to go back now."

Superintendent johnny berry told me he wants to push the start of school back one week to august 17th.

Berry hopes the school board approves the request next week to give teachers and staff more time to prepare.

The district is offering the traditional classroom experience and virtual learning through the state program.

Johnny berry, arab city schools superintendent: "every student is our student regardless if they are in the building or if they are off campus learning."

Sophia looklive : one of the biggest changes he wanted to make sure parents know about is that they are cancelling their extended day program, which is an after school program for kids."

Johnny berry, arab city schools superintendent: "it was a very difficult decision for us.

It's a very popular program.

Unfortunately we just don't feel like that we can continue to keep our social distancing and those type of things with so many students in such a small environment."

The plan released thursday night requires face coverings for all students, employees and visitors.

Berry told me the district may re-evaluate that based on state- issued health orders.

Johnny berry, arab city schools superintendent: "i think just about anyone that you talk to say they are effective in some way.

It's better than having nothing so we will have the governor's health order, we do have that in our plan for masks to be worn in school."

Cryer says she wants parents like her to know they are not in this alone.

Chelcie cryer, parent: "i know it's a hard decision.

If the best option is for them to go back, because they need that type of structure, then by all means, send them back, you know, you're their parent and you know what's best for them."

In arab - sophia borrelli waay 31 news.

Right now parents are able to choose which learning option is best for their child.

Parents will need to