WACO, TX — It's been a little over a month since students across Central Texas returned to school. Some headed back to class for in-person learning while others are committing to virtual learning.
At Eagle Christian Academy, 86% of students returned to in-person classes. School officials took months to plan a strategic way to keep everyone safe.
"While being social distanced, and while wearing masks but still being able to be together as a community. You can see it in these kids it gives them life and a lot of parents tell us their kids have never been so excited to go to school," said Computer Science instructor Benjamin Andrassy.
Before stepping foot on campus, parents are asked to pre-screen their children for COVID-19 symptoms by submitting a quick online form. Allowing staff on campus to keep a closer look at every student day by day.
"We've got to be very cautious so screening and healthy protocols are really important. We are blessed because we are a small school but health and safety has to remain top priority," said Adrielle Selke, Head of School.
Kenya Soto and her husband are front line workers. For them, sending their two boys to in-person classes was important. However, making sure they are safe is an even bigger priority.
"Knowing the school that you are sending your kids back to, their policy and procedures related to COVID-19 and knowing that they have a system in place that you feel comfortable with is super important," said Kenya Soto.
School officials say the new protocols took months to strategically plan.
"What do our students need, what do our families need, what does the local authority need us to do and how can we do a good job to ensure kids are safe and it took a long time," said Andrassy.
One month in and ECA teachers and parents say they are pleased with how they are adapting to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
"We wanted to be back to together, that is what we are about as a school - community, we are all about family and doing this together," said Andrassy.
Their goal is to continue teaching their students in a safe environment while also keeping some normalcy in their lives in the middle of these uncertain times.
