Sumner County Middle and High school students head back for in-person learning

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Sumner County Middle and High School students went back to school in-person after Labor Day.

Amber Smith's daughter was already back in-person at her elementary school, but her 13-year-old son was still virtual. "So for them both to be in school full time, makes me super excited, and super happy, because it takes a load off me. But it’s not about me, it’s about them, and it’s about them getting their education, and I didn’t like having to choose between safety or education.”

As an essential worker, Smith had to leave her son home alone on virtual learning days, "Because I’m a single parent I just kind of had to make it work."

Now that the burden has been lifted off her shoulders, she's hoping they don't get COVID-19 at school. "I’m trying to stay positive."

On Facebook some parents were concerned about going back after the holiday weekend since many people traveled, or had parties. "I would like to think that other parents are being as careful as I am, but I know people are who they are, you can only do so much."

Some parents chose to enroll their students in Sumner Virtual Academy if they weren't comfortable sending them back in-person due to the pandemic. While it wasn't going to work for Smith’s child, she's breathing a sigh of relief, and hoping for some normalcy with both students on the same schedule.

"Super excited about it because he’s been super lazy at home," Smith said.

Starting this week, all students in Coffee County are going back in-person Monday through Thursday except for virtual learners. Friday will remain a distance learning day for all of their students.