Peter Nyberg On What North Carolina Communities Can Expect With Students Going Back To School Amidst COVID-19

Some public schools in North Carolina have re-opened their doors — and in many cases, only their virtual doors. The more than 1.5 million students in the state went “back to school” in late August, but many of them are learning remotely full time. 

Even those who are returning to schools won’t necessarily see teachers consistently as schools maintain social distancing protocols. And they will have to pass daily temperature checks and screening for other COVID-19 symptoms to be allowed in as cases continue to rise in the state. 

While the majority of students are learning from a distance this school year, teachers also try to adjust to this new reality. That includes teachers sitting in an empty classroom while addressing students through a laptop, trying to deal with technical glitches on the first day. 

Peter Nyberg, CFO at Camino Community Center, a Non-Profit in Charlotte, North Carolina, which focuses on helping underserved individuals in the community, explains what North Carolina communities can expect with students going back to school amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The New Reality for Families 

For parents of the students, there’s the challenge of helping their kids adjust to the new reality while trying to accommodate their own schedules. In some cases, students that require more help can access remote learning centers through the YMCA, while there are further efforts from school districts to partner with other community services to provide the e-learning at lowered rates, says Peter Nyberg. 

One of the concerns from a community perspective is helping kids who are struggling with the challenges and need resources to protect their mental health. Although school districts do have social workers and other supports available, the ratio is about 1 to every 1,200 students or so. Currently there is a shortage of counselors and psychologists in the state, which is being further stretched by the stress of the pandemic. However, the state’s board of education has reached out to state administration to increase funding for these positions while helping them train to deal with the newest challenges. 

This is particularly challenging for kids in households that have financial or other challenges, who also can’t attend school in person. And that number of households is only growing due to the economic stress caused by COVID-19 in the state and across the country, which is also leading to many families losing their health insurance. 

That’s why a community service like the Camino Community Center is particularly important during the pandemic, expanding its clinic hours as well as providing childcare for the center’s staff. It is also providing more pantry hours — many students rely on in-school lunches at reduced prices, which are now not available widely with students out of the buildings. 

Limited Extracurricular Activities Including Sports 

Another reality for many communities in North Carolina is limited or cancelled extracurricular activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Usually, back to school meant sports or after-school clubs or bands for many of the students, which contributed to their physical and mental well-being as well as providing some relief for parents. 

As an avid sports and fitness enthusiast, Peter Nyberg also says that high school football is on the chopping block in some states, at least for the time being. That is leading to some tough decisions for families that want to pursue this sport as a college scholarship opportunity, leading some to even move to another state to resume playing. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association announced a decision prior to back to school to move the start of the football season into 2021. 

However, there are still opportunities for online activities for students and students are encouraged to get outside for exercise even if that means playing with a neighbor in a socially-distant way. The CDC has said how important exercise is particularly for children of school age, as regular activity can reduce stress levels and the chance of obesity as well as improve overall physical health. 

In fact, the pandemic might be a time for students to embrace new opportunities, says Peter Nyberg. While some students might thrive in a remote learning environment, others can use their additional time to foster a new interest or hobby. It can also be an opportunity for parents to connect more with their children to support their learning experience as well as set up opportunities for play. 

Peter Nyberg on the Challenges Ahead

Some school administrators in North Carolina and elsewhere are concerned about school revenue streams being lower during the pandemic that could make it more challenging for schools to operate, especially with new protocols including increased cleaning, says Peter Nyberg. 

The result could be budget cuts to school districts, although there has been some relief on the table from the federal government that allocates billions of dollars to school districts and respective states. However, more funding is needed to help support students, especially for those in larger populations of low-income families. 

Moving forward it’s difficult to predict what the public school landscape will look like for future school years, but for now educators and administrators — as well as students and their families — are adjusting as quickly as possible to new procedures with the current funding available. 

Despite back to school uncertainties, one thing remains the same — individuals will need to continue to practice certain protocols while COVID-19 is a threat, as more than 1,000 new cases were recently reported by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services bringing the total in the state to more than 188,000. Maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands or using sanitizer to reduce the chance of spreading through communities will continue to be mandated by state and school officials.  

Meanwhile, families that are struggling due to COVID-19 should look up local community services that can provide some relief to boost learning opportunities or provide essentials. In some cases, the school itself may have resources to help.  

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