HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — School districts in North Alabama have now allowed students to return to class in person, sooner than expected.
After Labor Day weekend, Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools, and Madison County Schools will allow students to have in-class learning.
"They've had a very active summer, but at the same time I understand some parents concerns with needing to go back to school at this time," says Zachary Weems.
Weems is an uncle to two children in Madison County Schools. He believes it's a tough call. "I'm sure that a lot of parents are just concerned about their family members being in areas, and we're not really too familiar with what's happening inside necessarily."
The decision for students to return in-person was based on the steady decrease in COVID-19 case numbers in North Alabama, the public's improvement, and health leaders and city officials.
All school districts will do the reentry in phases. Huntsville City Schools and Madison County Schools will still allow students the option to do remote learning through the end of the first nine weeks.
Madison City Schools will allow students who opted for virtual learning to continue also.
Meanwhile, a couple from Memphis has a three-year-old granddaughter who lives in Huntsville. Although she's not old enough for school, they say it's still something to consider. "But it's something we have to consider. Definitely have to get ready for," says Michael Love.
Michael and Sheila Love believe students should return to class in-person to interact with each other. "We do everything that we know, from the CDC to protect them and I'll think we'll be fine," added Michael.
"Even if they don't go everyday, at least Monday, Wednesday, Fridays of certain classes. Something similar to the colleges, the universities. What they're doing," says Sheila.
Huntsville City Schools will provide more updates at the board meeting this Thursday. Madison City Schools will also provide more details on re-entry this week.