MCINTOSH, Ala. — For hundreds of children across Washington County, the first day of school this year felt almost like coming home. It is a school year closer to normal, with a tradition missing since the start of the 2019 school year back in place: parents were able to walk their kids into the classroom for the first time in two years.
“It’s very important for parents, they want to be here for the very first day and we want them here and haven’t had them here in two years and we welcome the parents being here today,” said Principal Edna Billingsley.
Other highlights this year include a new reading program meant to help make up deficits brought on in part by virtual learning. The superintendent said the school system is 98% staffed as classes begin.
Washington County is a wide, rural area, and the schools are often the central focus of their communities. Teachers were working Friday and some came in Sunday to get classrooms ready for Monday.