Students, parents adjust to school COVID-19 changes on first day at Nassau County schools

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — There was no shortage of smiles on Nassau County campuses Monday.

Student Tatianna Prentice told Action News Jax, “Today I expect school to be, like, fun and not the same as 2nd grade last year.”

Darius Prentice, the 3rd grader’s dad was a little more reluctant.

“It was a tough decision because the COVID outbreak seems to not, still be under control,” Prentice said.

Thursday the Nassau County school district posted a video outlining the safety changes installed over the summer.

The safety measures include hand sanitizer in classrooms where desks are socially distant.

In the lunch room, acrylic shields are dividing tables and the only utensils available are disposable.

“We’ll obviously monitor it and keep a close eye on what’s going on in the classroom and at the school. Hope that they keep this thing under control with the kids,” Darius said.

Families said they believe face coverings are the most important precaution.

According to the district’s reopening plan, students are required to wear masks while on the bus and on campus.

Prentice said if the guidelines aren’t enforced, he’d consider switching back to virtual school.

“It we see a rise in cases I would most certainly think that would warrant pulling them back,” explained the dad.

If a case of coronavirus is identified on campus, district leaders say the Florida Department of Health would send a letter to all those who made contact.

Students would then transition to online learning while in quarantine for a period of time determined by the FDOH.

Cox Media Group