Trending
The doors opened once again Tuesday for the start of another school year, with parents welcome to walk their kindergarten students to their classrooms.
"We have 89,024 students enrolled in our district-run PreK through 12th grade schools. The last number I had was 1,064 in Lee Virtual School and 2,787 in home school," district spokesperson Rob Spicker said.
Overall, reports showed that the first day of school went great with nothing unexpected, or out of the ordinary reported, he said.
"Just regular first day issues like long lines at parent drop-off and pick-up, and students in need of a bus stop," Spicker said. "Our students were excited to be back and our teachers couldn’t wait to see everyone again."
One issue facing students, parents and school staffs on the first day was a district mask requirement.
Monday night parents had the option to "opt-out" from having their child wear a mask to school this year, as the district issued a mask requirement that will be in place through Sept. 10. The requirement is due to the district tracking and evaluating community spread of COVID-19 in Lee County.
The letter sent to parents stated that the Florida Department of Health reported the COVID-19 positivity rate in Lee County for the week of July 30-Aug. 5 to be 20.8 percent. Due to that percentage, the district "will require face coverings as a mitigation measure as we begin the 21-22 school year, while respecting parents’ fundamental rights to direct the health care decision of their child."
According Spicker, 10,664 opt-out forms were returned before the start of school Tuesday morning.
Although the district still has a shortage of bus drivers, Spicker said the morning went well with minimal delays. He said Tuesday afternoon that the ride home was delayed by rain and lightning more than anything else.
"Transportation did a great job covering all the routes getting students to school on time and home safely," Spicker said.
With the first day of school now over, parents are encouraged to continue to be patient.
"We will work to solve their issues as fast as we can. Please continue to encourage your child to look forward to and enjoy the opportunity to learn in person," Spicker said.