VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Virginia Beach City Public School students returned to the classrooms Tuesday, some of them, anyway. Pre-kindergarten through sixth grade were given the option, as part of a plan approved by the school board.
The 4th grade daughter of Betsy Dixon turns 10 today, and she said returning to school was her wish.
“She said 'all I really want is to go back in-person', and I was like, ‘I’m not sure I can make that happen.’ She said, 'I understand, but that’s what I really want more than anything is just to go back and see my friends,’” Dixon explained.
There has been some confusion in the district on whether those who chose face-to-face earlier in the year can now decide to stay all-virtual.
A spokesperson for Virginia Beach schools told News 3: “If a parent or guardian feels that a change in option would benefit their child, we ask that they notify their child’s principal in writing – email is fine – as soon as possible.” The statement continued “We have cautioned parents and asked for their understanding in that while we will do our best to accommodate requests, a shift between options may necessitate a teacher or schedule change. At this time, we have made it a priority to accommodate requests to shift from Option 1 (in-person) to Option 2 (virtual), and there is no waitlist.
VBCPS says they have recently accommodated about 1,200 students choosing to go in-person.
There is a wait list of more than 350 for face-to-face learning, officials said.
Grades 7-12 are set to return on February 22.
