As there are each year, Orange County’s K-12 school districts each face exciting and challenging aspects as a new year begins on Monday. While the last few years have been abnormal, some aspects of the back-to-school period will be familiar, despite some new wrinkles.
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Superintendent Nyah Hamlett had a busy week rallying the district ahead of the new academic year. She and members of her leadership team held a bus tour of 20 CHCCS schools to celebrate school spirit and reaffirm goals for the educators and students. The tour featured many dance performances, songs and school chants.
“Too hot…say my name you know who I am.” We know @smithcyclones is ready for the 2022-23 school year. Don’t believe us? Just watch 🌪
Plus, Chapel Hill High School delivers a 🐯 cheer during the HEARTcoming 2022 Bus Tour ❤️ #heartwork pic.twitter.com/LRBfTEitw8
— Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (@chccs) August 26, 2022
“I am smart, I am great, and I am unique!” Get your day started off right with this scene from the @mcdouglees stop on the HEARTcoming 2022 Bus Tour! ❤️ #heartwork 🐬 @PrincipalKJones pic.twitter.com/J8GfCkjmSO
— Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (@chccs) August 26, 2022
“I just can’t express enough how the excitement is just so palpable,” Hamlett told 97.9 The Hill. “The staff are just so energized. You know, this time last year, it was really about ‘let’s just figure out how we make it through [the year.]’ And now, it’s just totally different and it’s such a positive vibe, good energy. And I know our kids are going to feel that when they come for the first day of school on Monday.”
A big reason for that difference: schools across the community are no longer wading through determining and enforcing COVID-19 protocols. While medical experts still suggest individuals take precautions for the virus’ spread, this fall is the first in three years that does not involve remote learning or masking requirements.
For some parents, their thoughts have turned back to a key issue for many years prior to the waning pandemic: school safety. The tragedy of a mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, happened as the prior school year was coming to a close, but is still at the forefront of what local school districts are looking to prioritize.
Orange County Schools Superintendent Monique Felder said as a mother and grandmother, she understands why school safety is top of mind. She said every adult across the district’s campuses are “committed to ensuring our schools are safe places.”
“All of our schools have a security plan in place and our employees take regular emergency preparedness training,” Felder told 97.9 The Hill. “In addition, across the district, we’ve updated our safety programs over the past five years – including assessments from national safety consultants. Why? Because we believe in being proactive, especially when it comes to safety and wellbeing.”
Hamlett echoed similar sentiments, but added she believes the mental health of students factors into school safety. With teenagers and students facing a mental health crisis that challenged wellbeing even before COVID-19, the superintendent said it is critical for students to feel like they are in a safe space with trusted adults.
“There are a number of ways we’re approaching it,” she said, “and first and foremost is making sure that people feel emotionally, mentally and socially safe, and then also ensuring our physical safety is shored up for our staff and students.”
Additionally, both Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools are working toward the implementation of new strategic plans. CHCCS’ is titled ‘Think (and Act) Differently’ and will use this first of a five-year plan to lay the groundwork for advancing core values like engagement, wellness and social justice action.
Felder said Orange County Schools’ plan is in its second year of implementation. Goals of the vision are empowering culture, having excellence and efficiency, and teaching tomorrow’s leaders. For this fall, the superintendent said that involves a new tool to improve literacy.
“The ability to read, write, think critically, listen and speak cuts across every subject area,” Felder said. “We are excited to be rolling out new literacy curriculum in kindergarten through grade 8. The new curriculum is culturally-responsive and will support the needs of students who are multilingual.”
Dr. Monique Felder, the superintendent of Orange County Schools, said the district’s strategic plan is progressing well and action items are in place for the new school year.
While the excitement may be high now, both Felder and Hamlett acknowledged some of the challenges posed by changes in the job market. Teachers are a component of the ongoing phase some call The Great Resignation, with Orange County and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City schools each having roles still open.
The superintendents said they are confident and thankful for the staff they currently have, while Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Renée Price told 97.9 The Hill she’s aware of the burdens any vacancies create. Price said while the county government is committed to supporting the districts through funding, it won’t solve any of the immediate changes.
“For a county that puts so much effort and pride into our schools, it’s going to be a challenge,” Price said. “We respect our teachers to the max, but it is going to be difficult – if there’s a shortage, that means someone else is having to pick up the slack and try to move forward. There may be times when tensions are high, but hopefully, teachers, faculty and staff have their own support group to get through this.”
Still, a new school year brings new beginnings for students and staff alike, with Felder saying her district couldn’t wait for Monday.
“Number one thing I want our families to know,” she said, “is that we are excited about this new school year, and looking forward to seeing them and their children back at school.”
Photo via Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
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