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Pulaski County Special School District welcomed students back to school Monday, August 24 in the buildings and from their homes. Our students joined us in the traditional setting and virtual setting as we aim to keep schools and classrooms at about 50% capacity this year.

As expected with the first week of school, local media outlets are sharing stories of back to school and getting a small glimpse into school life amid COVID-19. Here's a look at some of the media coverage this week.

Monday, August 24
THV11 morning show was live at Baker Elementary with Ashley King. Principal, Dr. Sonya Whitfield and Jessica Duff, executive director of communications, each did an interview with Ashley King.
6 am: Jessica Duff interview
6:30 am: Dr. Whitfield interview

KATV reporter Mills Hayes visited Sylvan Hills - North campus to get a look inside a virtual classroom. English teacher Denesha Evans is teaching 100% virtual this year for her students. Click here to watch the story.

Cynthia Howell with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette summarized the first day of school for several school districts across the state.  In the article, PCSSD is briefly mentioned: 

"We're trucking along," said Jessica Duff, executive director of communications in the Pulaski County Special School District, where 38% of students have opted for an online-only instructional program, 33% have opted for traditional in-school instruction and 29% have asked for a blend of digital and on-campus work.

Any hiccups in the delivery of instruction that do occur right now are being experienced nationwide, Duff said.

"There is a sense of grace and understanding that everyone has as we work through things," she said.

Tuesday, August 25
KARK and Fox16 visited the northwest transportation complex for their morning shows with reporter Mandy Noelle. Transportation operations specialist, Charles Anderson, did two interviews with Mandy. Once the buses departed from the transportation complex, the TV crew set up at Pine Forest Elementary to see how car rider drop off procedures take place. KARK also got a look inside Pine Forest tosee what P.E. classes look like for students this year.