Many students express both excitement and anxiety as they plan to face a school year unlike and any other.
“I’m excited I’m going to get that contact again but I’m a little nervous about exposing myself, ” said Liana Vargas.
Her mother, Gaby Moran admits that sending children back to school amid the pandemic is quite nerve-racking.
“I think its almost like they are kind of being guinea pigs to this whole thing, ” said Moran.
School districts have worked to ensure parents of required CDC guidelines, including smaller classes, PPE equipment, restricted movement throughout buildings, and social distancing.
"We have the best possible plan..thankfully the rates are going down, ” said Lee County School Board Member, Betsy Vaughn,
Lee County’s teacher of the year, Samantha Hower provides a word of inspiration to all students.
“Your teachers are really excited to see you, they are excited and nervous but no matter what we’re going to do the best we can for you, ” said Hower.
She encourages students to make the best of this school year, even though it may look a lot different than others.
“We want to see you. We want to help you. We want to get you used to this new learning environment, we are right there with you to learn this together, ” said Hower.
Southwest Florida school districts tell Fox 4 they have been working endlessly to bring students back to school as safely as possible.