As we head into next week, a contract agreement continues to evade the district of Eagle Point and union workers. Which means lots of changes for students.
Come Monday, students will return to school, but not their normal classroom.There’s no denying, many are nervous.
An awkward scene at Senior Boards – as Stacey Lee, an Eagle Point High School Senior, get’s kicked off campus by security.
“I drove on campus, and on my back window, with like a marker, it says ‘Support D9 Teachers’ and they asked me to turn around and leave.” Teachers ask, “Are you kidding” Lee continues, “I’m not kidding.”
In the midst of the strike, Eagle Point High students went forward with their senior projects today. For some, it’s a trying situation. Others, like Kendra Ash, say it went without a hitch.
“It went, actually, pretty well. It was a little different then we thought it was going to be.”
Next week, students return to a shortened school days Monday through Thursday. Students divided into morning or afternoon schedules.
“I think it’s going to be very stressful, because of the different kids coming in,” continues Ash.
Yesterday, incoming subs received training and the district assures that they’re are ready for next week.
“We’ll make sure that it is a welcoming and safe environment. We’re trying to do what we can to make sure our students are served well… and we think they will be,” says Michael Remick an Administrator at the District offices.
By state law, students are required to have a specific number of hours in class time. With a week off and shortened schedules, they may not meet the requirement. But the district says they’ll work that out.
Remick states, “There’s not going to be a problem for students. We may have to makes some adjustments, look at individual’s needs. Graduation is going to happen.”
For now students face the unknown.
“My mom doesn’t even want me to start classes again,” says Lee.”She wants me to do my classes online.” Teacher replies, “Your too close Stacey.” Lee interjects, “I know that’s what I said.” The teacher responds, “Just keep doing what you need to do and put this behind you.”
Trying to move forward, under trying circumstances.
Next week, students will not be attending elective or college AP classes.
Negotiations will resume Tuesday may 15th, one week since the strike began.
New bus schedules are posted on the district website.
Information from the union is online as well at www.epead9.org
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