How a Dougherty County school looks in the midst of a pandemic

DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. – Dougherty County public schools announced that they’re going virtual this school year but one of the county’s private schools opened up Friday for in-person instruction.

Sherwood Christian Academy (SCA) parent Janet Dapper says, “I’m so thankful that this administration did whatever was possible. They put so many safety precautions, even more so than I would’ve even wanted.”

Precautions like mask mandates, temperature checks and reminders to stay six feet apart.

This first day of school looked like no other first day back in history. But that didn’t discourage parents. Janet Dapper says she’s glad to bring her student back for her senior year.

“It’s what I prayed for all summer I want them to enjoy this year. This is so important for the seniors they work their way up to this position of leadership and they want to influence these younger kids and they can’t do that sitting at home.”

And no one ended up staying home Friday. SCA currently has more than 350 students enrolled and the school reports that they had 100% attendance on the first day back.

SCA is working with Phoebe and the Department of Public Health, and officials with the school say they’re closely monitoring the level of community spread. If cases begin to surge again, students will shift back to virtual learning. But for the first day back, smiles behind masked faces and first-day-of-school excitement spread throughout the building.

Janet Dapper (L) and Ashlynn Dapper (R)

“To be here with everyone, even if we’re six feet apart, I still get to see their face and I’m just so excited to be here because I love my school so much,” says SCA senior Ashlynn Dapper.

To see the school’s entire reopening plan, click here.