Categories
Richmond

Hopes and fears back to school in Richmond and Columbia Counties

AUGUSTA, GA (WJBF) – We usually hear about notebooks, pencils, and book bags given to students to prepare them for the new school year. that took place, but this time vaccines were also offered.

For all your latest breaking news and local headlines, sign up for our daily NEWSLETTER

“I’m fine,” said Jonathan Stephens.

Jonathan Stephens has just received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. This year he will be an eighth grade student at Grovetown Middle School. But the upcoming school year is going to be different because he has spent most of his seventh year online.

“It’s just very difficult electronically when you have no one to teach you,” said Stephens.

Stephens says he’s ready to learn face-to-face again, and his mother, Kimberely Stephens, says she’s more confident this year, especially since her son has extra protection.

Lollapalooza requires indoor masks for the last 2 days of the music festival

“I want him and those around him to be protected. I think the vaccine is good and preventative, ”said Kimberely Stephens, Jonathan’s mother.

Jonathan received his first Covid vaccination at the Augusta Worship Center. The church gave away 100 book bags with school supplies. They also offered the Pfizer vaccine for children and adults.

Jay Johnson is a pastor at the Augusta Worship Center. He says some of his community have raised concerns about the children returning to the classroom.

We specifically chose Pfizer because it enabled children 12 and older to actually receive the vaccine. We’ll be offering the second dose on August 28th. I think people are more comfortable now that the schools have the right protocols in place and they also have the infrastructure to keep the children safe, ”said Jay Johnson, pastor.

In North Augusta there was another giveaway for the start of school. The parents there say they are more confident this school year.

“I’m nervous, but I work in the school system so I have full confidence that they are doing what they can to prevent what they can and be as careful as possible,” said Lilian Jernigan, mother.