In the months leading up to the school year, Leah Whitaker searched for ways Evansville Day School students could learn in-person while safely maintaining the school's "learn through play" educational plan.
The risks of the novel coronavirus forced Whitaker and other EDS administrators to seek other instructional options for the school's reopening.
Read MoreSix months ago, Madelyn Morris had envisioned what her first steps on a college campus would be like. The Mooresville, Indiana, student was focusing on successfully finishing her final semester, sending out graduation party invites and getting ready for the University of Southern Indiana's student orientation, scheduled for March 20.
But everything changed with COVID-19.
Read MoreWith many Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. students still without computer devices and login information for the EVSC Virtual Academy, some parents are considering other options.
Jill Young's 7-year-old daughter, Lola Hill, is set to start first grade at the Virtual Academy. But with EVSC schools reopening on Wednesday, Young and other parents still haven't received information about the online learning program.
Read MoreThe first day of school always feels like a leap of faith, even in the best of circumstances.
In neighborhoods across the country, hundreds of children pour into buildings short on funding and long on need, looking to come out the other side better educated and ready to move on to bigger things.
So it's understandable that Wednesday morning felt like a hail mary.
Read MoreAs COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the days leading up to the first day of school for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., so do the number of families shifting to online learning.
EVSC spokesman Jason Woebkenberg said Tuesday more than 1,700 students are enrolled in the EVSC Virtual Academy, a program that normally has between 75-100 students each year. That's an increase of at least 1,600% or as much as 2,167%.
Read MoreRead Evansville is distributing books to ensure students are aware of the effects of COVID-19 as they prepare to return to school.
The 22-page story, "My Hero is You," follows the main character, Sara, as she travels across the world, teaching others the importance of washing their hands, social distancing and staying inside their homes.
Read MoreAmid a whirlwind of changes with the reopening of Warrick County School Corp. schools on Wednesday, Jamie Nunn said she's looking forward to a return to normalcy
As Nunn dropped off her daughter Alex Nunn, 10, at Newburgh Elementary School, she felt a sense of relief knowing the fifth-grade student will be learning in-person this school year.
Read MoreAlthough Indiana's top marching bands won't battle it out this year on the statewide level, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. will set the stage for local schools to perform this fall.
On Sept.12 at Central High School and Sept. 19 at North High School EVSC will hold showcases for the district's marching bands to put their routines on display.
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