With the school year and NTI 2.0 starting, the way students have to adjust to their new schedules is a big topic of conversation. Between trying to figure out a schedule and managing schoolwork, students have had a hard time adjusting. However, the adjustments parents have to make are often completely overlooked.

Most parents have already had to change their regular routine to adjust to working from home, but now they have to add their child’s class schedule and assignments on top of that. For Kelly Hollis, Kaylynn Berry’s (9, J+C) mother, NTI has been a fairly simple adjustment. To her, the most difficult part of NTI has been “getting logged into the various platforms (infinite campus, google classroom and JCPS email and the separate registration site) for the first time and figuring out which passwords were which.”

Many parents worry that virtual learning will cause their kids to fall behind and be underprepared for in-person school. “Even with all of the organization and work that the teachers are putting into NTI, I still worry that the kids are going to fall behind on standards and not be as prepared as they have in the past,” Jennifer Alexander, Logan Alexander’s (10, HSU) mother, said. “I would love to see updates on how our kids are meeting and exceeding standards, especially compared to previous years.” 

Other parents worry about their kids missing out on important experiences. “The most difficult part of NTI for me as a parent is that I don’t get to hear or see any YPAS performances. I miss live performances more than anything. I miss hearing the music and I miss being in an audience with other parents and students,” Jane Walsh, Ike Harrell’s (12, YPAS) mother, said. “It’s also hard to watch your kid missing out on a lot of the tangible parts of starting senior year – and not knowing if those things will be available at all his senior year.”

The biggest response to NTI has been support for the teachers. Many parents thank the teachers for what they’re doing and how helpful they are during this time. “The patience of the teachers has been remarkable to witness,” Elizabeth Milliken, Natalie Milliken’s (10, HSU) mother, said. “I put myself in their shoes and think about having to learn all these technology platforms on the fly along with teaching the kids remotely and I’m in awe. They are the heroes in this scenario!”