LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Elementary and middle school students in Jefferson County Public Schools return to school Friday for their second day of classes. High school students are scheduled to return Monday.
JCPS has been working to fix its bus system after a disastrous start to the school year, leaving families with several unexpected days off.
Some have been taking advantage of free activities in the city.
On Tuesday, Charlie Combs was teaching elementary school students about bio-facts, box turtles, skunks and snakes at the Louisville Nature Center.
State Rep. and JCPS mom Josie Raymond, D-Louisville, hosted the pop-up hike and nature program.
“So many JCPS families are facing child care challenges and then the challenge of keeping your kid busy and engaged and learning when school is out,” said Raymond. “We just wanted to make parents know that they’re not so alone ... Already in political discussions, I have felt that the parent voice and the parent experience is being lost, and so this is just space for parents and families to be together.”
Third grader Caiyden Holt said it was exciting to spend time with other kids and make friends.
“It’s really fun,” said fourth grader Natalie Clapper. “I like the walks and the turtles and the snakes.”
“We’ve had to adjust our schedule and our calendar and come up with things to get us out of the house and get us maybe away from the video games, but at the same time, take advantage of the kind of bonus days, I would say that we are having with our kids right now,” said Erin Klarer, a JCPS parent.
Across town, small business owner Adalberto Castellon Jr. also offered help.
Earlier this week, he opened Spanish Fly Barbershop on his off day, as a free, safe space for kids who needed a place to go while schools were closed.
He posted on social media, offering movies, snacks, Wi-Fi and A/C.
“I personally feel that ... if you gain from a community, why not give back?” said Castellon. “These are the people that are essentially paying our bills here, paying everything that we have to do, so if you have that opportunity to give back ... I think it’s important.”