Tricia Richards and her sons are in agreement: They want Texas schools to resume in-person education.
“I would like to see the schools open,” the Liberty Hill mother told the Lone Star Standard. “Our youngest son Jameson is 13, and starting 8th grade. My middle son Luke is 20 and a junior in college. They are both anxious to go back to in-person school.”
Her oldest son Zachary graduated from college in 2018.
The Richards family of Liberty Hill
| Contributed photo
Richards describes herself as a middle-aged mother of three boys, and she’s been married to Rusty Richards for 26 years.
“I've been dedicated to raising my family as a full-time mom for the past 20 years," Richards said. "Our kids have attended both private and public schools. I've work part-time in residential real estate for 16 years. School districts are always a big factor in the residential real estate business.”
The Richards family lives in the Liberty Hill Independent School District (ISD). Classes are set to resume on Thursday, Aug. 27.
“Parents are able to choose online learning or in-person, at-school learning,” Richards said.
Her sons will attend classes at their schools and she is convinced it’s the proper choice.
“Schooling is an essential part of life for our children," Richards said. "The factual data does not support closing down the vital institutions that the public expects and needs to thrive in daily life. The emotional, mental, psychological damage being done to our kids now throughout this isolation period is far greater than the minimal physical health risk in going back to school. “
Richards says that restricting in-person learning poses its own risks to young people.
“In addition to the emotional and psychological damage to our kids, there is also the physical fitness and socialization issues,” she said. “Kids are spending hours every day in front of screens. Their attitudes are shifting, attitudes about willingness to engage or take part in things that require getting out of their comfort zone. I sense a great deal of fear, anxiety, panic, fatigue and emotional stress that the parents and kids are dealing with. In these circumstances it is very easy for kids to withdraw and shut down. The risk for suicide and drug overdose is greater than ever for our youth.”
The Liberty Hill ISD has six schools – three elementary, two middle schools and a high school. It had 4,378 students during the 2019-20 school year.
Supt. Steven Snell joined the district in December 2018. In July, he told the Liberty Hill Independent that the district would adapt to the changing environment.
“We’re going to take it as it goes and be flexible and prepared,” Snell told the weekly newspaper. “I think that’s the best call right now, especially with all the unknowns and the time we have between now and Aug. 27.”
On the district website, the superintendent said the school district and community have a tight connection.
“Since I have arrived, I have witnessed the tradition of excellence that exists here and the strong sense of family and pride in the schools,” Snell said. “I feel this culture is due to the wonderful teachers and coaches we have to lead and inspire our students and the hard work of our students, leadership and support staff.
“I believe that schools make a huge difference in the lives of our children and that the experiences they have are just as important as the academic piece,” he continued. “I want Liberty Hill to be known not only for its academic excellence and extracurricular programs, but also for the positive and healthy educational environment of our classrooms and hallways, and the positive character-building relationships between staff and students. I take very seriously the responsibility we have as educators to make a difference and I want all staff to be committed to giving their very best, day in and day out.”
