ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect classrooms nearly five years later, with some elementary students who had to learn from home still struggling academically and socially.

Franklin County Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Siers said behavioral issues among current students can be traced back to the pandemic.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported a nearly 5-point drop in average reading scores for 9-year-olds in 2022 compared to 2020.

“They don’t have the social skills that are needed to be successful. They don’t have the toileting skills that kids used to have when they came to school. They are less independent than students used to be,” Siers said.

The Franklin County School Board is creating the Get Ready to Fly campaign to

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