HANCOCK COUNTY, W.Va---
Classes start Thursday for students at New Manchester Elementary School, but there is construction happening from all angles at the school.
Parents are worried all the dust and noise will take a toll on their children's health and ability to focus in class.
"We're not talking about high school kids here. These are elementary kids. A construction worker walks past the window or walks past their door, they're going to stop what they're doing to look," said concerned parent Theresa Cain.
The renovation of the school started in June, and once it's complete, New Manchester Elementary will be completely updated. However, that could be a long time coming.
"They keep assuring us that school's starting on the 23rd," said Cain. "As a resident a mile from the school, I see the progress that's going on up there. I am concerned about sending my child to school tomorrow."
The construction is scheduled to last throughout the school year, but Superintendent Sue Smith said the construction will not interfere with the student's education.
"There will be minor things going on during the day, but as far as anything that's involving moving equipment or dust or anything like that, the schedule is going to be changed and they [the construction crews] are going to be working after hours," Smith said.
Smith said the fire marshal has been in and out of the school to make sure everything is up to code.
Another issue is the buses and traffic. Smith said adjustments have been made to the bus schedule, and school officials have also made arrangements with local police to direct traffic during the morning and afternoon rush.
"Our principal has been on top of everything with this and working with our staff, working with our construction group, really coordinating everything so that there is the least amount of education interruption for our students," said Smith.
Cain said, "It's a temporary inconvenience for what we're going to have in the end, but it would have been nice if the school board and the school would communicate more with the parents."
Smith said if parents have any questions, comments or concerns about the constructions they are urged to call the principal of New Manchester Elementary school.