Alva Review-Courier -

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — It is not even noon, and Ari is struggling to keep his eyes open.

It is the first day back to school after a long holiday weekend, and the weather outside Slaughter Elementary is cold, gray and dreary.

Inside, fifth-graders are scattered throughout Amber Pendleton's classroom. A handful surround Pendleton at a kidney-shaped table against the back wall. Other quietly type on black Chromebooks, occasionally whispering to a friend nearby.

It's math class. Today's lesson: Fractions.

Ari sits alone on a colorful rug under the chalkboard near the front of the room, his large l...