Students, teachers welcome a ‘traditional’ first day in two years
From the school bus to the parking lot to packing lunches at home – excitement filled the air last week. It was only natural, as it was the first day of school … in two years.
Two Rivers-Dos Rios Elementary School made a monumental effort to make the first-day event more special. Parents and kids were invited to gather in front of the school and greet each other before the big day.
Given the last couple of years, emotions were expected to be high, whether positive or negative, but the attitude toward the in-person school year has been overwhelmingly positive, principal Charlie Jett said.
A family arrives bright and early to start the new school year.
“I’ve seen lots of optimism from those who have been doing online school for longer and had trepidation about coming back in person,” Jett said. “They seem to be wanting to come back, which is really exciting. Obviously, the pandemic still exists, but it is more endemic now.”
Jett was named principal of the year for the 2021-22 school year, and attributes it to the amazing teamwork they have at Two Rivers-Dos Rios. “We have a great crew. Lots of them are veterans and it just helps when the staff is connected, that they trust each other. … We do better work as a result and learning is more prone to happen when you have those connections,” Jett said. “We want to do what’s best for kids every single day and make this experience as best as possible for students and make sure they are having success.”
School principal Charlie Jett lined up students before entering the building, this year, parents weren’t allowed to accompany their kids inside due to COVID precautions.
As far as Covid precautions, there are still some in place, Jett said. On the first day, parents were not allowed inside the school.
Danielle Rogers, parent of kindergartner Kyleen Thorton and third-grader Madison Baldwin, is pleased with this and feels a sense of security for her children’s safety. “I’m looking forward to this year. I like the fact that we don’t let other people in the school right now. All parents have their concerns and as long as the school is secure, I’m cool with it,” she said.
Library manager Cami Romig says it feels good to be back. “It’s great to see the kids coming here and smiling. Everybody seems really happy … I love having the kids in the classroom and talking about books and learning and being together,” she said.
Families said that this year, returning to school marks a break in pandemic stress.
Principal Jett echoed this sentiment and said it’s great to see smiling faces on the first day not covered by masks. “There’s a lot we learned and we are excited to put all these new systems into a more traditional type of school. I think everybody’s optimism is really exciting. If you want to wear masks, you can. That’s a choice. We’re definitely going to be more free to do school in a more traditional pre-pandemic setting,” Jett said.
