Giggles, smiles, hamming it up for the camera.
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LUSK – Giggles, smiles, hamming it up for the camera. Mugging for mom and her cell phone. New back packs that hang to the kinder’s knees and middle school kids trying to look bored.
All of these things and more have been seen at schools on the first day for years.
What’s new this year? Long lines out the double doors to both the high school and elementary school entrances. Manned by faculty and staff wearing masks and sporting thermometer scanners, they were checking and logging temperatures and recording answers to questions regarding symptoms.
In spite of the new safety and health requirements spawned by the novel coronavirus pandemic, most children and their parents were excited and happy for the first day of school. Many parents were grateful the Niobrara County School District was returning fully to in-person classes.
The enrollment numbers reflect this enthusiasm, with the LEMS and Lance Creek numbers at 193 students. In addition to the entry restrictions, classrooms have received a new look to follow social distancing requirements. There are also a slew of new faces, from para educators to teachers to secretaries.
At the high school, most students were happy to be back at school. Though there was some grumbling about the masks and how hot they are.
Students are required to mask in all common areas and in classrooms or situations where social distancing can’t be followed. A group of senior girls admitted they were happy to have their “last first day,” but really dislike having to wear masks while hanging out with friends.
Even with the additional chaos COVID-19 has brought to the schools, the teachers and staff remain committed to the best educational experience they can create for students. Superintendent George Mirich said the district is committed to staying at Tier 1 as long as safety possible. Should the district experience changes in that status, they will stay focused on returning to Tier 1 when they are able to, he said.
Even with all that is new, kids still high-fived in the hallway and teased each other at lockers. Talk was already turning to homecoming royalty and changing class schedules.
