Elementary Schools in Sonoma County Open Up After Long Wait
- fionacsweet
- Apr 1, 2021
- 2 min read
Today marked the return of thousands of students to Santa Rosa City Schools' elementary school classrooms.
For those in the Bennett Valley, Mark West, and Rincon Valley school districts, elementary students were allowed to return on Monday. (Shoutout to all the amazing teachers at Yulupa and Strawberry!)
The Sonoma County Office of Education estimated that as many as 20,000 students could be back on campus at least part time by Friday. By April 15th, up to 40,000 kids could be back on campus.
These returning students have been split up into two groups to accommodate a hybrid learning schedule. This means that half the students will come to school on Monday and Tuesday, while the other half will come on Thursday and Friday. Wednesday will be distance learning for all so the teachers can clean their classrooms. The school day will go from 8 a.m to 12:20 p.m.
To foster more camaraderie between the two groups, Kristy Sterling, a first grade teacher at Steele Lane, is considering asking her students to leave notes or pictures to the other group. I really like this idea because it seems like a really cute and safe way for the kids to get closer together.
While all COVID-19 guidelines are in place at the reopened schools and things are obviously not back to normal, the scene is very inspiring and emotional for the majority of the teachers.
When high schools go back, I know that I am personally looking forward to hearing my teachers say "I'll see you next week" for the first time this whole school year. We have to celebrate the little victories.
Have a great Thursday and stay safe!
I can't tell you how wonderful it was to have my students back, even if it was just half and for a few hours.