Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. What a welcome sight to see those only in the United States yellow school busses on the roads again. Nederland Elementary (NES) opened its doors again to Kindergarten, first and second graders on September 29, 2020. 

Teachers and school staff excitedly stood outside in the beautiful autumn morning waiting to see those busses turn the corner. It was not the crowd in front of the school as in past years, but this was a step we have all been waiting for, being back in the school building. There was an energy in the air of being thrilled mixed with a little apprehension. For some students this was their first day at NES and for others it probably felt like the first day all over again. 

Every student came with masks in place as each class was escorted into the building through different doors as to not cross in the hallways. 

The bell rang and lunchroom staff, Jessica Hutchison and Kellie Shankey, brought breakfast to students in the classroom. Then new NES principal Caleb Melamed gave the morning announcements welcoming all the students and teachers to the building. One could hear the excitement in his voice as he said how pleased he was to see the students. 

The routine was mostly familiar to returning students as they heard the lunch menu for the day and listened and participated in morning mindfulness. Then, the teachers got to work explaining some new health protocols and organizing each student’s space.

The first days of in-person learning has been successful. No, it is not fun to wear a mask all day, but all the students really seem to understand why it has to be. 

The playground is full of noise and action. Colorful art projects are coming out of the art room, the gymnasium is being exercised in again and you can hear music from the hallways. 

Basic skills are being taught, students are gaining knowledge, friends are being made and part of the NES community is back together again at school. 

(Originally published in the October 8, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)