PUEBLO — Students in Pueblo School District 60 returned to school Monday through either in-person or remote learning. News5 got an inside look at how classrooms are operating with COVID-19 precautions in place at Minnequa Elementary School.
For those who returned to school, students and teachers had to wear masks, desks were spaced out and there were markers on the ground to show kids where to walk. There was also a health screening before they were allowed to enter the building.
D60 officials said around a third of their families opted for the online option.
Monday was the first time teachers had seen their students in six months. "School is school. And when their students have been away from them for so long, that was really difficult on teachers, and so what I would say is they're very excited to welcome all of their students back," said Assistant Superintendent Suzanne Morey.
Still, many say nothing can quite compare to being back in the classroom. "The classrooms still have the love, the joy, they still look like classrooms in a school," said Katie Harshman, the principal at Minnequa Elementary School.
Those with the district said all of their students now have the necessary technology for remote learning.
Last week, the district announced all of its high schools are starting the school year completely virtual.
The note sent out to families said the district is moving forward with this change because of the high demand for a virtual hybrid option at the high school level and "more time is necessary to continue to adjust class sizes and schedules."
Like other districts, D60 said they are ready to move online in case of a COVID outbreak.
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