There was a lot of excitement in the air on Monday morning, Aug. 24, as kids and parents headed out the door, ready to take on a new school year…but under some very unusual circumstances.
While the first day of school is always filled with a few lost students, a few not wanting to leave their parents, and numerous questions about a variety of topics, this year there was the added scenario of kids having to face a “new normal” in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – wearing face masks and face shields. While some were concerned it would be a challenge to get the younger students to first – actually wear them, and second – leave them alone, other parents went out and made it something their kids would want to wear by purchasing their own fun designs, like Karmoni Perry and Bradilynn Perry (pictured at right) got from their parents. These two girls couldn’t wait to start school with their cool new head gear that let them show off a little bit of their animal-loving personalities.
However, since the Eagle Grove Area School District is requiring all staff and students to wear a face shield or mask “when appropriate and safe as determined by the school district,” they do not need to supply their own. A face shield, mask, and lanyard to clip on the mask was given to each and every student when they came to school Monday morning. In the elementary, the teachers tried to meet their students as they walked into the classroom and made them feel excited about wearing masks and shields – like it was a super power or something, as they showed them how the shields would be worn. In the middle school, the kids received their protective gear after reporting immediately to their home rooms, as did the high school students. Instructions were given in small groups instead of a large, all-school setting per a “normal” year. All students were required to wear masks while riding the bus or when first entering the school building as well. If the students did not have one, they were given one.
“What an awesome day! I am so proud of our kids! They handled things like champs,” said Robert Blue Middle School seventh and eighth grade teacher Carrie Christopher. “The kids didn’t need reminders about their masks or shields. They already know it’s important. I was so impressed.”
Robert Blue Middle School Principal Scott Jeske echoed her good comments. “We were very impressed with how the kids responded to all of the changes that had to be made at the middle school. The morning started with students being welcomed to “Hollywood” and spending the day getting used to being back in school. We had a few issues with bussing at the end of the day that we will work out, but overall, things went very well.”
In the elementary school, besides the face protection, the biggest difference the returning students noticed was a different Flag Raising Ceremony. Traditionally, the kids meet outside and all gather around the flag with local police and public figures where they are officially welcomed to school by the principal. Then, as the flag is raised, they sing the Star Spangled Banner and recite the Kids of Character pledge. This year, the teachers kept their individual classes in their rooms and instead, pulled the Flag Raising Ceremony up online, viewing what was happening outside as well as the other classrooms on their SmartBoards.
“Things went pretty well at the elementary and the excitement of being back in school was very evident for both students and staff. There were the occasional reminders for students to put their face shield or facemask back on, but overall the kids did great with our new expectation,” commented Eagle Grove Elementary’s new principal, Jared Carder. “In having a conversation with some of our older students at lunch, we all agreed that we would prefer not wear face coverings (myself included), but that we were all willing to do it so we can be as safe as possible while in school.”
Eagle Grove High School seniors also saw a bit of difference in their return-to-school “tradition.” They still got to have their Senior Breakfast, but this year, for the first time ever, it was held off school grounds. To better allow for social distancing and safer practices, they gathered at 7:15 a.m. at Hewett Park where they were able to enjoy breakfast pizza and other favorites served up by several of the senior parents. They also still got to go on their police-escorted trailer ride around town, marking the last first day of their high school career, but again, they were encouraged to spread out as much as possible.
There’s no doubt this is going to be a different year, but that’s no reason it still can’t be a great year. And remember to show gratitude to everyone, including yourself, who is trying to make this abnormal year seem as normal as possible.
