And all at once, summer collapsed into fall

It was a nice, busy sight on Tuesday morning with Grygla School busses pulling up to each assigned door, dropping off students. The parking lot was full of vehicles again and students were excitedly walking into the building, adorned with their backpacks and masks. The school grounds have been quiet for months and months, but that all changed Tuesday morning.

Superintendent Jamie Lunsetter said excitedly, “BACK TO SCHOOL! That phrase has never been as welcomed as it is this year. We’re ready for you, students!” 

Included here are some photos of how the classrooms have been set up in order to follow social distancing guidelines. Classes will run as normal as they possibly can, but obviously with lunch, band/choir and PE, things will need to be changed up a bit.

As you can see, band and choir will be held in the small gym where there is enough room to have students spread out. Instructor Gene Lunsetter explained that the choir and band students will be wearing masks, with the band students having a covering for the bell of their instruments, which are provided by the school. Regular classroom music classes will still be held in the music room, with the plan of heading outside for classes when weather permits.

As for physical education classes, Brady Olson said he’ll also be taking his students outside as long as the weather allows for that as it allows the students to get a break as masks aren’t required outside. Certain PE units that have more physical contact will be avoided and only a few students will be allowed in the locker rooms at a time to help with social distancing. In addition, all equipment will be sanitized before use and between classes.

Superintendent Lunsetter said, “Although school will look a little different, we are excited to be back with our kids and can’t thank families enough for their input and patience during this time. Our goal is to make things as normal as possible, while still following all of the guidelines to make sure our kids, staff and communities remain safe. We are looking forward to an exciting school year, and an opportunity for all of us to get back to normal.”