<\/p>\n
For the first time since Nov. 16, Montezuma-Cortez School District\u2019s students returned to the classroom Wednesday for in-person learning.<\/p>\n
While a strong emphasis has been placed on student safety, there was an undeniable sense of joy as teachers and students reconvened.<\/p>\n
Audrey Wierda, a family and consumer sciences teacher at Montezuma-Cortez High School, was glad to be back with her students.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot seeing students was challenging,\u201d Wierda said. \u201cPart of being a teacher is that reward you get from seeing students and working with them individually to see how they improve and grow during the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
All students are required to wear face masks in school buildings and on buses. This now includes students from kindergarten to fourth grade as well.<\/p>\n
Other safety measures include seating charts for social distancing, hand-washing and extensive sanitizing by schools\u2019 janitorial staffs.<\/p>\n
For Mesa Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Lisa Mendoza, Wednesday was an opportunity to hit the ground running and make up for lost time with students.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing can really replace in-person learning.\u201d Mendoza said. \u201cIt\u2019s just so hard to replace a school day.\u201d<\/p>\n
While teachers and administrators appreciate the innovations that allow for online learning, they also acknowledge that some gaps in learning might have developed while students were at home.<\/p>\n
According to Montezuma-Cortez School District Superintendent Lori Haukeness, an advisory committee will soon be formed to make recommendations on how to address the learning gap issue this year.<\/p>\n
Despite the challenges, Haukeness believes the first day back was an overall success.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeachers are pleased to be back with the students, because that\u2019s where they want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n