By ANNA GILGOFF

Special to The Press

Six months after the start of the 2020-21 school year, second- and third-graders were given the opportunity to return to in-person classes on Feb. 22. In a letter to parents, Superintendent Jennifer Holman said the decision to bring the youngsters back to class was based on “the latest research coupled with our increased mitigation efforts.”

Judging by the reactions of the kindergartners and first graders, Holman anticipated a good transition.

“Our youngest learners were very excited to be back in school on a more regular basis,” Holman said. “They were already accustomed to the new health and safety protocols since the beginning of the year, so now it was just adjusting to more students and limited space.”

The district continues to look for proactive ways for keeping children and staff safe.

According to Holman, a needlepoint bipolar ionizer has been installed in the existing HVAC unit in each occupied space, including each office and each classroom.

“This is an additional layer of mitigation in our schools, in addition to social distancing, face coverings, hand hygiene and contact tracing,” she said. “The units are designed to treat the air as it circulates through the HVAC system.

“The needlepoint bipolar ionizer is designed to reduce particles in the air, neutralize odors, kill pathogens from bacteria, viruses and mold, as well as control allergens.”

Holman is optimistic about this additional measure the district has taken.

“A third-party test in June 2020 showed the bipolar ionizers rendered the virus particles of COVID-19 inactive after 30 minutes,” she said.

The district continues to follow nationally acknowledged practices.

“Due to the required social distancing, especially when eating lunch and masks are removed, we use the cafeteria, but we also use parts of the gym and vacant classroom spaces at Weisenberg Elementary for lunch for the proper distancing,” Holman explained.

The superintendent remains clear eyed on the challenges of meeting social distancing requirements.

“Our schools are not designed for 6 feet of social distancing in classrooms,” she said. “We have had to split classrooms and additional sections with additional teachers to bring back our elementary students and accommodate those who want a 100 percent online model for their child.

“It has been challenging for parents, students and teachers but everyone has a common goal of providing the best educational opportunities for our students in the safest manner possible.

“Our teachers, and instructional and office staff are incredible.

“They have all adjusted daily to changing instructional models, health and safety protocols and the newest expectations as guidance from federal, state and local health authorities has continued to evolve.”

The push to get students back to traditional school is gaining momentum.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said Feb. 21 during an interview with Chuck Todd on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that schools need to “actually try to get as much in person as possible right now.”

“I want to debunk this myth that teacher unions, at least our union, doesn’t want to reopen schools,” Weingarten said. “Teachers know that in-person education is really important.

“We would have said that pre-pandemic. We knew remote education is not a good substitute.

“If the NFL could figure out how to do this in terms of testing and the protocols, if schools are that important, let’s do it.

“My members want it. They just want to be safe.”