WELCOME BACK!

Elementary students return to the classroom for in-person lessons

POTTSTOWN » In any other year, the scenes taking place at Pottstown’s four elementary schools on Monday would have been fairly routine.

But this school year has been like no other, so when students returned to the classroom for the first time in the 2020-2021 school year on Monday, it was special for students and teachers alike.

Ironically, middle and high school students had a common virtual day on Monday, so those who are returning will not do so until Tuesday.

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic restrictions shut schools last March, the majority of Pottstown School District students have been learning online.

Some special education students, some in pilot hybrid programs and those in the high school technical programs have been in the buildings, as have most athletes.

But Monday was the first day this school year that regular

education students who wanted to were allowed back into the classroom.

Those who wish are being allowed to continue learning online with teachers doing double duty teacher to both sets of students.

The hybrid program Pottstown put in place for elementary students has online learning occur for all in the mornings and in-person education in the afternoons for those who chose to return.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY OVERDORF The excitement of being back in school is evident on this Lincoln Elementary School student’s face as she greets her teacher in person on Monday.

Students got right to work on their first day in this Franklin Elementary School classroom Monday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY OVERDORF Barth Elementary School kindergarten teacher Colleen Blute works with a student during the first day of inperson instruction Monday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRY KLINE Masks were mandatory for those who returned to inperson education at Rupert Elementary School Monday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRY KLINE A spring-time return to school is the right time for spring colors.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY OVERDORF This Rupert Elementary School student says her first day back in class was a success.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY OVERDORF Lincoln Elementary Principal Calista Boyer seems thrilled with this students hair color on the first day back for inperson instruction Monday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRY KLINE Social distancing in the classroom did not appear to be a problem Monday at Rupert Elementary School.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY OVERDORF Barth students in Kelli Wolfel’s third-grade class are ready for learning.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KERRY KLINE Desks were spaced six-feet apart when possible for the return of in-person education Monday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY OVERDORF Franklin Elementary first-grade teacher Kaylee Weldon was teaching online and in person Monday.