Students return to school in Tioga County

Students return to school in Tioga CountyStudents arrive for their first day of in-person learning at Owego Elementary School. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Emotions were flying high last week as students made a return to school in Tioga County, N.Y. With a mix of hybrid, in-person and virtual learning, the experience is one for the books!

Last Monday we went over to the Owego-Apalachin School District’s elementary and high school to see how students were feeling about their return. Most were very excited, others remained a bit nervous.

Students return to school in Tioga County

A return to school. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Alieiah Smith, a fifth grade student in Owego, felt excited.

“I’m glad to be out,” said Smith.

Parent Chantel Yates delivered her student to school, and was hesitant to leave. But Yates was also confident that things would be safe, and is on-board, 100 percent, with in-school learning.

“They need the personal interaction,” Yates added.

Students return to school in Tioga County

A student gets a temperature check on Monday before entering Owego’s high school complex. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Phil Schofield, elementary school principal, was on-hand Monday morning with other staff members to make sure the first day ran smoothly.

“The kids are excited, and they are happy to be back to a routine,” said Schofield.

Over at the high school, things were running smoothly as well, with students filing in, getting temperature checks, and donning their masks for the first day of a ‘not so normal’ return to school.

Students return to school in Tioga County

Pictured, Abigail and Charlotte Kozak arrive for their first day back to school last Monday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Abigail Kozak was excited, yet nervous at the same time.

“I’m nervous,” said Kozak, adding, of the social distancing, “I just wish I could be with my friends.”

To date, we have not received word of any positive cases within the district, and as the school year progresses.

Students return to school in Tioga County

Students return to Owego Free Academy for their first day of school on Monday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

To track how each school is doing, visit https://schoolcovidreportcard.health.ny.gov/. The site was launched by Governor Andrew Cuomo last week and is a tool that allows parents and families to track how their school is doing.

You can also contact your District Office for concerns or questions. Each district has also made information available online and is maintaining transparency with students and their families and caregivers.

Students return to school in Tioga County

John and Joe Bengal return to school at Owego Free Academy last Monday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

We will have more as the school year progresses.

Students return to school in Tioga County

Masked up, and arriving for the first day of a return to school! Pictured, from left, are Josh Terry, Brandon Worzel, and Wyatt Gunther, all seniors. (Photo by Wendy Post)

Students return to school in Tioga County

Pictured, Levi Selover, Presten Gorski, and Byron Chessman return to school at Owego Free Academy on Monday. (Photo by Wendy Post)

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