![\"Schools](\"http:\/\/www.greenstreetdata.com\/PS\/owego\/files\/2021\/09\/Schools2.jpg\")
<\/a>Pictured, Phoenix Coates arrives at the Owego Elementary School for her first day in first grade on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n
In the Owego Apalachin Central School District the first day of school was Sept. 9, with masking mandated for all persons over the age of two indoors. According to district officials things went smoothly in terms of transportation and masking, and with no major delays reported. Luke McEvoy, who handles public relations for Owego, noted, however, that there were mild delays, but normal for the first day of school. <\/p>\n
For teachers and students masking will be optional outdoors, which means teachers have been actively encouraged to take their classes outside as often as possible. <\/p>\n
<\/a>Pictured with Emily Houck is Kora Houck, who entered her first day of Kindergarten in Owego on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cWe believe that the best place for our students is in school, in person, every day, which was something we were able to accomplish across the district,\u201d said Corey Green, superintendent for the Owego Apalachin Central School District in a prepared statement. <\/p>\n
While not officially allowing for remote learning versus in-person, teachers have been given the option to allow students who are absent to virtually attend class. <\/p>\n
<\/a>Students arrive for the first day of school in Owego on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n
Last month the school district also announced the launch of the OA Virtual Academy for students in 7th through 12th grade. Details on OA\u2019s Virtual Academy can be found at www.owegopennysaver.com\/PS\/2021\/08\/27\/oacsd-launches-virtual-academy-option-for-7th-12th-grade-students\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n To help iron out transportation issues, Owego has also launched an app called My Stop that allows families to track their child\u2019s bus and get an anticipated arrival time. McEvoy added that there is a shortage of bus drivers, and while there is adequate staffing for the current routes the district is actively seeking new drivers. <\/p>\n Students head back to school in Owego on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cThis is not a problem that is unique to us,\u201d McEvoy added. <\/p>\n The Candor Central School District reopened on Sept. 8, and according to district officials did so smoothly both in terms of transportation and masking. As is the case with every school in the state, indoor masking will be required for all individuals over the age of two and also on buses as well. Candor has released a masking chart showing when the mask is required for certain positivity rates and under what circumstances. <\/span><\/p>\n As it stands, Tioga County has a positivity rate considered to be of high transmission, or red, which is the highest level, meaning the chart calls for masking even outdoors, stating it is strongly recommended but not required.<\/p>\n Pictured are Lexi and Hailey Gunther, and Ethan Nichols and Maddison Anders. The group heads into their first day back to school together at Owego Free Academy on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n The Tioga Central School District reopened on Sept. 8, and according to district officials both transportation and masking went along without a hitch. <\/p>\n \u201cThe kids did very well with it,\u201d officials stated. <\/p>\n Like districts throughout the area masking is required indoors and on busing, but will remain optional outdoors. <\/p>\n Travis Gusse and Tyler Silverstein arrive at Owego Free Academy for the return of school on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n \u201cWe recognize the frustration the seemingly constant changing guidance brings; as has been our goal from the beginning, our plan is to provide every student with the very best in-person teaching and learning,\u201d said Joshua Roe, superintendent for the Tioga Central School District. <\/p>\n For the Waverly Central School District, which opened on Thursday, Sept. 9, there were minor reports of buses being too late or too early, but other than that no major issues were reported, according to Knolles. \u201cWe had no major issues with masking or transportation,\u201d he stated. <\/p>\n Aubrii Coney, a sophomore, arrives at Owego Free Academy for the first day of school on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Despite the inherent limitations of masking and other COVID related protocols, Knolles stated, \u201cIt went wonderful, all the kids are tucked in their classrooms and ready to go with lots of smiles; it seemed like a regular first day of school.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n Sarah Blair is pictured with Ohilie Bryden, and as she enters fourth grade at Owego Elementary School on Thursday. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Pictured are Lauren and Alex Lomonaco, both are attending the first day of school at Owego Elementary. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Students depart the bus in Owego on Thursday, and for the first day of school. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Pictured are Brian and Alyssa Middaugh with Lucas and Harper on the first day of school at Owego Elementary School. Harper recently transferred to Owego from Tioga Central and is entering first grade. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Students depart the bus in Owego on Thursday, and for the first day of school. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Pictured, Adalynn Kline and Alaura Kline arrive for the first day of school in Owego. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Eighth grade students Brooke Evans, Evelyn Howe and Mia Hall arrive for the first day of school in Owego. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Caleb Hollister, a junior, and Owen Bronk, a sophomore, arrive for the first day of school in Owego. (Photo by Wendy Post)<\/p><\/div>\n Arriving for the first day of school in Owego on Thursday are Free Academy students Jillian Baumbach, Jessica Baumbach, Mya Lunn, and Megan Evans.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>