Second-grader Lauren Visosky has been looking forward to the day she could once again walk the halls of Castle Hills Elementary School. After five weeks of virtual learning, she returned to the classroom on Monday, Aug. 31, as part of the first phase of North East ISD's plan to bring students back into the classroom.
Rejoining her classmates and teacher on campus was everything she imagined.
"It felt very good to see my teacher," said Visosky. "I like seeing people more in person than on screen. I'm most excited about recess, lunch and specials."
The return of students reenergized every room on campus with music, giggles and sneakers shuffling across the floor.
"I'm just excited to be here," said Beckie Clements, Castle Hills' P.E. teacher. "Just seeing the joy on their faces when they come into the gym, seeing them being able to play games and enjoy being able to be together. They are able to have some social interaction without being too close."
Virtually, the students have been working on soccer basics. Today, they got to put some of their new knowledge into practice by dribbling tennis balls with their feet into well-spaced hula hoops.
"This is great because I can work directly with them now. For example, with soccer, if they are kicking with their toes, I can address it as it happens," said Clements. "I am happy to see them back."
Maybe one of the best parts of being back on campus is the smells coming from the cafeteria.
"I was a little nervous to see them," said cafeteria manager, Celia Esparza. "It was those first-day nerves all over again."
Inside the cafeteria, duct tape and paint marked where students are allowed to sit and cleverly worded signs reminded students to keep six-feet "beet-ween" themselves, to wait their "turn-ip" and to wash their hands "berry" good.
Steak fingers, homemade rolls and garlic mashed potatoes were on the menu. It is one of the students' favorites.
"We wanted today's lunch to be special," said Esparza. "We haven't been able to see the kiddos through Zoom, so it has been nice to see their faces again and give them a good lunch."
It was a special day for everyone at Castle Hills, but especially the teachers. Staci Edgar was delighted to see some of her second-grade students in person.
"It was more emotional than I thought it was going to be," said Edgar. "But it's wonderful. That's why we're here."
