Rochester students head back to school

(ABC 6 News) – It’s the start of a new school year for Rochester Public Schools and while parents, students, and teachers are excited, they are apprehensive as well.

The first day was full of excitement and a lot of teacher-student reunions. Some students spent today in orientation or parent-teacher meetings and others hit the books. It seemed like the pandemic still has some people wary about coming back. But overall many are just ready for a fresh start.

Teachers and staff welcomed students back with open arms. They say the new school year is a mix of emotions.

"Exciting; kind of nerve-wracking. I hope that the students are excited," Jen Gaul, a Mayo High School teacher, said.

Teachers and parents are both anxious to see how students will adjust to in-person learning again after a long year with mostly distance learning.

"Focus, time-management, attention…" Gaul said.

"Being open with the other kids and stuff. They’re gonna have to work back on that again you know? Get it all back together," Deszarae Smith, a Rochester Public Schools parent, said.

Desyah Smith is her son, and is in 4th grade at Riverside Central Elementary School. He’s excited to play basketball with his friends again and see his teachers.

"Cause you love your teachers right? Yes. We love all our teachers," Deszarae asked her son.

Teachers at Mayo High School welcomed their students with high fives and handshakes. The school drumline also joined in on the welcome celebration. Students say they missed these fun interactions the most.

"Just try to have fun. Like grades are important but having fun is important too," Mayo High School senior Angela Kane said.