Some students were facing mask mandates and other safety measures against COVID-19 on top of the regular challenges of starting a new school year.
Despite school looking and feeling different these days, initial reactions have been positive. "Our staff is thrilled to have our kids back in the building," principal Jay Novecak said.
For younger students who started kindergarten online last year, first grade marks their first time in the classroom.
Olathe elementary school principal Trisha Putthoff reported that teachers paired those new pupils with students who have real classroom experience.
Putthoff happily noted that as a result, "I didn't have any criers this year and I have 60 kindergarteners."
Over on the Missouri side Southeast High School teacher Katherine Zeeck observed, "We had more excitement on the first day of school yesterday than we have in the six years I've been here."
- Jay Novacek, principal, Olathe West High School
- Trisha Putthoff, principal, Black Bob Elementary School
- Katherine Zeeck, teacher, Southeast High School
