Students return to Santa Barbara high schools, middle schools

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - After months of planning and anticipation, students returned to Santa Barbara-area high schools and middle schools on Thursday.

Students are divided into three cohorts, with groups A and B alternating between in-person learning and remote learning each day. The third group will learn virtually through the remainder of the school year.

"I think students just want to be together," said an excited Kip Glazer, principal at San Marcos High School. "Yes, they understand that there are [COVID-19] rules and regulations that they are not used to. But I think kids are resilient. So, they'll handle it and they're gonna have a great day."

Students must check in when entering campus, scanning their student ID and having their temperature taken before washing their hands. Then they are allowed to enter.

Some are stepping onto campus for the first time amid the new guidelines.

"It's interesting," said freshman Sarah Errea. "I would prefer to get the beginning of the year but due to COVID and stuff, it's great to see my school for the first time and get to see my teachers in real life, not over a computer screen."

Seniors, on the other hand, feared that they would not get the chance to return to school before graduating.

“I was really scared,” senior Andrea Lising said. “I knew I would lose some [senior year] things because of the circumstances but I’m just really blessed to be here for even a little bit of the year."

Staff are also happy to see students together in-person again, even behind masks and more separated.

“It feels just fantastic,” freshman english teacher and volleyball coach Roger Kuntz said. “These kids deserve a sense of normalcy, and school for them is what’s normal.”