Santa Maria students head back to school

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Students in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District and Santa Maria Joint Union High School District headed back to school Thursday morning.

For the first time in months students in Santa Maria are back in school.

Kids at Bill Libbon Elementary are thrilled.

"I’m going to go in second grade and I’m super excited … I am looking forward to make friends," said student Juliet Dominguez at Bill Libbon Elementary School.

So are the parents and teachers.

After months of zoom classes due to COVID-19, student Maria Pacheco at Santa Maria High school couldn’t wait to come back to in-person learning. "I’m super excited to be here to be able to experience my senior year in person and be able to actually enjoy those activities that last year seniors in the previous seniors classes were able to experience."

For student Eric Ceja of Santa Maria High School, the highlight was just getting to see his classmates. "I’m so excited to meet my friends … it was a long long time since I’ve seen them … covid really impacted us really hard."

As part of the county’s health protocols, everyone is required to wear a mask indoors.

“We’ve got that under control … but it is good to have the energy back on campus and then begin to be able to interact and talk to kids," said principal Steve Campbell at Santa Maria High School.

Perhaps the best part about starting a new school year is it’s a fresh start for everyone.

"I can't wait to make new friends," said Dominguez.