Back to school ... again

First-grade teacher Ann Doesken was expecting Tuesday to feel like the first day of school in the fall. After all, it was the first day of in-person learning since schools went to distance learning in November when the Covid-19 rates started going through the roof.

But it wasn't. It was better. "Everyone just jumped right in and didn't miss a beat," said the overjoyed teacher, adding that there was little of that first-day nervousness for kids.

"It felt amazing to be with students in person. My students were so happy to see one another," she said. "We were so glad to be able to connect online during this year's distance learning, but there is nothing like being together again."

Churchill Elementary School principal David Wangen said "the vibe seemed very positive" in his building Tuesday, with staff and K-2 students excited to see each other in person for the first time in 2021. "Parents dropping off seemed excited as well," he said.

While most Carlton County schools brought back at least a first round of students last week, Cloquet students in grades K-2 and 5-6 started a week later, on Jan. 26, with grades 7-8 going hybrid the same day. At the high school ninth- and 12th-graders begin hybrid learning on Thursday. The remaining grades are distance learning through Feb. 5.

Being back together doesn't mean school went back to normal. Masks are still required for students and teachers and school staff must wear masks and face shields. "Like everything else with the pandemic, you just roll with it. It's all about your attitude," Doesken said. "These small changes make it worth it when I see my students' bright eyes light up over their little masked faces."

Doing some exemplary role modeling for her students, Doeskin said she looks forward to getting her Covid-19 vaccination when it's her turn.

Cloquet Superintendent Michael Cary told school board members during Monday's meeting that the district is developing a vaccination priority list for teachers and staff, after being informed the week before that 13 teachers (out of 400-plus) could get a vaccination. On Monday the state asked for another 42 names. "We are trying to get help from some of the physicians at the hospital to get the people most in need at the top of the list," Cary said.

Also during Monday's meeting, board members:

• Approved a bond sale of $1.86 million to finance renovations that will create a new Career and Technical Education space at the high school to be shared by vocational ed and art students.

• Praised the school district's paraprofessionals, especially for their flexibility in responding to the pandemic. This week is National Paraprofessional Week.

• Approved the World's Best Workforce summary and plan following a presentation. Some of last year's goals were not met because of the pandemic, including improving ACT scores (many students couldn't take the test) and improved Native American participation in college level classes (the class was switched to online and field trips eliminated).