Typically around this time of year school staff are eager to welcome students back to campus with high fives and fist bumps.

This year, the first day of school will look a lot different, as Warren County R-III returns for fall semester on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Words of encouragement will have to replace physical contact, as the district attempts to educate students with social distancing measures in place.

“We’re starting to see excitement build up with our staff,” said Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith. “There has understandably been some apprehension from parents and staff about what roles they will play with students learning in multiple formats.”

About 30 percent, or 900 of the students, enrolled in the district have opted to learn virtually from home, meaning a noticeable difference in physical attendance.

“It’s going to be a learning experience for all of us as we go along,” said Klinginsmith. “This is a new endeavor for us, so a lot of time has been spent on training and developing online learning.”

He says those learning from home will have the opportunity to learn at their own pace while receiving the same instruction and content as those learning in-person. Virtual learners will not be required to attend sessions at the same time as in-person peers but are encouraged to develop a routine.

“They could learn either synchronous or A-synchronous,” said Klinginsmith. “The expectations we have for both teachers and students is that teachers upload content and students do independent practice with the work.”

Teachers have started a bit earlier than usual preparing their classrooms for the return of students — many of whom were last in a classroom five months ago, when school was abruptly cancelled during March as a response to COVID-19.

“It’s starting to feel like the beginning of school again, and that’s always an exciting time,” said Klinginsmith. “

Beyond the reduced number of students on campus, the other significant and noticeable change will be the required use of masks by all students third grade and up. R-III has approximately 14,000 masks available for use as needed.

“If somebody needs a mask, we’ll definitely be able to provide that,” said Klinginsmith.”

Additional means of social distancing will be the spacing out of desks where possible and the delivery of meals to the classroom.

“Those are going to be the big differences — not having mass gatherings or bringing the student body together for assemblies. We’ll be contained to the classroom and not having big groups, Klinginsmith said.

R-III is focused on limiting the number of non-students and staff in the building this semester, presenting some unique challenges for back-to-school traditions in which parents accompany elementary students to class.

“We do understand how important it is for families to come on that first day of kindergarten and get a picture with their child,” said Klinginsmith. “What we have decided to do is allow one parent accompany the child into the school on that first day, and only at the kindergarten level.”

That circumstance will be the only time parents are allowed inside the buildings unless they have a scheduled meeting.

Klinginsmith says the district is aware that students could be facing considerable social-emotional deficits after being away from the school setting for five months. It’s anticipated those needs must be addressed for at least some time before establishing a learning routine.

“We’ve been doing a tremendous amount of study over the past few years on trauma informed,” said Klinginsmith. “We’ll rely on that training to provide support for students and will work closely with teachers and counselors.”

R-III will continue with its four-day school weeks this year, with classes beginning at 7:40 a.m. and ending at 3:15 p.m.