LODI, Calif. — A principal in Lodi, California is preparing students for the new school year with her own drive-through orientation in a school parking lot.

Principal Dominee Muller-Kimball has parents drive up with their children, while wearing masks, to discuss an action plan for distance learning this fall.

“We’re a K-12th school, so I’m dealing with kindergarteners all the way through their senior year, and so much of it is, again making eye-contact and creating that bond,” Principal Muller-Kimball said.

She’s worked in education for 30 years, but this is the first time she’s held a back-to-school orientation outside of the classroom. Even though all classes will be virtual this semester, she is still inspired to find a safe way to meet with families face-to-face ahead of the school year.

“Even though we are in this pandemic, this is a great way to deal with crisis and how you can still be you,” Muller-Kimball said.

She aims to give families hope that a good education is still possible from home. Muller-Kimball says these meetings are an example of how students can learn to problem-solve during stressful times.

“If that student feels that connection to the school whether it’s in person or virtually, it means everything to them,” Muller-Kimball said.

Her goal is to meet with every single student before the first day of virtual classes. So far, she’s seen more than 130 kids to discuss ways to be more comfortable and prepared for the upcoming school year.

“You do what’s necessary for each student, it’s a 24-7 commitment,” Muller-Kimball added.

She works 12-hour days and says they are worth it so that every student feels safe and able to reach their full academic potential this fall.