Students are back in the swing of things at Leicester Public Schools. They started last week, ready to learn after six months away from the classroom.

"I think [they’re] a little bit shell-shocked,” said High School Principal Tracey Kenny. “We're all trying to learn how to re-school for the first time, so it's very different."

Kenny says under the hybrid model, students are in class two days a week. Schools are equipped with traffic signage at entrances and hallways, as well as distanced desks in all rooms, including the cafeteria.

"We have very specific protocols when they walk into the class with hand sanitizer. They can have a mask break as they enter, take a sip of water, re-sanitize, and get right into their classes," Kenny says.

Crews regularly clean the buildings and playgrounds. And the facilities department did extensive checks and repairs of the equipment, including the HVAC systems, to ensure students and staff would be in a healthy environment.

"Just to make sure that we had fresh air, filters were changed, equipment was inventoried," said District Director of Facilities and Transportation Brian Cooper.

Nurses say preparing for the school year was challenging with changing guidelines, but they are well-prepared now with a 14-page health and safety packet.

"We hit every bullet and yes, it changed often and we had to regroup, but we just all got together and we got it done,” said Nurse Leader Diane Moffat.

Students and their families are asked to check for symptoms at home each day. Kenny says so far, they've all been very supportive and cooperative.

"Every single kid came with a mask. Everyone was hand-sanitizing, no push-back whatsoever,” Kenny said. “Parents have been wonderful. We've had a lot of support from the community."