Fresno Unified preparing to welcome back students to full-time in-person learning

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Just hours away from the sound of the first bell, Ewing Elementary 6th Grade teacher, Scott Mettler is getting his classroom ready to welcome his students back with no login or password needed.

"The thing I'm looking forward to most, even though it's behind the mask, is just seeing a smile. You'll be able to see their eyes light up and I miss that," said Mr. Mettler.

Having been a coach for years, his decor drives home the importance of teamwork -- the concept he says is applicable now more than ever as many of these students haven't sat in the classroom since March of 2020.

Mr. Mettler says, "We're finally going back to some sort of normalcy. Of course, there's apprehension but as a district, we're going to do everything we can to keep that at a minimum."

Principal Rosalinda Torres says this week's goal is to focus on the social and emotional aspects of heading back to school.

Principal Torres says, "Our teachers are so giving of their time, their resources and their money. They are not shy to do what they need to do to make sure our kids have the welcome they deserve."

Assessing where students are academically will come week 2.

"We're not going to focus on learning loss. We're not going to use that term because whether they were connecting with you for five minutes or all day, learning happened," she said.

In addition to indoor mask requirements, campuses will have enhanced cleaning, increased classroom ventilation, and self-health screenings prior to arrival.

Fresno Unified is also offering enhanced student support for mental health and wellness -- adding full-time counseling services and staff for after-school programs.

Principal Torres says, "Safety is our main priority here. We want our students to be safe and to focus on high-quality instruction."

Another first for the district is 30 extra minutes of instruction, all in an effort to enhance math and literacy skills.

Thursday morning, be sure wake up with us on AM Live. We will have all of your back to school coverage and what you need to know before you head out the door.