Stewart Elementary School welcomes students back

WASHINGTON - Emma and Tinley Timmins gave each other a hug before parting ways before school.

'I gave her a big hug,” said Tinley, who attends preschool.

After having to leave school in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, kids at the Stewart Elementary School were excited to return, with very little nervousness.

As the doors to the school opened at 7:50 p.m., cars lined up to drop off excited kids, donning face coverings and backpacks full of supplies.

Without preschool, which starts on Tuesday, 350 students filed into the building.

Principal Adam Miller said the morning went well.

Even though they expected some anxiousness and tears, there was very little, and kids seemed comfortable with returning to school, Miller said.

Some parents walked their children to the door, sending them off to teachers with smiles and waves. Staff at the door asked kids who their teacher is and guided them to their classrooms. Miller said the kids were excited and doing a great job with wearing the face coverings and learning the proper ways to wear them.

First-grader Brinnley Stout and kindergartner Myles Stout posed for a few photos before walking off to class hand in hand.

The pair's mother said the kids were excited for teachers, friends and recess.

Miller said the kids and teachers have been pretty excited to return and overall the first day went better than expected.