Hallways Filled With Excitement As Students In New Jersey Enjoy Being Back In Class, Adjust To New Mask Mandate
SWEDESBORO, N.J. (CBS) -- Students across the region are back in school buildings, some for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. They are now adjusting to life in the classroom, with masks on.
It's back to school in New Jersey. From Camden to Kingsway, it's a fresh new year. Students attending the new Camden High arrived Tuesday optimistic for their first day.
"I am looking forward to seeing my friends and seeing my teachers," one student said.
At Kingsway High School in Gloucester County, they started school last week.
Eyewitness News checked in to see how the Dragons' school year was going.
"You feel the energy when you walk through the building," Superintendent James Lavender said.
The hallways are alive once again, and the excitement is bouncing off the walls.
"This is the first time our kids have been back in the building, in a full school opening, everyone together in 18 months," Lavender said.
And it has been a long 18 months.
While a full school opening is underway, students are required to wear masks and there are certain COVID-19 mitigation strategies in place.
It's also clear the students are smiling underneath the masks. Principal Melvin Allen is joining in on the enthusiasm.
"It's infectious," Allen said. "I have to try and match their excitement and their energy level."
And since the energy level has been light, students and teachers alike are thrilled to be back.
"Everyone wants to be together and want to see one another, interact with one another," Lavender said. "They are excited to be in school."
