For the first time since the pandemic started, Jeffco Public Schools preschools had a familiar site walk through its doors — children.

Preschool students throughout the school district started in-person learning on Sept. 8. Over the past few weeks, preschool orientations were held with families so that everyone was ready for the new school year, according to Dawn Odean, Jeffco Public Schools executive director of early learning.

Jeffco Public Schools students attending in-person learning are required to wear masks and follow guidelines set by public health officials. Students are also being placed in cohorts, or groups, to slow the spread of COVID-19. Volunteers, visitors or non-employees are not allowed to enter school buildings during school days.

Middle and high school grades are being taught on a hybrid schedule, only attending the schools in-person two days a week.

“It has been an amazing day,” Odean said on Sept. 8. “Hearing student and teacher laughter in our schools again confirms how important it is for our earliest learners to come together. Even with health and safety guidelines, a primary focus on this first fully live start, we know just being together as a learning community is critical for development. We truly have had a joyful day!”