Back to school changes as kids return to Pueblo District 70 schools

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Thursday, thousands of kids returned to the classroom in District 70 schools for the first time in 17 months.

The safe return does come with its fair share of adjustments. On August 4, D-70 officials announced COVID-19 guidelines for all schools.

Face coverings will not be required for all ages regardless of vaccination status. They will be required to ride First Student transportation on all buses in accordance with federal law.

Additionally, students or staff that test positive for COVID will be required to isolate or quarantine for 10 days.

Amy Spock, the President of Pueblo County Education Association, said, "It's been well over a year since I have been inside a classroom, and when I go around and talk to students and teachers, everyone is very excited to be back."

Spock said that her staff's central focus is on the students and keeping them safe, while providing them the best education possible. However, the nervousness is still present for everyone involved.

"There is still a little bit of nervousness coming back from a pandemic, but we believe that creating a sense of normalcy for our students is important."

Mary Oswald, a Junior at Pueblo West High School, is excited to return to in-person instruction after a long time learning remotely.

"It's pretty exciting to be able to return to school full time in person," Oswald said. "It's pretty crucial to be able to go to football and basketball games again, so it's beneficial that we are back."

Oswald said that she will choose not to wear a mask because she is fully vaccinated, but if a mask mandate was ordered for her school, she would follow the guidelines.