Murray, Neb.–Tuesday, March 16 marked two things for Conestoga Public Schools. It was the start of the fourth quarter, and the return of the remote learners. After a decision by the board of education, under the advice of the school administration, the option for students to learn remotely over zoom has ended. Students in quarantine will continue to attend remotely, but for the rest of the school’s population, in person is the only way to go.

Before the start of the school year, it was decided that Conestoga would hold school in the building with certain precautions in place. But, since school began in August, students have had the option to stay in the safety of their own home while attending. This gave those with concerns a way to stay safe. But with lower case numbers across the board, this option has been ended.

Rob Geise, the principal of the Jr./Sr. high school talked about a few of the considerations they looked at when making this decision. “Many schools in our conference and in our area had ended remote. Also, at the time [there were] no cases in the student population and minimal students in quarantine. The school was confident that kids would be safe.” He said that there were “no concerns” about the measure.

There are mixed feelings from remote learners about the move back to the building. “I preferred [being remote] over in person learning because I got to stay home. I didn’t have to wake up early,” said one former remote learner, sophomore Drew Froistad, when talking about his experience. But he is still excited to be back in the building seeing friends, and able to participate in sports that are starting up.

According to Principal Geise the school is listening to the guidance of both the Cass/Sarpy health director, and the Governor’s office, and will base future decisions about easing restrictions off of this.

Geise wanted to stress the point that the school is happy to have the remote learners back, and if there are any worries, they can be brought to the school. “Communication is vital if concerns exist. However, based on how things have gone up to this point we feel that students are safe in the building,” he said. He also stated “The school’s stance with COVID has been very fluid and the school will continue to do what is best to keep students safe.”