The new school year started Thursday for students in the Highlands School District.

While students are required to wear face masks on buses, the district has made them optional in schools. The school board stood by that decision at its most recent meeting Aug. 16.

“I wish we were returning to school with the covid pandemic behind us, but that is not the case,” Superintendent Monique Mawhinney said in a welcome message on the Highland’s website. “I know these past few years have been difficult on our students, families and our community, but I also know that we continue to push through the tough times by supporting each other.

“Our teachers and staff are excited to return to in-person learning with our students,” she said. “The district is anxious to offer extracurricular activities, sports and other school-related events to the students so that they can get that socialization time with their peers that is critical for their health and well-being.”

Highlands serves about 2,300 students from Tarentum, Brackenridge, Harrison and Fawn at its Early Childhood Center in Brackenridge, Elementary School in Tarentum, and its middle and high schools in Harrison.

The district continues to offer a virtual academy for families uncomfortable sending their children back to schools.

A district spokeswoman did not respond when asked for information on how many students are enrolled in the virtual program versus attending classes in-person.

Schools will be closed for the Thanksgiving break Nov. 25-26 and 29; the holiday break from Dec. 24-31; and spring break April 12-15 and 18, 2022.

The last day of the 2021-22 school year and graduation are scheduled for June 3, 2022.

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