Decorah's Superintendent and principals reflect on first week of school

With the first days of the unprecedented school year under their belts, Decorah's Superintendent Mark Lane, along with Carrie Lee Elementary Principal Sarah Tobiason and Decorah Middle School Principal Justin Albers, share thoughts about how the first week went.

Q: What is the best thing about the beginning of the school year for you?

Lane: "The best thing has been watching our students rise to the challenge of the moment.  Our students came to school understanding there would be new expectations and routines, and they have made the necessary adjustments."

Tobiason: "My favorite part is always seeing kids getting off of buses with bags, sparkly school shoes, and school supplies in tow.  The students reacted to wearing a mask for about the first 30 seconds of the day, and then from that point on, masks were not a big deal.  We just wore them.  The focus was on kids and learning, and new and old friendships.  The day was not given over to focusing on or fearing some virus that has entered the picture."

Albers: "Hearing the laughter and buzz of students in the halls and cafeteria was so refreshing after months without; our students truly make the building come alive."

Q: What are three words to describe how you felt when you saw students entering the building on the first day?

Lane: "Excitement, purpose, responsibility."

Tobiason: "Relief, joy, and gratitude."

Albers: "Relieved, responsibility, elated."

Q: What is your favorite memory made in the last few days?

Lane: "I will remember feeling grateful to our students for their ability to adapt, and to do the things we need to do to be in school together."

Tobiason: "The pure ability of our students and staff to communicate and adjust to the unpredictable bumps that have occurred during the day."

Albers: "Without being able to hold our annual "1st Day" assembly in the gym, we called upon our Decorah Defenders (student group) to help plan a virtual assembly highlighting various aspects of DMS and welcoming back our students in a fun manner.  We held a work session about a week before school started, gave them a couple of simple ideas, and from there, they took on the task and put together an amazing video to share with the student body.  It was so fun to see them articulate the message THEY wanted to share with our students and it helped set the tone for the year."

Q: What is one statement to summarize the atmosphere at the school right now? Or what is your motto for this year?

Lane: "I feel a great sense of resilience as I visit our schools.  Our staff and students are embracing new ways of behaving while at school.  It makes me feel confident in our ability to persevere through this school year."

Tobiason: "We go into the unknown together, without fear or worry, and take each day as it comes!"

Albers: "As our Decorah Defenders stated in the aforementioned video, 'We are…TOGETHER.'"