Is Monday "the second first day of school?"

In many ways, this Monday is "the second first day of school."

At least, that's the term Decorah School Superintendent Mark Lane is suggesting as Decorah students begin a schedule of 100 percent on-site instruction.

Now comes the challenge of keeping COVID cases low, even though the number of students on-site will double this week.

Says Lane, "We continue to appreciate our students' efforts with mask wearing, and following building procedures like one-way stairways to maximize safety and health."

School district nurse Julie Goedken told school board members recently that she has noticed increased diligence with keeping students home when they are experiencing symptoms like running a fever, having a sore throat or a runny nose, or a cough.

Says Lane, "We are grateful that people recognize times are different."