Northland students embark on another unique year of school

A world of opportunity awaits students as they embark on a new year of school.

This time around, many are both excited and anxious to be among their peers again as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Northland, schools like Homecroft Elementary were thrilled to welcome students back.

“It’s truly not a school until our students and our families and our staff are back in the building so having our students back in the building is just wonderful,” Principal Tom Cawcutt said.

Matti Truitt, a 5th grader at Homecroft Elementary, was among students back in the building and excited to be there.

“I’m feeling good. I think I’m going to like fifth grade,” Truitt said.

Brooklyn Derosier, another 5th grader, also welcomed the opportunity to be back.

“I’m really looking forward to getting to know my teacher and getting to make new friends,” Derosier said.

Not far away, Lincoln Park Elementary also welcomed students back in person.

This comes as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a concern for families, which is why most Northland districts are requiring masks for students and staff indoors and on the bus.

As far as vaccines go, in Minnesota, 51% of children between 12 and 15 have received their first shot and 58% of 16 and 17 year-olds have received their first shot.

In Wisconsin, 43% of children between 12 and 15 have at least one dose and 49% of 16 and 17 year olds have at least one dose.

Health officials hope to see those numbers go up as they continue to push for vaccines this school year.