Elementary Students In Layton Begin First Day Of Class In Brand-New School

LAYTON, Utah – Students at Sunburst Elementary School were given a warm welcome by their principal as they hit the classroom for the first time Tuesday.

The elementary is one of two new schools within the Davis School District – the second-largest district in the state.

Ninety-two schools in the district reopened Tuesday, and classes were finishing up by noon.

“I’m excited to see friends, to make friends and excited to be in a brand-new school,” said third-grader Amanda Valdez as she walked to school with her mom.

First things first. Students practicing good hand washing skills before starting class at Sunburst Elementary School in Layton today for their #firstdayofschool. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/Isws67euKs

— Felicia Martinez (@FeliciaKSL) August 25, 2020

Other parents and students had mixed emotions ahead of class.

“I’m anxious and nervous,” said sixth-grader Corbin Hall, who described it as first-day nerves.

The first day of school also had new protocols in place – like handwashing before taking a seat.

“Head right into our class and pick any seat to sit and you’ll need to stay in the same spot,” said a teacher to students as they washed their hands before class.

Of the 73,000 students in the Davis School District, the majority are on a hybrid schedule, alternating in-class and at-home learning Monday – Thursday. Friday is a remote learning day for all students.

“One of Utah’s biggest challenges is we have the largest class sizes in the country,” said Davis School District spokesperson Chris Williams. “And as we looked at how do we keep students and faculty members, the only way we could do that is was with this hybrid model, which we cut the classes in half.”

It was a decision some parents were against. Others didn’t mind it, despite balancing at-home learning and working full time.

“I’m still concerned about Utah getting sick, so I agree with how they’re doing it,” said Sara Corbin, who has son going into sixth grade.