Mercer Island School District kindergartners returned to in-person classes at 9:15 a.m. today at Lakeridge, Northwood, Island Park and West Mercer elementaries.

According to assistant superintendent Fred Rundle, the district received the green light from the Washington State Department of Health and the district’s risk management staff to open the doors. The district feels positive that this is the right time to begin kindergarten classes, Rundle said.

Teachers and students are wearing masks, and desks are situated six feet apart. According to December enrollment figures, the 11 classrooms have a range between 12-15 students that returned today with one teacher per class and some support staff. The kindergartners’ in-person day runs from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the rest of their day spent at home with remote and asynchronous learning.

Full story to come.