Federal Way students return to classrooms for new school year

Students in grades 1-12 started classes on Sept. 1; kindergarteners to begin school Sept. 7.

By Olivia Sullivan • September 1, 2021 6:00 pm

“My heart is so happy to see you all in person,” said a teacher walking in between lines of socially distanced and masked students at Mirror Lake Elementary on Sept. 1. “I’ve seen you on camera for way too long.”

Federal Way students in grades 1-12 across the district returned to school on Wednesday, with several safety precautions in place similar to spring of last year. Kindergarteners begin classes Tuesday, Sept. 7.

For most of the Mirror Lake students, the first day was also the first day they stepped into the newly built school. Mirror Lake is one of seven recently or soon-to-be completed school district projects.

The focus of the first three days of school is to help students feel connected to their classmates, teachers and school environments after learning remotely for over a year.

“There’s a whole spectrum of emotions,” said Superintendent Dr. Dani Pfeiffer between her visits with Mirror Lake students on the first day of school.

For some students, the transition to a big, brand new school is nerve wracking. For others, she said, they’re excited and can’t wait to be around others.

“I told staff to meet them where they’re at … elementary through high school, it’s important we build up their sense of community,” she said.

As the fully in-person year begins, students are required to wear masks throughout the day except when playing outside at recess or eating at lunch – seated at least three feet away from each other.

All students have access to free breakfast and lunch at school this year, according to the district.

Daily health screening is no longer required, and visitors in the lunchroom and classroom volunteers are not permitted.

At sporting events, spectators are required to wear masks to indoor K-12 events and should be seated within their family units. Spectators are encouraged to wear their masks at outdoor sporting events or activities.

Superintendent Pfeiffer said the emotions today are indescribable, especially hearing students laugh and seeing bright eyes about colorful, sparkly and animated masks.

“I am overjoyed,” she said. “Any time you have the opportunity to be in the presence of students, it’s overwhelming for me personally because I remember what it was like to be a first-year teacher … now my first year as a superintendent, watching the joy on families’ faces and talking to students, that’s what it’s all about.”