I hope this letter finds you well and staying warm in these blustery final days of January.

This week, students and staff kicked off the second semester of school.

It's amazing how quickly a year passes in the life of schools. Seems we're always looking ahead and planning for what’s to come.

Before long, June arrives and then it's time to start all over again!

It's impossible to look too far ahead without giving the first half of the school year the nod it's due.

I've seen the teachers and staff of Elyria Schools move mountains this year to ready their schools and classrooms for learning.

The new schools are naturally colorful and pristine in their design but now thanks to the personal touches of the teachers, staff and students, the schools are playful and vibrant, exuding warmth, personality and charm.

Same story in the classrooms; the new spaces were designed by architects to be functional and flexible.

With their special touches and natural knack for organization, teachers have turned every square inch of their classrooms into dynamic learning spaces that despite their newness, have a familiarity and comfortable vibe that draws students together.

And the students are back to doing things that they know and love.

They are playing sports, attending club meetings, participating in plays and concerts, going on field trips and most importantly, just being kids.

With all this said, there's no glossing over the very real challenges of the first half of the year. COVID-19 continues to pose a myriad of issues in schools and in communities.

The district still takes its guidance on COVID-19 primarily from Lorain County Public Health.

Last month, Elyria Schools, with the guidance of health professionals, made masks mandatory for a period of time after the holidays in January.

We promised to revisit the decision later in the month. Please note in the article below that masks will no longer be required in school or on school grounds after 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28.

While students and staff aren't required to wear masks when they return to school on Monday, Jan. 31, they may certainly wear them if they choose to. More information is offered in the article following this one.

I want to take this opportunity to again thank our students, families and community for their support this year.

I also want to recognize Elyria's teachers, staff and administrators as the dedicated professionals they are. It's truly an honor to work alongside them serving the children and families of this community.

Be sure to keep up with us the rest of this school year because we have plenty more memories to make.

Sincerely,

Ann Schloss

Superintendent