When she got out of the car for her first day of pre-K at Okarche Elementary School, Peyton Martinez, 4, had her arms full of supplies.
Ryan Beaman, physical education teacher and boys baseball coach, came to her side and helped her with paper towels and her mat for naps.
Her father, Grant Martinez, said it was a big day for her.
“She’s been talking about this forever. She is so excited,” Martinez said.
The car line for drop-offs wrapped around the elementary school building shortly before the bell rang at 8:20 a.m. Thursday.
Okarche Schools took the leap back into the classroom Thursday for in-person learning, one of the first school districts to reopen in Canadian County since the pandemic in March when schools were closed and distance learning started. Part of the district is also in Kingfisher County.
Masks are recommended in Okarche Schools. A number of students at the elementary walked up to the front doors wearing masks.
Principal Chris Roby and Beaman took temperatures of every student arriving at the school.
It is a tradition to have their picture taken in front of the elementary school on the first day, said Katie Parham, 11, a sixth-grader. She posed with her friend Bella Hufnagel, 11, also a sixth-grader.
“I’m excited, but also kind of nervous,” Bella said. She beat the bell and made it to class.
Superintendent Josh Sumrall was on his first day of school as the new superintendent. He rode a bus route and drove a bus Thursday.
Sumrall gave a first day report from the morning.
“It is going great. I rode and drove a bus route this morning and just got back. The high school is rockin’ and rollin’ over there and they are getting to class,” Sumrall said, standing outside the elementary school. “It looks like we’ve got a line wrapped around the building here. And we will adjust to that. I know some parents may be frustrated with the time and taking temperatures and things. We will adjust and get the kinks out, and I appreciate the parents bearing with us and having some patience, and we will make it a little better,” Sumrall said.
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