Late summer is usually an exciting time for K–12 schools.

It’s when the new school year is on the horizon, bringing with it the thrill of a fresh start and reconnection. There’s the anticipation of the first day of classes, when the buildings come alive with students and employees returning after months away.

It’s a bit of an understatement to say this year will be different. How different? School administrators have been contemplating that question as they regroup from implementing remote learning this past school year and plan out the safest, most efficient ways to continue operations.