The 2020-2021 school year started out like no other. Students came to school accompanied by face masks and hand sanitizer always within arms reach, while others learned online. Now, a year later, 3,000 plus students will walk through the doors, some for the first time ever.

“I’m excited to see more people and have school feel more ‘normal’,” sophomore Adah Chamberlain said. “I’m a little worried about how everyone is going to handle school this year. I feel like most people lost some of their work ethic, so I don’t know how that is going to play out.”

Because the number of people vaccinated in the United States continues to rise daily, as of August 16, masks will not be mandated in Klein schools,  according to district officials.

This is a big difference when compared to the start of last year when masks were required.

The option of masks is the first step of many on the road to normalcy after COVID-19 and its effects on society.

“I think that it would be smart to wear a mask or at least keep one nearby if you aren’t vaccinated, but overall, for me, I am happy to be moving forward,” sophomore Kendall Huch said.

The CDC urges everyone — vaccinated and not — to continue wearing their masks while indoors and around other people.

¨It’s important that everyone makes the right decision for themselves,” former Klein High percussion director William Holden said. “They [should] consider the consequences that could arise, but also realize that they are part of a society that is in need of a solution.¨

Most students are looking forward to being back together in the building, regardless of what that looks like.

“I am excited to see my friends and make new friends and new memories because I did not see many of my friends at school last year,” senior Olivia Hearne said.

With changes to the year, always comes worry, but some are embracing all that the 2021-22 school year will offer.

“I am excited to learn more with a full classroom and new resources, which I can apply after school hours,” sophomore Kali Vance said.