With masks and backpacks standard accessories, students disembark from one of the school busses.

To the rumbling of bus engines and greetings from school staff members, Cleveland elementary students said goodbye to summer on Thursday with the beginning of a new school year.

While masks covered anxious smiles, there were a few teardrops too.

“They are the future scientists, engineers, politicians, astronomers, and a host of other possibilities that will explore their world, solve complex problems and work towards leaving a better place for their own children,” said superintendent Brian Phillips in his August school newsletter editorial.

Phillips went on to say that, despite the trying times, hope for a bright outcome should be the real “new normal.”

“Besides preparing them with the tools to read well, do complex math problems or solve scientific inquiries, we should also be arming them with a sense of optimism for their future.”

Photo captions:

With masks and backpacks standard accessories, students disembark from one of the school busses.

Para Rachel Sohm shows a young student the way to his classroom.

 Principal Scott Lusk helps a student find her classroom.

 Chalk art on the sidewalks in front of the school brightened up a foggy morning.