By Scott Thomas

As they exited their buses in front of their new school, students at Sanchéz Elementary were eager and excited to explore their modernized campus, but might not have expected a welcome from their superintendent.

“I’m so excited. This is so great, there’s nothing like looking in the eyes of our kids and our staff,” said Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde. “If you look at our staff members you can see smiling eyes, and it’s just a joy to be able to serve in this capacity.”

Elizalde came to Sanchéz as part of a six-campus tour on the first day of school, so that she could visit the campuses to see learning and health protocols in action, as well as to have the same joyful — and hectic — experience as teachers and staff on campus. 

“I’m overwhelmed with the ability to get our students back to an environment where we can ensure we create those outstanding academic outcomes for every single student in Austin ISD,” Elizalde said. 

Other stops throughout the day included Eastside Early College High School, Barton Hills Elementary, Cowan Elementary, Widén Elementary and Travis Early College High School.

At every campus, Elizalde saw students, visitors and staff wearing masks, washing their hands and maintaining their distance when they could. Elizalde emphasized that masks are important, but only one protocol among several.

“The point here is that we’re educating students in a safe environment,” she said. “(Masks are) just one (protocol) that we think is very necessary during the period of time where we know conditions are very challenging.”

Families can get all the information they need for back to school — including FAQs, health protocols, and school start and end times — at www.austinisd.org/reconnect.