Some students in Dutchess County are returning to the classroom for the first time since the pandemic hit last March.

It's been almost a year since students in the Poughkeepsie City School District were in a classroom learning together.

First graders Camron and Skyler are among the school district's 316 children in pre-K to second grade who began hybrid learning Monday.

They will be in person Monday and Tuesday, while other students will be in person Thursday and Friday.

All students will be virtual Wednesday.

The school district is implementing safety protocols as children transition back to the classroom.

Aside from the usual measures like temperature checks, the gym is now an entrance for students to help control flow.

Gym class will be held in students' classrooms, where students will also be brought and eat lunch.

There is also a COVID-19 area, where students who are showing symptoms will wait until a parent is able to pick them up.

Clinton Elementary School Principal Dr. David Scott says there are scheduled bathroom breaks so they can be cleaned, while also limiting gatherings in the hallway.

The school district says that 1,203 students opted in for hybrid learning this quarter. A total of 316 in pre-K to second grade and special education are returning this week. The rest will be phased in over the next few weeks.