STERLING – Newman Central Catholic High School welcomed back students Wednesday to in-person learning.

Students will be in class 5 days a week and enter through one of seven designated entrances. Everyone entering the building is screened and temperature checked, and masks are required.

Principal Jennifer Oetting said they're excited to once again have students fill the empty hallways and classrooms.

"I think we're all excited," she said. "I think the students really need this, and we need this."

Several precautions were put in place, including reconfiguring the classrooms to allow for social distancing and moving larger classes to larger rooms.

Masks can be taken off for lunch and if a class is moved outdoors with enough room for social distancing.

Directional arrows also serve as guides in the hallways and other areas.

Regular cleaning and sanitizing will take place, and students will clean their desk and area before leaving class.

Classes were shortened from 82 to 75 minutes, and they have staggered release times for classes so not all students are in the hallway at the same time.

Newman also is working toward 1-to-1 learning and ordered an additional 50 laptops.

Mass celebrants will alternate: Freshmen and sophomores will attend wearing masks and juniors and seniors will attend virtually, then those groups will switch the next time, Oetting said.

"This school year brings us many changes, and we are ready to work through them together."