Parents – and crossing guards – happy to see students again at Pelican Elementary in Cape Coral

Changes made this school year can make for a stressful first day, but the School District of Lee County spent weeks preparing.

WINK News spoke to parents at Pelican Elementary in Cape Coral on Monday as they brought their kids back to school.

“Mr. Norm” has been the crossing guard at Pelican for five years. He’s used to seeing so many more children cross the street than what he did Monday. Still, like so many of his students, he’s thrilled to see the school’s doors open again.

“It feels good, it gives me a real purpose to get up in the morning and go to bed at night. So it’s a nice thing,” said Norm “Mr. Norm” Chazen.

I think they’re happy to be back. I would bet you the ones who are not here wish they were here. To see their friends and that sort of thing.”

There’s no doubt the students were over the moon Monday morning, saying goodbye from under a mask to mom and dad, then walking through the gates.

Parents who spoke with WINK News said they feel good and safe, but they know there’s a lot they don’t know about what the school’s reopening will bring.

“Just knowing how many kids were coming back the school year, knowing they may not be able to social distance properly, but other than that, wearing the masks, knowing they’ll wash their hands, it’s a big thing for me,” said mom Tonya Woisen.

“Is there a right way, does anybody know? So we’ll see how it goes. But I feel very safe right now. The kids know what to do, they’re excited about wearing masks,” said mom Sandy.