As students arrived on campus at Capistrano Valley High School for their first day on campus together — without cohorts divided into certain days — smiles abounded.

“It’s similar to what you see on a first day of school, although we’ve been open since late September/October in hybrid two days a week,” said Capistrano Valley High School Principal John Misustin. “We cheerfully bid our cohorts adieu and were able to bring everybody back.”

“You see hugs and see smiles, and hear kids saying, ‘I’m so glad to see you,’ ” Misustin said. “We’re so happy and excited to see that joy come back and that energy start to return to campus.”

Friends reunited who’d been separated by their cohort schedules, able to once again be in the classroom at the same time. It was a welcome step toward the pre-pandemic school experience.

Students now are on campus in person four days each week, with one virtual day. Students can also choose a 100 percent online option.

“Teachers are excited to see more students in classes, and appreciate having more students on campus,” Misustin said. “They got into education to impact kids, and this helps with that…the minutes of instruction don’t change, but the impact does.”

Misustin also noted that being in person can help support students struggling with mental health challenges, and those that struggled with a lack of interaction during the pandemic.

“We are so excited to take this step,” he said, adding that the campus is planning for students to return five days a week in the fall semester.

“What makes Capo Valley so special is our kids,” Misustin said. “We want them to have an amazing experience.”

Click here for photos from Aliso Viejo Middle School.

Click here for photos from San Juan Hills High School.

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