Gallery • 19 Photos

J. Dollins

Welcome back, Yellowjackets!

Colton, CA—One year, four months, three weeks, and one day.

That is how long it has been since a Colton Yellowjacket stepped on campus for a day of school.

Welcome back, Yellowjackets.

Sixteen months since the COVID-19 pandemic transformed school into a site built of ones and zeros, governed as much by one’s healthy Wi-Fi signal as by the administration and teaching staff, Colton High School reopened its doors to welcome students for the 2021-2022 school year. The theme of the day was one of celebration and ‘welcoming’ as students were greeted by cheerleaders waving pom-poms, Link Crew students waving signs, and everyone else just waving excitedly at each other for being in-person.

“We cannot even tell you how excited we are to have all of our students back at school,” said Principal Joda Murphy, visibly emotional as she greeted students arriving on a red carpet rolled out for them at the front gate. “We are here for you, and we are so thrilled to have you back!”

Lucy Leyva, English teacher, welcomed students as they entered near the Yellowjacket Bridge by Rancho Avenue. She said, “Colton’s all about supporting and loving each other. Have a great day back, guys. We’ll see you in class.”

In addition to the embrace of a red carpet and crimson and gold balloon archways at multiple entrances, CHS’s ASB packed lunchtime with games for their returning friends.

“It was nice to see students hanging out today and just enjoying the company of one another,” said Alexandra Buskirk, ASB director. “ASB students did a great job of providing activities for students to enjoy during lunch and will continue to do so throughout the school year.”

All this excitement is part of Colton Joint Unified School District’s ‘Grand ReOpening’ plans for the first eight days of school. ‘The Great 8’ places priority on students’ social-emotional health after a year without in-person social support.

Day one’s theme was ‘Welcoming.’ An extended day schedule added 20 minutes to second period to provide information about administrators, counseling, and other support staff. ‘Swag bags’ were distributed, which included a refillable water bottle, an adjustable face mask, and other goodies. Additionally, students received daily agenda planners and a Wellness Center pamphlet offering pocket-sized strategies for managing stress.

In the classroom, interactive social-emotional learning activities reintroduced students to school routines. Evelyn Lopez, Spanish teacher, opened her door to students with a display honoring pop singer Selena. “I will be honest,” she said, “I felt like a new teacher. I was nervous! Regardless, the day went by smoothly. I also loved my students’ reaction to my Selena door!”

As for students, the tone was a mix of excitement and hesitation at being among many new faces on a campus unfamiliar to about half the students. Freshmen and Sophomore classes have not been officially on campus until today, so two groups of first timers found themselves searching for their classrooms. Administrators, volunteer teachers, office support staff, and Link Crew students escorted many to class.

However, not everything went perfectly. Several teachers dealt with inoperable air conditioning, which required relocation. With nearly every room on campus occupied, logistical problems had to be dealt with throughout the day as temperatures climbed.

Despite a few hiccups, the return to school was marked by optimism. One of Colton’s cheerleaders, when asked why she was excited to return, said, “So I can make new friends, come back and go to school again, because obviously last year was a horrible year. So we’re gonna kick this year off with an amazing start!”