The start of a new school year is always hectic. Throw in a completely new building and an ongoing global pandemic, and you've got a recipe for potential disaster.

Luckily, that hasn't been the case at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn's new elementary school. The building opened its doors to students for the first time on Monday, and Principal Cathy Jochims has been pleased with what she's seen so far.

"I think everything has gone very well," she said. "There have been some little kinks with things going differently than we planned, but we were able to work them out."

Jochims said students have been impressed with their new school and are learning to utilize its many features.

"They really like it. They are very excited about the interactive TVs in each room, and of course they love the playground," she said. "Everything is new, and that's so exciting for them."

The learning commons located throughout the building have also drawn positive reviews.

"One student told me that it didn't feel like they were at school," Jochims said with a laugh. "I don't know if that's always a good thing, but it meant they were comfortable with the building."

The new building features a pod-style design and emphasizes the use of shared learning spaces. Jochims said both teachers and students are adjusting to the new open layout, but she expected good things.

"Once they figure out what the facility has to offer and our expectations of them here, I think they'll start enjoying the building like we want them to and hope they do," she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced teachers to follow certain distancing procedures, which are also taking time to get used to. Monday was the first day back at school since classes were dismissed on March 13 due to the threat of coronavirus.

"These first days are very busy. Teachers are getting into routines, following procedures and reviewing protocol," Jochims explained. "All the while, they are reminding students about social distancing and hygiene practices that we need to follow."

NICK PEDLEY/SENTINEL-NEWS

Students chow down at lunchtime during the first day of school Aug. 24.

Jochims expected the small hurdles to smooth out over time. She was excited to have students in the new building eager to move ahead at full speed.

"With time, this transition will get much, much better," she said. "Right now, we're just very, very busy."