Northumberland County students returned to the classroom Monday, August 16, a week earlier than neighboring Lancaster County. “We were a bit rusty and there were a few kinks to work out,” said Northumberland High School principal Dr. Travis Burns. “It’s been 18 months since we opened a school but it’s coming together and we’re working the kinks out. It was a good day.” After a year of virtual and hybrid learning due to COVID-19, the Virginia General Assembly mandated a return to in-person learning this year. However, school divisions are required to adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask recommendations. At the end of the school day, LHS and LMS students, with assistance from faculty, sort out transportation for returning home. Photos by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi