The Stratford school district opened Wednesday for the first time since closing during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Eli Whitney Elementary is just one of many schools in the district with new safety protocols.

All Stratford schools are using a tier 2 hybrid model that utilizes two cohorts that each represent 50% of the student population.

Cohort A will have in-person classes on Mondays and Tuesdays and virtual classes on Thursdays and Fridays.

Cohort B will be just the opposite with virtual classes on Mondays and Tuesdays and in-person classes on Thursdays and Fridays.

The idea is to limit the number of students in each school building each day to make social distancing and contact tracing easier.

On Wednesdays, all students will learn from home.

District officials say each school building will be thoroughly cleaned, all students and staff will wear masks, and breakfast and lunch will be "grab and go."

Elementary and middle schoolers will eat meals in their classrooms.

High schoolers will be allowed to eat in other designated areas too.

The district says meals will be provided for students who choose to learn from home full-time.