First-grade teacher Ann Doesken was expecting Tuesday to feel like the first day of school in the fall. After all, it was the first day of in-person learning since schools went to distance learning in November when the Covid-19 rates started going through the roof.

But it wasn't. It was better. "Everyone just jumped right in and didn't miss a beat," said the overjoyed teacher, adding that there was little of that first-day nervousness for kids.

"It felt amazing to be with students in person. My students were so happy to see one another," she said. "We were so glad to be able to connect onl...