The act of returning textbooks and picking up yearbooks is a simple one, but staff at Old Rochester Regional High School turned it into a chance to connect with seniors they haven’t been able to see in class. 

“We miss seniors so much. This is a way to see them before August,” said Allison Barker, the school’s librarian, who stood out in the sun getting slightly sunburnt just to wave at students as they arrived. 

The day was primarily to allow seniors to return textbooks, athletic uniforms, drama costumes, instruments or anything else they may have had on loan from the school. 

However, on their way into school, students were greeted by signs for each graduating student, Barker and math teacher Karen Browning waving, and each student, even those that didn’t order a yearbook, got a shirt and ORR stickers. 

The exchange day and shirts were the idea of the yearbook advisor, Lynette Lord. 

Principal Michael Devoll also used the occasion as a chance to check in with students about how they and their families were doing, while other teachers asked about where students were going to college and other similar questions. 

Devoll said that many of the teachers have also been reaching out to their students. 

“I feel awful for how their year ended, and it’s important that we stay connected,” Devoll said, adding, “A lot of kids seem happy to be back on campus.” 

World Language teacher Kelly Ochoa said the books will sit for a day or two, and then teachers and administrators will sort them. 

The senior signs will be up in front of the high school for a while, and will be given to students when they are taken down.