Students are returning to school for in-person learning and some smiled through their masks Tuesday as they arrived for their first day of classes in Riverdale.

Students are using three separate entrances at P.S. 81 to avoid overcrowding and to ensure social distancing.

Temperature screenings are also being done at each of the checkpoints before entering the building.

As for parents, they tell News 12 they are still getting used to the changes that come with sending their children to school during the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite some safety concerns, parents tell News 12 they chose in-person learning because they believe it has long-term benefits.

“Learning doesn't happen in isolation and never has, it's always in a classroom. College we don't even leave 30-year-olds with a Ph.D.

Someone like my child should not be at home alone,” a parent tells News 12.

They say they hope it is a step forward to getting back to normal.