Thursday was the last back-to-school day for Long Island’s 124 public school districts.

Mask mandates in schools continue statewide as districts take steps to follow and implement COVID-19 safety protocols.

Jordan Cohen, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School, says he was glad to return to the classroom.

“It feels good to be back,” he says. “It’s better to be back to school, work is going to be harder, but it’s better to be back.”

Principal James Murray says, “The kids are all excited, they want their traditions of being back in high school again— senior shirts, the barbecue—and we’re going to give them whatever we possibly can.”

Although district officials say many teachers, staff and administrators are vaccinated for COVID-19, those who are not will be tested weekly. They say this will ensure that schools can stay safely open and keep students in classrooms.