After trying to navigate through six months of uncertainty, the Smith family felt like they were finally heading down a familiar route Thursday.

Elizabeth and Nick Smith and Daniella Wilson returned home from their classrooms in the North Syracuse Central School District.

They go in-person on Thursdays and Fridays.

It wasn’t their typical first day, undergoing temperature checks, wearing masks and keeping their distance, but they’re happy to be back.

“I haven’t been there in forever,” said Elizabeth, who is a 7th grader at Roxboro Middle School. “It was just really fun, and I got to see all my friends again.”

“We got to go outside a lot, and we also got to take mask breaks,” said Daniella, who is a 6th grader at Roxboro. “We got to eat lunch in the classroom.”

But while they were at their desks in school, Grace Baker was learning at home.

She’ll be in class on Mondays and Tuesdays.

“It was confusing transferring to a new school online and doing the assignments,” said Grace who just transitioned in 5th grade at Roxboro. “I’d rather go to school in-school five days a week than have to go online.”

The students say it’s easier and more effective to learn face to face, and their parents don’t want them to fall behind.

They say they trust the safety protocols in place and hope to see their children return to school full-time

“Especially these young elementary kids where learning is just so important right now,” said Susan Smith, Elizabeth and Nick’s mother. “Being with a teacher, the socialization part of it. The past six months have been hard, and I really think they’re looking forward to getting back to some normalcy.”

“Mostly I’m concerned about the emotional, social part of it,” said Gina Baker, Grace’s mother. “Not being with friends, keeping distance, wearing a mask -- just the not norm.”

As for whether or not the school made the grade:

“Out of 100, 40,” said Grace. “It was really confusing.”

“I would say a 75 because we didn’t get to do as much,” said Daniella.

“Probably a 98 because the only 2 percent that was bad was the social distancing and stuff,” said Elizabeth. “It was all the same.”

They’re hoping to hand out all A’s before the end of the year.