Lehighton Area High School students will become the latest to return to in-person classes on a full-time basis.

During Monday night’s board meeting, Lehighton directors unanimously voted for a five-day return starting April 6, which is the first day back for students following the Easter holiday.

“I think the key is getting back into a routine and a structure,” high school Principal Sue Howland said of the move. “Our students have been excellent since the beginning of the year with all of the guidelines. We’re going to make sure everyone is safe and that we are able to provide the best educational platform.”

Howland said many students and parents have asked administration about returning to school five days per week. Up until this point, the high school has been operating on a hybrid schedule with students in school two days per week.

“This is a great step forward,” Director Nathan Foeller said. “Having one student in high school, I’ve seen some of the challenges, even with all of the great things the teachers are doing. I’m glad we’re at the point where we can do this safely.”

Superintendent Jonathan Cleaver said 431 students have been utilizing the hybrid learning model, while 138 have been fully virtual since the beginning of the year.

He said relaxed guidelines, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new recommendation of 3 feet of social distancing as opposed to 6, was a factor considered when making the recommendation.

“We’re seeing many districts throughout the area move in this direction,” Cleaver said. “We’re still going to distance to the greatest extent possible. We’ve heard from the parents. We’ve heard from the students and feel this is the best recommendation at this time.”

Masking protocols will remain in place when students return to the building for the full week.

Howland said any necessary changes to the health and safety plan will be made.

“I think the students are going to do well with this change,” board member Stephen Holland said. “They want to be with their friends. I believe in them that they’ll make this work.”

Students at Lehighton’s two other schools, the elementary center and middle school, have had the option to attend in person five days a week since the beginning of the year.