Johnstown, Pa. (WJAC) — Pressley Ridge in Cambria County is set to head back for their first day of school this upcoming Tuesday.

The school supports students with emotional and behavioral disorders, as well as those who are on the autism spectrum.

The school's program director, Andrea Roberts, says they’re fortunate to have big classrooms and small class sizes for social distancing purposes.

She says one of the biggest changes students will see this year: masks.

"(Some) nonverbal students may have never put on a mask, or it's going to be something that bothers them with their sensory...having that on their face. I've purchased different options to see if we can make (them) the most comfortable," says Roberts.

Students still had the option to go virtual, and they still could if they decided to, but Roberts says less than a dozen of her 90 students are taking that route.

"Social skills and all of those things could be handled in-person much easier than virtually," she explains.

Changes were made to their sensory room, which is a room containing bouncing balls, swings, trampolines with various lights, colors, and sounds.

There used to be one room, and now there’s more to space the students out.

"I had to create four different sensory rooms so that each classroom has their own, so that they aren't having that cross contamination," she says.

If a student has aggressive behaviors and faculty members may need to come into close contact with a student, Roberts says they’re prepared.

"(We have) safety bags so that we have hand sanitizers, googles, extra masks, extra gowns, and all of those things, so that if a student is becoming aggressive, staff can protect themselves," she says.

If someone tests positive, Roberts says they will follow the Department of Health guidelines.

“I think we are prepared as best as we can be prepared. We feel comfortable in bringing them back, and knowing that we've put all these safety practices in place. We're just excited to see their faces," Roberts says.

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