SIDNEY - Students at West Elementary in Sidney drove through the school parking lot with their parents Wednesday evening to wave goodbye to their teachers.

Students and teachers have been separated from each other since schools in Nebraska were closed in mid-March to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Classes were conducted through a variety of ways for the remainder of the second semester, including video conferencing and work packets.

Fifth grade science teacher Regan Hinton camped next to her vehicle with a sign that read, "Have a Great Summer." She says faculty members missed the kids and they all needed closure.

"We spend all school year with these kiddos," Hinton said. "Getting to learn about them and build relationships with them. Unfortunately, because the coronavirus, that was really just ripped away from us all."

The event, which was held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., marked the end of the school year.

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