New York City public schools don't start classes until Sept. 21, but teachers are going back Tuesday to start preparing for the new year.
Some buildings, however, are not ready to welcome anyone back.
Just a few blocks away, teachers were able to report to the Richard R. Green High School.
"Happy to be back, but a little bit nervous," said science teacher Peter Cochio. "Is everything going to be done the right way? Are the custodians going to do their job with the cleaning every night? But I think the situation we've set up is a good one."
United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said he understands the fear and anxiety so many are facing, but assures "the decisions are based on science and doctors, not elected officials, not bureaucrats."
"There is not just one entity making decisions anymore, everyone is looking at all of the information together and then making the correct decisions," Mulgrew said.