School districts across the state are attempting to determine what returning to the classroom in the fall will look like. One school system has already announced it will not require masks for students or teachers.Last summer, Catholic schools became the first to announce a return to in-person learning. Those Catholic schools are now the first to make the decision to return without face coverings in the fall.“This is another step for us in our return to normalcy and giving parents the freedom and flexibility to make that choice,” said Alison Mueller from New Hampshire Catholic Schools.In total, 18 Catholic schools will drop the mask requirement for students, teachers and staff this fall. Social distancing likely will not be required in classrooms.Though children younger than 12 years old are not eligible for a vaccine, school officials said the dropping COVID-19 case numbers gave them confidence to leave the mask option up to parents.“If any family was concerned, they’re more than welcome to talk to their school leaders, to talk with us here at the diocese,” Mueller said.Through a survey, the state Department of Education sought feedback on this school year, with a hope that public schools could return to normal operations in the fall.“We’ll formulate based on the results of those survey our going forward plans, and what we think education and instruction will look like on a go-forward basis,” commissioner Frank Edelblut said. The Windham School District will offer a summer program to help students adjust to a return to classrooms. Health experts have encouraged parents to get their kids readjusted.“It would be great to go to your school’s playground,” said pediatrician Dr. Tricia Groff. “Get together with other kids, especially if your child has been pretty isolated over this past year.”Doctors advised parents to start a conversation with their children, showing excitement that it will be fun to back. >> MORE FROM WMUR: Grocery prices up 2.6% in April; NH Grocers Assn. does not expect long-term shortages