DECATUR — It was a day for new beginnings as Decatur area students returned from summer vacation ready for the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Just before dawn on Aug. 14, teachers arrived at Decatur Pre-K, Northside Elementary, Decatur Middle and High Schools in anticipation of the coming onslaught of students one hour later. Meals were prepared, classrooms decorated, signs hung and last-minute preparations completed to be ready to greet the new arrivals.
At 7:30 a.m, students began arriving at all four Decatur schools. Some students arrived in the more traditional modes of transportation, buses or cars. While others chose the means their parents or grandparents used in their times, walking or biking. No matter what form of transportation the students chose, the end result was the same, they came to learn.
At Northside Elementary, the cafeteria was filled with the sounds of laughing kids, happy to be reunited with friends who have been out of touch for two months. As teachers rounded up their students and lined them up for the march to the classroom, parents lingered in the school lobby until their kids walked out of sight.
For kindergartners, fifth and ninth graders the new school year was a time of uncertainty as they transitioned from one school complex to another.
Last year's Pre-K students moved to kindergarten classes at Northside Elementary while last year's fourth graders moved to Decatur Middle School for their first day of fifth grade. The new ninth grade students had somewhat of an easier transition as they moved across the sidewalk to the high school.
For administrators, faculty and staff, the day progressed smoothly with only a few minor glitches which were easily solved. At around 3:15 p.m., the final bell sounded, ending the first day of the 2017-18 school year for the Decatur School District.
General News on 08/23/2017