Though Coastal Georgia’s summer weather is far from over, summer vacation officially ended for Liberty County School System students Wednesday.
‘Day One’
The start of the 2014-15 school year went off without a hitch, and teachers and administrators reported strong starts to the resumption of classes.
Parents and volunteers positioned themselves at the entrance of Liberty County High School to wave and cheer at students turning in from Highway 84. LCHS’ panther mascot, imbued with school spirit, danced and waved energetically.
Civic leaders and community volunteers posted themselves at various school entrance ways. County Commissioner Eddie Walden and Hinesville Assistant City Manager Kenny Howard handed out pencils and gave warm greetings to students entering LCHS’ front doors.
Just inside the front entrance, County Commissioner Justin Frasier stood at the ready with pencils and a smile, while Hinesville Public Relations Manager Krystal Hart welcomed students coming in from one of the bus ramps.
Later in the afternoon at Bradwell Institute, students seemed relieved to have the first day out of the way. Geometry teacher Hannah Akin smiled, monitoring the halls as students filed out the front doors.
“It was a really good first day,” Akin said. “We went over the rules, policies, general classroom procedures … we also did a pre-test over the first unit, which they’ll be tested on at the end of the unit to see how much progress they’ve made.”
“(The first day) was absolutely wonderful – surprisingly wonderful,” raved Lisa Jackson-Chaney, a special education science teacher and cheer coach. “It was a little hectic, because there’s a lot going on, but it was wonderful. I am so excited for tomorrow.”
Open houses
Wednesday’s first day of classes was preceded on Tuesday with school open houses.
LCHS’ halls bustled with students eager to find their lockers, check their schedules and see their home-room assignments. Parents took care of last-minute registration requirements and purchased iPad insurance for their children.
“Tomorrow’s going to come whether we’re ready or not,” mused LCHS Principal Paula Scott. “We’re excited, and looking forward to a great year.”
At Joseph Martin Elementary, parents looked up room assignments and toured their young ones around the school – while others were toured around by their young ones.
Though activity had abated by 4:30, Vice-principal Greg McCallar said the school was buzzing from 3-4 p.m.
“It’s quieted down a good bit,” McCallar said. “We’re ready for tomorrow.”