Smiles and laughter were abundant as children started a new school year Monday and caught up with friends.
A major change this year for elementary and middle school students is a uniform policy.
Students must wear solid navy or khaki pants, shorts or skirts. Shirts can be either solid white or navy, along with one additional color chosen by each school.
Yvonne Woods, a retired English teacher from Bradwell Institute, believes the uniforms will be a good for the students.
"I think it's a great idea, and will eliminate some of the competition pertaining to dress. I think it will also generate school spirit," Woods said.
Teachers and principals alike seemed excited as they led students through the hallways to a new school year.
 

Sunday's story by Joe Parker Jr., Correspondent

After open house at each public school Friday — deemed a success — students headed back to classes Monday to start their new academic year.
In an opening day statement, Interim Superintendent Harley Grove said, “The employees of the Liberty County School System are looking forward to beginning a new school year and are excited about the opportunities children will have to become engaged in learning. While each school has specific goals in mind for improving student achievement, those goals all align with the district goals for student achievement.  
“Some of those highlights involve expanding the new mathematics curriculum that the state has implemented through Georgia Performance Standards and developing new skills in the areas of reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Our district school improvement plan and each school improvement plan will be posted on the school system Web site at www.liberty.k12.ga.us and copies can be made available at each school.  These are currently under revision for the 2007-2008 school year as a result of achievement data from the 2006-2007 school year.
Although all public schools held open house Friday, each school usually schedules its own open house activity later in the year. The Courier has been able to learn of four such events and will publish the others if the information becomes available.
• Frank Long Elementary School will offer parental involvement orientation at 6 p.m. Aug. 23.
• On Sept. 3, Joseph Martin Elementary will host its own open house 6-7 p.m.
• Jordye Bacon Elementary offers an open house scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 6.
• Parents of students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Waldo Pafford Elementary are invited to an open house Sept. 13.
Grove’s statement continued, “The schools that did not make Adequate Yearly Progress have plans to address the areas of isolated deficiencies caused by only one subgroup of the student population in each case. Although these subgroups will be targeted for additional support, staff will work with all students to improve student achievement at every school.
“As we open our doors on Monday morning, we remind parents and students that the first few days of school will include adjustments of various types, including the introduction of school uniforms in kindergarten through grade eight. We ask that everyone exhibit the good citizen qualities of cooperation and kindness as we strive to create the most appropriate learning environment for every child and to establish a partnership of trust and support among staff, parents, and students.
I have high expectations for a year filled with achievement for our students and staff. I hope that this year will be the best yet for our students, parents and staff.”