Woodland Elementary Principal Kim Johnson welcomed each busload of arriving students Wednesday morning.
The earliest opening day ever in Mansfield City Schools began without major problems Wednesday as most – but not all – students reported to their buildings.
Hallways were quieter than usual at Mansfield Senior High and Mansfield Middle School where only seventh-graders and freshmen were present. All students will be in class on Thursday.
Wednesday was all about acclimating seventh-graders to their new surroundings.
“We talked to all students about the routine of the day and introduced them to their teachers,” new middle school principal Robert McQuate said. “Teachers then took students on walks, explaining the behavior that is expected of them in the hallways, the restrooms and the cafeteria.”
Some of the students, who were sixth-graders at Malabar Intermediate School just three months ago, got their first look inside the Senior High/middle school building. Their tour included the commons area, gymnasium and auditorium.
“We’re just trying to get them comfortable,” said Assistant Princpal Jason Douglas, who moved to the middle school from the Hedges alternative school. “Somehow, they think our middle school part of the building is larger than Malabar. They’ll be fine.”
At Woodland Elementary School, new Principal Kim Johnson had a walkie-talkie in hand as she greeted each busload of arriving students.
“Good morning! Welcome back. I hope you had a great summer,” said Johnson, who last year was assistant principal at Sherman Elementary School.
Hugs and smiles also were the order of the morning at Prospect and Sherman elementaries and at the Spanish Immersion School.
Opening day also started smoothly at Malabar Intermediate School, which houses approximately 750 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders.
Fourth-graders were adapting quickly to the building that is much larger than their respective elementary schools.
“This group of fourth-graders is the best I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Principal Andrea Moyer. “They’re paying attention, listening and doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Malabar had its fourth-grade orientation on Aug. 11. That evening Moyer emphasized the school’s three priorities: Student safety, academics and respect for others.
Kindergarten students will begin classes at Prospect, Sherman and Woodland on a staggered schedule the last full week of the month. Some will attend on Aug. 25 and 27, others on Aug. 26 and 28. All will attend daily starting Aug. 31.
Preschool classes, all located at the Spanish Immersion School, begin on Aug. 31.