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Schools

Preparation Gave Shelton Schools a Smooth First Day

School authority figures were pleased to see improvements and order during the first days of school.

Shelton’s bus stops were sprinkled with children of every age on Tuesday morning. Some were excited about learning new things in science class, while others were already looking forward to recess.

Lorraine Williams, the Principal of was looking forward to bringing students from various backgrounds and experiences into her hallways. This is the second year that she has welcomed grades five and six into PHS. 

“We have a chance to bring a lot of ethnic groups and personalities together,” Williams said.

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Back in May, Williams prepared incoming students with an orientation. Many were excited to learn about the cafetorium where they could choose meals that they might not have had the option to choose in other schools, she said. Her experience with the students has taught her that they appreciate the freedom that they get at Perry Hill, as well as the opportunity to be a part of a fifth and sixth grade only community.

“We had a very smooth opening this year,” Williams stated. “This year we are looking to continue our academic excellence.”

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With the five elementary schools that flow into PHS during their fifth grade years, Williams, her teachers and her staff have the opportunity to shape the education of 850 students. Each of the five elementary schools passes on about 280-480 students to PHS, according to Williams.

Although the arrival of all 850 students was not particularly timely on their first day of school, according to Williams, students made it to their classrooms sooner than they had last year.

“Our buses were fifteen minutes late this year,” Williams explained. “It was better than last year though—last year, the buses were an hour late.”

Williams expects bus drivers to be comfortable with their routes by Thursday. Drivers of the High School route created a different experience for grades 9-12, according to Shelton High School Headmaster, Dr. Beth Smith.

“The first day of school was completely smooth and the buses were on time,” Smith stated.

Preparation is no stranger to Smith, who is responsible for the education of students. In June, Smith had new students run through a stimulated version of their schedules, she said. This occurred while the seniors were on their picnic and all freshman, sophomores and juniors maintained their regular schedules.

“There were some kinks that needed to be worked out, but they were far and few between,” Smith said.

Last Friday the freshman class viewed a presentation based around SHS’s expectations. On Tuesday, the sophomores, juniors and seniors had their class meetings for the same purpose.

“We always have high academic and behavioral expectations for our students,” Smith said. “We look for them to set high goals for themselves and achieve them.”

Beverly D. Belden, Principal ofhopes that her students maintain a positive learning experience throughout the school year. Belden wants to see her student to continue the pursuit of the knowledge and skills that they will need in order to be successful, even after the academic year is over, she said.

“We had a wonderful opening day,” Belden said. “Everyone from kindergartners who were new to the school to our returning students, acclimated easily to our building and fellow students,” she said.

Belden wants parents and the community to know that each of ESS’s teachers have set high expectations for students’ learning experiences. This year, ESS teachers will be particularly focused on the areas of math and literacy, Belden said.

Principal, Darlene Tickey was pleased with the smooth flow that accompaniedstudents on Tuesday.

“The first day went absolutely beautifully,” Tickey stated. “It went very smooth—it was like students never left in June. Everybody knew where they were going and had no problem finding where they needed to be.”

Tickey held a meeting with parents, students and teachers in the gymnasium in order to give everyone a clear idea of what Sunnyside School’s expectations are. Tickey spoke about universal behaviors, rules and academic achievement. Her hope for students is that they reach their highest academic potential this year.

Collectively, the principals and headmasters of Shelton schools would like to see their students grasp on the importance of their education. With the support of teachers and community members, Shelton’s students have the chance to fulfill themselves academically.

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