Back to school : Monday marks first day for many
Posted on Sunday, August 17, 2008
BENTON COUNTY - Social studies teacher Jeff McFarland, going into his 12 th year of being an educator, still loves his job.
He already knows many of his students at Decatur High School, so - to him - the start of the new school year offers a chance to see friends again after the summer break.
He'll get that chance Monday when Decatur schools, as well as the other Benton County public schools, head back to class.
"It's my 12 th year, and I still look forward to teaching," McFarland said.
This school year will have an extra-special meaning for Decatur teachers and students. At a July 31 Arkansas Board of Education meeting, the school district escaped forced annexation by another district. The Decatur district is now under state control. Patrons are just happy that they have their schools. The teachers know they have a lot of work ahead of them, because the district is fighting not only to get out of fiscal distress, but to bring the district's test scores up to state standards.
Decatur High School teacher October Vanegas said the staff will work together to find ways to help students improve, which will require even more creativity, given the financial constraints in the district. Even though it will require effort, the teachers are looking forward to helping their students.
"We're glad to be here," she said.
Kim Browning and Anita Warren, both teachers at Decatur Middle School, said they look forward to getting back into the school schedule.
"We're ready to settle back down and do our jobs," Warren said.
The teachers said they are prepared if students ask questions regarding Decatur's recent struggles.
"We'll be honest and positive like the administration has been with us," Browning said.
Teachers in Decatur are not the only ones looking forward to having students fill their halls, nor is it the only district with a unique school year approaching.
On Monday, the Rogers School District will open its second high school, a first for school districts in the county.
"When things get chaotic and fast and furious," Heritage High School principal Karen Steen said last week," I step back and envision what it will be like in October and November."
Steen said she envisions students arriving through the front doors and going into classrooms to be taught by excellent teachers - and the students being excited about it.
"All the adults can be as excited as we can, but when (the students ) come on campus and see what this town has done for them," Steen said," that will make it all worthwhile."
Even though students, parents and teachers around the county are excited about the start of school, they should remember safety.
"Slow down and watch for kids," said Lt. Mike Smith of the Bentonville Police Department.
Police said that until everyone - even commuters who aren't taking children to school - adjusts to school being back in session, traffic can be expected to be rough.
"The first week and the first couple days of the second week are always our worst time until everyone gets the flow," Smith said.
Rogers Police Lt. Mike Johnson said it's best for motorists to leave early for their destinations, whether school or work. He added that if motorists are not taking children to school, it might be best if they find routes that don't take them past school zones, which will help ease traffic near schools.
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