HOPE — The Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp. had its first day of school on Wednesday.
Superintendent Shawn Price said earlier this week that he was looking forward for students’ return.
“We feel really good about where we’re at right now and are excited to bring ‘em to school,” he said.
Of course, summer may never be long enough for some students. Eighth grader Graydon Kilps felt that the the break was “way too short.”
Senior Bronwyn Newcomb, on the other hand, said she’s “pretty excited to be back,” despite having spent all summer in the building as a custodian. She looks forward to seeing her teachers and marching in the Heritage Days parade. While Newcomb has some trepidation about her final year, being only 16, she’s also looking forward to college and getting to take more classes that focus on her interests.
As of about 10 a.m., Hauser Jr./Sr. High Principal Kris Fortune said that the first day of school was going well.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “This being my second year, last year I was able to learn a lot about just Hauser in general and get to know a lot of our students, so I’m just really excited to be back this year. And I think we’re going to have a great year.”
“There’s always a lot of energy and anticipation at this time of the year,” said Hope Elementary Principal Jessica Poe. “And this year it seems more so than normal.”
She added that Tuesday’s open house went well. The elementary school partnered with the Student’s Fund of Hope and offered free school supplies and haircuts, with more than 50 students taking advantage of the latter.
Poe noted that the new year does bring a financial challenge for families, as there are no longer federal provisions for universal free meals.
“They became used to that,” she said. “And with the economical status of our country, it’s just an added cost. And you’re talking about almost $15 a week if they’re eating lunch every single day, and then breakfast on top of that. So I do think that that’s going to be a bit of an obstacle.”
For the complete story and more photos, see Thursday’s Republic.
