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Sept. 12, 2011—Schalmont was filled with excitement on
Friday, Sept. 9, as students returned for the 2011-12 school
year.
For the first-time ever, students in kindergarten
through fourth grade are learning together in one building while
fifth-graders attend the middle school.
The changes follow the
school board's decision
to close the district's two smallest elementary schools—Mariaville
and Woestina—last year due to declining enrollment, rising operating costs
and decreasing aid.
District officials, in conjunction with parents and staff, have
been working hard to ensure the transition is as smooth as
possible for everyone involved.
Several events were
held at Jefferson late last school year and this summer to join
students from all three elementary school buildings together
while a committee of parents, teachers and support staff worked
with administrators to develop ideas to ease the transition for
fifth-graders.
Faculty and staff participated in a variety of team-building
activities during their first professional development day of
the year
to help build camaraderie.
"We had an excellent first day," said Superintendent Dr. Valerie
Kelsey. "Students seemed
happy to reconnect with faculty, staff and friends."
Classes started a day later than originally scheduled due to
extreme flooding, road closures and emergency evacuations
following tropical storms Irene and Lee.
"We feel
fortunate to be able to open our doors and provide a sense of
normalcy to our students and staff who so desperately need it,"
said Kelsey.
Photo Gallery - Jefferson Elementary
School
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Photo Gallery - Schalmont Middle School
and High School
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
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