Local News - August 2003

Half-day classes mark first day for more than 11,000

By SARAH GRANO, LTN Staff Writer

Lincoln County schools will open their doors to more than 11,000 students Thursday on a half-day schedule. School officials say it’s the largest enrollment ever for Lincoln County.

Those students attending St. James Elementary and North Lincoln High may be especially excited about the start of school. Rainy weather throughout the spring and summer has slowed construction on the new schools, but both are ready to welcome students on Thursday.

“Even though there are some inconveniences that our students and staff will have to face, it’s really a small miracle that we’ve been able to get open,” said Superintendent Jim Watson.

 The half day is new for Lincoln schools.

“We think it’s going to allow our teachers and students a day to become familiar with where they’re supposed to be and when they’re supposed to be there,” said Lyle Back, school spokesperson. “It will also allow us a half day after the students are gone to fix any problems with enrollments.”

The schools will end their days on a staggered schedule with some ending as early as 11:15 and others not ending until 11:45. Lunch will not be served.

The half day may upset some parents who have to arrange childcare for their children, but it also provides an orientation day for the students, Back said.

Traffic congestion is expected to be a problem at all the schools on their first day. Many parents choose to drive their children to school the first few weeks of class, rather than have their children take the bus, which amplifies the situation. The only way to avoid bad traffic is to arrive to school early, said Watson.

“If the child is supposed to be there at eight o’ clock a lot of people show up at five till, and if everyone chooses to do that at the same time, you have literally 200 cars show up, and it’s going to be backed up,” said Watson.

Schools located on main roads, such as G.E. Massey, can expect the most problems with traffic, but congestion usually lasts less than half an hour, said Watson.

Another common problem at the start of school is confusion over bus routes. Many parents and students complain that school buses arrive later or earlier to bus stops than expected. The buses, which hold as many as 60 students, can be 15 minutes off schedule simply because of six or seven children.

“If you’re not there, the bus route speeds up,” said Watson. “If there are more people there than you anticipated, then the bus route slows down.”

It can take weeks for buses to have a regular schedule. This is due in part to children who are initially driven to school, but then take the bus once the school year is on its way.

All students can look forward to freshly cleaned schools.

Three schools have been painted for the first time in years. St. James and North will have ongoing maintenance and construction issues.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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