First day of school starts smoothly

The first day of school always brings with it a refreshing sense of renewal. It's a chance to get better grades, get more involved and meet new friends.

Buses covered the county early Monday picking up thousands of kids for the first day of school. For many of those children that meant literally stepping foot into a brand new school.

"Today was your typical first day of school," said School Superintendent Ed Gray on Monday. "We knew it would be hectic."

Gray said the county made it through the first day. Any problems that came about Monday will be addressed starting today, Gray said.

Learning Way Elementary and Community High School were completed over the summer and the new Thomas Magnet School, located in the former Thomas Intermediate School building, opened its doors as well.

At Learning Way, parents dropping children off had to contend with parents dropping children off at nearby Harris Middle School and Central High School, but plenty of help on the ground ensured the traffic flowed smoothly.

"Today went very well," said Learning Way principal Karen Scoggins. "We had a few students that got off on the wrong stop. Traffic was a little rough coming in, but besides that I think everything went smoothly during pick up."

Scoggins said more parents, especially those with children starting kindergarten, drive their children to school for the first few days until they're comfortable getting on and off the bus. This contributed to the heavy traffic Monday, she said.

"The little ones (who rode the buses) did great," she said. Each child had a bus sticker that matched up with the bus they were supposed to get on to help things run smoothly.

Monday served as a half-day for students attending the 13 schools throughout the county. Full days for students in Bedford County began today.

Last year, 7,650 attended Bedford County schools. Gray said he expected growth this year of approximately 100 to 150 students.

Community High School principal Robert Ralston took advantage of the abbreviated first school day to build a sense of community with his students in their new high school building.

He introduced the students to their new home room assignments and led the seniors into the auditorium to set the theme for their final year.

"Your senior year will slip by quickly," Ralston told the seniors as he urged them to understand the special standing they have with the rest of the students at Community.

And Ralston admonished the seniors to do their best so that every one of them would be graduating in purple cap and gown attire next April.