School's First Day Full of Smiles

The only hangup in today's launch of classes for Warren schools was one that was predictable. 

"All went smoothly—typically, our buses take a little longer on the first two days, mostly due to delays for picture-taking at bus stops," Superintendent Tami Crader said. "Today was no exception, but overall, school started on time."

At , Alexandra and Maya Demola posed while their mom, Jaime, snapped a picture of their first day in front of the school. Demola said it was a big day for kindergartner Maya—and there to greet her was Prinicpal Kathy Bond. Bond greeted her returning students at the door and directed parents to classrooms and the school office.

She said it was good to have the students back, a sentiment other school staff members agreed with.

Dr. Crader said she visited three of the schools this morning, with plans to check in at the other two Friday. She said she enjoys welcoming students back as part of the rituals of the beginning of the school year.

"I find myself smiling all day after seeing them and talking to them," she said. "Teachers and students are happy and excited."

She added school administrators do a "great job in planning" during summer months to assure smooth school operations, and noted the school buildings "look terrific" after custodial and maintenance crews cleaned and polished over the break.

"We are looking forward to a wonderful year," she said.

during the summer, district Business Administrator Patricia Leonhardt noted at Tuesday's meeting that only one project was not expected to be completed in time for the first day of classes.

An automatic faucet in the remodeled bathroom at was defective and couldn't be replaced ahead of school's start. Leonhardt said a regular faucet would be placed in the bathroom temporarily.