Schools

Students Return to Classes

Warren's first day of the 2011-12 school year not dampened by gloomy weather.

Warren kindergarten student Max Phillips rose early, donned a Baltimore Ravens jersey and grabbed his back pack to see his three brothers board a school bus heading to Warren Middle School.

His own bus wouldn't arrive for another half-hour, and he was excited about his first day of school, anxious for the arrival of his ride.

But when his bus pulled into view down Mountainview Road, Max was suddeny overcome with emotion. In a scene surely repeated several hundred times across the township, he turned to his mom and said, "I don't want to go."

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With a little coaxing and a few encouraging words, Max was again ready. His father, Larry, walked him to the bus' door, and he slowly climbed aboard, slipped into the first seat, and smiled out the window.

Twenty minutes later, Max exited the bus at Mt. Horeb School ... again, worries clouding his small face as he bravely walked into the school, into the gym and sat for an orientation.

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It's a lot to take in for a young student on his first day, but the older students walked in as if it's just another day at school.

With teachers and Principal Bill Kimmick on hand to greet the students, most quickly became acclimated. The students have a full day today, after which, Max will likely have much to tell his mother.

In a message to parents welcoming students back to the schools today, Superintendent Tami Crader noted the many new programs, and the state of the schools.

"Despite the recent weather-related challenges, our schools are scrubbed and polished and look warm and welcoming for the return of our students," she said. "As the year begins, I wanted to keep you informed of the many updates to our programs. Through a thoughtful planning process, and without incurring any additional expenses, we have been able to add to our already-excellent programs at both the elementary level and middle school level."

Dr. Crader says the following programs will be implemented in the schools this year:

 

  • New pre-engineering program called Innovation and Design in grades 3-8
  • Increased physical education in grades 3-5
  • Increased world language in grades 3-5
  • Increased music rehearsal time at WMS
  • Increased library time in kindergarten (all-year Spanish will be replaced by one cycle during the second half of the year).
  • Increased music and art in kindergarten
  • Physical education in kindergarten provided through fine and gross motor curriculum
  • Fitnessgram in physical education classes at WMS
  • Focus on gifted and talented programs
  • Increased assistive technology in our special education programs
  • New Mandarin Language program at WMS
  • Increased Math compacting in 5th grade
  • Grade 8 Tech Literacy cycle

More information on the new programs will be available at back-to-school events and school newsleters.


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