By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support local journalism.
Students return to class
Mixture of emotions on first day of school
5 Back to School pic3
Ellen Harrison visits Monday with students in her Dawson County Middle School classroom. - photo by Frank Reddy Dawson Community News

Robinson Elementary School teacher Cathy Carlisle said the beginning of a new school year can stir a spectrum of emotion in children and parents.

  

“The first day is a mixture of excitement, tearfulness, joy and curiosity,” said Carlisle, who has taught at the school for 30 years.

  

About 3,400 students across Dawson County began the 2010-11 school year on Monday. And, as school goes, some loved it, while others felt differently.

  

“Some of the kids can’t wait to get in the school, while others can’t wait to get back home,” she said. “It’s always an interesting time for everybody.”

  

Mark Merges, principal at Dawson County Middle School, said “things went very smooth” Monday.

  

“On the first day, it’s all about getting them here and getting them back into the routine,” he said.

  

Jute Wilson, principal at Dawson County High School, said Monday “could not have possibly gone better.”

  

“Everybody worked hard to make sure it was a success,” he said. “We’re real pleased with the students and teachers this year.”

  

Wilson said despite some minor tweaks to the daily schedule, students have been “rolling with the punches.”

  

Systemwide, changes in Dawson County included the redrawing of district lines to make way for Riverview Elementary School on Dawson Forest Road West.

  

Superintendent Keith Porter said the system’s first school day “was a good start to the year ... really good.”