First Week of School Called 'Great'

Students throughout Boundary County experienced a successful first week back in the classroom.

"This is the first year that everything has gone perfect," said Angela Armstrong, principal of Mount Hall Elementary School. "We are the only school with a sixth grade class, and the kids are happy to be here."

Mr. Cady's fourth/fifth class is ready to hit the books at Evergreen School.

Casey Fredrickson, secretary of Evergreen Elementary School echoed Armstrong's sentiments.

"The air feels good right now," Frederickson said.

Even the clean, shiny hallways are vibrant with positive energy. "Mrs. Santoro's Class has Spirit" reads one poster at Evergreen Elementary. Mahatma Gandhi's words, "Be the change you want to see in the world," decorate the front hall at Boundary County Middle School.

Susan Stagliano, Valley View Elementary School kindergarten teacher, was equally optimistic.

"Everything went very well," she said between the morning and afternoon kindergarten sessions. "Sometimes it takes time getting all the kids on the correct bus, so we just plan on it. Fortunately, most parents are very good about giving good directions to their children."

Judging by the reaction of Mr. Alvarez's fourth grade class at Naples Elementary School, it is going to be a busy year.

"Here in fourth grade, you will be putting your projects on a CD," Alvarez told the enthusiastic students assembled near the Smart Board in his classroom. "They are called electronic portfolios."

"We had a nice kick-off assembly," said Boundary County Middle School Principal Dick Behrens. "We introduced the teachers to the students and had our own Olympics. It was great."