First day jitters are for everyone, not just students
Principals, teachers and kids all get a little nervous on the first day of school in the city of Rome.
Books, BFFs and big plans for the school year ahead were on students’ minds as first day of classes got rolling Friday for Rome City Schools.
Superintendent Michael Buck was making the rounds of his system’s 10 campuses Friday morning, and was all smiles as he walked the halls of Anna K. Davie Elementary School.
“This is my third school today,” he said. “Our first day has gone smoothly,
and everyone I’ve spoken with is very upbeat.”
Anna K. Davie’s assistant principal Kriszti Kilpatrick said school staff was especially happy with the way everything started off this year.
Because Anna K. Davie experienced its first year at the start of the 2015-2016 school year, adjustments had to be made to things such as car and bus lines.
“We are very, very organized this year,” she said. “Everything went well this morning and our parents and kids and staff are all excited for the new year.”
Mallorie Belyeu is starting her first year of teaching at Anna K. as a fourthgrade teacher.
“It’s different than you expect,” Belyeu said. “I was a little nervous this morning, but I met with
my mentor teacher before school started and she helped me relax.”
Mentors are assigned to all new teachers at Anna K., Kilpatrick said.
“They work with us and give us a check list, too,” said Belyeu. “It is really helpful, because it tells me things that I wouldn’t have thought about on my own. Plus, they give us the dismissal plans, the dress codes and so forth.”
New fourth-grader Norrisha Waddell said she also got nervous this morning.
“A little bit nervous,” Norrisha said. “But I am looking forward to learning fourth-grade math and I am excited about my new teachers.”
Jace Hatcher said he wasn’t nervous at all Friday morning.
“I’m having a good day so far,” Jace said. “I’m going to learn even more this year.”
Some students were already convinced they were going to have a good year.
“”This is going to be a fun year,” said Samara Smith. “We get to do experiments in fourth grade and I am looking forward to that.”
Fourth-grader Camren Flemister is looking forward to having more one-onone time with his teacher this year, because his class is smaller, he said.
In first grade, students were drawing self-portraits in Alissa Mitchell’s class. Graduating from kindergarten was a heady experience for many of them and they were enjoying their first day immensely.
“I love first grade,” said De’Marion Jackson. “I love my school, I love Mrs. Kilpatrick and I love my teacher. She’s going to teach me how to learn and now to be good.”
Chasity Brown was anticipating her first day so much, she dreamed about it.
“I dreamed I was in first grade,” Chasity said. “My teacher, she’s my new BFF, so I’m just here having fun with my BFF.”
Across town at West Central Elementary, Principal Leslie Dixon was pleased with how her school was handling the first day as well.
“I think we may have had the best start off we’ve ever had in my years here,” Dixon said. “There is nothing like the first day of school. What other
profession gets a fresh start every year?”
Dixon watched some of her classes walk down the hallways to their activity time, all of the children holding up the “Wolf Sign” which entails holding up their pinky and index finger on one hand as they walk.
This sign reminds the children to walk quietly through the halls so as not to disturb any other classes.
Karen Reano, a sixth-grader, admits that she was a little nervous Friday morning, but she was feeling very comfortable quickly.
“My first day is amazing,” she said. “I was only nervous at first because I wanted to find out who was in my room. My teacher is amazing and I’m looking forward to the harder math this year.”