Come rain or shine
Crane District kicks off 2017-2018 school year
Leaking skies may have dampened backpacks and bodies, but not the spirits of kids headed back to school in the Crane School District.
Crosswalks were teeming Tuesday morning as about 6,000 students and their parents and guardians tried to beat the rain.
As classes were lining up at Gowan Science Academy, the deluge started, sending students, staff and parents to the cafeteria for lineup.
“We had a fantastic first day,” said GSA Principal Jamie Haines. “Everything ran super smooth despite the rainy start. Students were settled in classrooms and working hard on learning routines and procedures with their teacher. We are going to have an amazing year.”
Crane Superintendent Laurie Doering, who was making the rounds of the district’s schools Tuesday morning, said the rain had added some extra excitement to the day but that students and staff were still excited for the new year.
“Crane Middle School rocked on its first day of school. Our students were enthusiastic and energetic their first day of school,” said Ryan Tyree, principal. “Our staff, especially our custodians, office and cafeteria staff, collectively worked together to get students to the right classes, locker help, lunch procedures, and have a successful first day.”
Other schools start this week as well, including Desert View Academy (Wednesday for kindergarteners, all others start Thursday), Yuma Catholic (Thursday).
Desert View Principal Deb Weigel reminded parents not to park in front of the school’s gate before 7:15 a.m., when it is opened, and to obey traffic laws and limits.
High schoolers attending Antelope Union will need to register, beginning Thursday, Principal Bart Rud stated in an email to the Yuma Sun. On Thursday, students whose last names begin with the letters A through J should come register. Friday, students whose last names end with K-R will need to register that day. Aug 7 is reserved for those whose last names end with an S through a Z.
Rud also noted that incoming ninth-graders and their parents are invited to a school orientation and barbecue Tuesday at 6 p.m.
“The evening will start off in the cafeteria with hot dogs and other refreshments, compliments of our students and staff,” Rud said in his email to the Yuma Sun. “This will be followed by a brief orientation activity for students and parents in the auditorium.”
Immaculate Conception School will also start offering lunch through the National School Lunch Program under legislation passed by Congress back in February. Lunch will cost $2.85 with the reduced price being 40 cents.
Several other public, parochial and charter schools start next week. They are: Yuma District 1, Yuma Union High schools, Aug. 7; AmeriS-chools - North (and South) — Aug. 7; St. Francis of Assisi — Aug. 8; Yuma Lutheran — Aug. 9.; and Harvest Prep — Aug. 9.