Decatur students return to classes

DECATUR — During the early morning hours of Aug. 15, even before sunrise, students, teachers, staff and coaches were turning off alarm clocks, dressing and eating a hearty breakfast as they prepared for the first day of the 2022-23 school year in Decatur.

Just before 8 a.m., buses began arriving at the four campuses, Decatur PreK, Northside Elementary, Decatur Middle and High Schools, which make up the Decatur School District.

Greeting the students as they walked through the doors of each campus was an army of teachers, both veterans and first-timers, and staff ready to answer questions or give directions to those students that may be new to Decatur this year.

This year’s administrative changes included Devin Courtney, who took over from Cary Stamps; Daniel Meyer, who took over Courtney’s duties at Decatur Middle School; and Toby Conrad at Decatur High School.

As the kids found their way to their new classrooms, some were happy to be back, while others were not so sure of what lies ahead for them this year.

By Friday, everyone was settled into a routine, marking a promising start to the 2022-23 school year ahead.

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS While a pair of junior high students (back) skip rope and carry on a conversation, two more kids (front) try their hand at the art of the hula hoop during PE class in the gym at Decatur Middle School Friday afternoon. Decatur schools were back in session on Aug. 15 after a long summer break.