‘Going to be a good year’ – Austin, Pacelli begin classes for 2014-15
Published 10:10 am Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Second-grader Jennifer Diaz Contreras arrangers her school supplies during the first day of school at Neveln Elementary School this morning. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
School is back in session, and administrators aren’t the only ones excited. Woodson Kindergarten Center Principal Jessica Cabeen heard one story of an incoming student excited for class during conferences.
“I’ve been waiting my whole life to come to kindergarten,” the little boy said during conferences last week.
“If that doesn’t sum up the excitement over here I don’t know what does,” Cabeen said.
Tuesday was the first day of school for Austin Public Schools, as well as Pacelli Catholic Schools. Administrators were excited for the first day of school as well. Community Education and Communications Director Amy Baskin was happy to get back into the year.
“It is very exciting, and I can’t wait for everybody to get back and get back on the routines,” Baskin said.
First-grader Anthony Wadley hefts his packback on as he gets ready to head in for the first day at Neveln Elementary.
The summer was filled with projects in preparation of the new school year, including renovations at both Southgate Elementary School and Ellis Middle School. Ellis converted four classrooms to make the sort of flexible learning centers that are found in I.J. Holton Intermediate School. These will be used by the language arts, social studies, math and science content areas.
Southgate Elementary School converted restrooms, a locker room, custodial areas and a classroom into a flexible learning area. This will include a team learning area, small group spaces and a classroom. These renovations will host a class of 19 students this year who were invited to attend Pi Academy, but has space for 50 students for future classes.
Baskin was also excited about the different preschool and adult classes through the district.
“There’s just a lot of really good collaborations, the community support that we get is really tremendous,” Baskin said. “We just continue to grow as a district. It’s a lot of fun to go to work every day.”
Cabeen is also excited about the upcoming year, which is the 10th anniversary of Woodson Kindergarten Center.
“We are super excited,” Cabeen said. “This is going to be a good year.”
Neveln Elementary principal Dewey Schara greets students.
The center is also starting a greenhouse, which they received the structure for on Friday. It will be set up in the courtyard and students will learn to help care for the garden.
“That will be a really neat piece to our year,” Cabeen said.
Yet the students in the 45/15 calendar at Woodson were also looking forward to the start of the traditional calendar.
“Those students are really excited to have some more friends coming in too,” Cabeen said.
Woodson and Sumner Elementary started classes for the year-round schedule July 29.
