Dreaded by some and highly anticipated by others, the first day of school brought Moapa Valley kids and teachers together on Monday, August 24. While many youngsters were excited about seeing old friends, meeting new teachers and wearing new clothes, some students mourned the end of summer. Nevertheless, the kids across the valley boarded busses and reported to the ring of a bell on Monday morning.
Perkins Elementary students in Moapa gathered into the cafeteria at the beginning of their first day of the 2015/2016 school year and began with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by heads bowed for 30 seconds of silence. Then they sang the school song which reminded students that they are to “stand strong and true” and help one another.
Principal Hal Mortensen welcomed students back to school and gave a special welcome to new kindergartners before dismissing all to their individual classes where he said their teachers were anxiously waiting to get to know them and get started with the school year.
At Bowler Elementary in Logandale, parents and pupils alike gathered outdoors on the school grounds. There each student located his/her teacher and fell in line with the appropriate class.
After the pledge of allegiance, principal Shawna Jessen gave a warm welcome to students, teachers and parents alike.
“I always love to see you all on the first day of school with brand new clothes and shiny shoes,” she said smiling. “We will see how you all look by the end of the day.”
Enrollment numbers reached 185 for Perkins this year which office staff member Rebecca Rubio said is normal for the school. She said that upcoming dates for parents to remember include the first PTO meeting which will be Aug. 28 and no school on Labor Day, which applies to all Moapa Valley schools.
Enrollment for Grant Bowler Elementary is at 600 students for the year. Staff member Traci Fischer said this number is also about average for the school.
“It’s about the same as it has been,” she said.
Fischer said that upcoming Bowler dates to remember include Grandparents Day on Sept. 17 and school pictures which will be taken Sept. 23.
Mack Lyon Middle School counselor Amy May said that 2015/2016 enrollment is at 380 students.
“It seems the same every year within about 10 (students),” May said. “We have about as many kids moving in as moving out.”
May said that there will be a Parent Advisory Committee meeting held on Sept. 3 at 9:30 am.
Enrollment for Moapa Valley High School was up a little this year with numbers at approximately 553. That number is subject to change as students report at school this week.
High school dates to remember include Staff Development Day on Sept. 4 which results in no school for students. The High School Open House will take place Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m., a Back to School Dance will be held Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. in the cafeteria, undergrad pictures will be taken Sept. 17 and senior pictures will be taken Sept. 23.
