The first day of classes at Jefferson City Public Schools operated smoothly overall, although there were some buses delayed in the afternoon.
One kindergarten student boarded the wrong bus but was located by district staff and returned home about an hour later than expected. Other buses were delayed because there were more students than available bus seats, so students had to wait for a larger bus to arrive.
Delays are typical on the first day of school, spokeswoman Amy Berendzen said. A few buses arrived late to school, as well, which was expected because routes are different this year, and there are a few new bus drivers.
"It's the first day of school, everyone is nervous," Berendzen said. "I'm a momma, too. I'd be freaked out and nervous, too. When instances such as this happen, we'll let parents know."
Overall, Berendzen described the first day as comfortable and welcoming.
Superintendent Larry Linthacum fulfilled his goal of visiting all 18 buildings on the first day and said it's an "exciting time of year and so refreshing seeing our students. Our goal is to give hope to all students by helping them reach their potential."
Several central office staff visited buildings Thursday, and students weren't shy about talking to the adults, Berendzen said.
"Our new director of elementary education was in a building, and a kid said, 'What grade are you in?'" she said with a laugh. "There are some really funny (comments) out of the mouth of babes."
Unlike previous years, there were no major renovations to schools, except fencing wrapped around elementary playgrounds for added security and replacements for the Lewis and Clark Middle School cafeteria floor and outside track.
Jefferson City High School is operating on a new block schedule this year, which has already been praised by students and staff, Principal Bob James said.
Last school year, the high school operated on a 10-class schedule with five classes one day and the other five classes the next day. This year, students are taking the same five classes for one semester and switching to the other five classes the next semester. Four of the classes are traditional block classes and the fifth class is a 45-minute Focus Academic Study Time. Students can do homework, participate in mandatory study, watch presentations from the district's business partners or take an online class, James said.
"Probably the most common comment has been that there's a lot less anxiety," James said. "Staff have described students, and students are saying themselves, 'I'm much less nervous about my schedule this year. This is something I can do.'"
Student Council President Carson Ridgeway agreed the schedule is more manageable and less confusing. Last year, many students were confused about which classes to attend after a holiday or snow day.
"For some classes alternating wasn't too bad, if it wasn't too strenuous, like P.E.," he said. "But for those harder classes like physics, if you don't get taught every day, for a lot of kids, they're trying to remember what they learned. It was like starting over, and that was a big problem for a lot of students."
Ridgeway said it was a really great first day of school. The student council, drumline and dance team rallied at the beginning of the school day to welcome new students. It created a friendlier atmosphere and got people out of their comfort zone, he said.
One of his personal goals this year is to feel energized by the tradition of "Jay Pride."
"It's something that's always been there, but it hasn't been as pumped up in the past," he said. "My school goal is to create a sense of family in school and the community and for everyone to be excited to be there."
The district has roughly 9,000 students this year and will have more official numbers in a couple weeks, Berendzen said.
Earlier coverage:
Kindergarten student boards wrong bus on first day of school