The unstoppable rising tide of a new school year is easing ever forward, soon to overflow with tens of thousands of students ready to learn.
Teachers and other campus staff returned to school Monday, beginning the annual training and preparation while reuniting with current colleagues and meeting new ones.
Following two days of working together on campus, teachers and others will spend two days in job-a-like sessions homing in on grade-level and academic content specifics and the week ends with a workday Friday.
Killeen Elementary School Principal Shakira Bodon said it’s always exciting to see campus staff returning.
“All the jitters are there at first seeing all the new people,” she said. “We really start getting into our data and how that impacts the year, the work we will do for students. We try to make it as fun as possible.”
The principal brought round tables into the cafeteria and teachers brought their classroom chairs so they could be comfortable and work interactively.
At their tables and on a board, teachers shared their personal tips and professional toolboxes so all staff could learn from one another.
Killeen High School Principal Janelle Muhammad was learning along with her staff members as Dean of Students Matt Widacki conducted presentations.
“I was very excited about this school year. Yesterday was amazing. Teachers were excited, exhilarated. I know we are poised for a good school year. We are going to be amazing. We can’t wait for students to get back,” Muhammad said.
“Everyone is excited to meet their students. They want to be here and that makes me happy,” the new KHS principal said.
At Willow Springs Elementary School, Principal Anika Stewart agreed that the start of school is a special time.
“It’s super exciting. We’re seeing that the hard work last year and, in the summer, paid off. We celebrated a lot of gains, and we have plans in place and are ready to make our goals happen,” she said.
“We just want to create a welcoming environment and build relationships. We’ve done a good job the past few years building community and we want that to continue.”
Next week professional development continues and the week includes important student milestones.
Middle school readiness is Tuesday, Aug. 11. High school readiness is Wednesday, Aug. 12. Elementary Meet the Teacher is Thursday, Aug. 13.
The first day of school is Monday, Aug. 17.
See all of our photos of the back-to-school excitement at www.killeenisd.org/photos
See back-to-school information at www.killeenisd.org/backtoschool