Iron County Schools Kick Off The Year With A Theme Built Around Kindness
So, I have to tell you there was a time in my, well really younger days, that this time of year would be very depressing for me. It was like there was the biggest gray cloud perpetually over my head. Kids, I feel for you.
Iron County School District leaders say the new school year is ready to begin, even if students may not be thrilled about the calendar. Speaking on KSUB radio’s Big Picture Morning Show, Executive Director of Elementary Education Steve Burton and East Elementary School Principal Mike Moyle discussed the district’s opening institute, the new East Elementary building, and the return of classes in the coming days.
Burton said teachers will gather for the district’s opening institute today, a half-day event that includes keynote speakers, staff recognition and a chance to get everyone focused on the year ahead. “It’s an opportunity for us to recognize those that have been in our district for a period of time,” Burton said. This year’s event will be held at Canyon View High School.
Moyle said East Elementary is close to ready, though a few finishing touches remain. “I think they’re going to be good enough to start, but there is going to be tweaking,” he said. Even so, he added that the building “looks phenomenal” and offers “a much bigger space” with several new features. Among the highlights, Moyle expects students to notice the staircase, the stadium-style learning area and even the elevator. He also said the new gym should be a surprise, calling it “just humongous.”
Community Invited To East Elementary Ribbon Cutting On Monday
The school is also preparing for a ribbon cutting ceremony next Monday at 4 p.m., followed by an open house so the community can tour the new facility. Moyle said the district is excited to welcome families inside the building for the first time. Outside, playground work is still underway, but the school is planning separate play areas for different grade levels and plenty of grass for students to use.
Burton said school for students begins a week from Wednesday and should run tentatively through the end of May. He said the district does not build snow days into the calendar, but it does have flexibility if winter weather requires adjustments. Enrollment, meanwhile, appears steady, with Burton saying the district typically sees about 2% growth and has remained fairly consistent.
Read More: New App To Connect Parents With Iron County Schools
The district is also embracing a new theme this year centered on service, compassion and love, inspired by the book The Wonder Drug. Burton said the district hopes to weave that message into classrooms and the broader community as the new year gets underway.
Sorry kids, but at least the Labor Day break isn't too far away. If you'd like to listen to the entire discussion we had with Steve Burton and Mike Moyle, it's in the podcast below.
Weird Back To School Supplies
Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods