Students go back to the classrooms; some for the first time

Guthrie Public Schools started the new school year Friday morning as kids of all ages made the trip back to the classroom.

The senior Class of 2013 made their grand entrance into Guthrie High School with an escort by the Guthrie Police Department. The high school topped the day off with a pep assembly to kick-off their school year.

On the other end of the spectrum, 20 four-year-old students were the first to take part in the new inter-generational pre-Kindergarten class at the Willow Creek Nursing Facility this morning. Guthrie joins Enid, Chisholm and Jenks districts to participate in the inter-generational program.

Students were greeted by teacher Rhonda Gillett, who will teach the all-day class.

As students walked in-and-out from recess to their classroom, they could be seen waiving to residents while saying hi and bye. Much like the students, residents were seen waiving with smiles as they took in the first day of school.

The facility has added a classroom and playground as if at a school building with a bathroom, water fountain and a fun, spacious playground with all new toys.

Along with students going to school for the first day, so too was the first day for Superintendent Dr. Mike Simpson.

The first year superintendent, along with the central office administrative team, toured all the buildings in the district.

“We had a very smooth start to the school year,” Dr. Simpson said. “There were some busing issues that will require attention but we expected minor tweaking in that area.”

Along with students and teachers, Simpson said he was impressed with the work of the new Child Nutrition provider Southwest Food Services, who prepars meals for students and faculty.

“Overall we are very pleased with how the year started,” Simpson concluded.