Classes begin in county schools Aug. 6 By ROBBY LUCKE Staff Whether the news brings excitement or groans, back-to-school time is imminent. The Alleghany County schools 2001-02 year begins for first through 12th grades with a half-day on Monday, Aug. 6. Pupils will be dismissed at about 11:30 a.m. (The second half of the day will be a teacher workday.) The year is scheduled to end the same way, with a half-day on Friday, May 17. Between those dates, the calendar calls for 178 full days of school. Kindergarten will begin Aug. 9, while pre-school is scheduled to start Aug. 20. Today, Thursday, Aug. 2, is "Meet the Teacher Day" at all three elementary schools. Between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., pupils and their parents can meet their teachers for this year, find out what supplies they need, pick up information packets and pay school fees.

Sparta Elementary teacher Beth Templeton-Phillips prepares reading and writing materials for her second-grade classroom. Teachers went back to work officially on Aug. 1; however, some were at work Monday getting an early start on the year.

"I hope every parent will come in and meet their child's teacher," said Superintendent Duane Davis. Parents are also welcome at Alleghany High School's freshmen orientation, which was scheduled for Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. School bus drivers are to meet Friday, Aug. 3 at 1 p.m. at the AHS cafeteria. That meeting will include reviews of safety regulations and emergency procedures.

Enrollment

According to preliminary figures from the county's four public schools, overall enrollment is up slightly versus this time last year, but no drastic changes were reported.

Alleghany High School's enrollment of 400 held about steady, with a relatively small freshman class of about 86 replacing the relatively small graduating class of 2001, which numbered 82.

New buildings ready for pupils

For Alleghany High School students, probably the most obvious new aspect of school for 2001-02 is the new gymatorium/classroom complex.

Schools Superintendent Duane Davis said the building received a certificate of substantial completion Monday and a certificate of occupancy Tuesday morning.
 
 

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