Area students head back to classes

Ozark County students are heading back to school, and area drivers are reminded to watch for students waiting for, walking to or getting on and off buses throughout the county each weekday morning and afternoon. Thornfield school started Friday, Aug. 10. Lutie started today, Aug. 15, and Bakersfield and Dora start Thursday, Aug. 16. Gainesville starts on Friday, Aug. 17.

In Gainesville, new superintendent Joe Donley said one of the most exciting changes this year is a new nursing program offering a daily course that over three school years can prepare a student for a career as a certified nursing assistant or for going on to pursue a nursing degree.

In Dora, superintendent Sherry Anstine said the school will continue with its shortened school year – 153 days instead of 174 – with a longer school day, from 7:42 a.m. to 3:32 p.m.

“Last year we examined our calendar and saw when our attendance was lowest and took those days out of the calendar,” she said. “And we no longer have half days. Our students, staff and the community enjoyed the new calendar, and we saw more learning going on when we buckled down during the school days.”

Lutie superintendent Scot Young said he’s looking forward to the school year and hopes “everybody stays healthy and things run smoothly.” He said school funding has been cut slightly, “but we stayed with last year’s budget and we’re ahead of where I thought we’d be right now. I think by the end of the year we’ll be in great shape.”

<p>Gainesville FBLA students Kristen Hambelton (washing window) and Alyssa Abraham,left, clean one of 16 buses Monday. Gainesville superintendent Joe Donley offered FBLA members the chance to clean the buses as a fundraiser to get them ready for the start of school on Friday. The group is raising money for members to attend a national conference in Denver in November. Other FBLA members who helped included Andrew Zubrod, Dallas DeWeese, Sydnie Russian, Zach Voss and Ryan Smith.</p>