Clinton High School educator Rhonda Davis has her classroom ready for the new school year to start, a new year for her students, the 27th for the veteran educator.

Davis, along with other teachers throughout the city and county schools officially returned to their schools Wednesday, and all are intent on doing one thing — readying themselves and their classrooms for the return of students Wednesday, Aug. 25.

“I am really looking forward to this year, like every year,” Davis says as she writes ‘Welcome Back’ on her board. “I have been doing this for a long time now, but I really enjoy seeing the students come back.”

Roseboro-Salemburg Middle School sixth-grade language arts teacher Kimly Mozee-Mathis, agrees. “I am looking forward to the kids coming in,” she said. “It is always exciting to me.”

Although Wednesday is the first day of school, teachers are hoping all students and their parents will come out a few days early, during open houses, something they believe makes the start of the year that much easier.

In fact, educators in both school systems were back in classes this week preparing for those open houses, being held at all schools — but not at the same time — Monday, Aug. 23 (see box).

Those open houses, educators say, offer a chance for educators to meet parents and students, as well as detail what they will be expecting this year. It also gives the parents an opportunity to share their comments or concerns about the school year.

Superintendents are also sharing their hopes for this year with educators in their systems. On Wednesday, Dr. Michael Basham held an opening day presentation, that included a comedy bit that tipped a hat to 60s television show ‘Star Trek’.

Standing in front of a sign that read: “Going Where No Learners Have Gone Before,” Basham spoke of the importance of teachers in the classroom.

“As far as I am concerned, teachers are the undisputed leaders of the world,” he said with pride. “We are hope for the young for their future.”

Basham also told teachers that he is expecting higher test scores; improving and promoting good citizenship skills; and establishing procedures in classrooms. “By doing procedures on a daily basis, your problems will be minimal and you will be able to get to maximum learning,” Basham explained.

The superintendent ended by saying, “this is the start of something great.”

Sampson County School’ are holding three separate opening day ceremonies today at Union Elementary, Midway Middle and Midway High School.

State Teacher of the Year Jennifer Facciolini, as well as current system Teacher of the Year Carol Williams were expected to be on hand to speak to educators in the system about what they should be expecting and tips on what to prepare for this school year.

Superintendent Dr. Ethan Lenker said the key to reaching every goal this school year has already started. “We went after quality teachers,” he said at a meeting earlier this week. “You could have the best programs in the world, but if you don’t have the right teachers in place, it means nothing.”

Lenker also spoke of the importance of closing the communication gap between students and teachers by “continually working at it”.

“It is not an easy thing to do,” he said. “But the best way to do it is to keep going forward and keep trying to break through; that is what it is all about — to make a connection.”

As teachers continue to prepare and students get set to get back into class, by putting the final touches on their classrooms, Davis said throughout her years as an educator she has noticed that the students, albeit different, are connected in more ways than they realize.

“They all have some of the same problems, and they are all dealing with a lot of the same things,” she said. “The kids really don’t change, and it is great seeing the excitement when they come in to class. I just love it.”

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.