Students who started school at Rugby’s jr. high and high schools on Thursday, September 1 found a few changes. A two-year school renovation and addition project has changed the look of the school a bit. The first phases of the project have been completed, however the new addition won’t be done until after the first of the new year. The entire project is expected to be completed by the fall of 2012.

Although the students will be walking in hallways without the tiles laid and with ceilings exposed overhead, all classrooms are ready to go.

“All health and safety checks have been made and everything is up to speed,” said Superintendent Jeff Lind.

The new lockers have not been installed yet. Students learned at registration that they would be carrying their books and necessities in their school bags from class to class until the new lockers are installed. This minor challenge for the students won’t be for very long. The lockers should be installed by the second full week of school.

The west door is still being used for entrance to the school. At the present time, there is no north access into the school. The number 4 door on the north side is available for emergency exit only. The public is to use the west door until further notice.

Students will continue to have lunch in the cafeteria in the lower level of the school until the new cafeteria is completed. The new cafeteria should be ready for use after Christmas break.

Between the junior high and high school, there are seven new teachers.

A mentorship program is in place to help guide the new teachers through their first year .

Ely Elementary School was all ready to go on Thursday, Sept. 1 as well. There are no new teachers at Ely this year. However, there are two student teachers, Mrs. Bethany Mack in third grade and Kimberly Desautels in the resource room. One new para-professional started Thursday and she is Monica Harner.

Sidewalks near the school were improved this summer from a state grant program called Safe Routes to School and a couple of street corners have ADA accessabiltiy near the school.

Little Flower opened its doors on Thursday, Sept. 1 for the 2011-12 school year.

Enrollment for the first day of school was 49 students in grades K-6 and an additional 18 pre-school students.

The first bell rang at 8:35 a.m. with everyone at their desks by second bell at 8:40 a.m. Dismissal was at 3:15 p.m.

The third grade has a new teacher this year. She is Samantha Prahm who graduated from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Sister Mary Ruth is helping out the staff this year with assistance in clerical and as an aide.

Just a reminder to motorists to keep an eye out for students who are biking and walking to school. Take a slower pace around the schools to avoid an accident.