Montgomery County Goes Back to School

by WAKA Action 8 News

Today was the first day of school for Montgomery Public Schools.

More than 30 thousand eager students filled the hallways, both excited and anxious for the start of a new school year. Superintendent Margaret Allen met with students this morning at Flowers Elementary to provide some encouragement.

It’s that time of year again. The first day of school came quick for 5th grader Kentorrie Edwards, who was still reminiscing about summer fun at the water park

“I got on these big slides that go down and go up then you made it into the pool.” 

But as summer break comes to a halt, students are now looking forward to what the new school year will bring.

“The way we begin this year will say a little bit about what’s going to happen through the rest of the year,” said Superintendent Margaret Allen, who was on hand to welcome students and hand out pencils. She said this first day has been promising. 

“Regardless of what has happened in the past, this is a new day, a new opportunity for us to do some great things for children.”

While we saw no tears this morning, Principal Ethel Barnes said it’s common for some students to cry on the first day after leaving mom and dad. 

“Luckily we’ve been doing this for a while. We just love on them, hug them and tell them it’s going to be okay.”

“I’m looking forward to some good teaching and learning going on in Montgomery Public Schools,” Allen said of her hopes for the school year. “I’m looking forward to students having a great learning experience. I want them engaged, educated and inspired.”

Allen says it’s not just the teachers who need to be involved. She’s calling on parents and other stakeholders to be actively involved in their child’s education. She says it’s a partnership learning experience. 

You may remember Southlawn Elementary School was damaged in an arson this summer. Repairs to the school have been made but students are not using the room that was damaged just yet because of a smokey stench.