Morgan Hill – Fresh notebooks, newly sharpened pencils and other school supplies filled bulging backpacks strapped to students throughout the Morgan Hill Unified School District today as more than 8,500 kids start off another school year.
The district’s nine elementary schools, two middle schools, two comprehensive high schools and one continuation high school opened their doors for students this morning one week earlier than in past years.
The opening day adjustment was made so that secondary school students could finish their semester finals before the holiday break in December and start a new semester when they return to school in January.
Students at two elementary schools – El Toro and Paradise Valley – and one middle school will have new principals this year.
Patrick Buchser will serve as principal of El Toro, following the retirement of Kathleen Masner, who was El Toro’s principal for four years, and Kathy Kelley will take over as principal at Paradise Valley Elementary after the retirement of Donna Loose, who spent one year as principal.
Carol Coursey brings 25 years of experience to her new job as principal at Britton Middle School, replacing Russom Mesfun after his two-year tenure.
Superintendent Alan Nishino said he is looking forward to working with the new administrators and all new district employees. He said the district is focusing on high expectations for its students this year. He said he wants see students succeed in all areas, but especially English, math and science, and he believes new data assessment software and new textbooks will contribute to student achievement.
As the district kicks off a new year, the community will once again see the familiar yellow school buses rolling in the mornings and afternoons, and local traffic will likely increase around school opening and dismissals. The earliest school start is 7:40am, and most elementaries have started their day by 8:30am. Both middle schools open at 9am, while the high schools start just after 8am.
Morgan Hill Police Sgt. David Swing said officers will be out in force around schools and routes to school all week for “Operation Safe Schools.” The campaign is a reminder to help people to get back into the habit of driving cautiously and carefully around schools and watching out for kids walking and riding their bikes to school.
“We want to make sure school starts off safely for everyone,” he said. “People need to be sure they are extra alert as they drive, particularly near schools. Slow down and be aware of crosswalks.”
Officers will be looking for parking violations, speeders and other unsafe driving practices. Students and parents walking or biking to schools should also be cautious, only cross at crosswalks and obey traffic signals, Swing said.
Private schools in Morgan Hill are also gearing up for another year.
Carden Academy welcomes students back on Sept. 5. Enrollment is up from last year, to approximately 105 junior kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Students are still enrolling, and interested parents can contact the school office at 776-8801. The school has increased its middle school staff to offer more individualized programs for students this year, according to school officials.
Crossroads Christian School begins its school year on Aug. 28, with approximately 245 pre-K through eighth-grade students, an increase from last year. On Thursday at 7pm, Crossroads will hold a Back-to-School Night, and anyone interested in seeing the school is invited to attend. The school is located at 145 Wright Ave. For more information, contact the school office at 779-8850.
Shadow Mountain Baptist School will open its doors to students on Aug. 30. This year, the school will have approximately 80 kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Interested parents can contact the school office at 782-7806.
Oakwood School students also return to class on Aug. 30. In addition to pre-K through eighth-grade classes, the school’s high school will have sophomores as well as freshmen this year. The school has approximately 450 students this year, more than ever before. Improvements at the school include an expanded parking lot and a science building that is under construction, expected to be completed this year. For more information, contact the school at 782-7177.
The Charter School of Morgan Hill starts the 2006-2007 school year on Thursday, expecting approximately 460 students. Focusing on project-based learning, the school is continuing its middle school program. The only openings at the school are in eighth grade, but parents can put their child’s name on a waiting list. Contact the school at 463-0618.
St. Catherine School serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade. For more information, contact the school at 779-9950.
Marilyn Dubil covers education and law enforcement for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106 ext. 202 or at md****@mo*************.com.
