Windsor—At Windsor High School, Principal Daniel Soderholm went from class to class on the first day to rally the troops. Within first period students were already involved in their courses and instructors, such as Algebra I with Jim Bohannon or pre-calculus with Michael O’Neill. During his pep talk, Soderholm urged everyone to be on time and be prepared, just as their teachers are every school day.

Over at the new Georgie D. Tyler Middle School, Superintendent Dr. Katrise Perera was on her own tour of the county schools. In the administrator’s office, she met with Chloe Edwards, 12, and her mother, Stephanie Edwards. The eighth-grader had transferred from Southampton Middle School after the family relocated to Zuni.

Like Soderholm, Perera peeked her head into different classes to welcome students and faculty. She pointed out different features of the school, such as the modern science equipment, library and art room.

In a hallway, Perera met Laura Tumminello’s sixth-grade math and science students, and gave them high fives as she walked by.

At Southampton High School during one of the lunch periods, many students shared their summer experiences and plans for the new academic year.

Alex Pulley, Emily Vann and Marena Vick said they’re studying cosmetology, with Vick taking her state board exam in May 2015. Pulley said she worked at J.C. Penney’s while school was out. Vann got her driver’s license and babysat children.

Cortney Green said she’s taking physiology, physics, gym academic English and Senior Success, an internship. Her career goal is in neo-natal nursing.

Ben Grizzard said he’s “somewhat” ready to return to school. His course load includes English, gym, government and history, horticulture, economics and French.

Troy Grant, a junior, said he’s ready for classes. A defensive tackle for the football team, he spent his summer in training. His academic goal is “to make all A’s…I think I’ll make it,” he added with a smile.

Kristen Lane’s plan is to keep her grades up all the while participating in band, where she twirls a baton.

Junior Zakilya Holden worked part-time at Dairy Queen, which she enjoys and continues part-time. She also intends to maintain her grades and also play basketball.

Jacob Beale, a junior, has the responsibility to be playing tenor sax in the band.

Stasha Shelly and Jack Hooppaw, both seniors, have ambitious career plans. Shelly wants to become an ultrasound technician, and Hooppaw a radiologist.

Further down the road at Capron Elementary School, the little ones were learning their colors and connections. Morgan Bailey asked her Kindergarten class to identify all the objects they could see that were colored red. They also shared favorite colors. Will Holland and Damareo Stephen, both 5, also like blue. Mya Bottoms, 5, favors pink. Tremel Duck, 5, likes both purple and red.

Around the corner and down the hall, Sandra Ivey’s second-graders became acquainted. As they each caught a ball of yarn they tossed to one another, the students would say their name and something about themselves.

Erin Griggs, 7, likes to read and do math. Connor Futrell, 6, likes to cut grass, and his favorite team is the Chicago Bulls “because they’re tough.” Jeremya Joyner, 8, likes to play with his cat and dog; peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are his favorite food. After everyone had their turn, Ivey carefully unthreaded the web, and the students took up a new lesson. One of many in the weeks and months to come.