FRANKLIN
The first day of school for Franklin, Southampton and Isle of Wight public schools went great according to many of the teachers, administrators and hardworking and smiling students present at the schools. The opening went well, the teachers were excited for the new school year, the students were ready to learn. For many, it felt like they had never been out for summer because the first day went so smoothly.

Franklin School Superintendent Dr. Willie Bell had positive words to say about the first day of school in his district.

“The opening of school was outstanding. I like to commend administrators, teachers and staff for their hard work and preparation of another school year. I also commend the parents who ensured that their child was ready and prepared for the first day of school,” he said. “I believe the entire Franklin City Public Schools family is in ‘V-formation.’ and ready for an exciting school year filled with academic growth and success.”

J.P. King Jr. Middle School Principal Lisa Francis was really excited about how well the first day went.

“Today was the first day we have ever done breakfast in the classroom and it went really well. It was a great transition and a great first day. We are going to continue what we did last year, but this year, we are going to do even better,” she said.

Sixth-grade English teacher Treva Lee at the middle school in Franklin also chimed in with her hopes for this coming school year.

“I’m expecting great things from students this year. I’m encouraging them and letting them know that each and every one of them can learn,” Lee said.

Kenita Bowers, spokeswoman for Isle of Wight County Schools, reported there were no incidents to speak of with transportation issues that morning, which was confirmed by different administrators.

Faculty didn’t waste time on Tuesday, but instead got right to work.

For starters, theater students in Virginia Riffle’s class at Windsor High School did an exercise of sociometrics as way to introduce themselves to one another expressively, but without speaking.

Lois West and Amy Chapman, for art and career tech, respectively, started out explaining expectations for their classes.

New to the Dukes is Vice Principal Nicole Stephens. Originally a graduate of Smithfield High School, she formerly served at Denbigh High School on the Peninsula. This is her first assistant principalship.

Over at Windsor Elementary School, youngsters were also already getting lessons in their subjects of language arts, math and the like.

Ellen Couch said the WES students were greeted by CNU students who volunteered to welcome them to their first day.

“We had a great opening,” said Carrsville Elementary Principal Clint Walker as he toured the classrooms. He added there’s a little over 250 students enrolled this year.

Southampton School Superintendent Dr. Alvera Parrish, fellow administrators and school board members were on the go through much of the day visiting the classrooms and offering encouragement to all, but Parrish did take time to text her view:

“It was a great first day of school in Southampton County School Division! Parents were excited, students were motivated, and teachers and staff were waiting with great anticipation to teach the children!

“Teaching and learning started on the very first day, and what a wonderful variety of creative teaching strategies we observed as we went from school to school and class to class …We’re looking forward to a very successful school year, as we continue to ‘Open the Doors of Excellence’ to our students!”