Summer passed by way too quickly for most of us, but ready or not, this past Monday marked yet another start of a new school year. What was good to see, however, is that it looked a little more like the “normal” we are used to.
Students and staff were able to return without face masks or shields. Teachers and support staff were able to see the smiling faces of all the children, excitedly entering their classrooms.
This year sees some big changes for each of the buildings in the school district. For the elementary, it’s the obvious – lots of new students entering kindergarten which means new faces and new friends to make. This Thursday, there will be more brand new faces when preschoolers come back to the building as well.
In the middle school, their big change is having a new principal after numerous years with Scott Jeske. However, Charles Mausser seemed to quickly win over all of the students with his portrayal of Mario in the skit performed by him and the teachers about expectations for the school year. He held nothing back in his performance as he caught the villain Waluigi (played by Amy Ascherl) breaking lots of rules. This year’s theme at RBMS, if you haven’t already guessed, is gaming, with the motto “Level Up.” The goal is for all students to succeed in their quest of education and move up a level in their learning.
At the high school, many students will have to adjust to having a second building to travel to for classes at some point throughout the school day. Classes have been added on the second floor of the school administration building in order to accommodate a growing student population and the need for more classrooms. Although it was a little nerve-racking for some, it shouldn’t take long for them to not only adjust, but also enjoy a little fresh air between classes and brand new classrooms with a new view.
The seniors also did something a little different this year. Of course, they had their traditional senior breakfast, went for a group ride around town on the flatbed of a semi, and then, when they gathered for their senior picture, they also each let off a balloon to fly high in the sky, signaling their time to fly is upon them.
Here’s to an amazing school year that’s already off to a great start.
