ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT)- If you have a child in the Athens City Schools system, chances are you had to set your alarm a little earlier this morning. That’s because today marks the end of summer break and the official start of a brand new school year.
Superintendent Beth Patton said the school system is experiencing significant growth.
“Right now it looks like we’re just over 5,500 students, so that’s an over 130 increase from last year,” said Patton.
That’s why they’ve added new teachers, a kindergarten class, and another 4th-grade class to start the year. In addition to the growing number of students and staff, Patton said they’ve also added new construction.
“We built a new elementary school, so we have some space there,” said Patton. “We’re opening another elementary school: Julia Newman. It will open for the first day of class, and it will hold up to 700 students, so that’s going to help us a lot. We’ve added on at Athens Intermediate School, which is fourth and fifth grade, eight additional classrooms, and an additional gym and storm shelter there.”
Just last year, Athens City Schools had a teacher who was a top four finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year, Amanda Gudmundsson.
Although she was recognized at the state level, Dr. Patton said their entire teaching staff is what makes them successful.
“She will tell you she represents every teacher in this system,” said Patton. “We have phenomenal people that have a passion for learning and teaching, and it’s just a great place to be.”
This year is also the start of the Focus Act, the new Alabama law banning the use of cell phones during the school day.
“That’s a little bit of a change for us, because we did have some flex time where students could possibly use cell phones, but we’ve been sending information out to students and families,” she said. “So, believe everyone is aware that, and I think it’ll be a good thing.”
Patton said they know many houses are being built in Athens, so they are actively looking to add to their current facilities and build new ones in the future.
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