Students showing up at Haines School Wednesday stopped for photos with the new mural painted near the school’s Main Street entrance.
“It’s nice. I like the bear and all the pretty colors,” said Jada Beck, 7, who was posing with cousin Kayden Guthrie while mom Jessica Beck snapped a shot.
Melissa Ganey, who had just dropped off daughters Taylor and Ashlyn on the first day back to school, said she liked it, too. “I love it. All the colors are so bright and it’s a different style. I think it’s great that it was done by an alumni, too.” Haines High School graduate Cara Murray finished the mural early this week.
Students were greeted by some new teachers and school administrators, including superintendent Ginger Jewell, high school English teacher Ryan Harms, second-grade teacher Kim Sundberg and physical education teacher Greg Brittenham. Wendy Albrecht will lead special programs full-time in the high school, replacing Nevada Benton, and part-time teacher Joan Degen will teach middle school math.
School principal Cheryl Stickler said students include ones from families new to town. “We’re excited about welcoming in our new families and getting to know their children.”
Stickler said parents dropping students off at school should use a drop-off zone in front of the high school, not directly in front of the school entrance, an area that is reserved for school buses.
School staff reported 250 students turned out for the first day, including 84 in the high school, 55 in grades 6-8, and 111 in grades K-5. The school had budgeted for 241 students, a decrease of 30 students from last year.
An official enrollment count in October will determine state funding for the district. Declining enrollment has been an issue at the school for several years, reducing income and posing a potential threat to jobs and instructional programs.
School board member Sara Chapell said she was encouraged by turnout on the first day. “I didn’t get to the high school, but the elementary school seemed full and happy and busy today.”
Profiles of new teachers will be published in next week’s CVN.