Back to School is Just a Week Away

Displays of pens, pencils, crayons and backpacks are cropping up at area stores, a reminder that Fenton and Lake Fenton schools are getting ready to open their doors for the first day of classes Sept. 6.

There are a few changes in the (FAPS) district. Sixth grade has moved from the Ellen Street Campus to the Andrew G. Schmidt Middle School Donaldson Drive Campus. In addition, Fenton is offering a new KinderPlus all-day kindergarten option, said Superintendent Timothy Jalkanen. This and the district's Young Fives program are at the Ellen Street Campus.

Another change is the Fenton school district is sending families information on bus stop locations and times via mailed postcards.

FAPS has also opened its enrollment to students from anywhere in the state, Jalkanen said. "Anyone can come to our district. You don't have to live in the district to attend."

Registration for new students is at the Administration Office, 3100 Owen Rd., (810) 591-4700.

With classes yet to begin, administrators aren't certain how many students to expect, Jalkanen said. Some families move during the summer.

All teachers who were laid off have been recalled. Depending on enrollment, "we are looking to hire more, possibly," Jalkanen said.

The district will definitely be hiring staff for its new KinderPlus program.

Teachers have a couple of professional development days the week before students return. And the school secretaries are back in the buildings, along with the principals. "Everyone is back and going at it," he said.

During the summer, maintenance and custodial staff have been taking care of school facilities and grounds. "Work is progressing very well," Jalkanen said. "We'll be ready when the kids come in. The buildings will look good and clean."

In addition, the school buses are receiving attention to ensure they're in working order.

Families received suggested school supply lists for the 2011-12 school year in June along with students' report cards, Jalkanen said. That way, they had the summer to accumulate the items, if they desired. In addition, school supply lists can be found online at the district's website. But students aren't required to come to class with supplies, and the school district will provide paper, pencils and other items students need if they don't bring them.

Sonya Shaughnessy, principal at Lake Fenton Community Schools' West Shore Elementary School, said the same is true for her district. The school supply lists are "wish lists," and the district doesn't require that students bring the items.

"Not everyone can get all of the supplies," Shaughnessy said. "Often, parents bring in extra crayons, glue sticks. We all share and make sure everyone is taken care of."

In addition, Lake Fenton Community Schools accepts students from outside its district. Nonresident students must be released by their school district and apply to Lake Fenton, she said. Registration for residents of the school district is at the individual school buildings.

Superintendent Wayne Wright said students in kindergarten through second grade will attend West Shore Elementary, third through fifth grade will be at Torrey Hill Intermediate School, sixth- through eighth-graders will be at Lake Fenton Middle School and freshmen through seniors will have classes at Lake Fenton High School.

Lake Fenton teachers will have their first workday Aug. 31. One teacher is being added at the high school, Wright said. "We expect there to be an increase in students. We are still growing."

Many parents wonder when kindergarten and Young Fives students' school days begin and end, Shaughnessy said. For morning kindergarten and Young Fives, it's 8:35 to 11:55 a.m. Afternoon kindergarten and Young Fives students go to school from 12:30 to 3:50 p.m.

School open houses in both school districts are planned. For information, parents can check with their students' school building or see the districts' websites.

Lake Fenton bus routes will appear on the district's website.

In Fenton, Jalkanen is eager for students and staff to return and for the school year to begin. "Sometimes, it just seems really quiet when the kids aren't around," he said.