LAKE ASBURY – The front office and halls of Lake Asbury Junior High buzzed with excitement on Thursday, Aug. 10, as students returned for their first day of classes. 

Douglass, a first-year seventh-grade student, was one student ready to meet new friends and teachers and dive into new learning material.

“I feel excited, pretty excited,” he said. 

The “dog days” of summer were fun, and they will be missed, but it’s time to turn the page for the young student that enjoys socializing and learning with his friends. “I feel like it has been a long summer, but at the same time, pretty short, you know. I did miss my classmates from last year, but I plan on making some new friends,” he said. 

One subject that has already caught Douglass’s eye is mathematics.

“That excites me a little bit,” he said. “There’s no better place to do it than the high-achieving junior high school.”

Superintendent David Broskie said Thursday’s openings were the smoothest in his 37-year education career.

“I would say it’s exciting,” he said. “When I go to schools, I see young people smiling to be back at school, where they get to see their friends and their teachers. And on a side note, I would say many parents are also happy the children are back in school, which usually brings a little bit of laughter.”

As Douglass walked to the gymnasium, where more than 1,000 students were greeted, Karen McMillan, Coordinator of School Choice for the Schools District, directed traffic and oversaw students and parents needing assistance.

McMillan was one of several district staff members at several district schools.

She first noticed the incredibly smooth traffic flow on Sandridge Road, which was closed at the Henley Road intersection for two months. The roadway opened 13 days before students returned.

“It looks like all of the traffic patterns are working nicely and smoothly. I haven’t noticed any traffic jams. That’s a big plus,” McMillian said. 

The only traffic jam occurred at the front office, where parents arrived to ask questions about their child’s class schedule and bus routes. Staff answered most of those concerns.

“I would just ask (parents) to continue to check their email, listen for (automated) calls, and just reach out to let us know what your concerns are because we certainly want to address those. We always encourage parents to reach out. Call us or email us. We all understand that the transition from elementary school to junior high is a big deal,” said Principal Lydia Creel. 

While some parents had concerns, the school diligently works for their students, and it’s nearly impossible to get every schedule and bus route right on the first day, especially in a county with 43 schools. 

But with bus routes, class schedules and construction obstacles considered, all things went extremely well.

“I thought, for all intents and purposes, it went well this morning. Parents were patient, and students hopped out of their cars, largely looking happy to be here today. The traffic flow went well, and we’re going to make sure that everyone gets picked up on their right bus this afternoon in a timely fashion,” she said. 

“It’s fantastic,” the first-year principal said. “We’re really excited. You have the whole year in front of you.”

All of the pieces are coming together. Eighth graders are stepping up for seventh graders to show them the ropes of Lake Asbury. Teachers and faculty spent a large portion of the summer making preparations, which included professional development sessions and breakout groups, inviting an opportunity for teacher collaboration.

“They feel like they’re ready to go and that they’re supported. Happy teachers make for happy students. I find that this is one of the most supportive and diligent faculties you will find in Clay County. They have a great heart for the students, learning, and growth. You couldn’t ask for more. I think the students will have a great year,” Creel said.