The Greene County School District begins the 2018-19 school year tomorrow.

Superintendent Tim Christensen reminds everyone of the start and dismissal times for students at all three buildings in Jefferson. The school day begins at 8:15am at each, and Christensen notes that buses begin picking up students as early as 7am. Regular school day dismissal times are 3:30pm for elementary, 3:35 for middle school and 3:40 for high school students. Christensen adds that they will continue to have Wednesday early dismissals for teacher professional development. Those dismissal times include: 1:35pm for elementary, 1:40 for middle school and 1:45 for high school.

Christensen says there are some district-wide focuses happening this year. One of those is encouraging businesses to reach out to students to give them opportunities to visit their company or to come to school and visit with students to give them real-world experiences, because Christensen believes that is the key to keeping them engaged in learning and preparing them for life beyond school. Another focus is looking out for students’, as well as staff’s, physical, emotional, mental and social well being.

“That’s a huge thing in society today that we need to promote well being of our students and our staff to get the most out of them and have them be as successful as possible.”

Other areas of interest for the district include: extending computer science classes to the elementary and middle school levels, due to new legislation that was passed and a new academy program from Pillar Technology; providing additional instruction on preventing bullying and harassment at the elementary and middle school levels, and having all staff take training on recognizing bullying and preventing it; and providing additional instruction for students to acquire proficiency in learning with the district’s Multi-Tiered System of Support.

Christensen hopes everyone has a safe and enjoyable school year.