Lexington-Richland School District Five welcomed its students back August 21 for the 2019-2020 school year. Excitement filled the air throughout schools across the district as assemblies and pep rallies were held to motivate students on their next chapter of education.
“I am excited for our new staff that will be a part of the family and for our students to reach dreams they didn’t even think was possible,” said Leaphart Elementary teacher Paula Matthews. “It puts a smile on my face to see the students come in. They’re excited, the parents are excited, and we are just ready to begin learning!”
Not only was it a day of firsts for students, but also new beginnings for a few administrators in School District Five. Academy For Success principal Danielle Major-Murphy, who previously served as an assistant principal at Dutch Fork Middle School was extremely excited to open the doors for her students on Wednesday.
“I am so thrilled to be able to come into our school and welcome our students and show them that we are going to tackle this year with more oomph than ever before,” said Major-Murphy. “I am looking forward to building authentic relationships with students so that they can be successful this year!”
Chapin Middle School kicked off the first day with a pep rally to get students, faculty and staff ready for the year.
Principal Anna Miller told the assembly, “It is my goal as your principal to make sure that all students at Chapin Middle School are safe, happy and learning. Our superintendent Dr. Melton has said “Know Thy Impact”, use your voice to make an impact in your own life.”
Getting back into the routine of getting up early for school can be a challenge for some students but not for Chapin High School sophomore Wyatt Temples. This will be his first year taking classes at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies (The Center) and he is ready for the challenge.
“I am thrilled to be taking Auto Tech at The Center. I was getting bored at home over the summer and am eager to get back in the routine of school and learn this year and spend time with my friends,” Temples said.
Irmo Middle School eighth grader Alyssa Mills added, “I am a little nervous on the first day, but I am looking forward to meeting my teachers and getting more focused this year so that I can prepare myself for moving on to high school.”
School District Five Superintendent Dr. Christina Melton spent the day visiting schools across the district and was excited with what she saw.
“Wednesday was such a wonderful start to the school year,” Melton said. “I enjoyed seeing all the smiles on the faces of our students and getting the chance to say thank you to our teachers and staff in person for all their hard work. The 2019-2020 school year promises to be a great school year. It is going to be a year of pride and I hope everyone will help us celebrate.”
