“Smooth start,” was the sentiment echoed by principal after teacher after secretary about Friday, Aug. 6, the first day back to school for county and city students.

“The first day was fantastic! The students are wonderful and we had a perfect start to a perfect year,” said Calhoun Primary School’s new principal Beth Holcomb.

Holcomb mentioned that she used the first day of school to emphasize the importance of learning and school attendance.

“Our first day has gotten off to a wonderful start. By 7:45 nearly all of our students were in their homerooms where they were supposed to be. Students are already engaged with exciting learning experiences,” said Calhoun Elementary School Principal Wesley Roach at the beginning of the school day.

As the bell rang at Calhoun Middle School, the hallways were completely empty and silent. Principal Greg Green said all the students were inside of the school gym, where there was a morning assembly to welcome all the teachers and students.

“Teachers ran through with a banner which read, “We’re in it to win it!,” Green said, of the assembly.

“The first day of classes went extremely well at Calhoun High School. We are excited about the upcoming school year,” said new high school principal Kelly Bumgardner.

“The theme for the year is ‘Calhoun City Schools will win in 2010,’ and we certainly had a winning first day,” said Calhoun City schools Superintendent Michele Taylor.

Taylor stayed busy visiting classrooms, greeting students and even helping youngsters who were having more downs than ups.

“I am so proud of our administrators, teachers and support staff. They are keeping the focus on our core mission to inspire all students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of excellence. It’s going to be an excellent year,” she said.

Gordon County Schools

“So far, so good,” said W.L. Swain Principal Gina McDaniel just before 9 a.m. Friday.

“It was awesome! We had a great day. We had 530 kids. We are off to a great start,” said Belwood Elementary School Principal Doug Clark.

“Everyone was excited to be back at school and we are anticipating an excellent year,” said Ashworth Middle School principal Marc Feuerbach.

Feuerbach, who began his first year as principal, said he has high expectation for his students.

“Our goal for this year is to continue to set high expectations for our students and help guide them as they work towards reaching and exceeding those expectations,” he said.

Lighting struck the sound system at Sonoraville High School a few days before the students were to return, so staff members helped direct students, and the day flowed by smoothly.

“We have gone through a full day’s schedule and it has been great. We haven’t had many conflicts on all in schedules. Our kids have responded well,” said Principal Bruce Potts.

“Our kids have been phenomenal. In five years of being the principal, this is the best and smoothest start that we’ve had. Our schedules were printed and there was only a couple of conflicts,” he added.

Scott McClanahan, first year principal of Gordon Central High School, said things ran very smoothly.

“The faculty and staff at Gordon Central did a tremendous job in preparation for the return of our students. This was very evident in the way the day progressed,” he said.

Gordon County Schools Superintendent Bill McCown said observed the schools Friday and noted upbeat attituedes.

“As I visited schools today, I noted students and staff that were excited about the new school year,” he said.

“Overall the day was successful. Busses delivered students to school on time; our teachers welcomed our students to school,” he added.

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