Teachers will greet students for the start of the school year Monday in the St. Joseph School District.

Dir. of Elementary Education Michele Norman said teachers have been getting ready for the past week.

“The week before the students come back is a critical time in the school years just in that planning and preparation,” she said. “Set up of their classrooms to make the most effective use of their classroom space, they’re getting some training on some new science resources that we’ve brought into the district for this next school year as well as just that first meeting of getting to meet the children that they are going to serve.”

This year there are around 145 new teachers in the district.  Norman said 60 of those are elementary school teachers.  Norman is also a new feature with the district, replacing Dr. Brian Shindorf earlier this year who resigned to take on another position.  Norman said she is looking forward to working with the district and moving forward.

“It was an opportunity to come and be a part of a team that was healing and to move the district forward,” Norman said. “We want to make the school experience the most positive that we can make it for every single student.  We want them to come to school and learn the things they need to learn but also we want them to know that school is a place that they’re cared for and valued.”

Mondays marks the official end of summer vacation for St. Joseph School District students.  Norman offers a few tips for parents.

“Just being prepared for the first day.  I know with my own children laying out their clothes, knowing what they’re going to wear, those first day traditions.  Taking those first day pictures, having their basic supplies that they need to take with them,” Norman said. “Making that transition a very positive and healthy one for the students but also for the parents.”