Today is the opening day of school for students in Winn Parish but campuses were hives of activity Monday and Tuesday evenings as schools held the Open House, affording parents and students the opportunity to meet teachers and see their classrooms in advance.  

Winnfield Primary was first with their Open House on Monday beginning at 4:30 but Winnfield Middle and Winnfield Senior High were not far behind at 5 p.m. and 5:30 respectively.  Tuesday brought the Open House event to each Dodson (5:30 p.m.) and Calvin (6 p.m.)

Despite the temperature of nearly 100 degrees, excitement was high at WPS as parents and children crowded by the entrance way and spilled out onto the sidewalks and street as they waited for the doors to open at precisely 4:30.  Sheets were posted, listing the children and their teachers.  As folks poured through the doors and into the halls, adults received a sheet showing WPS fall events as well as safety precautions for car riders.

“We are excited about this new year.  We are excited about our new group of kids.  We are ready to get off to a good start,” Principal James King said to the Journal.  Pressing duties from the crowd didn’t give him time to say much more.

Prior to the opening of the School Board meeting as hour later, Supt. Alfred Simmons had time to reflect on Open House.  “I don’t know many students who wouldn’t want to as ‘Hi’ to their teachers and see their room before classes actually begin, especially new students.  It helps ease the trepidation of that first day.  It gives students a chance to see where they will be going and perhaps even let them begin to build relationships with other students they meet.”

Simmons said this peace of mind opportunity is particularly important for young children who are riding the bus and will be arriving at school on the first day without their parents.  “The early walk-through provides reassurance for the child and mother alike.”