Summer break ends & school begins in Jackson-Madison County

JACKSON, Tenn. — In the blink of an eye summer break is over, and for some students that means starting the year off in a new environment.

Crossing guards are back on duty and school zone lights are once again flashing because it is the first day of school for Jackson-Madison County students.

“I think she’s really going to love this school, the new environment, and I think she’s going to adapt very well,” said Cheryl Jelks, mother of a Pope Elementary student.

“People are going to be introduced, if they have not already been introduced, to their new teachers, their new school,” Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin said. “I’m just excited waiting for great things to happen.”

As a result of Vision 2020, five schools did not reopen this school year, causing a noticeable increase in students at the remaining schools.

“It’s a little different,” Northeast Middle School parent Shelia Carruthers said. “You can see the change. There’s more traffic, more students.”

“We have more students than we expected, which is a great thing,” Issac Lane Elementary Principal Janet Gore said. “Teachers are ready. They’re prepared, and our students are happy and excited to be here.”

Although there have been many changes in the school system prior to Monday’s classes, expectations are high for students and parents this school year.

“I would just encourage them to be active,” Principal Gore said. “I want to see every parent I saw this morning at every parent night, at every literacy night, at every after-school function. I want to see parents.”

“They have left their children in the hands of very caring staff, and that we are all going to be working so that our students can have an excellent year,” Ruffin said.