MH Schools resume classes

Published Aug. 23, 2006
By Staff Sgt. Melissa Koskovich
Gunfighter public affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho -- BBBBRBRrrrrrrIIIIIINnnnnnGGGGGG!
The sound of school bells echoed across Mountain Home School District campuses Wednesday as classes resumed for the new school year.

Approximately 370 students returned to the Base Primary School, whose staff was still busily transitioning in the wake of the closing of Liberty Elementary Aug. 15.

"With Liberty [Elementary] closing so quickly, we really have had only less than a week to make the transition and get everything ready," said William McCarrel, Base Primary School principal. "I would say that our short-term goal is just to make it successfully through the first two weeks."

Mr. McCarrel said the staff is living one day at a time and doing the best they can, adding that the closing of the school wasn't a complete surprise.

"We started talking about it last March and when it comes down to it, the change just makes sense," he said. "Attendance was at 131 students when we closed and has progressively dwindled over the past few years."

Mr. McCarrel said the transition has caused some quirks for the staff, but that they have risen to the challenge, just as they have in the past.

"Our staff is tough ... they've been through a lot. Two years ago the roof of base primary caved in the day before school started and left inches of standing water throughout the school," he said. "They are resilient, and they're ready to go for this year."

But last minute changes aren't the only challenge the school's staff is facing.

"We lost some staff this year ... federal funds are really drying up," he said. "Everyone here is really bucking up, taking on more additional duties, and really helping each other out. They're just going to town."

Base construction is also causing some inconveniences for parents dropping their children off at school.

"With the construction going on and the limited amount of parking at the school, we would just like to remind parents to please be patient," said Mr. McCarrel. "Temporary housing goes in next, so it's probably going to get worse before it gets better ... but we're going to go on and do the best we can."

Teachers have undoubtedly been busy getting ready for school to resume.

"It's been a little crazy with the late hires, and Liberty closing," said RaNaye Conrow, Base Primary School teacher. "We had to make room for the forth graders, but we are happy to have them join us and everyone's in good spirits. I'm always excited to start a new year."

Other teachers are excited about the new start as well.

"I'm definitely looking forward to the new year, though getting ready for the start of school is always hard work," said Nancy Johnson, Base Primary School teacher. "They say with the brain, either you use it or you lose it, so we're going to work hard to put each student's mind to good use this year, and getting them ready to move up to the next grade."

Staff members said they are truly dedicated to keeping their priorities straight, even during a time of inconvenience and change.

"We're going to be here for the kids," said Mr. McCarrel. "After all, that's what it's all about."

MH Schools resume classes

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