Successful first day of school

By Roxie Murphy, Assistant Editor

Posted 8/21/24

OWENSVILLE — Gasconade County R-2 students returned to classes on Monday, Aug. 19, and ended the day on a successful note.

According to Superintendent Dr. Jeri Kay Hardy, the first day …

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Successful first day of school

Gasconade County Sheriff’s deputies Sgt. Lynde Mantels (left) and Maj. Roger Armstrong greet Owensville Elementary School students arriving Monday for the first day of the 2024-25 school year. Also participating in the greeting line was staff member Nancy Kohrmann who marked her 32nd year of welcoming students to the first day of school. She previously ran the preschool program at St. Peter’s UCC in Owensville. Classes will not be in session Monday, Sept. 4, due to the Labor Day holiday.

Photo by Dave Marner

Posted Wednesday, August 21, 2024 12:00 am

By Roxie Murphy, Assistant Editor

OWENSVILLE — Gasconade County R-2 students returned to classes on Monday, Aug. 19, and ended the day on a successful note.

According to Superintendent Dr. Jeri Kay Hardy, the first day went well.

“It was great to see all the kids back to school,” Hardy said on Tuesday. “They were all excited to be back. The process ran very smoothly (Monday). The teachers and kids alike are happy to be there.”

The earlier start time also went well. For those parents who may be in need of an earlier than 7:45 a.m. drop off or later than the 3:30 pickup, Hardy said the Excel Program will begin Sept. 3 at both elementary schools and the middle school.

“When the Excel Program starts, drop off will be at 7 a.m. on Monday through Friday, and pick up will be at 5:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday,” Hardy said.

Parents must sign up for the Excel Program to utilize the early drop-off and late pick-up times.

“So far, (Monday) everyone arrived home on the buses they were supposed to with very few hiccups,” Hardy said. “Our transportation has worked very hard to ensure we get kids to and from school safely and I am excited about how the first day went.”

Tuesday afternoon, Hardy said the district was eerily quiet as students and staff settled into the new school year. She reminds drivers to be watchful for students before and after school as bus routes are reestablished.

“Drivers, watch out for buses,” Hardy said. “There are kids outside in the morning waiting for buses and even though they are supposed to watch for cars, sometimes they get distracted.”