BY KELLI GILE
Westhoff Elementary teachers and staff members are ready for the new school year. Westhoff is celebrating its 2014 Distinguished School Award – the third for the school. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
Walnut – It’s back-to-school time in the Walnut Valley Unified School District. Nearly 14,600 students began classes in the 15 campuses on Mon., Aug. 18.
“We had a great first day,” said Walnut High School Principal Jeff Jordan. ”Students and staff were excited to be back. There was an upbeat attitude all day.”
The teens happily chatted at break time, stopped by their lockers, and checked schedules before dashing off to their next class.
Maple Hill Elementary in Diamond Bar opened doors to its completely modernized campus in Diamond Bar. Everyone was relocated to portable buildings during the $5.6 million construction project last year. This was the first chance for students and their families to see the new school.
“We made it!” exclaimed Principal Nancy Stingley. “Everybody’s here and inside, everybody’s happy, and everybody’s smiling.”
Fourth graders Gabrielle Zabresky, Valentina Yonemoto, Carlie Law and Ella Liu were excited to see their new classrooms before the school bell rang. What do they like best about school?
“We love math – it’s fun!” the girls exclaimed.
Fifth grade teacher Shirley Conner greeted students who were lined up before the 8 a.m. school bell rang.
“Welcome back to school. It’s beautiful inside!” she said
“It’s such a gift to us,” beamed fourth grade teacher Tami Berry. “Everything’s new and wonderful, and different. As we had time to get to know the school, you all will have time to get to know the school,” she told her students. “It’s going to be a very fun place to learn,” Berry added.
The school has a brand-new interior design, multipurpose room and exterior landscaping. Classrooms feature state-of-the-art technology, skylights and generous storage cabinets. Six hundred new desks and chairs were purchased for the campus.
“It’s big and roomy, everything is clean and new, and up-to-date technologically,” said kindergarten teacher Lisa Esse, who has been at the school for 20 years.
“I look forward to another great school year at Suzanne Middle School,” said Principal Les Ojeda. “We have a great number of returning students and new students that seem incredibly intelligent, enthusiastic and eager to learn.”
Westhoff Elementary celebrated the first day of school with balloons, chalk greetings, posters, music and a staff with welcoming smiles.
“It’s going to be a great school year!” said Principal Denise Rendon.
