published: Sunday, August 19, 2012

Schools ready for first day

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

SEBRING - The preparations are over for most Highlands County School District employees. Students are gearing up for the new year; the supplies are purchased, the clothes are laid out the only thing left to do now is wait.

Students and school district employees will flood schools and offices Monday morning with excitement and anticipation that comes along with each new school year.

This year 64 new teachers have joined the Highlands County School District, most at the elementary level. Buses are prepped and ready to hit the road on their routes beginning Monday morning.

Bus transportation has stayed relatively the same in number as well as in the routes. The transportation department has deleted one route, leaving the total routes at 99 for the district this year.

District officials are expecting a small decrease in student enrollment for the 2012-2013 academic year; last year's enrollment numbers were just under 11,500 students. Each classroom varies in number of students.

Bus routes, meal applications and other information may be found on the Highlands County School District's website at www.
highlands.k12.fl.us/sbhc/.