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Union High School Principal Karen Rima, said things are going smoothly after the first days of school at UHS, rural Biggsville.
First and second year teachers started on the 16th and 17th with teacher workshops, then all the teachers met on the 18th-19th-20th for an in-service training session. This included lessons on state laws, equipment usage, new programs, how to use technology, etc.
Union's Elementary and Jr. High had their kickoff event on August 19th where community members and parents took part.
There were games for the kids with the Health Department and other organizations helping hand out school supplies to students. Funds came from donations and from the parents club.
Monday was the first day of school with an early dismissal of 2:20 p.m. That evening was curriculum night where parents came. Parents and students were introduced to their child's schedule and teachers and learn of teachers expectations. They even rang the bells at the end of each class session.
On August 26th will be the UHS Volleyball Scrimmage from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is soda pop or power drink. On August 27th will be the first S-U Football game at home at Southern High School.
On the 20th, Union and Southern enjoyed their first scrimmage together. It began with a "picture day for the media and yearbook" and then a cookout at the Stronghurst park with both board presidents grilling the meat for the event. Principals Dale Buss of Southern and Karen Rima of Union took care of other items for the meal. The whole team of 52 players, 21 cheerleaders, 21 pompon squad, four managers, five coaches joined with their families for a wonderful time. Afterwards the team scrimmage and the huge group of cheerleaders and pompon girls did some "neat routines" and really made a good showing on the field.
"It was a good experience and lots of fun. I was really impressed," Principal Rima said.
Around 190 students attended the first day of school at UHS (down a little from their 200 average). There are four new teachers at the high school level: Jeremy Burrell teaching History, Sara Evans teaching Ag, Jim Bedford teaching Spanish, and Brandy Dornon teaching-Science.
Union is offering some new classes. One is in Electricity, another in Conservation.
Rima said she is really proud of their new "Jump Start Program" for incoming Freshman, and got a lot of positive feed-back.
On a voluntary basis, they offered three mornings of orientation. Thirty students out of 50 came all three days. Classes were given on "How to Take Notes," "How to get Organized," "How to function within a schedule." "Expectations," "Code of Conduct," along with extra curricular activities offered.
"We had a lot of parents comment on how they liked it, and we will do it again," Rima said.
Rima talked about the success of some night classes they have offered and said they will be starting some again in September.
Last year a lot of 8th grade students took Introduction To Technology and by the end of their session they were tearing apart computers that had been donated to the school and rebuilding them and at the end of the class purchased computers for $25 and took them home.
"I'm really proud of our staff," Rima said. "They are putting in so much time...They are a dedicated bunch."
Rima looks forward to a consolidation where she feels there will be so much more opportunity for students in class offerings.
She also enjoyed the cookout with Southern-Union football team.
"It was Mr. Corzatt's idea for the cookout. We really enjoyed it. Stronghurst has a beautiful park."