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August 15, 2008

Smooth start

Art, nutrition among changes

Derrick Miller

DUNCAN — Every day in school is an adventure. The first day is no exception.

Students in Duncan Public Schools returned to classes Thursday, a little older and perhaps wiser. For some, the familiarity of the hallways have remained the same, even if their classes haven’t.

Horace Mann Principal Marlon Gay said, “It has gone really well. There’s been a lot of excitement and some tears from both the students and parents.

“It started really well. I’m looking forward to an exciting year.”

Many of the Duncan schools saw changes in faculty, additions of programs, alterations in policies and remodeling of areas in their buildings.

While most of these changes aren’t drastic, they may require some adapting on the part of the students.

For instance, Duncan High School added several classes, including a financial literacy course for all freshmen to take. This class is a state requirement that goes into effect in two years. The high school made it a graduation requirement for this year’s freshmen.

DHS Assistant Principal Janice Gay said, “We’ve added financial literacy. It will be paired up with Oklahoma history. It’s a very important class.”

The school has also added more art classes, including Ceramics II, and arts and crafts. Gay said these subjects were added to keep up with increased graduation requirements and student demand.

One policy changed at Plato Elementary is the time for recess. Instead of being after lunch, recess will take place before lunch to make sure students get the nutrition they need.

Plato Principal John Millirons said, “We don’t want the kids rushing through eating.”

Horace Mann’s change in policy applies to the time doors open before school.

To adjust to having fewer teachers on duty, the school won’t open its doors until 7:45 a.m., instead of the traditional 7:30 a.m.

When it comes to changes in buildings, both DHS and Plato have seen some alterations.

The high school library furniture was replaced, and the room is being remodeled.

At Plato, all hallway walls were repainted blue and white, the school colors.

“It livened things up,” Millirons said.

Horace Mann’s contribution to its building was the addition of a walking track, which Marlon Gay attributed to Superintendent Sherry Labyer and the Duncan School Board.

“We’re really excited about that,” he said.

He said time has been added to physical education time. Walking the track will fill at least 10 minutes of that time.

He said the school and its students aren’t the only ones happy with the track.

“It’s not only beneficial for us at school, but the neighborhood is able to use it after school hours,” he said.

New paint and the introduction of different policies aren’t the only changes in the schools. All of these school have also added some faculty. Plato has maintained all of its regular classroom teachers but has a new special-education teacher and teaching assistants, counselor, and speech teacher. New teachers at Horace Mann include fourth grade, fifth grade, special-education teacher and teaching assistant, speech teacher, and an afternoon physical education teacher.

DHS also has several new faculty members. These teachers include those focusing on art to a new drama teacher. The school also added a transition coach, Chuck Murdock.

“He’s there to help meet the students’ needs,” Janice Gay said.

Many of these modifications at the schools were introduced to the students Thursday, when teachers reviewed school policies. With all the changes made, some things will always stay the same.

“To provide quality education, that’s why we’re here,” Marlon Gay said.

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