Jennings Public Schools Head Back To The Classroom

Summer break is already coming to an end for some Oklahoma Students on Monday. It was the first day of school in Jennings, where almost 300 kids stepped back into the classroom. 

August 5th is a pretty early start date compared to other schools in the area, but the superintendent here tells me it allows them to get a head start on state testing prep.

Letting go of summer and getting back to books can be hard for students. 

"Not really ready because the summers go by really fast," said eighth grader Ryder Lee.

Ryder is nervous but excited about the new year. He's already got his new locker picked out.

"It's got plenty of space for all your school needs you can put all your books and binders in there," he said. 

Ryder is 1 of about 300 students at Jennings, a K-8 district that starts school a little earlier than most.

"We're a small, close-knit family here at Jennings," said Superintendent Derrick Meador.

He says starting early gives students more time to study for state tests. 

"Very excited about that program and what we're going to be doing to help those kids. We think we're already really good with our test scores; we think it's going to take us to the next level," he said.

Meador says enrollment is leveling up too. Pre-K doesn't start until Wednesday, but teacher Alice Lee is ready for a bigger class.

"24 four-year-olds is quite a bit," said Lee.

She held a signing day to get her new students excited about school.

"We teach them how to be at school, how to interact with other kids. Just get them in their own little personality," said Lee.

Her son, Ryder, has some advice for anyone going back to school this fall.

"Don't be nervous, don't stress it'll all go out, God loves you, he'll set out everything for you, and just have fun," said Ryder.

The Superintendent says with the growth they're having here in Jennings, they expect to hire more teachers next year.