Tammy Morse

Richmond County Daily Journal

Richmond County Schools opened its doors on Wednesday and welcomed approximately 7,700 students at 17 fully accredited schools in the area of Dobbins Heights, Ellerbe, Hamlet, Norman and Rockingham.

The first week gave way to many changes but as a whole, all seemed to go smoothly at most county schools.

One similar complaint was traffic issues. Robert Voohrees, Chief of Rockingham Police Dept. and Ashley Simmons, RCS Public Information Officer, said that this area will be improving daily.

“They did change the traffic pattern at Rockingham Middle. The officers directing traffic are doing a great job,” Chief Voohrees said. “Our number one concern is the safety of the children and motorists and we ask that everyone be patient at this time.”

Ashley Simmons added, “On the first 10 days or so, each school is trying to work out the issues. Traffic, bus schedules and even cafeteria lines are improving each day. I assure you all schools are working on these issues and they are doing a great job.”

Christina Perkins of Rockingham said her child, Ariana Lynch, was not going to the Ninth Grade Academy. Instead, Ariana and her parents elected Richmond Early College High School that is housed at RCC in Hamlet.

“Ari loves it there,” Christina said. “She is picked up and dropped off by a school bus and I feel extremely safe when she arrives. In fact, I feel safe the entire time Ari’s there. I was nervous at first, of course, because there were college age students and even older people. The Richmond Early College staff ensures my child’s safety and that gives me peace of mind while I am at work.”

In order to qualify for the high school located at RCC you must fill out an application, an interview is conducted, and there is certain criteria that a child must meet.

“Ariana was in AIG courses and was a straight “A” student so I feel it helped her to be accepted,” said Perkins.

The students take college courses along with their regular high school classes. One of the perks to this high school is students receive not only a high school diploma but two full years of college that will transfer to many universities.

Willette Surgeon, Principal of West Rockingham Elementary, had only positive comments on how the first week at her school went.

“Everything went exceptionally well each day of this new school year. West Rockingham continued the same routine as last year for our morning and afternoon traffic and all is going outstanding,” said Surgeon. “We also had a smooth transition on the first morning and the next two days. I feel positive that West Rockingham as a whole is doing a great job.”

The first day of kindergarten is a bundle of mixed emotion for parents and their children. Moms and dads worry that the child will be overwhelmed and the children worry if they will get lost, like their teacher, have any friends, and being in a new and unfamiliar place.

“My daughter, Quston, went only one day this week, which was Thursday. I felt a huge lump in my throat when dropping her off, but, she had a great day,” Stacey Leviner said. “She has an amazing teacher and I know she will have a great year.”

Some private schools have not started yet. A parent whose child will start Temple Christian is looking forward to the first day.

“My son, Corbin, will be at Temple for the first grade. We are looking forward to smaller classes, less traffic and more one on one help with Corbin,” Amber Vanderpool said. “He struggled a bit last year at a public school and needs the extra help. We are so thankful for my grandparents because there would have been no way to afford it. There are only 10 children in the first grade class. I love that. We are looking forward to positive feedback from Temple regarding Corbin and also we hope to have a great year.”

Lifestyle/Features Editor Tammy Morse can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 16 or by e-mailing at tmorse@yourdailyjournal.com