BY CAROL MOSLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
BROOKER – Brooker Community School opened its doors to the student body of kindergarten through fifth graders. A giant welcome display on the front lawn provided a photo opportunity for documenting memories. Principal Felicia Moss and the teachers were on hand to greet the incoming students as they arrived for the first day of the school year.
The school’s designated resource officer, Deputy Haddock, was there to make sure the atmosphere was calm and running smoothly. Across the street sat a sheriff’s department truck, which had to set the lights flashing and siren blaring as he went after a school zone speeder. Despite the warning signs as you approach the school, it may take time for people to get used to the school being reopened after the Brooker Elementary was shut down. Deputy Haddock was the resource officer at that school, too.
Many of the volunteers who worked so hard to get the school prepared were there to share in the joy and make sure they were on hand if needed. One volunteer, Pastor Jerry Carris, was also there for his weekly music session. He plays guitar and leads the children in songs, especially those with a learning angle such as Schoolhouse Rock’s “Conjunction Junction.”
Breakfast was offered in the cafeteria as the students were gathered to start the day and get into the group with the proper teacher and class. Parents were able to sit with the kids through breakfast, which helped to alleviate the first-day jitters, especially with the kindergarten and first-graders unsure of what to expect.
At the end of the day, the staff and teachers assisted with getting the students lined up and escorted to their waiting parents. When asked how it went and whether she was dreading or looking forward to the next day, kindergarten teacher Madeline Hersey said it was a wonderful day.
“Everyone was excited to be back in the classroom. I’m so looking forward to day two,” she said.
The departure was a bit more chaotic than the arrival, which was more staggered with parents walking their children into the school. But the departure was a line of cars stretched down the block all waiting to grab their kids and go. If car number one’s child was not out of the classroom yet, then all the other cars were stuck. Even when car number two had child belted in, there was no room in the school driveway to go around car number one.
To alleviate the problem, teachers and staff were busy approaching cars in the line to get names and then collecting that child and escorting them back to the car. Some creative parents from vehicles far down the block walked up and got their child. Eventually, everyone was properly placed.
The bus service has not begun yet, but that will surely reduce the number of waiting cars. The Brooker Town Council also voted to make a one-way street by the school that will keep traffic flowing more smoothly.
All in all, students and staff alike seemed to agree that this new charter school is off to a great start. There is still room for enrollment and students don’t need to be Bradford County residents to attend. If you are interested in enrolling your child call 352-281-9115 or email [email protected].
