Crane District back in session

The first day back to school went smoothly for the Crane Elementary School District, according to administrators, teachers and students alike.

"We have 850 students and we've had a lot of parents and excitement," said Linda Huff, Crane Middle School principal. "Some transfers needed to take placement tests but we get them in class as soon as possible and we're off to a great start."

Elizabeth Crawford, a Crane seventh- and eighth-grade teacher, noted children are upbeat.

"They're ready to come back from summer break and eager to learn," Crawford said.

Frank Orduno, another Crane seventh- and eighth-grade teacher, noted he has a student from Iraq in his first period class and it is good to introduce some diversity into the classroom.

"He's assimilating very well," Orduno said. "He's excited and proceeding at the same pace as the others."

Meanwhile, this is the second year Crane students are required to wear a school uniform. Clothing must be clean and properly fitted, while obscene language or symbols of sex, drugs, or alcohol are prohibited. Membership or promotion of gangs is also prohibited, school officials reminded.

Yet a provision allows students to opt out of the uniform policy if they participate in a nationally recognized youth organization such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts and are allowed to wear their organization's uniform.

Accommodations can also be made if the uniform interferes with a student's religious beliefs or a medical condition, which is verified by documentation with the school nurse.

There were a few students who did not comply with the uniform policy, Huff noted. For the first infraction, parents are notified about what is acceptable. If there are three consecutive days of non-compliance, after parents are notified, a student can be removed from participating in school sports or activities for one quarter. Ten or more days of noncompliance may result in a student being removed from school activities for the remainder of the year.

"We've had a lot of training but it's been relatively smooth," Huff said. "The dress code helps promote school spirit."

Regan Clayton, 12, in seventh grade at Crane Middle School, said she understands the uniforms are intended to keep students from wearing any gang-related or other symbols that may offend others.

"My friends don't really complain except about tucking in shirts," Regan said. "As my mom said, 'uniforms don't give kids a chance to express individuality,' but some control of the wardrobe keeps it from getting out of hand."

Opening day at Gary Knox Elementary also went smoothly due to things that took place ahead of time, Laurie Doering, principal, said.

"Move Up" day, which took place before the final day of the spring term got students acquainted with their next year's teacher.

Knox also held "Tea and Tissues" the first day in the cafeteria for kindergarten students who may experience anxiety and explained the importance of kindergarten to parents.

"Kindergarten changed from years ago, when it was mostly socialization to now when they learn to read," Doering said. "Our goal every year is to get more kids reading at grade level."

Rose Aranda, a second grade teacher and student facilitator who doesn't begin class until Tuesday, spent opening day reviewing school-wide rules so the entire staff knows what is expected.

"Right now we're doing reading assessments so we can accurately place students at the appropriate reading level," Aranda said.

One of those students is Kareem Johnson, 8, in fourth grade who said he is looking forward to meeting new friends and studying his favorite subject, earth science.

"I have a new teacher, Mrs. Solomon. She seems like a really nice woman. Some kids say she was mean but I don't believe them," said Johnson.

As in the middle schools, Knox also follows the uniform policy. The good thing about it is that it allows a lot of versatility so students don't find it prohibitive, Doering said. But for parents who say the expense is a burden the Dollar Store has shirts for sale at just $1 and Wal-Marts has shirts for $3, she said.

"Another great thing is the Crane district is starting to build uniform closets that provide free shirts," Doering said. "It varies from school to school but parents can phone the front office to learn more. We started asking for donations last year and will continue our uniform drive. But the kids look just great, very sharp."

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.