School Buzz: Harrison District 2 students hit the hallways to kick off school year
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The halls of schools in Harrison School District 2 were buzzing Monday as some students returned to classrooms for the first day of school.
At Panorama Middle School, sixth graders got their first chance to settle into their new surroundings before seventh and eighth graders joined them.
“You kind of get to get comfortable with the school before going all in,” explained former Panorama student Marissa Donjuan.
School staff helped set the tone for the first day by lining up outside to clap students into the building.
The first-day excitement continued at Sierra High School, where freshmen were among the first students heading into classrooms.
And while starting high school can sometimes come with worries about older students, Donjuan, who is now a senior at the school, said freshmen have plenty of people they can turn to.
“If a freshman needs help, you can ask anybody,” the now senior said.
Students have a voice in the district
Student involvement is also a major focus for Harrison School District 2.
Superintendent Dr. Wendy Birhanzel, who was named Superintendent of the Year, has emphasized giving students a seat at the table when decisions are made.
“We have input from our students about what should be served for school lunch, what classes we should offer,” Birhanzel said.
Building relationships beyond the first day
While the first-day energy was high, district leaders say the support students receive goes well beyond the excitement of returning to school. The district is focused on building strong relationships between students and staff so students never feel alone.
“When they are having a rough day, they have a trusted adult that they can go to to make sure that they can bounce back the next day,” Panorama Principal Phillip Herfendal said.
With plenty of first-day smiles, cheers and new beginnings, the back-to-school buzz is officially underway in Harrison School District 2.
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