HILLVIEW — On Tuesday, Neelyville School District started its first year with a four-day school week.
The district will have Mondays off for a trial year and will need re-approval by the board in 2025.
At Hillview Elementary, 148 students took their first steps in formal education.
“Every year’s emotional,” Parent Tyler Darnell said.
His son, Cayden, is five years old and brought a backpack full of supplies to his first day.
“He’s excited,” Darnell added.
Kindergarten teacher Hana-Kate Moon, in her second year of teaching, said about the four-day week, “I’m excited about it. It might take a bit of adjustment.”
While she said some kids might be a little nervous about starting school, most were enthusiastic about making new friends and having new experiences.
“I just always liked working with kids,” Moon recounted.
Mom Skyla Pogue said she was going to miss having her son Levi home during the day.
“It’s a sad day for mommies everywhere,” she joked.
Working for the U.S. Post Office, the four-day week will present a unique situation.
“Monday is our busiest day,” Pogue said.
Fortunately, her mother lives nearby and will be available to watch Levi. Nevertheless, Pogue said the shorter week will be an easier transition for her son and other students.
“It’s going to be different, but I think everyone’s going to come around to like it,” Parent Chris Bilskey speculated.
His daughter, Ella, started kindergarten and has an older sister in the school district.
“Getting old,” Bilskey quipped about how fast his daughters were growing.
Superintendent Heather Black affirmed, “I think it’s going to be an exciting day. This will allow everyone more family time on the weekends.”
She noted the instructional time during the days in session will be slightly longer. Black said the parents have been receptive to the new schedule.
“The community seems to be really behind it,” she stated.
Black highlighted Boys and Girls Club of the Heartland will still have an all-day program on Mondays for the families that need it.
“Today is an exciting day for Hillview,” Black said. “I think it’s going to be a great day and a way to start a wonderful school year.”