Despite hectic traffic and stifling morning heat, over 5,400 students attended their first day of school in Poplar Bluff on Monday morning. They were greeted with enthusiasm by teachers and staff.
New students arrived at the kindergarten center by bus and drop-off at 8 a.m. where they were treated to breakfast in the cafeteria before being guided to their classes.
As of the first day of the 2023-2024 school year, 374 students were enrolled at the kindergarten center.
Teacher Kristen Flanigan was on duty helping students off the bus and directing them inside. Flanigan has taught kindergarten for seven years and said staff try to make the first day of school special.
“I smile big and I’m super excited, and I say ‘happy first day of kindergarten.’ And tomorrow I’ll say ‘happy second day,’” she said.
It was a bittersweet day for Flanigan, though, because her daughter had just aged out of kindergarten and was entering first grade at Oak Grove Elementary.
Flanigan’s daughter was one of a whopping 115 first graders enrolled at Oak Grove this year, which the school’s office noted is a spike. They and over 200 older students were greeted with balloons, sidewalk chalk messages and breakfast. Paraprofessional Treina Hillis said staff try to keep the atmosphere upbeat all year long.
“We’re bubbly, we’re happy, we make sure they have a good time and ask about their summers,” she said. “They’re all our kids, and we want to make sure they feel happy and loved.”
Century 21 added to the festivities by pitching a booth on campus to pass out stickers, slap bracelets, bendy pencils and other goodies. This was the office’s second year doing this, according to Realtor Julie Spencer.