Edmonson County Schools Start Weds, August 2nd: School and Law Enforcement Officials Offer Advice, Encouragement

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
It might be hard for some to swallow, but it's time to face the facts: school starts tomorrow.

Edmonson County Schools will officially return to session Wednesday, August 2, 2017 and school officials have offered some helpful hints and thoughts while local law enforcement remind residents to exercise caution and safety as morning and afternoon school traffic resumes.

Superintendent of Schools Patrick Waddell, who recently discussed the $3 million in school improvement projects happening throughout the district, said safety was one of his top priorities.

"Edmonson County Schools are ready for another year and we want our students to feel welcomed and safe," said Waddell. "We encourage everyone to allow some extra time and watch for buses that will rolling tomorrow morning and afternoon. We're excited and can't wait to see our students as school begins tomorrow."

ECHS Principal Tommy Hodges also said much of the same.

"We're looking forward to begin tomorrow and are eager to begin the 2017-18 school year," Hodges said. 

Middle School Brandon Prunty had some helpful advice for ECMS students as they begin their school day on Wednesday.

"We're looking forward to another great year at ECMS. If students were unable to attend our open house last night, they will be able to pick up their schedules as soon as they get to school tomorrow.  We will meet with all students in the gym for a few minutes to discuss expectations and procedures for the school year," said Prunty.

He also added, "One big change students will notice this year is a five-minute break after each class period, allowing them plenty of time and opportunities to visit their lockers during the day. We'd also like to encourage parents and guardians to be involved in their child's education. Talk with your kids daily to see what they've learned and encourage them to practice what they've learned by completing any homework that has been assigned. Students will put much more emphasis on their learning if they see it's important to their parents or guardians."

EC 5/6 Center Alan Talley said not only is he and the staff excited to see everyone tomorrow, but also that everyone there has worked extremely hard to prepare for the upcoming year. 

"We'd also like to remind our parents that we expect a considerable amount of extra traffic in the morning so we encourage more caution and for everyone to take extra time for the safety of all our students."

Newly named Kyrock Principal Shaun Stice said things have come together nicely at their elementary school. 

"As I've had time to work with my staff and gotten to know them better, I'm even more confident now that this is going to be a great year at Kyrock. We're excited to see everyone tomorrow," he said. 

Jamie Woosley, Principal at South Edmonson, said he and his staff are looking forward to seeing all the Bulldogs out and about tomorrow. 

"We're going to have a great year," he said. "We want to remind everyone to use caution in our parking lot during dropoffs and pick ups, and that our doors will open at 7:20am."

Local law enforcement also said that they will be out and enforcing school zone and speed limits.

"Please don't wait until the last minute and be in a rush," said Brownsville Police Chief Jeff Jewell. "Allow yourself plenty of time so that you can drive safely and cautiously through our school zones and near school buses."

Sheriff Shane Doyle said parking lots are also not to be overlooked. 

"Please watch for pedestrian traffic in the parking lots. There'll be lots of excited kids and parents walking through school parking lots and they sometimes don't watch out for vehicles," said Doyle. "Please exercise patience as you travel through the lots and allow yourself extra time for your morning commute."