Andrea Galabinski First graders Lakaisha Rhodes and Nathan Reed with Bayshore Elementary Principal Lynn Herrell during first week of school.

While always hectic for staff, students and parents, the first week of school in North Fort Myers went very smoothly, according to many area principals.

Principal Monica Broughton of Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary said, “The first week of school went wonderfully well. All of the students were excited about returning to school. Students now have more color options in reference to the uniform policy and they love it and they look good also.

“As each day progressed, the buses arrived and departed the campus in a timely manner,” she said. “Teachers began academic instruction day one and helped the students become acclimated to school-wide routines and procedures. The faculty, staff, and students are looking forward to an awesome school year.”

There were similar sentiments elsewhere.

“Our week has kicked off in a positive direction,” said North Fort Myers High School Principal Kimberly Lunger. “The students are so proud that their school earned another A and seem very driven to do it again this year. Our entire teaching staff received additional training on block scheduling and so far, the new schedule seems to going great. Students now take eight classes instead of seven, and attended those classes every other day. We are looking forward to a great year.”

J. Colin English Elementary School Principal Joe Williams III with students Iris Rhymer and Matthew Crandall.

“It was amazing to see the kids come back so excited to see their teachers. You could hear ‘Happy Happy, Joy Joy’ in the halls,” said Bayshore Elementary Principal Lynn Herrell.

She took time to pose for a picture with students Nathan Reed and Lakaisha Rhodes.

Six-year-old Reed, who is in Tammy Morrison’s first grade class, said he was enjoying the first week very much.

“We’re learning how to read and I like playing on the swings, too,” he said.

First grader Rhodes, who is in Heather Garlick’s class, is new to the school, and adjusting.

“She misses her old school,” said Herrell, who spent some time with her the second day.

Herrell has a lot of plans for unique school activities this year. Look for stories on all school activities in upcoming issues of the North Fort Myers Neighbor.

J. Colin English Elementary School Principal Joe Williams III also said he had a great first week.

“The first week went very smoothly,” he noted.

There were a few transportation glitches, which all Lee Schools are reporting.

“Parents need to understand that during the first week the bus drivers are learning their routes, and next week the driving time will be better,” he said.

He took time to take a picture moment with students Iris Rhymer and Matthew Crandall.

Ryhmer is in second grade, part of Kristen Eaton’s class.

“My favorite part is reading,” she said.

Fifth grade student Crandall is in Kristin Rode’s class, and is what staff calls a “pioneer” at the school – he has been attending J. Colin English Elementary since kindergarten.

“Things were pretty simple this week – we have periods now,” he said, versus his fourth grade schedule.

Parents and teachers are invited to contact the North Fort Myers Neighbor for stories concerning student achievement and school events at 656-5248.