St. Joseph kids head back to class

By Jazmine Knight

Wednesday morning was full of nervous jitters but laughter and smiles, too, as St. Joseph students celebrated the first day of school.

The 2024-25 school year is in session, and students have different things to look forward to.

Second grader Bentley Harris said he’s looking forward to recess.

“That’s all I really care about … and art,” Harris said.

As for his mom, Lacey Young, she hopes her son continues to grow and thrive while making new friends.

“And of course, just making sure that he stays focused. He is also an ADHD student, so some things are harder for him than it is for most other kids,” Young said.

Young said she was once a St. Joseph School District student. So now, having a child in the district is like a full-circle moment.

“I’m excited to see how it’s changed ever since I was here,” Young said.

Danielle Wilson, parent of a first grader, said she believes her daughter is going to have a great year.

“She’s nervous but excited,” Wilson said.

Wilson said her daughter wanted the same kindergarten teacher she had, as well as more kids that she knows in her class. However, this year gives her the opportunity to make even more friends.

“She does the before and after with the Y, too. So she has lots of friends that join her there from all the other grades too,” she said.

Parent Jennifer Harper and her son, Waylon, were also at Parkway, getting ready to start second grade. For Waylon Harper, he just wants an extended summer break.

“I shouldn’t be going to school, I want to stay home,” he said.

But he is looking forward to playing with his friends. Jennifer Harper hopes he can improve his reading, writing and communication skills this year. She’s hopeful that with the St. Joseph School District, Waylon will exceed her expectations.

Jennifer Harper said her first-year experience with Parkway Elementary has been nothing but pleasant. She describes only positive interactions with the school’s principal.

“And his teachers seem really lovely and I liked their communication,” she said. “Anytime I needed to get a hold of anybody, everybody was really quick to get back with me.”

For the high school side, Bishop LeBlond senior Dylan Marmaud gave a piece of advice for the new freshmen.

“I would say don’t be as nervous as you think you’re going to be. It’s not that scary,” he said.

He is looking forward to doing cross country and track this school year. As far as college, he’s still undecided on a school or a major, but he is looking forward to the journey along the way.

For him, the first day of school is more than just a day but also a special way to connect with others.