Charles County’s newest high school had a stellar opening day, according to St. Charles Principal Richard Conley. Except for a few lost students needing directions to classrooms, he said the school’s first official day for students went off without a hitch.
“That’s to be expected anytime you have a new school, kids need to learn their way around,” Conley said. “Overall the day went well. Everyone was very excited.”
The new high school will host 973 students its first year for grades 9-11.
Conley said the first official day for staff and teachers was Aug. 18, although because of the building being new, teachers were allowed to come in for two days the week before if they chose to do so. He noted this was so teachers could acquaint themselves with the new structure and be ready when the big day arrived.
Many did take advantage of the opportunity, he added.
St. Charles High School’s new principal is a product of Charles County Public Schools. His father, Richard Conley Sr., worked at three different schools in the county and also in the central office, as a social studies teacher, a vice principal, in the transportation office and as an administrative assistant.
St. Charles was just one of 35 facilities kicking off the new school year, with 26,500 students in grades prekindergarten through 12.
“It was a great first day,” Conley said. “We had great weather, excited kids, everyone was where they were supposed to be. Everyone was very excited about that.”
He added that the kids really seemed to be enjoying their new accommodations for the 2014-15 school year.
He agreed that would probably only last until homework assignments begin.
“I heard some teachers talking about having homework today,” he said.
Welcome to your new school kids.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com