Back to School

Fort Wayne Community school officials traditionally visit all 53 schools on the first day back. Monday FOX Fort Wayne follows Superintendent of Education for Fort Wayne Schools, Wendy Robinson, on her surprise visit to Haley Elementary. Robinson says she could hardly wait for students to get back to class. “I didnt sleep last night and no one else did either, because I am so excited.” Robinson says teacher and administrators have put a lot of work into the first day back. “People think we are gone all summer and this is just our first day back. Its the first day for the students, but most of the adults have been working all summer for this day.” This year the district has implemented two new programs to help teachers better meet the individual needs of students. Robinson says “This year we have started instructional coaches. They are people in every building to help teachers in their classrooms. We have interventionists. They are teachers who work with students.” Teachers at Haley Elementary had homework of their own. The school prepared them by assigning instructional material. Linda Bradshaw is a Kindergarten teacher at Haley and says “Ive learned a lot of great things this summer and I am anxious to put them into play.” Robinson says the first day of school is typically harder on the parents than the child. “The hardest thing on the first day is for kindergarten parents and high school parents to send their child to that new building.” Bradshaw says “I have more parents cry today than children.” Robinsons says “My advice is to take them to the door, leave them at the door and go to your car to cry. We will take care of them.” Back to school nights will be held at Fort Wayne Community Schools in the next couple of weeks. That night gives parents a chance to meet with teachers, and see what their child is learning. Monday morning 95 % the school busses were on time. Three busses had mechanical problems. Those busses were able to get students to the school building by nine o’clock.