Wasco elementary schools begin new year

The start of a new school year is always filled with anticipation, and this year was no exception for the Wasco Union Elementary School District. With a focus on success, the district is set to make this school year one to remember.

Superintendent Brad Maberry shared that the district currently has approximately 3,450 students enrolled, reflecting a small increase of about 20 students compared to the first week of last school year. Despite this increase, he noted that the overall staffing is slightly down due to the state's budget deficit. However, Maberry mentioned that the district has added about 14 new certificated staff members across the district. "Our primary focus remains on delivering the highest level of education while expanding after-school opportunities for students," he emphasized.

Maberry also expressed excitement about a new opportunity for 6th-grade students to attend Camp Keep this year, thanks to a partnership with STRATA Credit Union and the California Resource Corporation. He said, "We are also awaiting funding from the State of California for our Community Schools Grant, which will help us enhance our support for student physical and mental health."

Regarding the district's financial management, Maberry stated, "Accountability remains a top priority, with efforts to maintain strong parent and community communication through various channels including direct phone contact, electronic communications, social media and written updates." He also assured that "the district's budget is conservatively managed and well-positioned to meet our obligations, with a total budget of $51 million for the year."

The first day of school was amazing at Teresa Burke Elementary, said Principal Jan Hummel. "The students and staff were very happy to see each other and to start a new school year. Due to the earthquake the night before, we also had an earthquake drill on the first day of school to ensure that, if needed, our students would be prepared. We ended the week with a Back-to-School Rally. We are excited to add an art and music teacher to the elementary schools this year. We plan to continue building our school culture to ensure a safe and happy learning environment for our staff and students. Students excel when the environment and the staff are focused on what is best for students. That is our goal and focus this year at Teresa Burke."

Over at Karl F. Clemens Elementary School, Principal Anabel Garrison said the first day of school was seeing all the students' faces and welcoming them back to a new year. "I can see how excited they were to come back to a new year. They were giving each other hugs and asking each other who their teacher was to see if they had the same class this year."

She said there were no curriculum changes but that they had a new motto this year. "Be Courageous!!" taken from Winston Churchill: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

Assistant Superintendent Danny Arrellano said, "Every year is always exciting because we have so many kids who look forward to returning. Parents are relieved and excited to be sending those little ones back to school. It's definitely hot these first couple of weeks, but we will make the best of that as well."

About Karl. F. Clemens Elementary, "We have the new office open, and we look forward to an opening ceremony at some point. I know the grass is going in five to six weeks from now, so kids can play on that and have a full playground."

Miguel Vera, a parent at Karl F. Clemens, dropped off his third-grade daughter, Roseyln, bright and early. "She's pretty excited. Hopefully, she will have a good school year and make many friends. She was a little nervous but said her teacher was nice. She studied over the summer to get ready for the new school year, and we plan to keep her in programs to keep her busy and learning. We feel Clemens is a great school for her."