Welcome back to another school year. The day many parents looked forward to came and went with few problems. Schools, such as Weedsport and Skaneateles that are inundated in construction and renovation projects, managed to get the children in and out with few hassles.

Along with the relief that comes to parents and guardians who no longer have to worry about what their children are doing all day, comes the added burden of helping their children achieve in school. Most educators agree that schools cannot do the job alone. There has to be active parent involvement for children to succeed in school.

Fourth and eighth graders will be taking state tests this year that will determine the district's report card results. Schools with low grades will be identified as a "school needing improvement," as West Middle School was in eighth grade math. The schools must then develop improvement plans and show an increase in performance, or face further corrective action.

Weedsport, Cato-Meridian and Union Springs have new superintendents this year, though none of them are strangers to the area. Steven Hubbard, superintendent in Weedsport comes from Lyncourt, but was formerly a math teacher and Weedsport Middle School principal.

Deborah Bobo, superintendent of Cato-Meridian was elementary principal there for 15 years.

In Union Springs, Jerome Melvin is interim superintendent until a search begins for a new one next year. He has more than 30 years of experience as a superintendent. He is retired from the North Syracuse School District.

All districts have provided parents with copies of their free and reduced school lunch information. To apply, you must fill out an application and return it to your child's school.

Lickona speaks at J-E

On Thursday, Sept. 11 from 7-8:30 p.m., the Jordan-Elbridge School District will welcome Dr. Thomas Lickona to the high school on Hamilton Road for a discussion with parents and community members on teaching positive character development to children. The event is free and open to the public.

Lickona is a frequent consultant to schools on character education and the moral development of young people. His visit comes as the J-E school district is detailing the focus of its character education program to emphasize caring and kindness among students throughout the district.

School board meetings:

Auburn: Tonight at 7 in the high school library.

Cato-Meridian: Thursday at 7 p.m. in the new cafeteria in the elementary wing.

Jordan-Elbridge: Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. in the large instruction room in the middle school.

Moravia: Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the board meeting conference room in the high school.

Port Byron: Tonight at 7:30 in the high school library.

Skaneateles: Monday at 7 p.m. in the conference room at State Street School Elementary.

Southern Cayuga: Monday at 8 p.m. in the planetarium.

Union Springs: Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria.

Weedsport: Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. in the board conference room in the high school.

Kindergarten capers

When recently asked about the funny things kindergartners say and do, the teachers at Waterman Elementary School in Skaneateles unanimously agreed the Pledge of Allegiance has been given some interesting variations from their students. After the usually problem-free "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America," some students say it like they hear it:

"To the republic Richard stands,"

"One nation under dog,"

"Invisible,"

One teacher told a new student at the end of the first week of school, "good-bye, I'll see you next week," to which he replied "No, I'm just gonna get on with my life."

Do you know of an event happening at your school? You can reach Shelly Oddo at 253-5311, Ext. 248.