To kick off the first day of school Tuesday, Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence found himself interacting with students and teachers at multiple elementary, middle and high schools, including J.D. Lever Elementary School and Aiken Elementary School.
At J.D. Lever Elementary, Laurence toured the hallways with the school’s new principal Kippy Kelly. He briefly made a stop in several classrooms to talk with the students – in one classroom, he was met with resounding positive answers after asking how the first day was going.
“I know you’re going to have a great time, and a great year,” he said.
Students practiced lining up for lunch and walking quietly through the halls. Kelly pointed out a sign on the wall that encouraged students to keep their hands and feet to themselves, keep their volume down and walk in a straight line. She explained to Laurence that the first week is “really just procedures” that students and teachers are reviewing to make sure the year runs smoothly.
The superintendent also visited Aiken Elementary School where he was able to sit in on an instructional session on appropriate behavior in the school’s library.
Guided by the school’s new principal, Kristie Brooks, Laurence had a chance to shake hands with young students on the playground and observe kindergartners in their classrooms.
Laurence was scheduled to visit a total of 12 schools, including Ridge Spring-Monetta Middle and High School, South Aiken High, and the newly completed Highland Springs Middle School, which was able to open its doors to students on the first day of classes.