JACKSON, Wyo. — It’s almost back to school for Teton County School District (TCSD) #1 faculty and students.
The first day of school is Tuesday, Sept. 6, and with the new school year come some updates from TCSD.
Bus Routes, Schedules
There are no huge changes to the bus schedule, but TSCD did make a transportation handbook that outlines bus safety rules, bus etiquette and schedules. Find it online here.
“Schedules are pretty consistent to what they were last year,” said Charlotte Reynolds, executive director of communications and district services at TCSD. “There are some slight changes to some schools’ start times but they are within minutes of what they traditionally are.”
Enrollment
TSCD continues to grow — enrollment is up districtwide, and it shows no signs of stopping. There will be 100 new students at Jackson Hole High School (JHHS) alone.
“It’s something we are definitely concerned about and have been working on for several years and now we’re just in the crux of addressing it,” says Reynolds.
“We’re really looking to address capacity issues at the high school.”
Some of the efforts that TCSD has put in to address capacity issues at JHHS are included on the SPET ballot for the Bronc Achievement Center which aims to alleviate capacity challenges.
“It’s something we’re struggling to deal with the very best way we can. Those hallways are crowded and class sizes are creeping up a bit.”
And while school is only just beginning for students, TSCD staff has been working hard behind the scenes all month to prepare. This year, the district welcomes a handful of new teachers.
“We have around 40 new teachers this year following a big resignation [after the 2021/22 school year]. The vast majority of resignations were due to housing issues.”
Improvements
Over the summer break, TCSD completed the renovation and addition to the middle school, which added four new classrooms, a new vestibule in the front of the school and an expansion of the cafeteria area.
“We had way outgrown that space and now they have a new expansive cafeteria that is much more open. It’s exciting the middle school got a refresh.”
Across the district, summer projects included adding new HVAC and boiler systems at Wilson Elementary to improve temperature control in the winter as well as some exterior work cleaning things up around buildings.
Excitement
Tomorrow, Aug. 25, is orientation day for new teachers and staff.
“We are just excited to have kids back in the building,” says Reynolds. “We have a lot of new staff coming in and we are also excited to welcome them.”
But with excitement on top of the mind, Reynolds reminds students to also think of safety especially if they are getting to school on their own.
“First and foremost, slow down. Wear your helmet, and follow all cycling and pathway rules.”
Buckrail wishes the best of luck to all students and staff as they return to school!
