Schools Open

LITTLEFIELD — The start of school on Monday proved to be a smooth transition, area educators said.

Even with the change to block scheduling, Ayden-Grifton Principal Bill Frazier said this year’s opening was the smoothest he’s seen in his 11 years.

"I couldn’t be more pleased with the opening of school," Frazier said. "I can’t remember being this quiet the first day."

Frazier said the biggest issue with block scheduling the first day is getting used to the longer class times, which caused some students to get bored or drained more easily. With block scheduling, there are four 90 minute classes each semester, which may be harder on students attention span at first. In the past, students had seven classes each day. However, Frazier remained confident that with time, most students will ease into the change and do well.

Attendance, Frazier said, will be the biggest concern for students. Students can only miss seven days each semester under block scheduling. On the eighth day, the student will have to either make up the class or will fail, according to Frazier. 

Other changes Ayden-Grifton will see this school year is an added lunch period, to allow all students to eat in the cafeteria instead of the hallways.

Construction may hinder some students from going outside, but Frazier said the construction of an auxiliary gymnasium and weight room is supposed to be completed by September.

Pitt County Schools Superintendent Michael Priddy also said the first day of school was a successful one.  

“I am quite pleased with how smooth we opened school today. There was an excitement in the air. Students appeared to be anxious and eager to get to their classes. Teachers were in command of their classrooms. I could not have asked for a better first day. We have a lot to look forward to this year. Block Scheduling and the construction projects that are underway will bring a lot of exciting opportunities to this county. “

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