SCHOOL YEAR KNOCKING ON THE DOOR

JEREMY WALTNER – PUBLISHER

It’s just about time to ring the bells again — the school bells, that is.

Area students will begin reporting to class for the 2022-23 term next Wednesday, Aug. 17 when Freeman Public and Menno start the new year. Both districts will complete a full day — a change for Freeman Public which has historically held just a half-day opener.

Marion starts school on Monday, Aug. 22 — that will be a 12:30 p.m. dismissal — while students at Freeman Academy will report for a full day on Wednesday, Aug. 24.

A number of pre-first-day events are planned.

Marion is holding a Back to School Open House on Thursday, Aug. 11. A kite-flying event is planned on the football field from 3:30 to 5 p.m., an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. will include classroom visits, registration in the small gym and a free meal on the west side of the school. And there will be a sixth-grade orientation in the main gym from 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Freeman Public will hold open houses for all students on Monday, Aug. 15 and Tuesday, Aug. 16. On Monday, from 6 to 7 p.m., students in grades K-6 may report to their classrooms while seventh and eighth graders will report to the junior-senior high school commons area to set up their laptops and receive their locker combinations. Then on Tuesday, high school students will do the same — freshmen from 6 to 6:15, sophomores from 6:15 to 6:30, juniors from 6:30 to 6:45 and seniors from 6:45 to 7.

The Menno School Board will be serving a hot dog meal during the district’s Back To School Night/Open House on Monday, Aug. 15. The meal will take place in the city/school auditorium beginning at 6 p.m., and students will be able to visit their classrooms and attend a number of break-out informational meetings.

Freeman Academy’s traditional Opening Convocation will be held at Pioneer Hall Sunday evening, Aug. 21.