NEW: SCHOOL STARTS NEXT WEEK

JEREMY WALTNER – PUBLISHER

It’s that time again — time for school.

Classes will begin at both Freeman schools, in Marion and in Menno next week.

Students from Marion will report first on Monday, Aug. 21 and will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. that day.

Freeman Public will hold its first day of classes on Tuesday, Aug. 22 with a noon dismissal; lunch will be served.

Freeman Academy and Menno will both start with a full day of classes Wednesday Aug. 23.

A number of pre-first day activities are being held. Marion hosted an open house last week and Freeman Public is planning two separate open houses this week and early next:

On Thursday, Aug. 17, students in grades 8-12 are invited to get their locker assignments and their devices set up for the upcoming year. Eighth graders will gather starting at 6 p.m., freshman at 6:15, sophomores at 6:30, juniors at 6:45 and seniors at 7 p.m.

Then on Monday, Aug. 21, students in grades K-6 will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. in their classrooms to get set up for the new year, and then at 7 p.m. seventh graders are invited to do the same and receive a tour of the junior-senior high school.

In preparation for the school year at Freeman Academy, the private school serving students in grades K-12 will host its traditional Opening Convocation Sunday evening, Aug. 20. A light supper will be served at 6 p.m. following by the convocation and blessing on the new school year at 7 p.m. That will take place on the lawn outside the Sterling Hall Link.

Finally, on Monday, Aug. 21, the Menno School District will hold a Back To School Night starting with a light supper served by the Menno School Board at 5:30 p.m. That will take place inside the city/school auditorium. The informal gathering will also include a chance for students and their families to meet with teachers, learn about some of the technology that will be used this year, and ask questions of the staff.