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Published September 05, 2012, 12:00 AM

Back to the books

Just like the trees turning to their fall colors, students throughout Douglas County are turning their attention back to the books. Tuesday was the first day of school. In Alexandria School District 206, about 4,000 students made the transition.

By: Al Edenloff, Alexandria Echo Press

  • Back to school
    • image
    The school bus loading zone at Discovery Middle School in Alexandria was once again a whirlwind of activity on Tuesday, the first day of school. (Photo by Lowell Anderson)

Just like the trees turning to their fall colors, students throughout Douglas County are turning their attention back to the books.

Tuesday was the first day of school.

In Alexandria School District 206, about 4,000 students made the transition.

The district has a long history of academic and athletic achievements. Over the past 15 years, Alexandria teams have earned seven academic state championships and Alexandria has won 120 Central Lakes Conference championships across all activities.

The district is undergoing a few changes.

Discovery Middle School, which teaches 7th, 8th and 9th graders, is making a transition. Starting with the 2014-2015 school year, 9th graders – this year’s 7th graders — will be attending the new, and as-yet-unnamed, high school that’s being built in southeast Alexandria at the intersection of 50th Avenue and Pioneer Road.

The district is also searching for a new leader. Terry Quist, the superintendent for the past six years, announced in June that he is retiring, effective December 31, 2012.

The school board is currently screening applicants and a final slate of candidates is expected to be announced next week. The first interviews are set to begin on September 20 and a decision is expected about a month after that.

Another change will take place in school cafeterias this year. To meet new federal school nutrition standards, schools must offer more fruits and vegetables and cut carbohydrates, meat and calories.

For those keeping track of such things: Students will be back in the classroom for another 267 days. The last day of school is May 29.

KEY SCHOOL DATES

2-hour late start K-12 – September 26

Fall break – October 18-19

Thanksgiving break – November 21-23

Winter break – December 24-January 1

MLK Jr. Day Holiday – January 21

2-hour late start K-12 – February 6

President Day Holiday – February 18

Easter/spring break – March 29-April 1

2-hour late start K-12 – April 24

Memorial Day Holiday – May 29

Last day of school for students – May 29

Graduation – June 2

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