Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

School year starts smoothly at Gurdon

When asked, "How is school going," Gurdon Primary School Principal Rita Roe smiles and says things are going well.

"I am glad to be back in school. It seems like we never let out, we just picked right up where we left off," said Roe.

Roe said the primary's student number had dropped some since last year.

"We sent a big class over to the fifth grade this year, we have added a teacher in second grade so we have smaller class sizes there, and unfortunately we have a small amount of Kindergartners this year," commented Roe.

In all Roe said the students had good attitudes and are well behaved.

As far as special events taking place at this time, Roe said they are encouraging the children to wear their purple and gold attire on Friday's and to help support they Gurdon Go-Devils. Also, the senior high cheerleaders will be at the primary school on Fridays to sell spirit ribbons and tattoos.

New Cabe Middle School Principal Libby White, said she has really enjoyed her year so far.

"We have 272 children in all from fifth to eighth grade. They are well behaved and have been so sweet to me so far," said White.

The middle school's motto for the year is, "Tee-up For Success". For special awards, children have been receiving white golf balls with the motto on them.

White said they were currently finishing up on gathering the results of the Benchmark exam.

"We plan to put pictures of all of children who scored in the proficient or advanced areas of the test into the paper. We have also given those students their golf balls," said White.

White shared a story of how a little encouragement can go a long way.

"This afternoon I was coming down the hall after lunch and a group of young boys started calling my name. I turned and looked, they had a hand full of "trash" they had picked up in the hallway and around. They wanted me to see it in order to get their "thank you" and a golf tee," White explained.

White also said the teachers had been working on their praxis information and getting their curriculum in order to better teach the children.

Gurdon High School Principal Leonard Gills said he was a little disappointed at the numbers enrolled at high school this year.

"We have several coming and going still. Who's to say we won't gain a few more in time," said Gills.

The high school has added six new staff members since last school year.

Gills reported about the tutoring program the school offers.

"We have started the tutoring and have several children involved with it. It is a good program for anyone who may be having trouble in a subject," said Gills.

Since the new rule was passed last school year requiring anyone participating in extracurricular activities must maintain a certain grade point average, many students have taken advantage of the after tutoring program in order to be able to participate.

Gills reported everyone being "amped" about football season starting.

"So far we have two injured on our senior high team. Sam Hughes has broken his wrist and Josh Frisby dislocated his ankle and broke his leg," said Gills.

Frisby has also undergone surgery on his leg. It was originally reported he may be able to play in this seasons last few games. Frisby is a senior this year.

Gills reminded of all the fund-raises that will be taking place now that school has began again.

Please remember to support the schools, the children and their activities.