Area schools are preparing to receive students and get started with a new year. There are a number of new programs and changes for parents and students to be aware of as they start another semester of learning.

Jac-Cen-Del Elementary welcomes a new principal, Leanna Phillippe, formerly of Sunman Elementary. Along with a new principal, the school is beginning a new format of all-day, everyday Kindergarten. With the State pushing for a similar mandatory program, Jac-Cen-Del has taken the initiative. “We see it as being very proactive,” Phillippe said, “It gives students a real advantage.” Kindergarten Orientation will be held for parents on August 11 in two sessions. Parents can come to either at 8:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. The first day for the new Kindergarten is August 15. The school will also start enforcing a new dress code and attendance policy.

Milan Elementary will start its school year with NWEA testing for students to determine where the students are academically. Kindergarten Orientation will be August 15.

South Ripley Elementary will begin at a new time this school year. Classes will begin at 8:05 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m.

Jac-Cen-Del High and South Ripley High schools announced that they will be working closely together this year as they initiate an educational co-op. The schools have coordinated their schedules to run at the same time so that classes can be shared between the schools through two-way video. Classes for both schools will begin at 8:00 a.m and end at 2:55 p.m. Jac-Cen-Del Principal Ray Ratledge said, “We are working on sharing classes and sharing resources.”

South Ripley High will also be offering new curriculum. French has returned as an option in Foreign Language after it was cut several years ago. The school will also launch a pre-engineering program called Project Lead the Way. Other new classes include Graphic Design, Digital Photography, and Genetics and Criminology.

Milan High plans to start preparing students for the ISTEP in the first few weeks of the school year. Students who pass the ISTEP will be offered special activities as reward for their hard work.