Bright Local team members received a heroes’ welcome last Monday, Aug. 15, at the back to school in-service day. Teachers, staff, and faculty were treated to lunch provided by Peoples Bank. Representatives from Peoples Bank – Dave Fallis, Amy Vogler and Jenny Conley – welcomed Bright Local and thanked everyone for their service to the community and the children of Highland County.
Superintendent Ted Downing greeted the staff and introduced new faces. The Bright family was happy to welcome its new treasurer, Mr. Drewyor, as well as the administrative assistant in the central office, Mrs. Risner. In the Whiteoak Jr./Sr. High School building, new principal Mr. Ruckel was introduced, as well as new intervention specialist Mrs. Evans. Other new faces, Mrs. Leston and Mrs. Clark, are additions to the MD unit working as educational aides. At the Bright Elementary building, new principal Mr. Bick was introduced as well as Mrs. Sams, the new MD unit teacher. Other staff changes include two name changes. Ms. Curtis, elementary music teacher, is now Mrs. Moore, and preschool teacher Ms. Ernst is now Mrs. Farris.
While there have been a few changes, the Bright Local School District continued the tradition of kicking off the year with open houses. Families were invited to the Jr./ Sr. High on Monday the 15th and to the Elementary on Tuesday the 16th. Both evenings were very successful as students, parents, and staff look forward to a very positive and productive year of learning.
Submitted by Natasha Shelton, K-6 integrated arts, Bright Elementary.