Leyton, Creek Valley, WNCC return to classrooms

Whether it was the first day of elementary school or the last first day of college, local students arrived at their respective schools this morning.

Students at Leyton Public Schools, Creek Valley Public Schools and Western Nebraska Community College's Sidney campus returned to their classrooms for a new year.

The halls at Leyton Elementary were filled with excited students decorating their lockers and catching up with friends and teachers.

Although excited, third-grader Trey Weeda said he had some back to school jitters.

"Last night, I had a little stomach ache because I was a little bit nervous about school," Weeda said. "But I'm excited for everything this year!"

Allie Peters, a fourth-grade teacher at Leyton Elementary, said she is excited for a new year of learning.

"I'm looking forward to a new administrator; we have a new principal this year," Peters said. "This is my third year, so I'm just excited for fresh faces and learning."

Six miles away in Dalton, Leyton High Schoolers started the year with an assembly to discuss classes and the upcoming year.

"We have a new ag program, so we are allowing the new teacher to present about it and make sure the students understand what it is," said Leyton Public Schools Superintendent Greg Brenner. "We have quite a few new staff members, it'll be challenging for them, but it'll also be challenging for the students to adapt. We have a motto and it's 'the only reason we come here is to learn.'"

In Chappell, Creek Valley Elementary students kicked off the first day with class pictures.

"I'm really looking forward to getting everyone to set a goal and work toward that goal," said Creek Valley Elementary and Creek Valley High School principal Patrick Ningen. "I think when kids can understand their working toward something it makes it more meaningful, obviously in academics but also following the rules at recess or wherever they may be. I think it's important to instill these things at a young age."

According to Creek Valley High School's Tanya Phillips, there are 252 students enrolled there this year.

Classes were in also full swing at Western Nebraska Community College's Sidney campus with students already studying in the library. This week, students will be able to attend WNCC's "Welcome Back Week" events that include a swim night and a back to school bbq.

Pam Lever, a cosmetology instructor at WNCC, said she's excited about working with the cosmetology girls who are will graduate this year.

"After having the summer off, I can't wait to be back with this great group of girls," Leever said. "They will be graduating soon, so I have very high expectations."