Delisle Elementary students head back to school

Summer vacation has come to a close for schools in Pass Christian, but students say they’re excited to be back.

As school buses pulled in and parents walked their kids to the door, there were plenty of smiling faces waiting to welcome them. From the look of it, students and teachers at Delisle Elementary School couldn’t wait to start their first day back to school including fourth grader Allison Greene who is celebrating her ninth birthday, “I was excited yesterday and I couldn’t wait for today.”

School Principal Mandy Lacy says there’s a lot students can look forward to this year including brand new surface turf for kids to use at recess. They’re also starting a new ‘housing’ system where students, teachers, administration, bus drivers, and cafeteria staff are all a part of five different groups that stand for something encouraging. “It’s a school-wide initiative to build a stronger sense of community amongst the students and the staff and just that immediate sense of belonging. They’re going to have immediate friends because they’re in the exact same house and just to kind of hold each other accountable for making good choices and earning points for their house throughout the school year.”

This new school year brings flexible seating. Fifth grade teacher Rachael Childers is excited to see how these new seats will affect the students learning. “My room is now my happy place. There are no desks except for the computers to be on. There’s wobble stools, there’s yoga balls, there’s bean bag chairs, and there’s a bar stool table with bar stool chairs. The kids get to choose based on what they need.”

The theme this year is ‘imagine, believe, achieve.’ Principal Lacy says they’re all very eager to welcome their little pirate learners back for the new year.