NEW PALESTINE — Some 30 minutes before students started arriving at New Palestine Junior High School for the first day of classes, new principal Jessica Neill pulled into the parking lot, got out of her car and filled her hands with bags, books and a large coffee mug.
Walking into the school, Neill noted how excited she was to start the new school year at a new school district. She officially began as the principal of NPJHS in July and said while she’s had plenty of time to get acclimated, there is nothing quite like that first day of classes.
“Are there first day jitters? For sure,” Neill said with a laugh. “I told everyone during our teacher back day that half of our school, the seventh-graders, are new and I’m just as excited and nervous as they are to be here, so we’ll figure it all out together.”
Neill didn’t have but a few minutes to think about any of the first day excitement as parents started dropping off kids shortly after she arrived. Along with assistant principal Jon Amones, Neill stood outside the back of the school as the vehicle drop-off line formed quickly. They, along with a few teachers, were all smiles welcoming the students into the school.
“It’s my second year here at the school so I know things a little bit better, and that makes the first day of classes a little bit calmer,” Amones said.
Amones noted both he and Neill are excited to watch over and guide an estimated 630 students and staff and to make sure the year starts on a good note.
“We’ve got a new principal this year and she’s been awesome and welcoming, so we feel like it’s going to be a good year,” Amones said. “Principal Neill is taking the time to sit down with each member of the staff to get to know us, and we appreciate that.”
As the students got out of their parent’s cars and walked towards the building, math teacher Brad Sevier couldn’t help but tease some of the students he already knows and shouted out, “Are you ready for some math?”
That prompted at least one student to sarcastically respond, “Oh yeah.”
Sevier then started laughing and said, “Awesome. I got lies the first day.”
However, he noted it’s good to have a fun banter with kids, particularly when he teaches a subject like math.
“I went to New Palestine schools and I’m starting to teach the kids of people I went to school with, so this is all lots of fun,” Sevier said. “I also coach here too, so I already know many of the kids and it’s good to see them back.”
As soon as the drop off line slowed, the administrators made their way to the bus drop-off area where several district buses pulled up and dropped off hundreds of students who made their way into NPJHS.
“Everyone is so excited to be here, even the kids. You can see it in their eyes getting off the buses. They are excited to be back,” Neill said. “There is nothing not to love here. It’s great to work for a district that provides so much support from the central office because they work hard to make sure we have what we need to be successful.”
Once all the students were in the building, the seventh- and eighth-graders quickly made their way to their homeroom classes. Neill then officially started the first day of school with an announcement over the intercom system, telling the students it is going to be a great year.
“Good morning Dragons, we’re so glad to have you back,” she said.
