NEW PALESTINE — Dressed from head to toe in a bright red suit, New Palestine Elementary School assistant principal Nik Giant was getting all kinds of attention from students heading into the school for the first day of classes.
New backpacks, fresh tennis shoes, crisp haircuts — the start of a new school year brings on a whole new beginning for students and teachers in New Palestine.
Not only did hundreds of students start a brand new school year bright and early Thursday morning — the district began a new chapter.
New superintendent Gina Pleak started her first year in charge of the school district, which has a new corporation name as district officials transition to New Palestine Community Schools (NPCS) instead of the old Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County title.
“I absolutely love the first day of school,” Pleak said.
She said there is nothing like seeing the smiling faces of students, staff members and families as it’s immensely rewarding.
“It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many NPCS employees who have prepared diligently for the new school year,” Pleak said. “We are deeply committed to our students, and seeing them begin a new year of learning and growth is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
At New Palestine High School (NPHS), it was the first time in years students and staff didn’t have to deal with major construction challenges since the massive multi-year $43 million renovation project is nearly complete, with only a few areas still being worked on.
Principal Jim Voelz said there is nothing like the start of the school year when everyone is optimistic about getting back into the swing of things.
“It felt really good to open up the entire school for our students today,” Voelz said. “You could feel the excitement and anticipation of the student body as they entered the new sections. It’s going to be an awesome year at NPHS.”
Cheryl Rose is the district’s Early Childhood Coordinator. She works with New Palestine’s 3- and 4-year-old children in the district’s Little Dragons Early Learning Program. Rose probably had one of the toughest days, calming the youngest Dragons and their parents, many of which were separated for the first time.
“We understand that for our youngest students and parents, the first day of school can be a bittersweet moment,” Rose said. “But we try to make the day full of happy new experiences for them so that they leave us excited to come back the next day and every day after.”
Brandywine Elementary school principal Austin Theobald was just as pleased to get the first day rolling for his young elementary students, teachers and staff.
“I am incredibly proud and excited to welcome our students back for the 2024-25 school year,” Theobald said. “The Brandywine staff is prepared and honored to continue the outstanding work that we do here.”
Theobald had a feeling he noted it’s going to be a “fantastic” year of learning and growth for the Bulldogs.
District communications and public relations director Craig Smith said the new school year started off smoothly without any issues and, for the most part, buses were on time.
“It’s been a great first day,” Smith said.
