District shows 319 increase in enrollment
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 26, 2005 1:48 PM
Wayne County Public Schools opened its doors for a new school year on Thursday, with early figures showing an increase of 319 students as compared to the first day for the 2004-05 school year.
The numbers continue to rise in several schools, particularly in the northern end of the county according to school officials. Growth patterns in that part of the county have steadily climbed in recent years, with declines reflected in other areas.
The school system reported 18,337 students in the 31 public schools on Thursday. The number enrolled when school started last August was 18,018.
Schools showing increases included Northwest Elementary, Norwayne Middle, Northeast Elementary, Charles B. Aycock High, Southern Wayne High and Rosewood Middle. Among the schools having a decrease in enrollment were Eastern Wayne High, Meadow Lane Elementary, Greenwood Middle, Eastern Wayne Elementary, Carver Heights Elementary and Fremont STARS Elementary.
Preliminary numbers could change and typically tend to fluctuate over the first few days of classes.
School officials chart the daily enrollment figures each year, using the 10-day mark as the gauge to determine if and where additional teachers might be needed.
"There is always a shift in enrollment from one school to another, depending on housing patterns and movement of families with school-aged children," said Dr. Steven Taylor, superintendent of schools.
Overall, Taylor said, the schools reported a very smooth opening day.
"We are excited about having our students back in school," he said. "We encourage parents to join us in making the 2005-06 school year a banner year for our school system.
"We ask parents to take the time to sit down with their children to review student handbooks, school policies, and classroom requirements. Staying informed about what's going on in their child's school and classroom is very important."
The school year started later this year after lawmakers approved changes to the school calendar requiring that the school year not begin before Aug. 25 and then end by June 10.