It should be one of the most exciting and promising starts ever to the school year on August 7.

A new merged student body will be welcomed back to school by a well-trained and professional staff on the Wayne County School campus.

Students will notice some changes to the campus because of a new grade configuration in each building.

Most of the preschool through elementary grades were relocated to other buildings over the summer through a mammoth moving effort.

Middle school and high school students will notice a few remodeling efforts completed to accommodate a larger student population in those buildings.

Even though the schools may have a new look to them, students can expect to continue to learn in an atmosphere of high expectations.

Every classroom across the expanded campus has been equipped with the latest technology that will be integrated into the curriculum, so every student will have the same tools to learn from in every classroom.

In addition, teachers recently participated in a two and a half day custom designed Professional Learning Symposium conveniently located at the Wayne County High School.

The symposium offered 236 teachers the opportunity to enhance their skills whether it was in the area of technology, content areas or perhaps the Danielson “Framework for Teaching” which will serve as a guide throughout the year as a model for good practices that should occur in every classroom.

Media specialists, counselors and teachers in Special Education, Math, and Language Arts attended some mandated classes during the symposium to better meet their needs.

“I can’t say enough about our staff’s extra work over the summer to enable us to start school on time,” said Superintendent John Dalton. “We are looking forward to a great start because of our efforts. They care so much about our students that they were willing to go the extra mile for them.”

“There have been so many details addressed by our employees in every department and building. I sincerely appreciate them,” said Dalton.

With approximately 800 more students absorbed into the district, all kinds of changes have occurred at the school level.

Students and their families are becoming familiar with their new environments during individualized orientations, leading up to the opening of school. They are finding their school buildings in tip top condition.

Teachers have been busy decorating their classrooms after the move was completed. They are also learning about new bus routes that have been added during orientations.

Classes will begin at 8:15 a.m. and end at 3:15 p.m., following the same general schedule as last year.

School safety is the main thing to be stressed when school begins. Student code of conduct books will be distributed to help everyone understand expectations.

The first few weeks of school will be a time for exciting new opportunities, but everyone should exercise patience as the district transitions into a new learning environment where a caring staff wants only the best for all the children in this community.

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Plans are being made for Lake Cumberland Raft Up 2013, which is set for Saturday, August 10.

This marks the fourth annual Lake Cumberland Raft Up, and it has become a popular event in this area.

Raft Up will be held from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the Shinbone area of Lake Cumberland, which is just west of Conley Bottom Marina.

There will be live entertainment by Contagious Til 4 from Columbus, Ohio. Raft Up t-shirts are available at marinas around the lake area.

Lake Cumberland Raft Up became a tradition three years ago when boaters set a record. That’s when 1,651 boats tied together in one continuous structure to set a Guinness Book world record.

Everyone is invited to come out and join in the fun this year.

The event is free and open to the public.