August 17, 2012, By Marla Blair, The state fair is still underway and we just passed the middle of August, but schools in the county are already opening their doors for the 2012-2013 school year. Where did the summer go? District #27 in Lincoln is the first to welcome students back. The elementary district, made up of five elementary schools and Lincoln Junior High, will begin with an abbreviated schedule today, August 17.

Schools within the district held open houses on Thursday evening, to allow students and parents to find classrooms, unload backpacks and meet teachers.

Two locations – Northwest and Washington-Monroe – held cookouts for the families. What were to be outside events moved indoors due to ominous clouds and wet surface conditions from an afternoon rain. But both events were well-attended and proved to be a good way to break the ice for new and incoming students, and to give everyone a chance to catch up after summer break.

Washington-Monroe principal Ginger Yeazle summed up the evening by saying, “This is great. I think everyone has enjoyed themselves and it’s a good way for our families to start the new school year together.”

Mrs. Yeazle gave a big “Thank You” to Charlie Lee and Bill Campbell at Lincoln IGA for their donation of hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, chips and soda for the cookout, and to John Barrick for the donation of ice for the drinks. Also, the cookout event would not have been possible without volunteers from the Washington-Monroe PTO.

Ongoing first-day dates for school districts with Logan County students - Lincoln Community High School, Olympia and Warrensburg-Latham start on Monday, August 20; Hartsburg-Emden opens on Tuesday, August 21; Mt. Pulaski and New Holland-Middletown bring their students back on Wednesday, August 22.

All schedules are abbreviated for the first day and some have short days for the remainder of August. Check your school’s information for details. Let the fun begin!

Editor's Note: The Herald is dedicated to giving our county schools the coverage they deserve. Marla Blair will again concentrate her efforts on making sure every school, student and teacher gets the recognition they deserve by constantly staying in touch with our schools. But neither Marla nor the Herald can know what is going on if we aren't notified. Anytime you have important news or information about your school and your school's activities, please drop a note to Marla at marlablair@logancountyherald.com