Editorial: It's August, yet school's open

Talk about it

While classes were in session Monday for some Worthington students — and Tuesday saw the first official day of school for all Worthington Middle School and Worthington High School pupils — Wednesday was the first day all District 518 classes were in session for the new school year. The calendar may still read August, and we may have just about a month officially remaining in summer, but a new early start to the school year certainly brings change to the lives of plenty of people.

Whatever one makes of the early start — and classes have indeed begun early across much of southwest Minnesota, thanks to an effort led by many area districts and approved by the state Department of Education — there’s no denying that August classes will be at least a small adjustment for many. That goes for students, parents and guardians, school teachers, administrators and other staff, and even folks with little or no connection to education in our region’s communities.

For example, across Worthington Wednesday, school buses were out in droves, some in areas where street improvement projects are taking place. Drivers, as always, should be mindful of the fact that buses are back, and the safety of many must be taken into account at all times.

It should also go without saying that schools are extremely integral components of our cities. Now that school is open, we should remember to support them in at least some fashion during the year.

Tags: district 518, opinion, editorial, worthington, education