Mingo schools open on a positive note [Williamson Daily News, W.Va.]

Aug. 26--Like the words in a once popular song, "everything is coming up rosy" in connection with the opening of Mingo County schools for the 2010-2011 term.

County School Superintendent Randy Keathley and others of his staff have been visiting the county's schools the past two days and "found the students happy and the teachers all smiles. There was a positive learning atmosphere everywhere we went."

Preliminary figures available for 14 schools show a total student enrollment of 3,766.

Keathley, who has been with the county school system for 30 years, took over the superintendency several weeks ago by appointment from Dr. Steven Paine, state superintendent of schools. His former position as assistant superintendent is now filled by Robert Bobbera, who moved up from curriculum director.

Kindergarten students were to report today for the beginning school term, and Pre-K students will not start school until Monday, Aug. 30. In the meantime, said Keathley, teachers have been visiting the homes of these students to get acquainted and prepared for the term ahead.

Schools have been the scenes of open house this week and Keathley said it was most gratifying to see the turnout of parents, business people and other citizens in the various communities in a show of solidarity between schools and the general public.

A shortage of mathematics and science teachers exists but Keathley anticipates this and any other concerns to be taken care of as schools get underway in earnest.

Students will have their first holiday in the new school term

on Sept. 6 when Labor Day is observed across the nation.

Williamson's municipal swimming pool has closed after a moderately successful season and students can now turn their attention to the serious matter of education in the 21st Century.

Student enrollment figures, based on the first two days of the new school term, were reported as follows:

Burch High, 308; Gilbert High, 350; Matewan High, 182; Tug Valley High, 369, and Williamson High,153. Total for high schools, 1,362.

Lenore K-8 school, 460, and Kermit K-8, 266, for a total of 726 pupils.

Matewan Middle, 207, and Williamson Middle, 178, for a total of 385 pupils.

Elementary level: Burch, 422; Dingess, 124; Gilbert, 338; Matewan, 198, and Riverside, 211, for a total of 1,293.

The overall total enrollment is 3,766. Pre-K and Kindergarten students have not yet reported to their schools so those enrollment figures will be added to the county total later.

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