Fairfield school district welcomes students back to class

FAIRFIELD — Tuesday was the first day of school in the Fairfield Community School District, and the district’s principals said the day went very smoothly.

Washington Elementary School Principal Tina Townsend said everyone at her school was excited to be back in the building.

“Everybody is getting acclimated to school again,” she said. “We’re looking forward to the opportunities for learning we’re going to have throughout the year.”

Washington Elementary School has 105 students in kindergarten and 108 in first grade. It also has a preschool, but that won’t begin until Sept. 6.

Townsend wanted to remind parents of the slight schedule change this school year, which is that the building’s doors open at 8 a.m., and students are considered tardy if they arrive after 8:15 a.m. That is five minutes earlier than last year. Students who plan to eat breakfast at the school should plan to arrive close to 8 a.m. to ensure they are on time for class, Townsend said.

Parents should also remember that the USDA has ended its program of fully funding school breakfasts and lunches for all students, as it had done for two years. This means that, to qualify for free or reduced price meals, parents will need to fill out an application available on the school district’s website at fairfieldsfuture.org.

Washington Elementary School will resume its after-school program, which it started last year. Pence Elementary School will run an after-school program, too.

Washington’s program will commence on Sept. 6, and will be an opportunity for kids to participate in activities from the time class dismisses at 3:25 p.m. until 5:15. Townsend said this allows parents to keep their kids at the school instead of having to make other arrangements for them before the parents get off work.

“The program offers homework help, a craft activity, recess, and a nutritious snack,” Townsend said.

The program is free, but space is limited to 20 kindergartners and 20 first-graders. Parents must fill out an application for the program on the district’s website.

Fairfield High School Principal Aiddy Phomvisay is in his first year with the district. He was a social studies teacher in Ames, associate principal in West Des Moines, high school principal at Marshalltown, director of Central Campus for Des Moines Public Schools, and executive director of teaching and learning at Ottumwa Schools.

Phomvisay said his first day with the students went exceptionally well.

“I’m delighted to have the students back, and to have a positive school culture and climate clearly established,” he said. “Our commitment to them is that this will be the best school year they ever had. We’re setting a positive tone with high expectations, and I really think they’re going to rise to the occasion.”

Phomvisay noted that hardly any students were tardy to any of their classes, which he was pleased with, especially considering it was their first day.

“I empower all our students to be leaders, and especially our Student Council, to step up and lead our school,” he said.

Fairfield School Superintendent Laurie Noll said she felt the first day of school was fantastic. She wants parents and community members to know that the district is working toward enhanced security which will include locking all classroom doors during the day.

“We’re working toward solutions to make that a better and safe experience for students,” she said. “If they are safe in their classrooms, their learning is better.”

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com