Back to school, new year and a fresh start

SALISBURY, Md. — Wicomico County Public Schools students made their way back to the classroom today.

Wicomico County Public Schools Superintendent Micah Stauffer said, “There are just a lot of great things that we’re excited about bringing to Wicomico County Public Schools this year, and we’re looking for a great start to the year.”

Stauffer said he is thrilled to begin another academic year as he toured 10 schools on the first day.

“I just love seeing the excitement on everyone’s faces, from the students to the staff, and how excited everyone is to get back into the school year, to go into their classrooms and to see their friends,” Stauffer said.

He is not the only one. Prince Street Elementary Principal Jason Miller said, “They are so excited to be back. The number of hugs that we’ve gotten today, and high-fives and fist bumps, has been so exhilarating and has really filled our hearts.”

With the new school year, there are many moving parts.

“We have about 300 fewer students in our school due to the boundary line adjustments, and so it really has made a huge impact in our classrooms,” Miller said.

Stauffer added, “We’ve been able to add and reduce class sizes, because that makes such a difference here in our school system, and we’re seeing the fruits of our labor and how that’s paying off today.”

Miller said they have also increased diversity, welcoming cultures from around the world.

“We have about 30% of our student population being multilingual learners, and so the diversity here at our school is so nice and refreshing. It’s really a great opportunity to be able to see cultures from all around the world right here in one place,” Miller said.