Nick McWilliams reporting – Students are reporting for their first full week of school this year in the Garaway Local School District.
Starting off on Monday, August 21st, students were back in class, following a summer of renovations in the district, according to Superintendent Dr. Jim Millet.
He says that currently, work is underway for a new wellness center behind Garaway High School, and contractors are also prepping and installing two playground projects in the district utilizing COVID-19 pandemic relief dollars.
“One of the reasons that we did that are we’re really excited about that is that we looked at a lot of the research for fitness activity for both young people and adults. And we see that that has a tremendous impact not only on their physical health, and their mental health, but ultimately will help them be their best in the classroom too.”
Other summer projects included a renovated lobby at the high school and a new teachers’ lounge, new epoxy on the floors at the elementary level, and a new boiler at the Miller Avenue school.
Millet says that a multitude of hires were made throughout the district, varying from long-time educators to “rookies,” and include plenty of former Pirates.
“We know that great organizations like to develop from within, and we’re no different. We’re proud to have some of our Garaway graduates come back and return to us as professionals. And make a positive difference in our communities. We’re really excited about our new staffing.”
This year’s theme for the district is Juncta Juvant, which means strength in unity on Latin.
Garaway received a four-and-a-half star rating out of five in the last report card period from the Ohio Department of Education, a number that Millet says they will try to take even further.
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