Elkins students are returning to class on Thursday, August 13, with the district focused on continued academic achievement. Elkins Public Schools Superintendent Jeremy Mangrum said he wants all of the nearly 1,400 students to feel cared for and valued on their first day back.

Academic Achievements

The district is focused on setting students up for success, expanding its college credit courses in high school this year. This program gives high school students the ability to graduate with an associate’s degree in addition to their high school diploma. The district is also offering more accelerated tracks in middle school, providing a more challenging curriculum to students who need it.

Superintendent Mangrum said the district has seen continued academic growth by its students, making it one of the top-performing traditional public schools in Arkansas. He attributes that to the hard work of students and their teachers, who have been getting ready for the past two weeks to welcome them back into the classroom.

Morale was super high, according to Mangrum. There was a ton of smiling and laughing. People were excited to be back in the buildings. They were excited to get ready to get back to work to meet their new students they’re going to have this year.

Elkins seniors will celebrate their last first day of school with Senior Sunrise Thursday morning on the Elkins football field.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.