Teachers are back at work after the summer break.
Abilene Independent School District (AISD) personnel headed back to prepare for the upcoming school year, which begins Aug. 27.
Most don't have as many changes and transitions as teachers at the new Myra P. Martinez elementary school in north Abilene.
They'll have new lockers, new furniture and even new rules.
"Were all excited that we get to start all over," said Janet McCowen, a former College Heights Elementary teacher.
Did we mention also an entire new building?
Teachers like Tiffany Loftin consider it all bittersweet.
"It's sad to leave, there's a lot of history at those schools and some of those families have been there for generations but the really exciting part is that you get this brand new building in a part of town that really needs something new," she said.
Loftin came from Fannin Elementary which closed its doors after 60 years to merge with College Heights Elementary.
That's where McCowen taught for 20 years.
"I do miss the familiarity of my other school, but I love the newness of this school," said McCowen.
Both have been preparing all day to receive their new kindergarteners.
"Sleeping is not an option at the moment, I've been here pretty much every day of the week," said Loftin.
Merging both schools has brought plenty of changes including class size, with some having up to 26 students.
But with the new building come new perks, including more storage space.
The new campus is just one of many around the Big Country that's a product of consolidating schools.
So come that first day each of the 700 students will have to roam through new halls, but teachers assure they'll have plenty of familiar details to welcome them.
We want it to be a wonderful experience for them and we want them to feel warm and fuzzy and safe.
School officially opens Aug. 27 although teachers say they've been preparing their classrooms since last week.
At Martinez, they'll be hosting a meet and greet with students and parents this Thurs. Aug. 23 from 4:30- 6 pm.
Abilene Independent School District (AISD) personnel headed back to prepare for the upcoming school year, which begins Aug. 27.
Most don't have as many changes and transitions as teachers at the new Myra P. Martinez elementary school in north Abilene.
They'll have new lockers, new furniture and even new rules.
"Were all excited that we get to start all over," said Janet McCowen, a former College Heights Elementary teacher.
Did we mention also an entire new building?
Teachers like Tiffany Loftin consider it all bittersweet.
"It's sad to leave, there's a lot of history at those schools and some of those families have been there for generations but the really exciting part is that you get this brand new building in a part of town that really needs something new," she said.
Loftin came from Fannin Elementary which closed its doors after 60 years to merge with College Heights Elementary.
That's where McCowen taught for 20 years.
"I do miss the familiarity of my other school, but I love the newness of this school," said McCowen.
Both have been preparing all day to receive their new kindergarteners.
"Sleeping is not an option at the moment, I've been here pretty much every day of the week," said Loftin.
Merging both schools has brought plenty of changes including class size, with some having up to 26 students.
But with the new building come new perks, including more storage space.
The new campus is just one of many around the Big Country that's a product of consolidating schools.
So come that first day each of the 700 students will have to roam through new halls, but teachers assure they'll have plenty of familiar details to welcome them.
We want it to be a wonderful experience for them and we want them to feel warm and fuzzy and safe.
School officially opens Aug. 27 although teachers say they've been preparing their classrooms since last week.
At Martinez, they'll be hosting a meet and greet with students and parents this Thurs. Aug. 23 from 4:30- 6 pm.
