Even though it still feels like summer — since it is the middle of August — the 2019 fall school semester begins on Wednesday for students in the Boyle and Danville school systems.

Boyle schools won’t have its new middle school complex completed for the beginning of this semester, but Danville’s new Mary G. Hogsett Primary School will be open for learning.

Jacquie Peterson, director of communications and creative programing for Boyle Schools, said all of the teacher and daytime bus driver positions have been filled “though we can always use more subs or bus monitors.”

Teachers have been working this summer choosing curriculum and making lesson plans in preparation for the new school year, Peterson said. “We’re excited to get the kids back in school.”

Classes begin: 7:50 a.m. at Junction City and Perryville elementary schools; 8:05 a.m. at the high school and Woodlawn Elementary school; and 8:07 at Boyle Middle School.

Traffic is always a concern, Peterson said, since more than 2,000 students converge on Woodlawn Elementary, Boyle Middle and Boyle County High schools every weekday morning.  And on the first day of school traffic is usually a bit heavier, so drivers who have to travel through that area are urged to prepare by leaving their homes a few minutes earlier than usual, Peterson said.

Students who attend Junction City and Perryville elementary schools will receive free breakfast and lunch this year. And students in the other county school can apply for free and reduced priced meals too.

Peterson said that students should “get a good night’s rest, eat a good breakfast (or grab a bite at school), and strive to do their best each day!”

Danville Schools are also fully staffed for the upcoming school year, said Tiffany Seppenfield, Danville Schools communications coordinator. “We are very excited about all of the new staff we have on board with us.”

The opening of Hogsett Intermediate School following an intensive renovation and expansion, and “is very exciting for our district,” Seppenfield said. “The school was designed with our youngest learners in mind, focusing on research that preschool-first graders learn best through play.”

Also, the enhanced medical services at all of Danville schools is also new this year, she said. “And the addition of our dental room at central office will allow us to better care for our students.”

Drivers should be aware that 1,900 students will be heading to Danville school tomorrow, so they should allow extra drive time. The school day for Danville students begins at 7:50 a.m. for Toliver; 7:55 a.m. at Hogsett and 8:30 a.m. at Danville High School. Doors open 40 minutes before classwork begins.

“A goal for 2019-20 is to enhance our communication. The district newsletter will be going to weekly and we have recently introduced a new website and a mobile app. Parents can sign up for the newsletter and download the app to stay up to date on all events and important information,”Seppenfield said. “We are looking forward to a great school year. Be sure to use #DISDFirstDay19 to share your first day of school photos.”