Welcome tunnel: Community, school mascot welcome back students in Cumberland County
SPRING LAKE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The first day of school brought a mix of excitement and nerves for students and families across Cumberland County, as thousands of children returned to classrooms Monday morning.
At Williams T. Brown Elementary School, students arrived to cheers, a welcome tunnel of local leaders, and Cooper, the Cumberland County Schools mascot. Carpool lines were packed with eager faces ready to start a new year of learning.
"Crayons and pencil and paper and books so I can learn," said first grader Wyatt Lora, who was ready to get back to class with his friends. When asked what he was looking forward to most, Wyatt replied, "Playing with my friends."
Parents also felt the weight of the day. Jennifer Lora, Wyatt's mother, said, "We woke up at 5:30 and get him ready and give him my shower, make sure he's ready."
This school year comes with significant changes for the district, which serves about 48,000 students.
Two elementary schools, J.W. Coon and Manchester, closed due to aging facilities and high repair costs.
For families like the Loras, the closure was emotional.
"After Manchester closed, it broke my heart. I thought he was not going to see his old teacher. He's our principal, and the up and how I was on child day the principal's from Manchester, they hear, so I feel more calm, more relaxed," Jennifer Lora said.
Superintendent Dr. Eric Bracy emphasized the district's commitment to high-quality education, stating, "We want to make sure that we continue to be a district that focuses on high-quality instruction in all of our classrooms and schools."
Bracy also highlighted school safety measures, noting that the district now employs 43 school resource officers and has invested more than $4 million in safety initiatives.
"Our SROs. Our Sheriff's Department and Police Department have done a great job of protecting our kids and having one cover. Every school has been very helpful for us here in covering the county as well," he said.
Before Wyatt headed into his classroom, his mom had one last message: "Behave and listen to the teacher, which he's a good listener"
Wyatt already has big dreams for the future says he wants to be a police officer
For parents interested in keeping track of their children's bus routes, the district recommends the "Here Comes the Bus" app, which provides real-time updates on bus locations.
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