Students return to Bobby Ray

Back-to-school time has arrived. Students in denial need to look no further than Bobby Ray Elementary, which began classes Monday.

‘It’s been smooth, very smooth,’ said Bobby Ray principal Beverly Ramsey about the first week of school.

So far, Bobby Ray has 555 students and enrollment is still growing. However, Ramsey said only students inside the Bobby Ray district are being accepted.

For local students, this weekend is noteworthy because Tennessee is having a sales tax holiday on clothing and school-related supplies. And the school system is having its second extravaganza at Three Star Mall this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Every school will have a representative at the mall to answer questions and distribute information to parents. In addition, free school supplies will be given away. Central office personnel will also be on hand to address any questions about public schools.

School system director of community and professional development Bonnie Collier only had positive comments about last year’s inaugural extravaganza.

‘It was the best event we had done as far as getting information out to parents in one big event,’ said Collier. ‘Every school will have a table and there will be supply lists from every teacher. That way you can see what you need and with the sales tax free weekend you can pick that stuff up.’

Key upcoming dates for all students enrolled in a school other than Bobby Ray are this coming Thursday, Aug. 9 from 8 to 10 a.m., which is registration day, and Monday, Aug. 13, which is the first day of school.

Registration forms will be available at Saturday’s mall event so parents can pick them up and fill them out at their leisure.