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SALT LAKE COUNTY -- Thousands of students started school Monday, some of them at brand new schools where the learning curve can be a little steeper.
Almost 20 new schools opening across the state this year. So, on top of the normal back to school jitters, some students also must figure out how to get around the building.
| School | District | |
|---|---|---|
| North Point Elementary | Alpine | |
| Sage Hills Elementary | Alpine | |
| Westlake High | Alpine | |
| Foxboro Elementary | Davis | |
| Legacy Jr. High | Davis | |
| Diamond Ridge Elementary | Granite | |
| Kari Sue Hamilton | Jordan | |
| Silver Crest Elementary | Jordan | |
| Maple Mountain High | Nebo | |
| Stansbury High | Tooele | |
| Southwest High | Washington | |
| Shadow Valley Elementary | Ogden |
"In any first day you have little kids who can't remember who their teachers are. You have kids who can't remember where their teachers or classrooms are," she said.
At her school, a big chunk of the day was dedicated to helping kids feel comfortable in the new building.
Fifth grader Brisa Rodriguez said, "(We learned) the rules and our numbers for lunch, and we took a tour around the school to see what it is like."
Another fifth grader, Christopher Love, said, "We are learning about the new rules and doing some assignments."
The new building, the grass that can't be walked on quite yet, or the lunch number system that's not working aren't the only things on Principal Koji's mind.
| School | Location |
|---|---|
| Oquirrh Mountain Charter School | Farmington |
| Vista at Entrada | Washington County |
| Early Light Academy at Daybreak | South Jordan |
| APA- the School for the New Americans | West Valley City |
| Excelsior Academy | Tooele |
| Hawthorn Academy | West Jordan |
| Open High School of Utah | Statewide |
But, at the end of the day, she says, "To see the kids again, it makes it all worth it. It's so wonderful."
Easing the transition
Getting a new school year off to a good start is important for any kid, whether they're at a brand new school or an older one. We talked to some parents as they waited to pick up their kids from school about what they do to ease the transition.
Michelle Moscen said, "We just ask them how it went, how the day went, how the teachers were. We don't have any special things we do, just ask them how it went."
Another parent, Alisa Ward, said, "I usually just take the whole day off work and spend the rest of the afternoon with them."
David Chalman said, "We have a routine. I mean, you've got to. He's a really good student."
The National Association of School Psychologists has some recommendations for what parents should do. For a detailed list of suggestions, CLICK HERE.
E-mail: corton@ksl.com
