OLYROOD — In the words of author Raymond Lindquist, "Courage is the power to let go of the familiar." Central Plains School District teachers and students will find themselves letting go of the familiar as they start classes in the reorganized school district.

Tuesday morning, members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Holyrood, hosted a teachers and staff appreciation breakfast. According to Pastor Debby Rains, "We are thankful for the good care the teachers and staff take of our children. All of us must work hand in hand with the schools to support our communities. This breakfast is our way of saying thank you."

According to District Superintendent Steve Woolf, "I see this like the second year of a marriage that will only grow stronger every year. With this change we are bringing communities together to create a greater community. Our children will learn how important it is for communities to pull together so all will prosper. At the breakfast this morning I see teachers who live in at least eight communities."

In the reorganization, pre-school through fourth grade students will attend school in Holyrood. Fifth grade through eighth grade go to the former Bushton high school building and ninth grade through twelfth grade attend high school at Claflin.

Courage will be a key word for students experiencing busing for the first time. Meeting new people in strange environments will also test the courage of many students. Teachers and staff are ready to meet the needs of the students.

The students need for fast, convenient Internet access was met with the installation of a new wireless system in the high school. District Technology Director Scott Mitchum and Lukas Sidzyik said it saved the district between fourteen and fifteen thousand dollars by installing the system themselves. Mitchum said, "We spent the summer moving and installing equipment at all the schools. Everyone was nice and very supportive but I would never to that job again."

During the breakfast, teachers and district staff were asked their feelings about the new school year.

Denise Dohrman, middle school math teacher said, "Larger class sizes will allow students to meet more people their age. It will also allow for more group activities in class."

Kara Potter , middle school 5th grade teacher said, "The biggest change will be room size. We will see new kids, new faces and new friends."

Dustin Robison, Industrial Arts teacher 8th–12th grade said, "This year students will have more choices for elective classes as well as academics."

Amy Hurley, 4th grade teacher said, "I see this change as a big plus. This will bring students of area communities together."

Kim Ingham, 1st grade teacher said, "I am a teacher and a parent with children in this district. Bringing the schools together will allow more students to play sports."

Sharon Cooper, district librarian said, "The worst part of the change was moving the books. We are moved in and ready for classes to start."