Hayden Jones takes a photo of senior “locker buddies”, from left, Colton Bullard, Amelia Reed nad Brantlee Wright. Hartselle High School hosted senior schedule pick-up Wed., Aug. 5.| Joy Haynes

Hayden Jones takes a photo of senior “locker buddies”, from left, Colton Bullard, Amelia Reed nad Brantlee Wright. Hartselle High School hosted senior schedule pick-up Wed., Aug. 5.| Joy Haynes

Hartselle High School and Hartselle Junior High School students were prepared with their schedules before their first day back to school today.

HHS hosted schedule pick-ups Wednesday and Thursday, with HJHS handing out schedules Thursday as well. At both sessions, parents could pay fees, seek schedule help and explore the schools in order to prepare to students for the new school year.

HJHS Principal Robbie Smith said the early schedule pick-up helps orient both parents and students.

“The kids seem to like getting to know the classes ahead of time, and it lets us jump right into procedure on the first day of school rather than taking up so much time with fees,” Smith said. “It also helps give parents a peace of mind as much as it does the kids because parents get those first day jitters, too. It has been a huge success with helping ease the transition of the new school year. We are ready to hit the ground running on the first day.”

HCS is embarking on its first year of a few changes in the central office administration. Tina Towers and DeeDee Jones have assumed the new roles of Coordinator of Professional Development and Curriculum and the Director of Teaching and Learning. Both Smith and HHS Principal Jeff Hyche said they are excited to collaborate with the new additions.

“We have some big changes that we are excited about in the central office,” Smith said. “Both Towers and Jones have transitioned nicely into their new roles and have jumped right into active spots. We look forward to working with them this year.”

HJHS has four new teachers joining their team of educators, and HHS has two new counselors and two new teachers this year.

New HHS counselor Corey Wilbanks said she was looking forward to the challenges ahead. She came to HCS from her position as the Director of Leadership Development at the Decatur-Morgan Chamber of Commerce to work more closely with students.

“I’m super excited to be at Hartselle, and can’t wait to face the new challenges of the school year and meeting the students,” Wilbanks said. “I was able to work with students some at the chamber, and I took this job so I could work more closely with local students. I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to do as a career, so I want to help students choose their career paths.”

HHS is also starting their first semester with the Hartselle Virtual Academy that allows students to take courses online in the classroom or off campus.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in HVA with most of those people choosing to take exploratory career electives that aren’t offered in our regular curriculum,” Hyche said. “I don’t know that we have anyone that is taking virtual classes exclusively, but this will be a growing year for the program.”

HCS has modified its early release schedule to be six days during the school year that will be a half day each for students.

HJHS is also getting a new gym floor, which will require gym classes and sports practices to relocate until the completion, which is expected to be some time in October before basketball season starts. The schools plan to work together to accommodate for the gym relocation.

HCS started school (today) Aug. 12.