VOE fifth-grade student Lillah meets the new VOE school principal, Bethany Negersmith.

Rim Ed Foundation volunteers show off the check representing a donation they have made to VOE Elementary School.

Stanley and Linda Oswalt of the Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary Club and members of the Crestline Lions Club handed out free school supplies at VOE’s back-to-school night.

Children enjoyed the play structure in the playground, during back-to-school night at VOE.

By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer

School for the Rim of the World Unified School District began on Thursday, Aug. 10, so motorists need to watch carefully for students at school bus stops and walking on the sides of the roads going to and from the bus stops. Near the schools, there will be more traffic as parents drive to school in the mornings and afternoons, dropping off and picking up students. This may require extra time in commuting schedules for residents.
The Wednesday night before school began, Valley of Enchantment Elementary School held their “Back to School” night, fashioned this year as a community fair. This late afternoon event from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. enabled students to meet their teachers, see which rooms they will be in and get to see their friends after missing them all summer.
This was a family affair, with older brothers and sisters also attending and coming back to see their former teachers and letting them know how they are doing. Parents got to meet their child’s teacher in a relaxed atmosphere and kids got to play on the large play structure with friends.
There was delicious food from Buddy’s BBQ available and the Mountain Fifes & Drums Corps marched around the playground with some of their younger performers, giving an excitement to the afternoon with their drums echoing through the area. They greatly added to the event with some of the kids asking questions of the performers and learning about their Colonial music program.
Also in the yard with display tables were the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council, with Smokey Bear available to take selfies with the kids, the Rim Educational Foundation displaying a check of the past financial donations they have made to VOE school and their plans for future donations to assist the educational programs and the teachers. The Crestline Lions Club and the Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary Club gave out school supplies and backpacks to the students. Inside the cafeteria there were free eye screenings and simple health exams being offered for those who wanted them.
The teachers stood at tables out in the playground with their grade level on a sign near their classrooms with class lists so they could meet their students. They explained their subject areas and programs to the parents, what they will be expecting in terms of homework and items the families could begin saving for future science and art programs. The new principal was there meeting students. It was a fun-filled afternoon of seeing old friends, getting information about the upcoming school year and calming anxieties about beginning school in a new classroom for students. One student, Lillah, said she was glad she came and was now very excited about the new school year at VOE.
Lake Arrowhead Elementary School held their back-to-school night on Tuesday, Aug. 15, with Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate holding theirs on Wednesday, Aug. 16. Rim High school will have their back-to-school night on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Charles Hoffman will hold the final back to school night the next week on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 4 to 6 p.m.
The schools are anticipating a wonderful 2023-24 school year for students and the community as well. They will sponsor events throughout the year and hope the public will support them and the students.