Signal Mountain Middle/High School Principal Eddie Gravitte said earlier that the new school would likely have about 750 students the first year. When school opened Tuesday, 840 were registered and more came in during the day, keeping registrar Kim Adams busy.
Mr. Gravitte was everywhere, answering questions, directing traffic and dealing with all the unexpected problems inherent in a new building on its first day. Bells rang at the wrong times and traffic was snarled, "but we're doing very well," he said.
In the beginning, traffic was congested so some of those arriving by car and by bus were late to class. Lunch times for middle and high school were staggered, but still there were long lines. "We'll correct these," Mr. Gravitte said. "It's to be expected with a new school."
Indeed he seemed unflappable and easily available to anyone who needed him. He conferred with parents, students and teachers, took news and television reporters and photographers on tours of the building and stopped in classrooms where he talked and joked with the students.
"This is a dream come true and very pleasing," said Sandra Cox, a chemistry teacher who was spending her off time preparing lessons for the next class. Teachers are provided with time each day for lesson preparation, Mr. Gravitte said. That helps teachers do a better job.
The principal and all administrative staff carry walkie talkies, so they are immediately available and there is other communication throughout the building. Safety manuals were compiled and given the teachers and there is an SRO officer in uniform with his own office in the center of the building.
"We want to have a safe environment for students to learn in," Mr. Gravitte said.
Meanwhile, opening day attendance was also up on Lookout Mountain, Tn.'s public school.
Registration was 195 - up 23 over last year - at Lookout Mountain Elementary School.
In class with instructor Jeff Barlew
- Photo2 by Ruth Robinson