Steamboat Pilot & Today

Hayden Valley Elementary School students got the school year off to a jiggy start Tuesday. Following their teachers' lead, they danced their way into a morning assembly to the music of "Celebrate" and "We are Family."

The kindergarten through fifth-grade students settled down in the gym for a refresher course in the finer aspects of elementary school life.

Teachers explained how to run for student council, and P.E. teacher Michelle Wilke donned a Tiger costume to demonstrate cafeteria etiquette, including what not to do: flick food, tip back in a chair or give a sandwich to a friend after taking a bite out of it.

The students sat beneath colorful banners emphasizing virtues -- including perseverance, honesty, compassion, acceptance and generosity -- that they will discuss throughout the school year.

Teacher leader Rhonda Sweetser also introduced children to new staff: teachers Sondra Boyd, Maggie Moore and Tracie Patterson; Title 1 assistant Angela Letlow; and secretary Alena Scott.

There are 158 elementary school students this year. There are about 18 new students, including second-grader Albert "Junior" Kiniston, who moved to Hayden from McClave, Colo., and already has a good dose of school spirit.

Kiniston is most excited to see the football team win, he said.

There are some changes in the school structure this school year with a combined second and third grade class and a combined fourth and fifth grade class. The school also will have a part-time art teacher for all students.

"We have an excellent staff, kids and parents," Sweetser said. "I think it's going to be an awesome educational year."

Parents will have the opportunity to meet teachers and see classrooms during an open house from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.