HARRIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – Students at Bark River-Harris Schools are heading back to the classroom next week.
As the district prepares for classes to resume, Bark River-Harris Superintendent Jeremy Pach says he is looking forward to the new semester.
“I’m excited,” he said. “The school is a very quiet place in the summertime. It’s nice to see everybody back in the building, the building coming to life, and the parking lots filling back up. It’s always a good feeling at this time of the year.”
Most of the district’s newest developments can be found at Bark River-Harris Elementary, from new climbing equipment on the playground to a fun way to promote literacy.
“We’ve got a great new addition in a book vending machine,” Pach explained. “Students will earn tokens they earn over the course of the year to build their own personal libraries, so that’ll be exciting for those students this year.”
The district is entering the new school year with a full teaching staff. However, Pach says there is always a need for substitutes, kitchen workers, and custodians.
“It’s an exciting time of the year for part-time workers to be part of our school if they’re interested, but we’re excited to be fully staffed and very fortunate,” he said. “I know there’s other districts that are not in the same situation we are.”
According to Pach, the biggest uncertainty this year comes from Lansing, where legislators are still working to set a budget.
“I think it’s important that the public knows that we’re waiting on that,” he said. “I think it’s important that the legislators also know that they’re kind of putting us in a bind. We have a lot of hope that it will get done soon.”
In the meantime, Bark River-Harris is moving forward as usual. In fact, some students have already been back on school grounds regularly for athletics.
“Tonight, we have a scrimmage against Escanaba,” said Pach. “Students will be testing out their abilities, the things that they’ve learned over the last few weeks. Our volleyball team was in practicing yesterday very hard in the early morning hours.”
Now, there are only a few more days until everyone is back for another year.
“We had a great open house last night,” Pach said. “It was great to see lots of families and smiling faces in the building, and we’re excited for students to come back on Monday. We’re ready and we’re excited. Go, Broncos!”
Those interested in a part-time position with the school district can visit brhschools.org.
