Back to school
Few changes seen in 2007-08 academic year
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor
While students enjoyed three months of vacation this summer, administrators were preparing for the 2007-08 school year.

Contractors are making the finishing touches to a new student drop-off area at Heim Elementary School. Classes resume Wednesday, Sept. 5. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Williamsville, Amherst and Sweet Home students' first day is Wednesday, Sept. 5, and the schools are reporting no major changes for this year.

Thomas Maturski, assistant superintendent of business and facilities for Williamsville, noted changes to the bus loops at Heim and Maple East elementary schools.

"Approved in May 2006, we have constructed new bus loops and increased parking at both schools," he said.

The completion of the new bus loops addresses safety concerns, he said, adding that the design of the bus loops was outdated for the needs of buses and parents today.

He also said the new loops will alleviate the current problems during pickup and drop-off times at the schools.

Maple East addressed another safety issue with the installment of a new public address system.

Maturski said the district is also in the process of installing emergency generators in Country Parkway, Maple East and West and North Forest elementary schools.

Each school has an emergency generator, and the upgrades address the need for more power, which has increased during the past 10 to 15 years.

Also in preparation for opening day, the district has sent out the bus schedule. Maturski reminds parents that the schedules change and not to assume they are the same as last year.

Anyone who has not received a schedule can call the Transportation Department at 626-8290.

Superintendent Howard Smith could not be reached for comment on changes to the student code. Information is available at www. williamsvillek12. org.

The Amherst Central School District reported no construction changes for the upcoming school year.

At the high school, Gregory Pigeon, dean of students, reminded the junior class and their parents that the students are without some privileges this year.

The school has changed its policy to allow only seniors to leave campus for lunch and to schedule a late homeroom.

"It's for safety purposes. We wanted to reduce the number of students leaving campus," Pigeon said.

In not allowing late homeroom, Pigeon said the school hopes this will encourage juniors to take an additional elective.

For more information, visit www. amherstschools. org.