ARDMORE, Oklahoma (KXII) – There was excitement and anticipation in the air for the new school year as Ardmore City Schools opened their doors Thursday to welcome students back after summer vacation.

“Every new year is exciting. We just have to make sure we do everything we can for our students,” said interim superintendent Andy Davis.

Ardmore students look forward to the first day of the new year and to seeing friends, teachers and new opportunities.

“I’m excited about the sport, I play softball,” said Ardmore student Aareon Walker. “I just like the teamwork of it and the whole sport in general because I’ve been playing it forever,” Walker added.

“I’m meeting some of my old teachers,” said Ardmore junior Aiden Callihan.

“Making new friends,” said Ardmore Sophomore Briley. “You get to meet new people and do things you’ve never done before,” added Ardmore Sophomore Justyse.

When students return to school, they will find some new changes at their school. Davis says several construction projects were undertaken this summer to prepare the schools for students’ first day of school.

“Huge projects at Charles Evans, water mediation to keep the water out of the building, there was a drain broken at Jefferson that we had repaired this summer, our maintenance crew did a lot of projects this summer,” Davis said.

As students return to school, Davis stresses the importance of considering school zone safety on the way to school.

“The students are all getting used to getting on the buses again and the drivers are getting used to the routes, so be very careful and keep that in mind,” Davis said.

They all ensure that students and staff have a safe and good start to the school year.

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