A Performer Stands on Stage as Students Watch the School Assembly Known as the NED Show

The day after Labor Day brought the excitement of a new school year at Walworth Jt. District #1 and there were many highlights in the early going.

"The school year is off to a great start," said Caitlin Dowden, school principal. She added that students, staff and parents offered "many comments...about this being the best start yet."

The JK through sixth graders enjoyed a NED assembly to get the school year started. The assembly was a live performer who used yo-yo tricks and entertainment to spread the message that everyone can be a champion by "never giving up, encouraging others and doing your best."

Students received the assembly through their pay-it-forward program. Yo-yo sales went toward helping fund the program for another school. Many yo-yos were sold.

The sports seasons are also underway, with flag football and cross country already competing and volleyball practice has begun.

The school entryway has added a six-foot tall fathead of Wesley the Wildcat.

The grade-level teams have been meeting to create community agreements to help create consistent expectations for students and staff, no matter where they are.

"We are working this year to create a BIG BUDDY system to take advantage of our unique and awesome situation of being a JK-8th grade building," said Dowden.

Next up will be a Spirit Week on Oct. 3-7 to coincide with Homecoming Week at Big Foot High School.