All elementary and middle school students with their parents were welcomed by HAS Principal Joyce Diggs and Colonel Darin S. Conkright, United States Army Garrison Humphreys Commander, at the bell-ringing ceremony. This traditional gathering is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and their families to formally usher in the year and welcome new members of Camp Humphreys community to the campus.
"The ringing of the school year brings the whole school together and starts the new (school) year in a good cheerful way. That is the way in which we welcome each other," said Elena Johnson, the school librarian.
In his speech, Conkright emphasized the importance of reading and physical fitness for students.
"Anytime you can read and you have chance to, do it. It is much more fun than watching TV," he said. "If you do those things, everything else in life is easy, I promise," he added.
At the end of the brief ceremony children, parents and teachers yelled out 'Yeah' while HAS principal and the Garrison Commander rang the bell which represents the official opening of the new school year.
After the ceremony, students proceeded to their classrooms and got the opportunity to get to know their new classmates and teachers. They also got introduced to teacher's rules, regulations and expectations.
"During the first day there a lot of administrative things that need to be done. But once we get through that we get right into educational components. I think it was wonderful that we had a sunny day and our garrison commander came and rang our school year for us. I think it was wonderful way to bring the school and the community together," said Carlon Munroe, the elementary school teacher.
"The school provides great support and I believe kids are excited to be here. They are eager to learn and it is great. It is the best we can expect."
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