The applause was deafening. The teachers were cheering. The students were moaning. School had arrived.

After last year’s budget cuts and class cuts, some departments found themselves a few staff members short. But the months of summer proved a sufficient time to hire new staff members.

In the foreign language department, Friedemann Eisert has returned (after previously working here from 1999-2001) to teach German. Eisert has been teaching German since 1972, and in the US since 1977. The past seven years he has been the German teacher at Southwest Junior High and Lawrence High School. He enjoys the change from school to school.

“I think it’s good to change schools sometimes,” Eisert said. “It keeps you flexible.”

Joining the family and consumer sciences department is Linda Graverholt as the new FACS teacher. Previously Graverholt taught at South Junior High, but she has enjoyed the transition.

“Everyone is very welcoming here,” Graverholt said. “It’s great. Like any new situation, I’m just trying to see how things are done, meet new people and try to remember their name. “

Eisert and Graverholt aren’t the only new staff members joining our halls. In the Music Department Meghan Hardy is taking over as the assistant band instructor. In the Career and Technical Education Department Luke Lang will be teaching automotive as well as the welding classes.

As with every new school year changes have been made but the tradition of excellence still remains.