Fay shuts schools after first day

OCALA - Out of chaos came order - but only for a few hours Monday on the first day of school for more than 40,000 children.

After a smooth opening on Monday, School District officials began focusing on Tropical Storm Fay to determine whether schools should be closed today in preparation of the storm. At first, they decided to make it an early release day, but later, decided to close the schools today and Wednesday.

Liberty Middle School opened its doors for the first time Monday, and Principal Gregg Dudley had hoped that the storm would not force it to shut its doors right away.

"We just opened and it would be a shame to already lose a day,'' he said.

Dudley said it was a typical first day of school, long car lines formed while moms and dads dropped off their children on the first day.

"We expect that the traffic issue will be normal very soon," Dudley said. "We have always had long car lines on the first day." Liberty Middle, which replaced West Port Middle because of an overcrowded West Port High campus, cost $34 million.

With a walkie-talkie attached to his belt, Dudley walked the campus, helping lost children find their classes and others to find guidance to help with class schedules.

Also, a new bus that picks up children living within two miles of the school was late. However, all bus routes normally run late on the first day while drivers learn new routes.

All in all, Dudley said, the first day was quite good. Three orientations for each grade level - sixth, seventh and eighth - over the summer helped students learn their new school.

School District spokesman Kevin Christian said Monday it appears everything ran smoothly for a first day in the district. He said few complaint calls were received.

Across town at Marion County's newest charter school, Francis Marion Military Academy cadets stood in formation at 8:45 a.m. The school opened to about 75 cadets. Officials expect that more cadets will fall in by the end of the week.

"We received three new students who we are interviewing as we speak,'' said Kitty Miller, the new school's administrative assistant. "It is going very well.''

Two weeks ago, it appeared that the military academy may not open because of lagging enrollment. But a last-minute drive by students, parents and organizers saved the day.

It was also the first day of school for all grades at Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks, a fourth- through eighth-grade school. In January, it opened to fourth- and fifth-graders.

On Monday, all five grades were on campus.

"It has gone as well as expected," said Principal Juan Cordova, adding that a few children had to be guided to their first classes.

Horizon implemented a mandatory dress code in the spring and Cordova said 95 percent of the children complied. About 25 children were issued a notice that they have a week to conform.

"We are very, very excited about the response," he said of the uniforms.

Back at Liberty Middle, teachers and children were excited about the first day of school.

Language arts teacher Deidra Whitt credited Dudley's organization and dedication for such a pleasant start. Dudley hopes the school will become more like the schools of the past.

"I want this to be a neighborhood-type school," Dudley said of the fact that most of the students live in - or near - a subdivision known as Sun Valley.

Joe Callahan may be reached at joe.callahan@starbanner.com or 867-4113.