Students in the Oakdale Joint Unified School District have been in school for nearly a week, as it started Aug. 10, and the school sites have been abuzz with activity and in making the necessary adjustments.

Oakdale Junior High School Principal John Simons said they were off to a “fantastic” start to the school year.

“Our students came to the first day of school excited and happy and have continued into this second week being exceptionally friendly,” he said. “…The teachers are energized from summer break and have expressed nothing but positive comments about the students. So, it feels like our campus morale is high.”

OJUSD Superintendent Marc Malone reported that enrollment numbers are particularly “strong” at the junior high and high school this year. He also said that there are some “enrollment bubbles” at the kindergarten and third grade levels, requiring some students to be sent to schools in the district with space available in those grades.

“We are very full with our enrollment exceeding 830 students (at the junior high). So our supplies of books, desks, and general supplies are nearly tapped out…,” Simons said. “The main issue for staff has been fitting everyone in class and having enough seats, books, and materials for all students. Our staff shares and works hard to help one another, so nothing has been too much of a problem.”

“Back to School Nights” start this week, with Oakdale High School’s happening tonight, Tuesday, Aug. 16, and Oakdale Junior High School’s taking place Aug. 18. Back to School Night for the elementary schools will be on Aug. 23.

For more comments and information from the OJUSD superintendent and site administrators about the start of the 2011-2012 school year, as well a photos, check out the Aug. 17 issue of The Oakdale Leader.