TPS Students Head To Class

Students in Tulsa went back to school on Monday. Classes for the new school year have started. As News On 6's Emory Bryan reports, over the summer the superintendent at TPS quit and is likely to soon be replaced. But, that did not affect the first day of school for the district and the first day for hundreds of young students.

The first day of kindergarten for 5-year-old Abby Matthews was a test.

"And I've been singing my ABC's," said Abby, Kindergarten student.

Abby's teacher is individually testing students over the next two days. While the older students started Monday, full day kindergarten classes don't start until Wednesday.

"This gives us an idea of where the child comes in and where we need to start helping them with what they do know because all the children are on different levels," said Judy D'Smith, Kindergarten teacher.

Remington has almost 300 students and for them the new year came with a new look. Here, for the first time, the students are wearing uniforms.

Until the start of school, the principal wasn't sure how well it would work. But 98% of the students were in uniform on the first day.

She hopes to continue improving test scores this year.

"Our school made AYP, adequate yearly progress, and our students score well due to the fabulous input and support of our teaching," said Shelly Holman, Remington Principal.

Other schools have changes coming too. The construction on the new Clinton Middle School continues and it will be finished during this school year.

In the high schools, new magnet programs are starting. This includes one at Webster High that focuses on media and marketing.

Back in kindergarten, Abby believes she's ready for classes Wednesday, and knows her new schedule.
"I play. I eat. I um, we have circle time," said Abby.

The trend toward uniforms is building in Tulsa, where many of the elementary schools require them. As those students move to higher grades, the policy is likely to go with them.