Another school year is underway with over 6,600 students settling in at the various public and private schools in the county. For Warren County students, the school year officially started Thursday with parents, teachers and students scurrying to get the year off on a positive note.
According to the school calendar, they will get their first day off Sept. 4 for Labor Day, and again Sept. 15 for the Warren County A&L Fair. The last day of school is estimated to be May 25, with Warren County High School graduation that evening.
Lots of activity was observed at the schools, with parents readying their children for the school experience, with some going through the registration process on Thursday and Friday. 
“We have had some come in today to register their children, and we have several new students,” said Hickory Creek Elementary principal Mike Mansfield. “Our six first-grade classes are quite large, but we are looking forward to a great year.”
Boyd Christian students started their new school year on Friday with a Back-to-School Bash on Friday night.
Language arts and Spanish instructor Abby Frazor was putting last-minute touches on her classroom Thursday with assistance from assistant principal Richard Burk. Frazor has five years teaching experience, but is embarking on her first year at Boyd Christian.
“I am excited, and my goal is to help them achieve the qualities they will need to succeed in life,” said Frazor.
When visitors drive up to Warren County High School or to Hickory Creek Elementary, they are greeted by Sheila Bishop at the welcome center. The 4-year employee enjoys her job of greeting and monitoring people, directing traffic and answering various questions.
“I love my job because I love people,” said Bishop. “And everyone at both schools is so nice and accommodating.”
She can’t begin to guess the number of cars that enter the two campuses each day. After 7:45 a.m. all high school traffic has to come through her station, as the front entrance is for students and it is closed after 7:45 each morning.
“People don’t realize how many cars come through here each day,” said Bishop. “The biggest thing they need to remember is the speed limit is 15 mph through here and 5 mph on campus.”
Warren County Middle School teen living instructor Michelle Hill is very happy to be back in school, starting her fifth year at the school.
“Basically, I teach our students about life skills, nutrition, finances, communication skills, relationship dynamics, about the effects of drugs and alcohol,” said Hill. “I help them learn to make good decisions in life situations.” 
The Middle School cafeteria has a new look, with new tables for students and high tops for teachers, as well as eye-catching murals on each wall.
Not all students are excited about the end of summer vacation, but most realize that school is an important and necessary part of their lives.
WCMS sixth-grader, and former Bobby Ray Memorial student Hunter Basham sums it up, “I guess I’m ready. It’s good to be back with my friends.”