The James Logan Courier

Courier Staff Report

The first day of the 2011-2012 school year went smoothly for most of the 4053 students currently enrolled at James Logan High School.

Rhonda Neagle, vice principal of operations, attributed much of the smooth opening to successful orientation meetings held with students during the summer. Attendance at the orientations was up over previous years, partly due to the district's relaxation of the requirement that students have their emergency contact forms in order to attend orientation. That requirement reduced attendance at previous orientations, Neagle said.

A casual sampling of student opinion conducted by Courier staffers during fourth lunch indicated that most students were happy to be back in school.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how my classes go and school dances," said Maria Saldana, a senior, "I'm excited for the Senior Ball."

Nathan Combes, a junior, said returning to school gives him "something to keep me busy and get a job instead of just playing games."

Adisalanieta Waqanivalu, a junior, said, " I feel inspired to do good work this school year."

Brianna Marcalo, a junior, said that, while she's "not a fan of waking up in the morning," her first day back had gone "okay." She said she wants to attend more football games this year, and get involved in some clubs.

Jeffery Prothro, a junior, said "I want to get over a 3.5 g.p.a." He said that, after two years at Logan, he is surprised that he again "feels like a freshman."

Alejandra Cruz, a sophomore, had her sights set a bit higher. "I'm looking forward to getting A's, a 4.0."

Prabhjot Singh, a sophomore, told The Courier that he is "happy to see friends again" and that the first day of classes had been good. However, he said he is "sad that not all of my friends have the same lunch."

Jacob Donato, a sophomore, cursed when he was asked if he was glad to be back in school. He said he's not glad to be back because "My teachers are whack."

Rizhu Liu, a freshman, was a bit overwhelmed at the size of Logan. "There are many more people than I expected, and I was a little nervous," Liu said. "I'm still a little nervous, but it's been okay so far."

Hui Wang, a senior, said he was having a good first day back, but that he was "happy for a minimum day."

Last year, Logan teachers and the school district agreed to make Wednesday's shorter school days to give teachers time to collaborate with each other after school.

Language Arts Teacher Paula Atlansky said, "It's never a dull moment here at Logan. Every year brings a new beginning, new faces, new challenges," as she spent her lunch setting up her bulletin board and arranging handouts for her classes.