CRYSTAL FALLS, Mich. (WLUC) – In Room 308 at Forest Park Middle School, social studies teacher Taylor Story spent the day talking about the expectations students should have for their classes.

Monday was the first day of school for Forest Park students. Story says students are happy to be back in school after the pandemic.

“I think especially after the post-COVID years, students are more excited to come back and see their friends, get back on a schedule, and sports are happening right now,” Story said. “That’s huge. The kids love being back and getting the hang of it again.”

It’s not just the students who have to adjust. The district has hired five additional employees for the current school year.

Jackie Giuliani, principal of Forest Park K-12 School, says bringing staff together was an important part of school planning over the summer.

“During our professional development days last week, we really focused on building collaboration within our team and making sure everyone is comfortable with the school’s procedures and expectations and that they know all the things that we sometimes assume teachers know,” Giuliani said.

Forest Park hired a new superintendent, Michelle Thomson, over the summer. Thomson says the new hires will have a positive impact on the district.

“I looked at our PD last week and noticed that they are young staff and that makes me happy,” Thomson said. “They bring a lot of energy and it’s good to know that young people are coming to Forest Park.”

The school district has nearly 500 students.

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