Back to school 2012-13

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Approximately 600 military-affiliated students of the Grand Forks community began school once again this week.

Officials say the children can look forward to many new learning experiences this year.

There are two schools on Grand Forks AFB, with Carl Ben Eielson Elementary hosting kindergarteners to 3rd grade students and Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School hosting 4th grade to 8th grade. These two schools, although located on the base, are not Department of Defense schools, but are a part of the Grand Forks Public Schools system. Students in grades 9-12 attend one of three high schools in the town of Grand Forks.

"We are very excited for the children to begin school, I know this will be a great year," said Angie Jonasson, the principal for Carl Ben Eielson Elementary School.

Kelly Painter, School Liaison Officer for Grand Forks AFB, said the schools on base have added new staff.

"There is going to be great communication from Nathan Twining Elementary and Middle School since they have an updated administration," said Painter. "We are hoping to see kids making great friends, and getting acclimated to the bus system here quickly."

Some of the downtown high schools have also been working on projects to give the students more extracurricular possibilities.

"This year will be very beneficial to the youth here since many new projects in the local community are in the works or have been completed," said Painter.

High school students will now have a new athletic track to utilize this year, along with other projects such as a new fine arts addition which are in the process of being built at Central High School and Red River High School.

With all of the changes being made for this year's students, parents seem to be more than happy with their kids attending school this year.

"This is my first year here, and I'm really excited to see what happens," said Staff Sgt. Rodney Hunter, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron, whose 8-year-old son has just started at Eielson Elementary.

"I've heard good things about the schools here."