New principals The Early County School System will begin a new school year Tuesday, Aug. 3 when students go back to school.

The school days will be as follows: elementary school - 7:55 a.m. - 3:05 p.m.; middle school - 8 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.; high school - 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; and alternative school - 8 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Former elementary school principal David Ferry will be replacing Irene Bush as principal at Early County High. Longtime assistant principal Joycelyn Lester has been named principal at Early Elementary. Anthony Yarbrough remains the principal at the middle school.

Orientation Monday

Ninth grade orientation will be held at Early County High Monday, Aug. 2 at 10 a.m.

The middle school sixth grade orientation is Monday, Aug. 2 at 1 p.m.

“Meet and Greet” for teachers and students at the elementary school will be Monday, Aug. 2 between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Elementary school open house will be held at 5:30 p.m. as follows: Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade on Aug. 17; second and third grades Aug. 19; and fourth and fifth grades Aug. 24.

Parents are urged to see the supply list on page 2B in this week’s Early

County News. The items on this supply list are needed for Early County Elementary School students for the 2010-2011 school year. Additional school information, including contact information is also located on page 2B.

Student meal costs during the school year are as follows: breakfast - free; elementary school lunch - $1.60; middle school and high school lunch - $2.

Parents should be aware that no student should arrive at school prior to 7:15 a.m. without permission of the principal and/or the transportation director.

In addition to Labor Day, Sept. 6, students will be out of class for fall break the week of Oct. 18 - 22 and again the week of Nov. 22-26 for Thanksgiving holidays. The Christmas holiday break will be Dec. 20 through Jan. 3.

Offering Grief Support

Heavy hearts settled among students and staff at Early County Elementary School and the entire school system following news of the tragedy in the Justice family.

“The deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Justice and Garrett are truly a deep loss for our entire school system and community,” Principal Joycelyn Lester stated. “We will provide an opportunity for grief support to students, parents, and staff during these difficult days.”

Everyone is invited to visit the elementary school Friday, July 30 between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. School counselors, social workers and administration will be available to offer support. If you have any questions or need more information, call Principal Joycelyn Lester at 723-4101.