Back to class at River Valley

Summer vacation is done and over with, and yet another exciting year of learning awaits the students at River Valley High School. Some students are reluctant to go back to nightly homework and weekly testing, while parents are happy to get their kids out of their hair.

One thing is for sure: A lot is in store for the continuing students, including a new batch of incoming freshman, graduation ceremonies for the class of 2010, a new principal and the loss of the head librarian, just to name a few.

It will be interesting to see how the budget cuts are going to play out and how our school will deal with the increased ratio of students to teachers per classroom. The student-to-teacher ratio decision was decided by the Yuba City Unified School District in an effort to curb outlandish spending; Walmart shoppers are not the only ones looking to save a buck.

Unfortunately, in spite of the district's efforts, a few teachers had to be let go this year. Luckily, some will be given a notice to come back to work. Others have to wait to return to work, while working teachers not granted seniority fear being handed their pink slip.

In addition, the school's Site Council, of which I am a member, is working hard to make sure that all cuts are as far away from the classroom as possible, and we will continue to work to the best of our abilities.

All in all, there is certainly a lot to look forward to this upcoming semester. Class sizes will increase, sports transportation and funding are slashed and there might not even be a school bus for students who don't have a ride in the morning. This is unlikely, but you never know. However, if this were to take effect, it could prove to be very problematic for some students who would have to find alternative transport.

What's more, the library will stay open after school for students who need the extra studying time, and the newly elected student committee has plans to raise school spirit and get the students pumped for after-school matches.

For the graduating class of 2010, college applications and interviews are certainly on the to-do list, and will surely consume the majority of their time — and mine, too. We will just to have to see how the year unfolds.

Aizell Kittles is a senior at River Valley High School. His column appears about every sixth week in Education.