Kadena students head back to school Published Aug. 27, 2009 By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Summer vacation will officially end for nearly 4,300 children at Kadena when school begins Monday. School administrators hope for a good start to the academic year as children find their way to their new classes. Show time for students is 7:20 a.m. for Kadena Middle School, Ryuku Middle School, and Kadena High School; 8:30 a.m. for Stearley Heights Elementary School; and 8:50 a.m. for Kadena Elementary School, Bob Hope Primary School, and Amelia Earhart Intermediate School. Children beginning Kindergarten will start their school year Sept. 8. Parents and children are invited to the "Back to School" socials and orientations at their respective schools Aug. 28. Amelia Earhart Intermediate School will hold open classrooms from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a 'Popsicle Social' to follow. Bob Hope Primary School Grade 1 Class will host a 'Lists and Meet/Greet' social in the gymnasium at 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kadena Elementary School will have a class list posting and 'Popsicle Social/Kinder Parent' orientation at 1:30 p.m. Kadena Middle School will have a "Back to School" barbeque starting at 11 a.m. The Ryukyu Middle School will have a social beginning at 11 a.m. The Kadena High School will be having a New Student orientation at 9 a.m. Students attending Stearley Heights Elementary School will see their classroom assignments for the new academic year posted in the courtyard by 1 p.m., Aug. 28. Several schools will also hold "ring in the school year" ceremonies, said Renee Bradberry, Department of Defense Dependent Schools office automation assistant. For families just arriving to Kadena, there will be no late registrations. Parents can register at the school at any time. The first day of school can be a good one as students see old friends and make new ones. Administrators advise students to come prepared with all the supplies they'll need for their classes. They should also know the location of the classes they'll be attending. "I'm happy to be going back to school and getting back together with friends," said Autumn Raymond, KHS Sophomore. "My goal this year is to get better grades and build on the foundation I established last year as a freshman." As school begins, base officials remind drivers on Kadena to pay attention to school zone speed limits. Drivers should also be aware of children who are walking and those who are boarding and disembarking from school buses. "The teachers and staff of DoDDS Okinawa are looking forward to welcoming back all of our new and returning students," said Ms. Bradberry. "We hope that all our students had an enjoyable summer and are anticipating a great school year." Visit the DoDDS Okinawa District website at http://www.okinawa.pac.dodea.edu/Index.htm for more information.