“We’re off and running. Summer went by so fas t— too fast,” St. Joseph High School secretary Chris Monte mused.

Students and staff at Ironton’s two Catholic schools resumed classes last Friday. They have returned to find a few new faces, both standing in front of them and sitting beside them. Monte said enrollment has increased at both St. Lawrence Elementary and St. Joseph High School. The grade school now has 94 students; there are 83 in the upper grades.

There are new teachers as well: Mike Morgan is the new high school history teacher. Jennifer Spade is both high school art and elementary school computer teacher. Linda Ford is the new sixth grade teacher and Jennifer Collins is the new sixth grade teacher.

High school students are planning a spring break trip to Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Two years ago, students visited Italy. This year’s spring break is in March.

At the elementary school, safety was the focus during summer months and students will find both the building and the playground a bit more secure. Secretary Sally Cannon said the playground is now completely fenced and locked. Visitors will now find entrances locked and must be buzzed in at the front door. Teachers now have walkie-talkies for instant communication anywhere, anytime.

“They’ve got them if something comes up they can get a hold of someone right away. It’s nice. It’s a small thing to do to keep the kids safe. And if a child is hurt on the playground they can call for help,” Cannon said.

If summer seemed to end too soon, take heart. The last day of school is May 23, 2008.