Features Editor

If all students are like the ones with whom Trecy Gray comes in contact, then they are anxiously awaiting the first day of school, even though it comes in the heat of summer.

Gray, business manager at Pike Liberal Arts School, has been employed at the school for 21 years. She said no matter when the bell tolls to signal the beginning of the school year, students are ready to get back on campus and to be with their friends.

"This is the second year we’ve been on the extended school calendar and starting in early August doesn’t seem to be a big deal for the students," Gray said. "Most of them are ready to get back and in the routine of school. I think they like the extended calendar because of the breaks, especially the one in October

and the two weeks in the spring."

Gray said, however,

heat is a factor for football players and for the fans on Friday nights.

"It’s rough on the players having to practice twice a day when it’s as hot as it is," she said. "But, they don’t really complain. It’s hot when the season starts – not like football weather – but I think most people are happy with the extended calendar."

Teachers will report for institute at PLAS Aug.1 and the first day for students will be Aug. 5.

The first holiday for students and teachers will be Labor Day, Sept. 2 followed by a fall break Oct. 7-11 and Thanksgiving Holidays Nov. 25-29.

Christmas holidays will be Dec. 20 – Jan. 5. Presidents Day will be observed Feb. 17 followed by a two-week spring break March 14-30.

PLAS will observed Good Friday, April 18 and that will be the last break until school is dismissed for the year May 23.

The Troy City School System and the Pike County School System will follow the same school year calendar for the year 2002 -2003.

Teachers for both systems will report for teacher institute/workday Aug. 1 and students will attend part of the day on Aug. 5, with the first full day of classes Aug. 6.

The first holiday will be Labor Day, Sept. 2 followed by Intersession Oct. 7-11.

In November, the school will be closed for Veterans Day, Nov. 11 and Thanksgiving holidays, Nov. 27-29.

Christmas holidays will be observed Dec. 19-31 followed by Intersession Jan. 1-6.

King/Lee Day, Jan. 20 and President’s Day, Feb. 17 will give the students a breather before a long break March 17-28 which includes Intersession and spring break.

Memorial Day will be observed May 26 before the close of school for students May 29.