The 2011-12 school year in Harford County finally got off to a start Wednesday, despite 11 schools remaining closed because of power outages or road blockages left over fromHurricane Irene.
All schools will be open Thursday morning, according to an announcement from the school system Wednesday afternoon.
Parents are advised to continue to expect some variations in bus pick-up and drop-off times, as the school system works through new routes this year.
In addition, those students living on streets that remain closed may still not have bus transportation available Thursday, the school system said in its announcement. Harford County government said Thursday afternoon that 10 roads remain closed because of fallen trees or other-storm related problems.
It was also announced by the school system that bus service will be available Thursday for all non-public placement and out-of-county students. This was not the case Wednesday, when parents of those students were advised they would have to provide their own transportation.
Gradual entrance for kindergartners will take place Thursday at George D. Lisby at Hillsdale in Aberdeen, Roye-Williams in Oakington, North Harford in Pylesville and Youth’s Benefit in Fallston. Those elementary schools were closed Wednesday.
All pre-K students will begin school this Friday, Sept. 2. Early intervention students will begin school Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Wednesday’s first day of school went off without any major problems. Superintendent Robert Tomback rode one of the buses going to Deerfield Elementary in Edgewood, accompanied by School Board President Leonard Wheeler.
The school year was scheduled to start Monday morning, but the power outages and other problems left behind by Irene on Sunday meant postponing school Monday and again on Tuesday, after a number of buildings did not have power.
Despite their students having the day off, teachers and staff at the 11 schools that remained closed Wednesday reported for work.
