District 5 Opens Spring Hill High, Welcomes Students Back to School

Submitted by Lexington-Richland Five.

Bells rang at Lexington-Richland District Five schools on August 20, signaling the start of another school year. The excitement seemed palpable, particularly at Spring Hill High School where nearly 600 students entered classrooms and other areas for the first time. 

The new District Five all magnet high school kicked off its inaugural day with a pep rally featuring student-led activities, presentations on the school and a guitar performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by one new student. 

“It’s an exciting day for us,” Spring Hill High School Principal Dr. Michael Lofton said during the assembly. “I am excited that we have an opportunity to build new traditions, set the school cultures and make history. I feel like we have such great students, faculty and staff that we will excel academically.”

Students attending Spring Hill High will take courses in five focus programs, including an Entrepreneurial Academy, an Engineering Academy, an Entertainment Academy, an Environmental Studies Academy and an Exercise Science Academy. Designed with those focuses in mind, classrooms and common areas like the school’s cafeteria and media center are arranged to allow 
students to collaborate and brainstorm. The goal is to have students focus on honing 21st century skills required for success in the work force and in the halls of academia in the coming decades.

“We’re providing a learning environment that’s relevant to our students’ career interests. It’s truly unique and revolutionary,” Lofton said.

Students like sophomore Chandler Sizer and freshman Kendron Spivey said they were glad they made the choice to come to Spring Hill High and be among the first students at the school. 

“It’s a great atmosphere, having students attend the school because they chose to be here," Spivey said. "I think we’re all just going to feed off each other and the energy and excitement of having a new school.”

“It just seems like a good opportunity. I can do a lot here that other schools probably couldn’t offer.” 

At other District Five schools, parents and students eagerly shuffled in – greeted by school officials, district staff and school board members who bid them good morning and wished them a good start to the school year. 

“The start of the school year is always an exciting time for our students, staff and families," District Five Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hefner said. "Looking at the great things we accomplished last year, we’re excited about what the new school year will bring. And we’re off to a good start with an 'A' rating on the latest federal accountability report, the opening of Spring Hill High and eager-to-learn attitudes from our students. We’re anticipating great things from District Five in 2013-2014.”