The hustle and bustle of children returning back to classes after the summer break began in Henry County Monday.

Jay Fowler, principal of Rocky Creek Elementary in Hampton, said the administration, staff and educators are ready for what the 2012-13 school year will bring.

“All throughout the summer, teachers have come to school to begin to get their rooms ready for school,” said Fowler. “Our leadership team has met three times this summer to discuss our past performance and to set a vision and goals for the upcoming year.”

A series of meetings was held at the school in the week leading up to the start of school, such as talks on new initiatives to be implemented, Fowler said.

School-wide events are in the works for the elementary school for the upcoming school year.

At least once a month, Rocky Creek Elementary hosts “special activities” that include an anniversary celebration and events in honor of Red Ribbon Week, Polar Express Day and Black History Month.

Instrumental modifications are also on the horizon for the school.

“This year our teachers have to deal with major changes,” said Fowler. “We are transitioning to a new curriculum, a new evaluation system and a new accountability system. This has the potential to be very stressful for educators.”

Despite that, Fowler said one of the goals is to approach the changes with an open mind and keep morale at a healthy level.

“Even more than that, my goal is to motivate teachers to look beyond test scores and meet children where they are and love them like they have never loved them before,” Fowler said. “Our theme for the year is ‘R U Crazy Enough?’ and is based on a song by Mercy Me that talks about changing the world with love.”

Fowler, a Henry County native and 19-year educator of the school system, said he is looking forward to the year ahead.

“Henry County Schools is a terrific place to work,” said Fowler. “Our district leaders work cooperatively with schools and are unified by a common purpose to see students succeed.”

School start and end times met slight adjustments for the upcoming school year.

Elementary schools will remain the same with a start at 7:55 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., while middle schools will start at 8:55 a.m. and end at 3:55 p.m. and high school from 8:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.

Information: www.henry.k12.ga.us