Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 teachers and staff members gathered at Lincoln-Way East High School on Wednesday (Aug. 15) to regroup and prepare for the 2012-2013 school year.

   They were greeted by members of the Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way North and Lincoln-Way West marching bands who filed into the auditorium to play the National Anthem from the aisles as a collective group.

   Senior class presidents Catrina Cimaroli (Central), Scott Hammond (East), Serena Shoff (North) and Emily Owens (West) led everyone on the Pledge of Allegiance.

   “You have the Board of Education’s support,” school board President Dr. Arvid C. Johnson told the group of teachers, administrators, nurses, maintenance workers, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, mechanics and clerical staff. “You have the Board of Education’s thanks. You have our best wishes for a great academic year.”

   Thursday, Aug. 16 marks the first day of the 2012-2013 school year. About 7,400 students from New Lenox, Manhattan, Frankfort, Mokena and portions of Joliet and Tinley Park are expected to file through the doors of Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way North and Lincoln-Way West high schools.

   Their teachers, many of whom taught summer school or participated in staff development courses, gathered at Lincoln-Way East on Wednesday for an institute day before heading to their buildings for workshops and department meetings.

   “The improvement of student achievement is what we are about,” Dr. Lawrence A. Wyllie, superintendent, told the group of educators and staff members.

   “Every single person in this room plays an integral part in improving student achievement,” he added. “I enthusiastically welcome you here today to the 2012-2013 school year.”