Students inside the junior high school gym getting their schedules for the new school year. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Chapel Hill Junior High School ushered in the new academic year Thursday with excitement and anticipation as students and staff stepped through the doors for the first day of school.

Principal Ashley Loyd was all smiles as she greeted her students.

“The first day of school is my favorite because everyone comes in excited and smiling,” Loyd said. “I’ve been walking all over the campus this morning, and all the kids look great. They seem to feel great, and we’re starting off on a good foot. It’s going to be a great year.”

As students walk through the freshly polished hallways and past the well-worn lockers, the first day sets the stage for a year brimming with opportunities, growth, and new beginnings.

“I hope that our students know how much we love and care about them and that it transfers over into the classroom and that they’re all very successful,” Loyd said. “And I hope our kids come in and work hard and just do their very best that they can every single day until the last day of school.”

First days of school often bring conflicting emotions. Some are nervous, some are excited, and some may be ready for the last day of school already.

“I guess I’m excited about starting the new school year … but I’m kinda ready for it to be over with,” said eighth grader Ayden Warren. “But I like hanging out with my friends and playing basketball.”

Chapel Hill Junior High, home to approximately 475 students in grades seventh and eighth, offers a vibrant environment where young learners can explore new opportunities.

“I’m excited to just make new friends, meet my teachers and see what God can do with me this year and see how He can help me lead my peers,” said eighth grader Chloe Brown. “I like being in Chapel Hill because there are a lot of opportunities that are available to us.”

For many eighth graders like Brown, Thursday marked the beginning of the final countdown to high school.

“I’m excited but also nervous because high school is such a big step,” she said. “I’m definitely going to enjoy my time here before we head off to high school, spending time with friends and going to games.”

The early days of school are focused on building connections with students. The focus is on the three R’s: routines, relationships and resources.

The school’s staff, including school nurse Joanna Martin, play a crucial role beyond academics.

“We counsel, and love and help the students … we help with academics in any way we can and help with the school with field trips and different events,” she said.

In addition to their academic support, the staff’s efforts are deeply rooted in fostering personal connections with the students.

“We spend a lot of time just capturing kids’ hearts, building relationships and getting to know all about them,” Martin said. “I think it’s my most favorite thing to do … every year, building relationships with my kids.”

Thursday also marked a bittersweet milestone as it was the last “first day” in the current building. By next fall, both students and staff will begin the school year in a new facility located at 3102 E. Fifth Street in Tyler.

“It is a bit sad that this is my last “first day of school” in this building,” Loyd said. “This is my 20th year of this building being my ‘home away from home.’ I went to middle school in this building as well so I have years and years of memories within these walls.

The new Chapel Hill Junior High School facility is funded by a $113.9 million bond package approved by voters in 2023, which supports new facilities and upgrades across the district.

“I am looking forward to having a new campus that is equipped to serve our students and community more effectively,” Loyd said. “At a new campus, we won’t have the issues we have now with parking, traffic, small hallways and classroom spaces. We can’t wait to be in a bright and shiny new building.”

As the school year begins, Loyd’s pride in her district and its supportive community is evident.

“We have the best district with the best staff, the best leaders,” she said. “We are a small town district and we are a family and we just love our kids really hard. Chapel Hill ISD is the best.”