'Shine Your Light:' Edmond Schools Superintendent Says Theme Of 2024-25 School Year Encourages Student Individuality

As students in Edmond begin their first day of the 2024-25 academic year on Thursday, district leaders are encouraging students to express themselves.

With more than 20,000 students expected to be in classrooms across the district, Edmond Superintendent Dr. Angela Greenwald said the district is doing what they can to remind each one they are special.

“We just believe that everyone brings a special light to the classroom and to the school,” Greenwald said. “Teachers have something to offer every single student, and students have something to offer their class. We just ask that you shine your light, be who you are, and let people take what you bring to the classroom, and let others enjoy your light.”

As far as student individuality goes though, Greenwald said students must stull obey school rules, especially when it comes to the dress code.

“If you have on a T-shirt that depicts violence or drugs or alcohol, you're going to be asked to change that shirt,” Greenwald said. “Often kids have something else they can change into, or we can give them a different shirt to wear so we can get them right back in class, but something like that would be disruptive, they would be asked to change.”

With the district nearly 100% staffed, according to Greenwald, the district is going into the new school year as prepared as they can be.

“We're still missing some CAs, some classroom assistants, and definitely still need some substitutes, students are going to have a classroom teacher in their class when they walk in today, which is exciting,” Greenwald said. “In the past, we have started school without some teachers, and so we're excited that we get to offer that and bring that quality to our students.”

Greenwald also said the district will begin offering new programs for students as well, including an aviation program for high school students and the option for students to begin working toward an associate degree in their freshman year of high school.