By LEONARD GRAY

NORCO – In a district where 98 percent of the teachers are certified, St. Charles Parish public schools opened Thursday for “the business of education,” Superintendent Dr. Rodney Lafon said.

Lafon said 87 new teachers were hired for this school term, “pretty normal for us,” and all but two job openings are filled. “We’re not perfect, but we’re close.”

The job openings are for a part-time occupational therapist and a full-time school psychologist.

Meanwhile, children packed the schools, public and private, and got down to business.

Principal Stephanie Williams, at Norco 4-6 Elementary School, said the first day “went extremely well.” Now in her third year on the job, Williams seemed serene as she gave a brief tour.

In Marcie Hebert’s fourth-grade class, students unpacked “Back to School” boxes, containing donated items including notebooks, pencils, loose-leaf paper and erasers.

Trevor Gaubert seemed excited to be back. “I couldn’t sleep at all last night!” he said.

The day was not without its last-minute glitches, such as some scheduling adjustments with teachers Gwen Keller and Elizabeth Folse, but a five-minute confab with Williams soothed that matter down as well.

At adjoining Norco K-3 Elementary, principal Rita St. Pierre enjoyed not only a smooth day, but the new air conditioning in the building.

Several changes greeted the students, including internet-access computers in every classroom, donated by Shell.

A welcome-back event was held Tuesday to orient students as to classroom locations, meeting teachers and bus preparation. Every child wore a tag with their name and bus number.

Kindergarten does not start until Aug. 28, but screening is proceeding. In one session, little Kayla Waguespack proudly sang “The Alphabet Song” upon request. She plans to join her third-grade brother Kerry at the school.

Private schools are also back in session. Sacred Heart Elementary’s K-8 facility in Norco greeted students with their new gymnasium, more computers from Orion Refining and a new music program.

The gymnasium still needs floor work completed, including striping, waxing and sealing, plus bleachers and furnishings for the concession-stand and dressing rooms.

Coach Matt Orillion led prayers before physical education class, then gave a first-grade group instruction on stretches.

One tiny tot politely raised her hand. Orillion called upon her. “My doggy died,” she somberly announced.

Schools are, indeed, back.