NEW FACES HELP OAK RIDGE CELEBRATE 125TH YEAR

OAK RIDGE -- Celebrating their quaquicentennial in style, the Oak Ridge R-6 School District opens its 125th year with many new faces.

"It looks very good. A lot of excitement is going on," said Cheri Fuemmeler, superintendent of schools. "This is our 125th year as a district and we plan some special celebrations."

The district has also received nearly $600,000 work the grants this year, which makes the new school year even more exciting for Fuemmeler and her staff.

"They provide addition opportunities for the students and staff," she said. "It enhances what the teachers are doing in the class room."

This school year sees a number of personnel changes. The district lost Shirlie Wright, high school principal, who took a position at Ste. Genevieve. Replacing her will be Bill Bacchus, a retired administrator from Charleston. Bacchus will work part-time and will be supplemented by Paul Lynch, new assistant principal and transportation director.

"I think it will work really well," Fuemmeler said. "Mr. Bacchus will be working part-time, mainly with teachers, on curriculum and instruction methods."

Lynch will also be baseball and basketball coach. Fuemmeler said he will be "working with teachers as well as students" this school year.

Also joining the staff and faculty are teachers Linda Holt, Linda Schaffner, Jennifer Hart, Jill Mills, Sarah Harbaugh, Sara Scheper and Patricia E. Dahl. Staff includes Nancy Hahs, high school secretary, Terri West, K-12 counselor, Sandi Hendricks, A+ coordinator and Melissa Kaminsky, high school special services.

'I think it will be a good year," Fuemmeler said. "We're looking forward to it."