For the last nine years, New Ulm Public Schools has implemented a staggered start to the school year, bringing the fifth-grade and ninth-grade students first, ahead of the other grades, to give these students time to acclimate to a new building. The fifth grade students are entering the Middle School for the first time and the ninth grade students are joining the high school.

Fifth-grade teacher Michelle Gag said the first day was all about orienting the students to a new building. By reducing the number of students in the building for the first day, it is less stressful for the students and easier to show them around.

“It’s a new format for the students,” she said. “They are now moving from class to class throughout the day and have lockers. We’re going to take them on a tour and get the students comfortable with the building.”

Though it was only the 5th Grade class that returned to New Ulm Middle School, the full faculty was on hand to help the students become familiar with the different teachers working in the building.

The fifth graders of New Ulm Middle School end their first day back at class with a special recess period. Middle School principal Michelle Miller said everyone at the school had a good first day.

“I am excited for the new year,” Gag said. This is her 13th year teaching and her eighth year teaching fifth grade.

Asked what she liked best about teaching the fifth graders, Gag said she appreciated their extra energy.

“The energy they bring is infectious and they are ready to learn,” she said.

Fellow fifth-grade teacher Makena Walls agreed that the 5th grade student brought a different level of energy and were extremely independent.

The fifth grade ended their orientation day with a special recess period at the end of the day. The entire fifth-grade class was able to unwind on the playground equipment before the final bell. The consensus among the students is that it was a fun start to the school year.

New fifth grade students Benaiah Flemer (left) and Leo Schweiss (right) relax on top of the schools jungle gym after the first day of class. Flemer and Schweiss said the first day back was pretty easy.

“It was just a fun day,” 5th grader Ramsey Sellner said. “We didn’t switch classes today, we just hung out with our advisor.”

Fifth grader Jase Jensen said he thought the day went well. Though summer break is officially ended, he was excited to be back in school. His favorite subject is math.

Fifth grader Oliver Barrie said he was happy to be back in school because he missed his friends.

The rest of the New Ulm Public will return to school in the next few days. Grades first-fourth and 10th-12th will return to school on Wednesday, Sept. 3. New Ulm Public’s Kindergarten class will start last on Thursday, Sept. 4.

New Ulm Middle School teachers celebrate the start of an exciting new school year. In photo (L to R) Martin Luther College (MLC) student teacher Jefferson Heyer, fifth grade teacher Michelle Gag and fifth grade teacher Makena Walls.

Jase Jensen said his first day as a 5th grade at New Ulm Middle School was exciting. He was happy to back in class.

Fifth grade students (L to R) James Jaymez, Oliver Barrie, Gabe Gunderson and Ryan Bockenstedt climb atop the school boulder after completing the first day of fifth grade at New Ulm Middle School. The boys said it was a fairly easy and they were happy to be back in class with friends.