Bob Jones prepares as back-to-school clock ticks

The Patriot cheerleaders lead the Bob Jones Band in the 2012 homecoming parade. (RECORD PHOTO)

MADISON – The ‘summer homework’ is almost complete as Principal Robby Parker, faculty and staff finish the last details to launch the 2013-2014 school year at Bob Jones High School.

“Schedules are almost completely finished,” Parker said recently. “We will do some tweaking when the counselors return” at the end of July.

Online fee payment will open on July 29 and will remain open through Aug. 10. “By July 29, (parents will) receive a mailer with student classes — not their actual schedule nor teachers, just classes and all the directions for how to pay online,” Parker said.

In addition, student families have the option to pay on-site at the school on Aug. 5-9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Seniors can pick up parking passes on Aug. 5-9, followed by juniors on Aug. 6-9 and sophomores on Aug. 7-9. “All fees must be paid prior to the purchase of a parking pass,” Parker said.

Students will receive their actual schedules at Patriot Night on Aug. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. “All teachers will be at the school. Students will be able to move around the building at their leisure to meet their teachers, find their classes, open their lockers” and get familiar with the building.

“When you drive by the school, you will see that we are doing some serious tree trimming,” Parker said. “We have also ordered new flags and new rugs. The floors are being re waxed — all 258,000 square feet.”

Parker and the Bob Jones population also are preparing for renovations totaling $15 million that will begin in upcoming months.

SKT Architects and DeJong Richter school consultants explained their evaluation for building upgrades at Bob Jones during a community meeting in April. The discussion included educational specifics, construction schedule and building trends that are affecting high schools.

For more information, call 256-772-2547.