The fi­rst week of school went off without a hitch at La Conner elementary, middle, and high schools.

“There were no problems at all,” confirmed Linda Pierson, secretary for the middle and high schools. “It was very smooth.”

Two hundred and 16 students attend the high school, while the middle school has 144, and 266 youngsters make up the elementary school.

As always, a new school year brought new changes. This year, Cheryl Sullivan took over as principal for the middle and high schools.

The first week was especially exciting for the middle school students, as they got to settle into brand new digs. The new middle school building, which is linked to the high school, just opened this school year. Both high school and middle school students got to use a new entrance and eat lunch in the new shared recreation room, which includes a cafeteria, stage, and gymnasium. Pierson said students were enjoying the new building.

“Everybody’s very excited about the new building and new staff,” said La Conner School District Secretary Connie Funk.

Unfortunately, the changes haven’t been completely happy for everyone. Last year, the middle school students had attended classes in the district office while waiting for their new building to be completed. Now that the students have vacated the district office building, district staff is suffering withdrawal.

“I miss them terribly!” said Funk. “It was a joy to have the middle school kids here.”

For any members of the public who are interested in seeing the school’s makeover, there will be an open house on Thursday, September 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome.