“Welcome back,” Superintendent Lawrence A. Wyllie told the group of teachers, administrators, nurses, maintenance workers, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, mechanics and clerical staff. “It seems the summers are faster and faster. I hope you’re well rested and ready to go.”

Tuesday, Aug. 19, marks the first day of the 2008-09 school year. More than 7,000 students from New Lenox, Frankfort, Mokena and Tinley Park are expected to file through the doors of Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East and Lincoln-Way North high schools.

Their teachers, many of whom taught summer school or participated in staff development courses, gathered at Lincoln-Way North on Monday for an institute day before heading to their buildings for workshops and department meetings.

“Every person in here plays an integral role in student achievement,” Wyllie told the group of educators and staff members.

He encouraged everyone – from teachers and secretaries to bus drivers and cafeteria staff members -- to show an interest in the students by asking them about their classes, tests and extra-curricular activities.

“We have to continue to get to know our students,” he said, adding the personal interest help students stay on track and want to attend school each day.

“They’re anxious to get back to school because they know we care about them,” he said of the students.