Butler youths discuss feelings about new school year
School is almost back in session, and Butler children of all ages expressed mixed emotions about heading back.
While a new school year is exciting, summer definitely has its benefits, children in Camp Breakthrough said.
Lydia Hinkle, a soon-to-be sixth-grader, will be moving from Slippery Rock Area Elementary School to Slippery Rock Area Middle School. This makes her “nervous” to be around new people and older classmates.
“I’m scared to not have recess, I like getting to play with my friends outside,” Lydia said.
Still, she is glad to begin this new chapter because younger children look up to middle school students, she said. Plus, her older brother will be there to help find her classrooms.
Starting middle school means Lydia will be getting to and leaving school earlier, and attending more classes. Her favorite subject is science, but she dislikes computer class, she said.
Before summer wraps up, she plans to go back-to-school shopping with her grandmother at Target and Walmart.
Natalia Poole also goes back to school shopping each year. She plans to buy new clothes, a pencil case, folders and other supplies.
Natalia will be starting second grade at Center Township Elementary School. She is “happy, excited but a little scared” about going back.
She said she loves meeting new friends when school starts, but dislikes carpet time.
“My teacher makes me sit up (during carpet time) and I just want to lay down,” Natalia said.
Natalia said she would like to be an artist someday. As a result, she enjoys art, library and music class and said she wants to learn harp or violin soon.
Danica Getz, who will begin fifth grade at Connoquenessing Elementary School, said she is more of a science fan who enjoys learning and getting to see her friends during the school day.
“I’m excited but I’m scared to meet the teachers because I don’t know if they’re gonna be mean or not,” she said.
Danica claimed her favorite part of starting school is having less work at first. However, she doesn’t like seeing peers get bullied and said she will always stand up for her friends.
The fifth-grader plans to own a hair and nail salon as an adult.
Bryson Niederlander will also begin fifth grade but at Northwest Elementary.
Going back to school means less TV and an earlier bedtime for his family, he said. Still, Bryson said he is looking forward to meeting new friends and learning math.
Emma Mauthe will have a different schedule than the others, as she is starting her senior year at Butler Senior High School.
“It feels weird to be a senior,” Emma said, “I feel like I should still be a freshman.”
She said she enjoyed some parts of her time at Butler Area School District but “it could be better.”
Her least favorite part of a new school year is having to deal with parking, she claimed. Although, she said she is excited to buy new clothes for the first day and senior photos.
After high school, Emma plans to attend Butler County Community College and become a nurse.
