The halls at Thomas Elementary are filled with students and parents, on the first day of school. Parents helped students find their rooms and open lockers.

Back to school, with Gretna's

largest enrollment

By Darlene Hollwager

Staff Writer

School started for Gretna students last Thursday. Parking lots were busy with student's cars and parents dropping off their children. The elementary schools were especially crowded, as many parents walked their young children into the school and helped them get settled in.

There were lots of smiles from students, parents and teachers anxious to get started on a new year. Many of them were starting on a new adventure - children starting kin-dergarden or stepping up to middle or high school; many parents seeing their little ones off to school for the first time; and new teachers starting their careers.

Gretna's total student enrollment for this year is 2,634. At the elementary level, there are 1,366 students; 560 at the middle school; and 708 at the high school. That means that there are more elementary students then middle school and high school combined. This year's kindergarden class is the largest ever, at 242.

There are 230 students in first grade, 238 in second, 225 in third, 232 in fourth, and 199 in fifth. The middle school has 194 in sixth grade, 186 in seventh, and 179 in eighth.

The high school's freshman class is 168 (the smallest class this year), 186 sophomores, 175 juniors and 179 seniors. With a total capacity of 1,750 students in the three elementary schools, Gretna should be set for a long time at that level. Capacity for the middle and high schools is 800 each. With only three grades in the middle school, that capacity should be substantial as the present students move through the grades. By the time this year's third graders get to ninth grade, the high school will be over capacity. That is just six years away.