Nebo School District welcomed an estimated 27,000 students on Aug. 20, the first day of the 2008-09 school year. As school opens, Nebo district highlights key factors in the success of the school system in the coming year.

Nebo district's staff has been busy getting ready for the students' return. Approximately 950 teachers took advantage of over 50 courses ranging from technology, literacy, math, first aid and fine arts courses provided for our teachers. Nebo District is known throughout the state for its cutting edge technology and professional development for teachers.

Nebo district's maintenance crew has been extremely busy painting, cleaning, and replacing any worn or defective items in each of our 37 schools. The new Salem Hills High School opened for students and the new Maple Mountain High School is on schedule for next year.

Some of the important ways Nebo's public schools serve students include:

* Improving student achievement. Nebo schools are working hard to close the achievement gap and help more students meet high academic standards. Nebo consistently scores above state and national norms on end-of-level tests.

The district is dedicated to helping students with special needs, in particular special education students, English language learners and low-income students meet high expectations and succeed as contributing members of society.

* Serving a crucial role in the community. Nebo schools are preparing students to contribute to the future economic and intellectual growth of the United States, and to compete in a rapidly changing world economy.

The schools are forging collaborative partnerships with local organizations -- including civic groups, areas businesses, local colleges and government agencies -- to provide community service, career development and other opportunities to benefit students and the community.

* Building great citizens. Public education is the great equalizer of the American democracy. Nebo School District's public schools not only offer children a free

education, but also important life skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking skills, communication and interpersonal skills, teamwork and the ability to learn and live together with others in a democracy.

Last year, Nebo district's schools participated in over 88 service projects totaling $65,848 for service projects including food drives, shoes for the needy, planting trees, soldiers in Iraq and cancer patients.

* Helping children stay healthy. Nebo School District is keeping a closer eye on what students are eating in the lunch room, cutting back the amount of sugary snacks in school vending machines and broadening athletic programs.

Nebo School District is committed to promoting healthy environments by supporting good nutrition, and regular physical activity as part of the total educational experience.

The district supports a healthy atmosphere where children learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices enhanced through basic nutrition education and other school activities designed to promote student wellness.

Nebo District's goal is to help all students meet high expectations and reach their full potential. Superintendent Sorensen said, "Our biggest challenge is preparing students for the future.

No one knows what the world will look like when today's students enter the workforce, but by offering a challenging and broad curriculum and extracurricular learning opportunities, we are preparing students with skills that will aid them throughout their lives."

Nebo's mission is to provide each student with quality instruction, learning opportunities, and educational environments which inspire classroom success, personal excellence, and responsible citizenship.