WELCOME BACK STUDENTS! Major improvements in Canton schools

By Courtney Warren

Summer went by in a blazing ball of fire, and it’s already time to pack lunches and tie shoelaces. As students prepare to return to school, local Canton schools have worked hard to ensure an even better educational experience for scholars. 

Canton Public School District (CPSD) recently celebrated raising their overall rating, a huge accomplishment and benefit for both students and teachers. CPSD superintendent Gary Hannah said, “The Canton Public School District is looking forward to the 2023-2024 school year with excitement! We have several new projects and initiatives in our district that we know will make this a great school year for our students. Canton High School is currently undergoing renovations that will include a new roof on the building, artificial turf on the football field, and a new scoreboard. Nichols Middle School will receive new paint and other cosmetic lifts. Other schools in the district will receive new air conditioning units as needed.”

“We are also pleased to bring the GED option back to the district through our High School Equivalency Program (HSEP). Our HSEP program is located at 740 E. Academy St. and will provide an additional layer of graduation opportunities for our students. Additionally, students will receive career and college counseling as we prepare students for the future,” said Hannah. 

“Our district also received a grant that will allow us to employ a Career Counselor, who will be housed at Canton High School, but who will provide career coaching services to two additional sites,” said Hannah. 

“This year is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for the Canton Public School District,” Hannah added. 

Canton Academy has also worked hard to prepare for the arrival of students. 

“After lots of summer renovations and some excellent upgrades, some of which include flooring, painting and paving, we are ready to welcome our students back to campus for a great 2023-2024 school year. We have Panther softball season in full swing and our defending champion football team kicks off their season on August 10. Our 2022 State Champion cross country team has been practicing all summer and is ready for the new season. It’s a great time to be a Panther!” said Head of School Ryan Laster. 

CA’s director of admissions Jenny Wadford said, “In the summer, our halls are so quiet, so by the time the end of summer rolls around, we are ready for some student noise! We are excited to see all of the new faces that will be on campus this year and looking forward to seeing the students we’ve missed all summer!”

School begins the second week of August for most area schools. Please check their websites for more information.