Box Elder County students head back to class

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah — Students in Box Elder County kicked off their first day of school Monday morning — some in a brand-new building.

They couldn’t wait to make history at Golden Spike Elementary School, and a line started forming well before the 9:20 a.m. bell rang.

“He’s so excited. We pulled up and he’s like wow!” said parent Jessica Winn.

The name is a nod to the golden spike used to complete the first transcontinental railroad in 1869.

“It’s really neat to get a school that bears that name,” Box Elder School District Superintendent Steve Carlsen said.

A brand new school opens in Brigham City – Golden Spike Elementary. Box Elder County School District@anticipates welcoming 12,500 students in grades K-12 this school year. #BTS pic.twitter.com/BC9emtbWBx

— Tamara Vaifanua (@TamaraVaifanua) August 29, 2022

The district had to move quickly to get the building ready for day one. With supply chain issues they almost had to pivot.

“We’re not gonna have a plan B, this is plan A. We’re going to school,” Carlsen said.

Parents could stick with their plans dropping off their students and taking the first-day pic.

Jessica Winn said it feels different this time for her first grader Haizen.

“Are you nervous? You’re OK? We’ve been through it. He’s ready to go.”

Administrators have safety in mind as well.

Before entering the school, visitors will be buzzed in, and the police department is holding a training for staff on how to handle dangerous situations.

“We’re taking it very seriously and making sure we can be ready if those things happen,” Carlsen said.

That spells success for mom Jessica.

“I just want the best for (my son),” she said.

The district is starting off the school year with enough teachers but was in desperate need of bus drivers. Carlsen said they’re a huge school district and drive about 7,000 miles a day.

The drivers they currently have are covering two different schools just to make sure all students get to school safely.