Rio Americano HS Back in Session

The siren rang out at the end of the first day back to school at on Monday as students filed out, having reconnected with friends after the summer vacation.

About 1,700 students are enrolled at , which began the 2011-12 school year along with other schools Monday.

"It went well," said freshman Trenton Sanders, 14. "It's a little difficult getting used to being in high school."

For Lauren Dupuis, 18, and her fellow seniors, the year ahead is a chance to complete the high school experience at and enter the next chapters of the lives.

"I want to have a fun year and pass with good grades," said Dupuis, who is on the cheerleading and softball squads and plans to study business in college and attend beauty college after that.

has hired eight new teachers after having to go through a reemployment phase, said principal Brian Ginter.

"The focus here is that we're working to continually gain more improvement on state testing," Ginter said.

All members of the Rio community come together to get things accomplished, he said.

"Anytime I need parents to volunteer they do; they have a can-do attitude," Ginter said. "It's such a good community to be in."

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