Among the changes in store this year for students in the Warren County R-III School District are major alterations in bus routes that will shorten wait times for kids at both ends of the day, getting them to and from school quicker. The new routes are based on computer analysis to map out the most efficient itinerary for drivers. It groups routes by distances from school buildings to condense travel times. If you live closer in, you will be on one route, according to district officials. If farther out, you will be on another. “We’ve done a lot of work on this new system,” said Superintendent Dr. Tom Muzzey, who urges parents and students to go onto the district’s website (www.warrenco3.org) later this week for specific route pick-up and drop-off details. Muzzey also urges students and parents to go to the website for information on the district’s new dress code initiated by the school board and aimed at bringing more uniformity to rules across all buildings. The new 10-point code helps students understand what is and what is not appropriate attire for the classroom. He said the many other changes in staff and logistics, including switching all three elementary schools to kindergarten through fifth-grade facilities, are in support of the district’s restructuring. New curriculam and teaching methods such as “Singapore Math” at lower grade levels are being introduced to further the district’s heightened emphasis on academic excellence and to help students learn at a more meaningful level to take learning beyond memorization toward clear conceptual understanding. “Singapore Math helps kids understand the real value of numbers,” said Muzzey. R-III enjoyed a busy summer as crews worked to retrofit bathrooms and drinking fountains in elementary buildings for kindergartners, and paved and sealed parking lots, according to Muzzey. He reported that again this summer, the school district had a very successful seamless food program that provided free breakfasts and lunches for children and youth in the community. Adults paid a minimal cost per meal. Muzzey said pre-kindergarten classes still have openings for the new school year, encouraging parents to call or visit the district’s website for more information.