As the first bell of the year rings on Monday, August 18, the students of Taft Union High school make their way to the beginning of the 98th year of instruction and learning. The upperclassmen disperse towards their respective classes, chatting about their summer, as teachers file out of the copy room, preparing last-minute notes for their afternoon classes. Finally, the freshmen are last to enter their classes after a bit of trouble finding their classrooms with the help of campus supervisors Kim Fields and Mary Miller. The school year has officially begun, and is off to a smooth start.

"It's been smooth sailing so far," said Miller of the first day.

"It was a very smooth first day, even better than usual," agrees English teacher and AVID coordinator, Bill Wolfe.

The students began their week with their basic class schedule, starting their mornings with the video bulletin and heading to their extracurriculars and athletics after the last bell of the day sounded throughout campus. Many students agree the 2008-2009 school year is already off to a great start, thanks to their teachers and staff.

"Taft High has an incredible lineup of teachers who are all extremely good at what they do," says senior Warren Mead. "I'm very impressed with all of the teachers I landed this year."

"I love all my classes so far," agrees senior Brianna Lemmons. "And all of my teachers are really cool too."

Many students and staff members would agree that the students' biggest cheerleader is new Superintendent Mark Richardson.

"[Mark] does a great job of bringing everyone's spirits up," said Spanish and AVID teacher Mike Cowan. "It's nice to have such a great guy running the show."

Last year, Richardson was the Principal of Taft High, but as of this year, he's added the duties of Superintendent.

While the students are enjoying the faculty, the staff has taken notice of the new freshman class of 2012.

"The freshman class is very impressive," says Fields. "They seem to know where they're going without much of our help."

"They aren't shy at all!" agrees sophomore Brittany Dillingham.

On Friday afternoon, the freshmen will be gathered for a 7th period assembly to introduce the class to their advisers Ryan Hickman and John Usrey, Principal and Superintendent Mark Richardson, Athletic Director Marsha Eubank and Activities Director Eric Newton.

"The goal of [the assembly] is to familiarize the freshmen with some of our staff and encourage them to get involved in and around their new campus," said Newton.

All in all, things are looking well for the classes of 2009-2012.

"There's a lot of unity this year," said Cowan.

"The students are already committing themselves to their classes and turning a new leaf," said history teacher John Kopp. "It looks to be an amazing year."