NEW PRINCIPALS, virtual reality and schedule changes are all part of the new year for schools across Eastern Ohio.

Wednesday marked the first day of classes for several schools in Belmont County, including Bellaire Local Schools, Shadyside Local Schools, Union Local Schools, Martins Ferry City Schools and the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District. Classes in the Barnesville Exempted Village School District opened on Tuesday, while St. Clairsvlle-Richland City Schools opened Monday. St. John Central Academy will open Sept. 3, and Olney Friends School will start classes Aug. 26.

On Wednesday, students walked into their schools early in the morning to begin the new year, and in many cases staff greeted them outside.

Bellaire Local Schools welcomed three new principals to the high school, middle school and elementary school. New middle school Principal Josh Kernik said he’s excited for the new year because this is his dream job.

“I like to help kids learn and grow,” he said. “I like to help teachers as well.”

Before becoming the principal, Kernik was the athletic director for more than two years and a seventh grade intervention specialist.

Superintendent Derrick McAfee said it’s always exciting to see the kids arrive to open the year.

“You miss them over the summertime, so when they come back and they’re happy and healthy it’s energizing,” he said.

McAfee said each new principal already has been embraced by the community, students and families because although they are new to their principal positions, they are not new to the district.

“They’re going to do just wonderful things for this town,” he said. “I can’t wait.”

Bellaire is also launching several new initiatives across the district, including virtual reality education in each of the buildings, robotics at the middle and high schools and some new classes, including a home economics, home maintenance and a new chemistry lab class. There is also a new augmented reality dissection table for the high school, which is a virtual tool for detailed learning.

One of the goals McAfee plans to achieve is increased attendance from students by making the schools enticing to attend and making sure the students’ needs are met.

New high school Principal Ben Doyle taught at the school for six years before accepting his new position. He said he’s excited to build relationships with the students and watch the first football game under the new lights at Nelson Field. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday as the Big Reds take on the Buckeye Local Panthers.

Forrest Merryman, ninth grade Algebra I teacher, is excited for all the new programs and features. He also wants to help students get an idea of what they want to do after high school.

“The goals are always to show greater improvement on the end-of-year exams,” he said. “We have done really well in the past, and we’ll just continue to work on those.”

New elementary school Principal Amy Steele is looking forward to working with all students this year and not just her kindergarten class, which she taught before, while supporting teachers and seeing growth in the building.

“You know, you have your own little family in there, but the family just got bigger,” she said.

Shadyside Superintendent John Haswell is excited for the football game this Friday night against Martins Ferry.

Haswell said the school’s goal is to have a safe and happy year.

High School Principal John Poilek is looking forward to keeping up with the school’s home economics program and shop program along with its partnership with Belmont College and Ohio University Eastern.

Poilek described his feelings about coming back for the new school year as similar to when students come back for the year and are excited to start.

“It’s always neat to come back to a first day,” he said. “I’m sure you remember when you were a kid. And that’s one of the best things about being in education, you get that feeling every year — the excitement, the renewal, the possibility for endless things that could happen.”

Poilek said the school is very focused on the math department this year, hoping to raise math test scores.

Shadyside also has a new principal at one of its schools. Greg Mehlman is the new principal at Jefferson Avenue Elementary School. Mehlman said he feels honored to be the principal, as he previously taught kindergarten and preschool for a combined five years.

The excitement of students and staff is what excites him, Mehlman said.

“Learning my new role in the school has been an adjustment,” he said. “But I’m excited for it, as I feel that I could do more for the students, staff and community in the role.”

A new group, Jefferson Parent Organization, made its way into the elementary school. It’s function is to have parents of students volunteer within the school system.

Bridgeport Exempted Village School District Superintendent Brent Ripley is glad to have the kids and staff back in class.

The school system is developing a new senior-level class about the history of Bridgeport and the history of its alumni, including teaching students the history and legacy of the school community.

Bridgeport is also expanding with a grant, adding a wellness center.

Ripley also said Bridgeport has adopted a new schedule designed for students to get more help during the school day on homework or concepts they may not understand, which is a 36-minute period called a flex period.

Bridgeport High School Principal Jack Fisher is excited to see all the people return for this new school year, with enrollment being up.

“I’m excited and happy to be back with staff and students. Just good to see everybody again,” he said. “I’d say I’m a people person. The best part about the job is being out in the halls with the staff and in the classrooms with the staff and students.”