Students living in Riverbank returned to classrooms this past week, some earlier than others, since there are two school districts serving families here.

Riverbank Unified School District serves the majority of town, with Crossroads Elementary part of the Sylvan School District. In addition to homes in the Crossroads developments, that district includes the homes south of the canal.

Students in the Sylvan District go to Modesto schools for middle school and high school. An additional elementary and a new middle school have been promised for Crossroads West here as it develops and builds out.

Some students got their educational journeys started, entering TK or kindergarten classes, while others entered the halls as seniors, getting ready for their final year of high school.

RUSD classes started for all students on Thursday, Aug. 8, and by lunchtime at the high school, students were focused on just that, food, having time to eat and catch up on summer activities with fellow classmates.

RHS students enjoy four different class schedules, depending on what’s happening that particular day. Wednesdays are late start days, with first period at 9:31 a.m., and teacher training happening at the beginning of the day.

Minimum days are scattered throughout the year, based on a variety of special events. On those days, first period starts at 8:30 a.m., just like a regular day, but class periods are shorter, with the school day ending at 12:41 p.m. vs. 3:20 p.m. for a regular schedule. The first minimum day this year was for Back to School Night at the high school, which was on Monday, Aug. 12, just a couple of days in to the new year. The next one won’t be until November.

For Rally Day schedules, classes are out at 2:37 p.m., with the rally running from 2:42 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.

And so, the school year begins.