MARIES COUNTY — Students and families had an opportunity last week to meet teachers, pick up schedules and explore buildings during open house events held by both the Maries County R-1 and Maries County R-2 school districts.

Maries County R-1 opened doors on Aug. 19, welcoming families and students back to the building.

Maries County R-2 students and their families also had an opportunity to get ready for the new school year during open house events held in Bland on Aug. 19 and Belle on Aug. 20, both with good turnouts.

For returning students, the open houses offered a chance to reconnect with teachers and friends, while students entering a new building were able to become more familiar with their surroundings.

Parents also had the opportunity to speak with teachers and school staff about the upcoming year, classroom expectations and other information students will need as classes get underway.

At the R-2 high school, the guidance counselor’s office was among the busier stops during the early evening. A line formed outside the office as students and parents waited to visit with school guidance counselor Chris Feeler, many seeking assistance with schedules and other questions ahead of the beginning of the school year.