Richmond-area students head back to school

Dreary weather notwithstanding, it was a great morning at Richmond Community High School.

Facing a record-size student body of 250, including six foreign exchange students, principal Thomas Beatty opened the school year a little after 7 a.m. with a friendly welcome and a big smile.

"Welcome back," he shouted over the din of students assembled in the cafeteria of the school's new home, the former Chandler Middle School on Brookland Park Boulevard. "Who's happy to be here?"

The students were among the early-goers as most of the area's public school systems began the 2009-10 year. The day was a first for the 33-year-old Community, which moved into its fifth and, Beatty hopes, final home.

Systemwide, the day began smoothly despite a steady rain.

"It has gone pretty well," said Felicia Cosby, the school system spokeswoman. "Some people thought it might dampen enthusiasm, but it hasn't. I just left Chimborazo Elementary, and they had a packed house."

Schools around the region headed back to class this morning, and some districts opted not to show President Barack Obama's midday speech to students. Chesterfield, Hanover and Powhatan counties and the cities of Colonial Heights and Petersburg did not show it, while Henrico County allowd teachers to show the speech, but only with parents' permission. Richmond showed it when it aired.

For full back-to-school coverage, see tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.

--Zachary Reid