The Warwick School District is in the education business, and it knows there are lessons to be learned from every circumstance.

The ongoing renovations at Warwick High School and the school district's administrative offices won't hinder the learning process. It will only serve to enhance it by providing opportunities to learn different things in different ways in different settings.

"The word being used is flexible," said Kristina Szobocsan, who's entering her 10th school year as the principal of Warwick High School. "You've got to remain flexible. It's disruptive. It's a massive renovation. We have to make the best of it because we live in it. We move classrooms all the time, but the kids have been amazing. They've transitioned with no problems. It's big-time gain for small-time pain."

When Warwick High School students return to classes on Tuesday, Aug. 26, they will encounter many of the same challenges that the ongoing $78 million construction project presented last school year. The two-and-a-half-year update to classrooms, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems and roofing, which started in January of 2024 and is on schedule, is expected to be completed by the end of the summer of 2026.

Szobocsan and her staff have not had access to the high school building since the 2024-25 school year ended on June 10.

"No one's been in the building over the summer," said Szobocsan. "When we go back, we'll have more space since the project began. We're going to have more classrooms back, and we're going to have more hallways and stairwells back. The kids will be in new classrooms and old classrooms, depending upon their schedules."

School will also begin on Aug. 26 for students in first through eighth grades in the Warwick School District's middle school, Kissel Hill Elementary School, Lititz Elementary School, John R. Bonfield Elementary School and John Beck Elementary School. Prekindergarten and kindergarten students will report for school on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

"The first day of school is always a new beginning, a new learning experience," said Szobocsan. "There's a ton of excitement. There's just as much excitement for the first day of school as there is for the last day of school, for different reasons. Kids are excited to see their friends again. There's a social aspect to it."

Warwick's 180-day school year will end on June 5, 2026.

"I don't think people dread the first day of school," said Szobocsan. "There's no doubt that some students have anxiety about school, but there are just as many who are excited about it. I think the teachers are coming back well rested. It's my belief that all educators put their hearts and souls into it. That work is hard work. That work is important work."

Of the 3,700 students enrolled in the Warwick School District, 1,225 attend the high school. The Warwick School District employs 600 people, 300 of whom are considered professional staff members.

"I think every day is different because you respond to what's going on each day," said Szobocsan. "On the first day of school, we're very much interested in making sure no kid is lost. I just love the kids coming back, the chatter of the kids. I don't like quiet buildings. It's kind of the way I like Mondays, because it's a new beginning every week."

Since school in the Warwick district let out two and a half months ago, educators have been involved with training, goal setting, strategic planning and updating manuals, all in preparation for the coming school year.

"As educators, we value the opportunity we have with kids every day," said Szobocsan. "Our goal is for kids to become who they want to become. We are an important part of this community, and we want to partner with people to provide the best possible opportunities for our kids. It's truly an honor to be an educator."