Aug. 16 marks the first day of the 2016-2017 school year. A new year means certain changes have occurred to make life easier and more enjoyable for students and staff alike.

One of the big changes is the theme for the year, which is “ALL In, Every Lancer, Every Day”. Students may have seen this on the front cover of the student handbook they received at registration.

“I believe from an emotional standpoint this is a great theme. We’re all in this together,” Associate Principal Karen Calcaterra said.

Another change that will be progressing with the school year is the addition of water bottle fillers. These will be on the water fountains, making it easier for students to fill water bottles.

“We noticed that so many kids drink water, which is awesome, but [it] takes a lot of time in between classes filling them up,” Calcaterra said. “Not to mention, the water gets all over the floor.”

Currently, there are two water bottle fillers, but there will soon be many throughout the building.

Similar to last year, there will be an increase of Chromebooks in classrooms. 4,200 Chromebooks were purchased for the district over the summer, thanks to the Bond Issue, and more will be coming as the year goes on. A change invisible to students but very important is rewiring in the ceiling.

A change outside of the classroom have been improvements to the parking lot. There has also been improvements to the Stadium, like the new banner that is visible from Clayton Road.

“I think the banner is an awesome addition to the football field. It makes a big statement and adds a lot to the already awesome atmosphere,” senior Maggie Maloney said.