School bells will ring this week

LAUREL — The lawns have been mowed one last time before cleats and marching shoes tear across them. The sound of bats cracking and lawn mowers humming will soon give way to school bells and pep band drums. Summer’s easy pace has officially run out for Laurel-ConcordColeridge students — the 2025-26 school year begins Thursday, Aug. 14.

Hallways are polished, classrooms are stocked, and lesson plans are ready as the Bears prepare to swap swimsuits for backpacks. Teachers have returned from summer break, coaches have their rosters in hand, and the final touches have been made to welcome students back for another year of learning and competition.

Athletes don’t have long to ease into the routine. Fall practices began Monday, Aug. 11, as football, volleyball, golf and cross country teams began training under Nebraska School Activities Association guidelines.

By the end of this week, Laurel will trade its summer sunsets for stadium lights — and the Bears will be chasing victories both in the classroom and on the field.

The competition calendar fires up quickly: Aug. 26: Girls golf team travels to Hartington for the season opener Aug. 28: Volleyball team opens at Battle Creek; cross country begins its season at Hartington