From Enota Elementary School's retro look to Gainesville Middle Schools' new faces, the 2004-05 school year in Gainesville City Schools got under way Monday.

Students poured into the system's seven schools, carrying new backpacks and sporting new clothing and haircuts.

The fashion trend at Enota, particularly among faculty, was poodle skirts, as the school kicked off its 50th year in the city system. The school will sponsor 1950s dress-up days on Fridays and is planing a sock hop for Sept. 16.

Enota parents, teachers and others helped out during the summer decorating bathrooms and hallways and developing new programs, such as the "Culinary Arts Institute," where students learn to cook and hear about healthy eating habits.

"This (effort) makes the school an exciting place to be," said principal Sally Meadors. "We feel this is enrichment beyond the classroom."

Fifth-grader McKinney Pierce helped paint the wall outside the new "Science and Nature Exploratorium," a classroom that has been converted into an interactive science lab with computers.

"It was neat to see the school before everybody else," she said.

Kylen Jackson, another Enota fifth-grader, said she enjoyed being among the oldest students in school. She said "you feel happy about yourself" when able to give directions to students new to the school.

She said her goal this school year is to be part of the school's Stomp Zone, an honor group for students who have done their homework, made good grades and regularly attended school.

Susan Brooksher, who teaches third grade at Enota, said she wants to work with her students this year in building up their confidence, self-esteem and sense of "looking out for each other."

Across town at Gainesville Middle School, new principal Bill Harner was introducing himself and other new administrators to students during assemblies in the gymnasium.

In a meeting with seventh-graders, he talked about his previous experience as superintendent of Greenville County (S.C.) Public Schools, where he oversaw 18 middle schools.

He said he was excited at the prospect of working every day in one school.

"In a short period of time, I'll know every one of your names," he said.

Harner, a U.S. Military Academy graduate, also spoke briefly about his 20-year military career.

"I decided to get into education to make things better for young people," he said.

Sarah Pitre, who teaches English to sixth-graders, said changes at the school, which include a newly renovated interior and a strict dress code that includes a ban on blue jeans, seems to have spurred a "private-school" feel at the school.

"I believe the students are ready to learn," she said.

The school system also began its first day of the new Phoenix Academy, which will serve primarily students at the middle school and Gainesville High School who are new to the United States and have had little formal schooling.

Lead teacher Laura Herrington said the first day went well. The school opened with 21 students, including five who are seeking their general-equivalency diploma.

"You couldn't ask for a more appreciative bunch," she said.

New Holland Elementary School began its first full year in its new building. The school opened last year sharing space with Enota Elementary while its building off Jesse Jewell Parkway and Barn Street was being completed.

Frank Harben, chairman of the Gainesville City Board of Education, said he didn't visit any schools on Monday. But he did a walk-through of all of them on Friday.