DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, Utah — School is back in session. After a summer filled with travel, relaxation and family time, students on Dugway Proving Ground returned to their classrooms, marking the start of a new academic year.
Many families spent their summer visiting loved ones but expressed excitement about reuniting with the school community.
“I’m excited to see my friends again,” said one returning student, a sentiment echoed throughout the base.
A Community Reunited
For Dugway’s small population, summer break often means a quieter community. Families took advantage of the extended time off to explore and reconnect, but today brought a welcome return to the bustling energy of school days.
The pool nearby will soon be closing for the season, as parents and children wrap up their summer adventures.
"I'm not sad for summer break to end," said another student. "I'm sad for the pool to be closing soon."
As the school year begins, the base is buzzing with activity. Parking lots at the commissary are full, and the school district’s website saw increased traffic from parents confirming details.
Supporting Students and Families
The Army Community Service (ACS) played a central role in preparing families for the year, offering both practical resources and emotional support.
Emily Harrison, the ACS director for Dugway, said, "We have a great partnership with Operation Homefront, [which] provides us backpacks and school supplies each year."
The annual Back-to-School event provided residents with essentials and a sense of connection. “The Back-to-School event is a rewarding evening," Harrison continued. "[It offers] families a fun opportunity to receive free school supplies."
But Harrison also noted that the start of the year can bring challenges. “The transition back to school can be a stressful time for families," she stated.
To ease the change, she offered these tips:
-Subtly shift your schedule to not overwhelm your student -Practice new routines early -Pick a quiet, well-lit, clutter-free homework area -Plan for family meal times -Regularly ask about your student's day
"We are here to support all Dugway families," Harrison emphasized. "There is no issue too big or too small."
A Unique Setting for Learning
Dugway’s remote location fosters a close-knit school environment. Surrounded by miles of Utah desert and operating within a secure military installation, students often grow up knowing their classmates for years. Parents frequently connect at community events, creating a strong support network.
The return to school reestablishes the rhythms of life on post — morning bus rides, hallway chatter and the familiar sight of backpacks heading to class.
A Bright Start to the Year
Whether it’s the crisp pages of a new notebook, the smell of crayons or the sound of friends calling out in the hallway, back-to-school season at Dugway is more than a date on the calendar. It’s the annual moment when this small desert community comes together to start something new.
As families find their routines again, an exciting energy pulses across Dugway Proving Ground, shifting from the quiet lull of summer to the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead. Back-to-school here isn’t just about learning — it’s about community, resilience and a shared commitment to building a brighter future, one classroom at a time.
| Date Taken: | 08.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.08.2025 10:28 |
| Story ID: | 545924 |
| Location: | DUGWAY PROVING GROUND, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Dugway Proving Ground students return for new school year, by Kyle Hetrick, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
