More than 3,000 students returned to the district’s five schools on Sept. 5 enthusiastic for the year ahead.

“I want to get good grades and I’m excited to meet my new teacher,” said Tyjae Moore, a sixth-grader at Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School. Just as important as the academics, she said, is displaying good character and serving as a role model for the fourth- and fifth-graders.  

Northwest Elementary School Principal Kathleen Hyland said she is excited that students will be able to take advantage of several new resources this year. First-graders will use Lego kits to explore science and engineering, and additional Chromebooks with Google Suite will provide all students with increased access to state-of-the-art technology.

“We are excited that the school is buzzing again,” Ms. Hyland said, as new Assistant Principal Sonia Rodrigo joined her in walking around the building and greeting students and teachers. “It is great to see the children’s smiles and hear their laughter. This year, they will go on wonderful learning adventures filled with opportunities to explore and grow.”

Northeast Elementary School welcomed about 220 kindergartners. Many of those students attended the school last year for the pre-K program, but the beginning of kindergarten meant a full day of school, lunch in the cafeteria, recess and attending all of the special subject areas. 

Several teachers read their classes “The Kissing Hand,” a book about a child going to school for the first time. The first day also included tours of the school, an introduction to classroom routines and some crafts.

“It’s a whole new world for them,” said kindergarten teacher Renee Chandler, who helped her students make “I Love Kindergarten” hats. “I’m just ready to jump back and in and see how much they learn and grow this year.”