Students across the district dismissed for the final time in the 2020-21 school year on Tuesday, June 15.

The start of the day was reportedly “epic” at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where faculty and staff gathered to welcome students.

There was also excitement at the end of the day, when physical education teacher Jackie Lloyd played music from a speaker. Students, faculty, and staff danced as students left the school building to board buses.

Superintendent of Schools Dr Lorrie Rodrigue was also at Sandy Hook School for dismissal on June 15, and she was smiling and waving right along with her fellow educators.

Overall, Dr Rodrigue said the day went “extremely well.”

Earlier in the day, Dr Rodrigue sent a communication to staff, parents, and caregivers.

It read, “We have officially come to the end of the 2020-21 school year! While there have been numerous challenges and disruptions, I want to remain focused on the extraordinary efforts of the entire school community to collaborate and support one another throughout this year.

“The last two weeks, in particular, have made this all worth it,” the superintendent’s announcement continued. “The smiling faces of our elementary and Reed students during field days, the wonderful year-end reflections from our middle school students during Moving Up, or being out on the turf to celebrate Newtown High School Class of 2021 graduates brought the year to a positive close.

“We wish you all a wonderful summer break. Everyone truly deserves time to rest, rejuvenate, and have fun with family and friends,” wrote Dr Rodrigue.

Parents are invited to submit last day of school photos to The Newtown Bee by noon on Monday, June 21, for possible inclusion in the June 25 print edition of the paper. E-mail photos with the first and last name, grade, and school of those pictured, to eliza@thebee.com.

Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.