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Middle Gate Families Enjoy Kindergarten Bus Run And Student Walk-Through

By Jenna Visca

Published: Aug 30, 2025 7:00 am

Middle Gate Elementary School families prepared for the new school year by participating in the annual kindergarten bus run and student walk-through on Friday, August 22.

The bus run and walk-through are longstanding traditions throughout Newtown Public Schools District.

Incoming kindergartners at every elementary school are picked up at their bus stop and dropped off at their respective school. Parents go to the school and see their children get off the bus for the first time.

The student walk-through then allows the students to tour their school, see their classrooms, meet new teachers, and catch up with old friends.

At Middle Gate School last Friday, parents eagerly stood outside the building, cameras and cell phones at the ready to take pictures.

This was especially a big moment for Middle Gate Principal Jenna Connors, as the 2025-26 school year marks her first full year in the position. She became Middle Gate’s interim principal in early March, and later became the school’s new principal after a unanimous vote by the Board of Education in early July.

Connors and other school staff members smiled as they helped kindergartners off the bus and warmly welcomed them to the Cold Spring Road school.

Connors called filling the hall with kids “the moment they wait for.”

“All our preparation leads us to this moment,” she continued. “It’s the best.”

Staff members then led the kindergartners into the building and showed them around the school.

It was then only a matter of time before students in grades 1-4 met their new teachers as well. Students and parents excitedly waited outside the building before being led inside.

Teachers and other staff members waited outside their rooms and welcomed everyone back to school.

Middle Gate first grade teacher Leanne Connors said she “couldn’t be more excited” for the new school year.

“My favorite part is meeting the students, knowing that we’re going to have a great year and grow in so many different ways,” the educator added. “I’m just so happy to meet everyone.”

Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.

A crowd of Middle Gate Elementary School students and their parents stand outside Middle Gate Elementary School ahead of the student walk-through on Friday, August 22. The longstanding district tradition allows students to tour their school, see their classrooms, and meet their new teachers before the school year begins. —Bee Photos, Visca

Kindergartner June Nash smiles as she disembarks from the bus at Middle Gate Elementary School, where Principal Jenna Connors was greeting the arriving children. June was one of many who enjoyed the district-wide kindergarten bus runs, when incoming kindergartners are picked up at their home bus stop and dropped off at their elementary school.

Middle Gate Elementary School first grade teacher Leanne Connors (left) talks to Middle Gate student Luca DiIorio and his mom Lauren DiIorio during the student walk-through.

Parents hold their cameras as they wait for their children to step off the school bus.

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Middle Gate Families Enjoy Kindergarten Bus Run And Student Walk-Through

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