New School Year Off To A Smooth Start

By Tanjua Damon

Nearly 5,000 returned to Newtown’s public schools on Wednesday. Some came with smiles of excitement while others had no expression at all, looking like they had just rolled out of bed. Several students at the middle school said they were scared or nervous. A lot of elementary school students came to school excited and ready to go.

Newtown Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed believed things went well on the first day of school. There were some expected glitches with transportation as everyone gets used to catching the bus and getting into a routine.

“As far as I know, we had a very good opening,” he said. “By and large, people seem to be very pleased.”

Students at Hawley got off to a good start for their first day of school. There were 558 students, 44 new ones, according to Principal Jo-Ann Peters.

“It could not have run more smoothly. It was a great beginning,” she said. “They were wonderful. You walked around the hallways and wouldn’t even know it was the first day.”

Over 500 students arrived at Head O’ Meadow School wearing smiles. Principal Bill Bircher said the day couldn’t have gone any better.

“The first day of school went absolutely great,” he said. “The vast majority of the students are glad to be back, as are we.”

It was another smooth opening at Middle Gate School. Over 550 students entered the school doors a little after 8:30 this morning to begin the new school year. Students were still registering for school Tuesday evening, according to Principal Judy Gallo.

“It was just so great to see them,” she said. “The kids were so excited to be in the classrooms with their teachers.”

Sandy Hook School didn’t have any troubles with the opening day of school, according to Principal Donna Pagé. The 730 students came right into school, settled in, and were ready to learn.

“It was wonderful. Our opening day ran like clockwork,” Ms Pagé said, “thanks to the hard work of many staff members. We’re thrilled to have the children back. It’s almost as if they didn’t leave.”

A record number of middle school students, 1,205, made their way back to the classrooms, according to Principal Diane Sherlock.

“It was fantastic,” she said. “It went very smoothly. All day long I just saw smiles one after another. We are off and running.”

It was another exciting momentous day at Newtown High School where approximately 1,325 students made their way back to the classroom after summer vacation.

“It went extremely well. Very, very smooth,” Principal Bill Manfredonia said. “No problems whatsoever. That’s a real credit to everyone who worked to get ready for the first day of school. It really was an exciting day. All the students came back with positive attitudes.”

The expected last day of school for Newtown students is June 15, 2001.