BACK TO SCHOOL

Spa City School District celebrates first day of classes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> School is back in session for students in the Saratoga Springs City School District.

The 2021-2022 school year started on Thursday for thousands of families in the greater Spa City area.

Beginning this unique school year amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic took some extra preparation.

“Throughout all of our planning, our goal was to provide the opportunity for all students to safely return to school full-time,” said Dr. Michael Patton, the district’s superintendent of schools. “We have many health and safety layers in place, and we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and consult with our school physician and Saratoga County Department of Health to ensure our school environment is as safe as it can be for our students.

“I appreciate all the support we have received from our school community and staff to prepare for this school year.”

Getting the new school year underway was a joyous occasion at Caroline Street Elementary School, where about 360 kindergarteners through fifth graders arrived on Thursday morning ready for class.

Last year, approximately 15% of Caroline Street Elementary School students participated in virtual learning. So for some, this September marks their

“We have a ton of enthusiasm and excitement to get the school year started.” — Dr. Daniel Packard, principal of Caroline Street Elementary School

first time back at the facility since early 2020, and for a few first-graders Thursday was their first time attending school on site.

“Embrace your learning,” Dr. Daniel Packard, principal of Caroline Street Elementary School, told the new and returning students as they walked into the building.

“We are thrilled to have all of the kids back at school this year in person,”

Packard said. “We have a ton of enthusiasm and excitement to get the school year started.”

Though the months ahead will certainly come with challenges, Packard is optimistic. “It’s going to be a great year,” he said. “We’re looking forward to it.”

PHOTO BY LAUREN HALLIGAN Students enter Caroline Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs on the first day of the 2021-2022school year.

PHOTO BY LAUREN HALLIGAN Students arrive at Caroline Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs on the first day of the 2021-2022 school year.

PHOTOS BY LAUREN HALLIGAN Caroline Street Elementary School principal Dr. Daniel Packard greets students with a smile on the first day of the 2021-2022school year.

Students get off the school bus at Caroline Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs on the first day of the 2021-2022school year.