Shelton students head back to school

SHELTON – It was back to class for Shelton students Wednesday.

Staff and administrators met with the returning students for what is planned to be a year of full day, in-person learning for the first time since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.

“It was an exciting and very quick day ... the kids were so happy to be back,” Booth Hill School Principal Dina Marks said. “It was wonderful having noise in the hallways again. Lots of elbow bumps were given today.”

Marks said the students adapt quickly to wearing the masks, and the school is allowing mask breaks outside.

In an email to parents, Superintendent Ken Saranich stated that last year staffers were forced to think differently about how they educated students and, as a result, “we have made education better.”

Saranich said the schools had prepared for a successful and safe school year, focused on quality instruction.

“It all starts with the first day of school,” he said. “Our goal is to make our students feel welcomed, safe, and ready to learn. Although every start of a school year brings new challenges, I hope that we can face them collaboratively with a positive and productive attitude that is in the best interest of our students.”

Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media Kindergartner Valentia Kinsey says goodbye to her mother as students arrive for their first day of class at Long Hill Elementary School Wednesday in Shelton.

Erik Trautmann / Hearst Conn. Media Students, including Sophia Bernardo, arrive for their first day of class at Long Hill Elementary School Wednesday in Shelton.