Darien celebrates first day of school

DARIEN — Superintendent of Schools Alan Addley said there is always excitement and anticipation on the first day of school, but it was especially “palpable” on Monday.

“It’s wonderful for the entire school community to come together again,” Addley said.

This was the first time in more than a year that some students had even been on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. About 50 to 75 students had opted to remain remote for the entirety of the last school year.

More than 4,600 students are expected to once again fill the schools this year though.

“They were excited to see each other and their friends again,” he said.

Though it wasn’t fully back to normal, Addley said the students and staff did a great job adapting to the current school environment by wearing masks and social distancing.

“Students and staff transitioned very smoothly,” he said, adding they all hit the platform running to create a very positive first day.

He said there were no problems and all of the logistics went well. Even more students are riding the bus this year compared to last year, which helped out with drop-off.

He thanked all of the staff for their planning and for the parents’ support to really make this year’s first day special.

The parent teacher organizations will often hang signs and balloons around the schools to welcome everyone to the new academic year.

“They decorate the place to make the place feel welcoming for students and staff,” Addley said. He said the passion everyone has for the district was evident.

“It’s a special day in the school calendar and today went as smoothly as I could hope for,” he said.

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Jenna Camillo drops off her son, Michael, on his first day of kindergarten at Newfield Elementary School in Stamford on Monday. Stamford Public Schools students returned to class Monday to kick off in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year.

Darien Public Schools / Contributed photo Darien Public Schools welcomed students and staff for the first day of school on Monday.

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Students enter the first day of school at Stamford High School on Monday. Stamford Public Schools students returned to class Monday to kick off in-person learning for the 2021-22 school year. Pandemic protocols were still in place as students and staff were masked, handwashing stations were available, and some sites even offered on-site COVID-19 testing.

Darien Public Schools / Contributed photos Darien Public Schools welcomed students and staff for the first day of school on Monday.

New Principal Matt Forker greets students on the first day of school at Stamford High School on Monday.