The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Despite masks, excitement evident on 1st day
GUILFORD — A long line of cars eagerly awaited to drop students off for the first day of the 2021-22 school year at Melissa Jones Elementary School Wednesday.
Some families walked to the building early, younger siblings and family dogs in tow, waiting outside for staff to welcome them.
One of these students was Russell Clune, 9, who is entering the fourth grade. He arrived early and sat in the grass with his mother Holly and dog Bailey as they waited for the doors to open.
Danielle Finch walked her daughter
Eleanor toward the main entrance with their dog Maeby and gave Eleanor, 6, a hug before the girl went off to start her first day of first grade.
Soon, friends walked over and began greeting each other and staff exited the building, asking each other if they were ready for the new school year. Cheers followed.
Staff members walked up to the awaiting cars, helping children who had their backpacks and masks on, as well as exit and head toward the main entrance.
Principal Michele Han stood near the crosswalk, helping children out of cars and welcoming them to their first day. Para-educator Maria Suchy, donning Mickey Mouse ears, waved cars along with a yellow pom-pom and showed students where to go.
Students arrived in style for their first
day. One student had pink and blue colors in her hair and wore a pink Melissa Jones shirt, paired with a unicorn mask. A kindergartner got off the bus in a “kindergarten rocks” shirt and shorts covered in an apple pattern. Two students ran into the building wearing “first day of third grade” shirts.
All students appeared to be wearing masks as they entered the building, where Superintendent of Schools Paul Freeman stopped by on his tour of the schools.
The morning was full of action. Students walked into the building, some holding hands after meeting up with their friends. Another student, a young boy wearing a Marvel backpack, ran to hug a staff member that was welcoming students near the front door. A student then elbowed her to say hello.
Buses came after the cars cleared out and students were welcomed by two staff members, including teacher Samantha Celentano, as they exited the school bus.
Kindergartners lined up near the door, and older students walked right in.
Freeman said he’s especially happy to see student return during the pandemic. “Even through the masks, we could see the smiles and the excitement as they returned, and we remain committed to providing a safe and engaging school year for them,” he said.