School Is in Session Again
The signs that school is back in session are all around town — traffic control officers posted on Newtown and Gingerbread Lanes, the yellow buses flashing their red lights, and of course those “drive safely” reminders that recently popped up near many of the schools.
Students in the East Hampton School District were among the thousands of kids across Long Island who returned to classes on Tuesday morning, but unlike most of those peers, they started out with a two-hour delay.
It was business as usual at the East Hampton Middle School, where the principal, Charles Soriano, shook hands and high-fived students as they arrived. “We’re ready to rock and roll,” he said.
Rob Jahoda, a traffic control supervisor with East Hampton Village, said things were “so far, so good, as to be expected” Tuesday morning as cars slowed to allow students to cross the street.
At the John M. Marshall Elementary School, Lynn Charveriat of Wainscott waited with her camera ready to catch her sons, Dylan Hepburn, a fifth grader, and Alexander Hepburn, a fourth grader, as they got off the bus. “Alexander said he is really nervous today but also really excited to be in the big kids’ school,” Ms. Charveriat said. “I hope they have a great year, meet new friends, and enjoy school.”
Over in Springs, Eric Casale, the school principal, said the first day went smoothly. “Staff was well prepared and out at different locations this morning to help any student or parent who needed assistance,” he said. “It was one of our better openings.”
The Bridgehampton School welcomed 200 students on Tuesday, an enrollment that the superintendent, Lois Favre, said was “the largest number in many years.” The secondary students heard from a motivational speaker, Paul Failla, who talked about setting goals, preventing bullying and racism, and proper cellphone use. A professional job coach, Everlette Taylor, also addressed the students.
“As part of the day’s events, all students took a career inventory that will help us to enhance our efforts at college and career readiness,” Ms. Favre said in an email. “Each class developed a class theme and banner, and we started the year off on a positive note, thanks to the very thorough planning by our Positive Behavioral Supports and Interventions team.”
In Wainscott, Stuart Rachlin, the superintendent, reported that the school’s two teachers, Kelly Yusko and Mark Carlson, “were wonderful in their getting-to-know-you activities.”
“There were the usual opening day tears, but the returnees were excited to be home,” Mr. Rachlin said.
With a fresh coat of red paint, and new floors, lights, furniture, and decorations, the Sagaponack School also welcomed its students back on Tuesday. This year the school is serving kindergarten students. “The first day ran smoothly as the students toured their new classroom, made new friends, and became familiar with our school rules and procedures,” Aimee Campbell, the lead teacher, said in an email. “We are off to a wonderful year full of learning and fun.”
Eleanor Tritt, the Amagansett School’s superintendent, said it felt like the students never left for the summer. “We had a very smooth opening and everyone enjoyed greeting the children,” she said. “Classes are in full swing. Walking into classrooms, you see the children fully engaged.”
Students at the Montauk School started school last Thursday, with Jack Perna, the superintendent, also reporting a good start to the year. “Everyone seemed to be okay with the start before Labor Day, but I don’t think that will happen again because this year’s calendar was just too tight for everything,” he said in an email.
Students in Sag Harbor returned to classes yesterday morning.