School Year Opens Smoothly in Huntington
While district officials worked throughout the day to address scattered transportation issues, classroom education kicked off smoothly in the Huntington School District on Tuesday as 4,500 students turned out for the opening day of the new school year.
"The first day is traditionally a hectic one and today was no different," Superintendent John J. Finello said. "We had to work through some snafus involving bus pick-ups and other small problems, but all-in-all it was a great day in all seven buildings."
Large numbers of parents gathered at each of the five elementary school buildings to take photos with their children and to make sure the youngsters' buses arrived in a timely fashion. Parents spoke with teachers and aides, introduced themselves to principals and expressed their pleasure that classes were back in session.
With the exception of various bus issues here-and-there, the day went remarkably well, especially considering the elementary level reconfiguration that occurred after the Huntington School Board decided to move students out of Jack Abrams School this year.
The reconfiguration resulted in fourth graders being assigned to the four primary buildings and the district's entire fifth and sixth grade enrollment being sent to Woodhull Intermediate School.
PTA Given Credit
"Our administrators, teachers and support staff really stepped up and worked hard to make the transition as smooth as possible," Mr. Finello said. "PTA members also deserve their fair share of credit for pitching in and helping to make this a positive day for everyone."
Huntington High School ran on all cylinders as students shrugged off summer's end. "So far the day at the high school has been so smooth that I am afraid to jinx it by saying this," Principal Dr. Leonardi joked at midday. "Students have been respectful and cooperative, if a little disappointed at the end of another summer. As expected, the teachers are fabulous, extending their help at every turn and making sure that everyone has the information they need."
Smiles at Jefferson
Jefferson Primary School Principal Margaret H. Evers was all smiles on Tuesday. "I couldn't have been happier with our 2010 opening day," she said. "Jefferson sparkled from the kindergarten halls to the new fourth grade classrooms, thanks to the hard work of our faculty and staff, many of whom worked long hours during the summer to pack and unpack and set up rooms. Our custodial team, led by Tom Ehlers and including Mark Smith and Ken Boyles, received a standing ovation from the teachers on a job well done this summer, converting us from a K-3 to a K-4 in just six weeks time. It was a remarkable feat!"
Students Back in Groove
Many parents were amazed at how the elementary school youngsters quickly fell right back into the groove of attending school. Teachers reviewed their respective policies and procedures and explained their expectations for the year. It wasn't long before the first lessons were underway.
Classes at Woodhull, Southdown and Flower Hill schools also went off without any real hitches. "Our elementary schools have larger enrollments this year but we are very confident that all students will receive an excellent education," Mr. Finello said. "We are closely monitoring class sizes."
Students enjoyed a full range of classes, including music, art, physical education and library. Breakfast and lunch was available to students. Computers were up and running.
"Today at 9:20 we opened the doors and welcomed 434 children back to Jefferson - home of the Jaguars," Mrs. Evers said. "After two of our fourth graders led the school's recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, everyone got done to business. The day flew by and at 3:40 we ushered everyone to the waiting busses and home to share with parents all the excitement a first day brings!"
Finley Benefits from Veterans
At J. Taylor Finley Middle School, a team of veteran teachers and support staff members quickly organized students and classrooms and were able to hit the ground running. Nearly 700 students resumed their studies and seemed to be happy and having fun, despite the official end of summer vacation.
"We had a very good opening today," Finley Principal John Amato said. "The buses ran very smoothly with no major issues. The students were happy to return to see old friends and teachers."
Washington Primary School, like its sister schools, was filled with more students than the building has housed in more than two decades, but it appeared to be business as usual. Principal Marsha Neville kept busy throughout the day, quickly addressing issues as they popped up, lending a hand in cafeteria where she helped students efficiently move through the lunch line and consoling the occasional crying kindergartener. "We really had a great day at Washington School," she said. Many students spoke openly about having "nice" teachers and said they were happy to see their friends again.
The district's employees all did their part in making sure everything was in place for a successful start to the new school year. "I want to thank all departments and staff for being so well prepared," said Mr. Amato, summing up the feelings of his fellow administrators. "This really makes the opening day a pleasure."
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