Smooth Opening to School for Huntington UFSD

The Huntington School District opened its doors to the 2023/24 school year last Wednesday morning and more than 4,000 students spread across eight buildings quickly settled into their routines. Many were thrilled to see their friends and other familiar faces, including teachers and support staff.

Principals were joined by new Superintendent Christian Bowen and Assistant Superintendents Christopher Hender, Beth McCoy and Rubie Harris outside buildings as buses pulled up. Transportation issues were being dealt with as quickly as possible as district officials were on the phone with Huntington Coach Corp. in an effort to solve problems fast.

Like her counterparts across Huntington UFSD, Washington Primary School Principal Michelle Richards was pleased how the opening days unfolded, even with a brutal heatwave curtailing recess and physical education. Students and staff were kept cool by classroom air conditioning, which was installed last year and put to good use last week.

“The first day of school was spectacular,” Dr. Richards said. “Our ‘Washington Winners’ were greeted by Superintendent Bowen and Washington’s faculty and staff. Smiling faces, warm embraces, high fives and bumps were shared by all. Washington’s PTA decorated the hallways and front of the school with Welcome Back signs and balloons. We are off to a wonderful start at Washington!”

Cafeterias were all up and running, serving breakfast and lunch to the hungry. All aspects of school life were in place as months of planning paid off. Dozens of new teachers hired over the summer to replace departing faculty members were in classrooms, ready to work with students.

“It was such a pleasure to have our students back in our buildings today for the start of the 2023/24 school year,” Mr. Bowen said. “Even the heat couldn’t stop their smiles as they entered the buildings greeted by their principal and met their new teachers in the classroom. This is going to be the best year ever!”